New Grad-Interview. What should I ask/look for?

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:coollook: I finally have an interview for a nursing position at a correctional facility. I am happy to have an interview anywhere. I am a new grad so I am brand new, although I am a little older. What should I look for when I go for an interview? I am scared being a new grad but I have done other jobs in the past that I had to learn quickly so I will just have to adjust. Any questions that I should ask? Has anyone else started in corrections as a new grad? Has anyone left corrections after working for awhile and worked in a hospital or became an NP? I really need this job and don't want to screw this up.:nurse:
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Specializes in Correctional RN.

If you are a new grad, in my honest opinion, you should "pay your dues" by working in an acute setting as in a Medical/Surgical unit, Emergency Room department, or even in an urgent care facility FIRST. Then after a solid year, you have experience and skills to bring to the Correctional Facility. It depends on your previous background, were you an LVN, or worked in the military as a Hospital Corpsman or a Medic? What can you do for the Correctional Facility? If you interview well and convince them that you are a quick study, then more power to you.

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I wanted to get a job in an acute med/surg center first or even a nurse residency program but it has not happened in the 6 months that I have been looking. I have applied all over the country but no luck. If they give me the job, and are willing to orient me well, I have no other choice but to take it. I bring a "certain experience" to the job, although not as a nurse. I am used to working with men and giving orders to men so hopefully it will work out. Who knows? It is just an interview.

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Specializes in Correctional RN.

I wish you success and a good interview outcome. Know that the ability to think like an RN using common sense/critical thinking skills in different scenarios is highly sought after.

I am curious, what city and state do you live in? Are you willing to relocate? If you are willing to relocate, how far? What other criteria do you have for a new grad position in an acute care or nurse residency program?

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:heartbeat I live in the North East I am willing to relocate to any city or state in the US, including Alaska. I am a great student and pick up things easily. The only criteria I have is that I would not like to do Maternity. I have been vetted by the US Government as well as several states in the US so I know I have no major issues. To get my license as well as past work for the US government, I had to undergo an extensive background check. I would appreciate any and all assistance offered.

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Specializes in Correctional RN.

Okay, many positions in California, I just touched the tip of the iceberg. As far as the rest of the United States, hmmmm.

I am in the firm belief that this is a world of abundance and there are jobs begging to be filled. Good luck!

HealthCareSource Medical Center

https://www.healthcaresource.com/glendale/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=711786

Job Opportunities

https://sutterhealth.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=1142889&src=JB-15680

Jobs | Healthcare & Medical Job Listings - HealthcareJobsite.com

HealthCareSource Medical Center

RN II NEW GRAD- CLINICAL 12HR - SDU / FT / Nights | San Luis Obispo, California | Registered Nurse (RN) Job | Full-time

https://www.healthcaresource.com/glendale/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=711786

NEW GRAD RN - ER - 12HR - NIGHTS | San Luis Obispo, California | Registered Nurse (RN) Job | Full-time

MCMC | Mid-Columbia Medical Center

PeaceHealth

http://public.bullhornstaffing.com/JobBoard/Standard/BHContent_JobDetail.cfm?privateLabelID=3022&jobPostingID=47

Employment Opportunities

fuseaction=search.jobDetails&template=dsp_job_details.cfm&cJobId=809366

http://public.bullhornstaffing.com/JobBoard/Standard/BHContent_JobDetail.cfm?privateLabelID=3022&jobPostingID=32

Jobs | Healthcare & Medical Job Listings - HealthcareJobsite.com

Nebraska JobLink

Job Opportunities

Annapolis, MD 21401 Jobs & Employment | Job Search on SnagAJob.com

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Specializes in Correctional RN.

Here is another resource:

Rn - New Grad Jobs - BusinessWeek

Personally, if I had to do it again and was a new grad, I would go for Acute Care experience in the middle east like Saudi Arabia, a chance to make mega bucks, stash away lots of money, see the world and get a living stipend/housing allowance.

Correctional Nursing has and is great for me in that I am utilizing all of my experience from the military.

At this point of my life, I am in a totally different direction now in regards to my Nursing career. I am into healthy living, wholesome, organic, natural food and nutrition and will pursue further education and certification in that specialty.

Know that there are plenty of jobs to be had, there is one out there for you. Best wishes,

Paul

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I have a interview this week in a CA state prison. How did your interview go and what did they ask you? I have been looking for about six months for a new grad job and can't find anything. Prison Health Care has become a last option.

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I don't think people understand how hard it is to find work as a new grad there may be lots of jobs but they don't seem interested in hiring a new grad

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jason, how was your interview in CA prison? did you hired? and which facility? when did you apply and how long did it take you to get an interview... I applied before but i have not gotten any interview... I hope the best for you...

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I have a interview this week in a CA state prison. How did your interview go and what did they ask you? I have been looking for about six months for a new grad job and can't find anything. Prison Health Care has become a last option.

how was your interview in CA prison? did you get hired? and which facility? when did you apply and how long did it take you to get an interview... I applied before but i have not gotten any interview... I hope the best for you...

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:banghead: While I enjoyed my interviews, I found that the HR department and the actual people who interview are not on the same page about what is needed for the job. I basically got a pat on the back, "sorry that you are a new grad and we need some one with more experience", "come back after you have at least a year's experience in a hospital", "get a job in a nursing home - it won't help you get a job here or in a hospital but it is work" crud. The first interview was much more encouraging but it was obvious they wanted someone with more "hands on, hospital experience". I may be going back to my previous profession because I can't wait for some one to see past my "new grad" status. I have bills to pay and don't have the heart to get my hopes up and my teeth kicked in again.:cry:
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