New grad interview help (palliative)

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I am a recent graduate nurse and I have an interview on a palliative care unit coming soon. I have had my practicum on a palliative unit, which is how and where my passion for this area of nursing sprouted. I have never had any experience with nursing interviews and this is a specialty unit! I would really appreciate your advice on what types of questions I should expect and or any tips for this interview. thank you in advance.

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A few questions I was asked on a recent new grad interview were:

Why do you want to work for the specific hospital or clinic?

Why did you choose this specialty?

What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?

Tell me about a time you gave excellent customer service/care to a patient.

If I were to call your instructors right now what would they say about you?

Why should we hire you?

Tell me about a time you had a difficult situation with a patient/ family member/ instructor/ preceptor and how you handled it.

And a couple that kinda caught me off guard was

What's your schools nclex pass rate (I didn't know) and How would you get to work if the weather is really bad?

Good Luck!

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Thank you very much!!!!!! Did they ask scenario based questions as well? what were they? was the interview on a palliative unit? I hope the interview went well for you.

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No I didn't get any of those although I prepared for some. And no it was a neurology unit. I didn't get any neuro specific questions.

I think for new grads they just want to see that you're willing to work hard and continue to learn everyday. Not someone who feels like they know everything already. I said my biggest strength is I never let my ego get in the way of anything and I always ask questions even if I think it's dumb because it's always better to make sure then to mess up. I guess they liked the answers because they hired me.

Dress professionally, smile, and show them how much you want the position and you will be good. Don't forget to send a follow up email within 24 hours thanking them for the opportunity and their time and you should be fine.

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Is it ok for new grads to refer to volunteering experience? I will be entering an accelerated nursing program and will keep these questions in mind throughout the year.

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Wow congratulations!!! That is amazing, you should be very proud of yourself :)

Thank you for you advise and help, I hope all goes well with mine

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