New grad L&D interview help?

DizzyLizzyNurse · Nov 20, 2010

I'd be interested too!

DelanaRN, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 21, 2010

You are so blessed to get into the L&D field. I have always wished to get into L&D but have never been able to get into the field due to all job postings requiring experience. Even though I apply I never get the interview. Good luck!

ginmarada · Nov 21, 2010

I am first semester student and also a mother. I am hoping to end up in labor and delivery. Since you are where I hope to end up, could you give me any advice? Any special courses, certs, experiance, basically anything. It's my dream.

HappyNurse2005, RN · Nov 21, 2010

Be prepared for behavioral interview questions. "tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker and how did you handle it?" or "when is it okay to ever break the rules?" or " tell me about a time you had to take charge of a situation" or "tell me about a time that a patient was upset with you and how did you handle it?".

My advice is to think of some situations in your past-from school, clinicals, or work- that were difficult situations. Try to keep the details of it fresh in your mind so you can recall them in an interview.

Suncat12 · Nov 23, 2010

We had a seminar with HR reps at our school. Here's some of the wisdom they gave us that day...Hope it helps!!!

They said most questions will be behavioral. How do you handle a conflict? What if you overhear someone criticizing the care you've given with another nurse? What if you hear two employees discussing specific pt information in the cafeteria? What if you see someone diverting medications?

Keep your answers patient-centered.

You might also get get-to-know-you questions like "Why L&D?" "Why nursing?"

Be yourself, too. If it's a panel interview, they are looking to see if you are someone that they want to work with.

sweetER · Nov 24, 2010

Had my interview today and it went well! They told me I'm one of their top candidates and I'll be shadowing for 6 hours Friday, then they'll talk to the staff to see how they liked me. Any advice for that part? Just be myself I guess? I'm just worried because I'm always a little shy at first and I don't want them to find me boring or think I'm a snob...

mnbrn · Nov 25, 2010

Had my interview today and it went well! They told me I'm one of their top candidates and I'll be shadowing for 6 hours Friday, then they'll talk to the staff to see how they liked me. Any advice for that part? Just be myself I guess? I'm just worried because I'm always a little shy at first and I don't want them to find me boring or think I'm a snob...

Yes, be yourself, show the interest you have. Convey that you take the field seriously, and you are ready to learn. Good luck!

bethieanne · Dec 14, 2010

Good advice!

lagrl7 · Jan 20, 2011

How was the shadowing of the nurse, are you working yet?

sweetER · Jan 20, 2011

How was the shadowing of the nurse, are you working yet?

It went well, and they offered me a job. I decided not to take it for a number of reasons, though it seemed like it would have been a good place to work. I have been since hired to a level II ER and start the 31st.

lagrl7 · Jan 21, 2011

It went well, and they offered me a job. I decided not to take it for a number of reasons, though it seemed like it would have been a good place to work. I have been since hired to a level II ER and start the 31st.

That's cool so you have changed depts, good experience. When you had the L&D interview was it a panel interview and how long did it take for them to let you know you were considered for hire. I had an interview for Versant program for ER and waiting for the results, they are still interviewing, tmrw is the last day.