New grad needing advice for cardiac interview

[NrsKate]

I am a new graduate RN who has had the hardest time finding a job with the way the economy is and the lack of jobs for new grads. However, I FINALLY landed an interview with Sentara Heart Hospital! I have 2 interviews on Tuesday - one with the cardiac medical unit, and one with the cardiac surgery stepdown unit. This is my dream job with an amazing hospital and I want to be as prepared as possible. I am thrilled to have these interviews, but don't know what my chances are at getting the job, being a new grad. Any advice of what kinds of questions I should expect for a cardiac interview would be greatly appreciated! During the phone interview, all the questions were behavior-based ("What would you do if..." and "Tell me about a time when...") Should I expect more of those questions? Also, might I get more cardiac-specific questions? Thanks for the help!

[CNL2B]

I'm not sure that you are going to get a lot of specific questions like that with a behavior based interview. I would be prepared to explain why you are attracted to CV nursing as that might come up, but I don't think they are going to test your knowledge (esp. as a new grad) in an interview.

[resumecpr]

They will probably ask you what your experience (if any) is with cardiac patients etc. They may ask a "what if?" question. But in my experience, the most important questions to answer the best are the ones surrounding your strengths and weaknesses (always have a weakness), how you prevailed over a difficult situation..etc. They want to know what's important to you in the workplace..ie: good work ethic, teamwork, positive morale, communication, patient satisfaction. Also, make sure that you have questions for them. Like nurse/patient ratio, national goals and scores, if they have any goals for the unit as a whole. Hope this helps! Best of luck!!

[jen012]

I also have an interview this Thursday for a Cardiothoracic unit. I have applied to tons of jobs and this is my first interview so I want to nail it! I was thinking that there was going to be a lot of knowledge based questions, but you guys seem to think this is unlikely? Ive been brushing up on all my cardiac stuff just in case. Not really sure what to anticipate!

Good luck on your interview!

[CNL2B]

Like the OP mentioned, many hospitals have gone to behavior based interviews. Start thinking of clinical or real-life scenarios you handled well and get ready to talk about them, and think about areas that you need to develop for yourself.

[LuvScrubs2, BSN, RN]

Good luck on your interview:D