New Grad needs advice for an ER RN interview this week please!

Specialties Emergency

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I am a new graduate and I have an interview for an ER position this week that I REALLY want to get. What questions should I ask and what are some things I should say to help my odds during the interview?

Thank you for any and all advice!!! I'm really really hoping I can get this job it would be amazing experience for me.:nurse:

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Congrats on the interview. I would ask about how long your orientation will be and if you will have to take any classes through the hospital during it. I would also find out what sort of pts they tend to see, if they are a trauma center, etc. If you have any sort of desire to go back to school you should NOT mention that in your interview. Good luck

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Congrats on the interview. I would ask about how long your orientation will be and if you will have to take any classes through the hospital during it. I would also find out what sort of pts they tend to see if they are a trauma center, etc. If you have any sort of desire to go back to school you should NOT mention that in your interview. Good luck[/quote']

Thank you!! Great tips and I will definitely ask all of those questions. I've also heard asking pt ratio is a must to ask. I'm already taking classes for my next degree and it's on my résumé, curious why you suggest not mentioning wanting to go to school? I'd think that was a good thing...no?

Thanks so much!!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Thank you!! Great tips and I will definitely ask all of those questions. I've also heard asking pt ratio is a must to ask. I'm already taking classes for my next degree and it's on my résumé, curious why you suggest not mentioning wanting to go to school? I'd think that was a good thing...no?

Thanks so much!!

I work in an ER and my manager had a new grad interview a while back that told her how he couldn't wait to go back to school with the excellent tuition reimbursement package my hospital offers. This is not what most managers want to hear, as it makes managers think you may only keep the job a year or two, and that you are only after the position because of the tuition assistance. This is why I never mention school/education aspirations in interviews.

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Makes total sense, thank you! I'm in an RN-BSN program already like I mentioned and it's on my resume but I won't bring it up unless they ask me for sure!! Thank you!!

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I would think you should already know what patients they typically see and what their trauma level status is. It shows you're already doing some homework.

As far as not mentioning a desire to go back to school, I don't see that being an issue. I think many hospitals see that as a plus and if you're an ASN by chance, most of the hospitals are requiring new grads to complete a BSN within X number of years or they're gone. Going from a BSN to MSN, NP, etc will only enhance your practice and further your clinical skills as a new grad because the more exposure you have, the more/faster you'll learn.

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I work in an ER and my manager had a new grad interview a while back that told her how he couldn't wait to go back to school with the excellent tuition reimbursement package my hospital offers. This is not what most managers want to hear, as it makes managers think you may only keep the job a year or two, and that you are only after the position because of the tuition assistance. This is why I never mention school/education aspirations in interviews.

Most tuition reimbursement plans would call for you to stay X number of years upon completion or you'll repay it. By saying you want to go back to school, it should indicate they're more likely to lock you in for a longer period.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Most tuition reimbursement plans would call for you to stay X number of years upon completion or you'll repay it. By saying you want to go back to school, it should indicate they're more likely to lock you in for a longer period.

At my facility I am entitled to $6k/year with no work requirement after graduation. You can see why with no work requirement we have some people take the money and run. Right now at my facility we have a problem with new grads getting hired on, going back to school, and in 2-3 years quitting their floor nurse jobs to go use their new degrees

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Specializes in Emergency.

I agree with forgop. Showing that you want to grow and continue your education is a good thing and I would suggest you emphasize that. My manager talks about the tuition reimbursment in the interview process because he wants nurses who want to go on to get their BSN, or even MSN if they have interest.

As for questions, I also agree you should research the ER some, I would expect you to have an idea what their trauma level is. I would ask questions about teamwork, orientation, additional classes (ACLS, PALS, TNCC, other classes required/offered - and know what those classes are about in general terms). I would suggest you phrase your questions as if you want to learn, grow and gain as much as you can so you can provide great care, not phrased like "What classes do I have to take..." but more along the lines of, "What education do you offer that will help me become a better ER nurse faster?"

I always suggest against bringing up money, but if they do, then it's fair to ask if CEN certification and/or BSN will get you a raise, and if they have a career ladder/how it works?

Finally, I would suggest you emphasize that you know enough to know that you don't know it all and you are eager to learn and put into your job so that you will grow fast, that you will show up and work hard when you are suppose to, and that you are mature enough to not be a problem child. Finally, you work good in teams.

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At my facility I am entitled to $6k/year with no work requirement after graduation. You can see why with no work requirement we have some people take the money and run. Right now at my facility we have a problem with new grads getting hired on, going back to school, and in 2-3 years quitting their floor nurse jobs to go use their new degrees

Seems like a stupid HR policy then-giving out free educations and then not recouping their investment. Don't blame them for taking advantage of it.

I'm planning on enrolling in NP school and the hospital will pay for most, if not all of it. I'd have to stay for 2-3 years afterward or pay back the funds. The hospital doesn't guarantee a position in that capacity when I complete it and the heck of it is, I couldn't be in the NP role and work for the hospital. How dumb is that?

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Yes, I've done my homework and know what type of ER they are and their usual pt. Definitely doing my homework! I was able to speak with someone who used to work in that same hospital today who also advised not mentioning any plans of education beyond the RN-BSN I am currently enrolled in. Rationale being that I am furthering the nurse that I already am with the BSN but any potential plans for an NP would mean I am looking to get out of the position I am applying for, which makes sense the way she said it to me for sure.

My interview is tomorrow and I'm excited, yet nervous! Thank you for your post!!

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I'm surprised they don't institute a work requirement being they're having a problem. I'm paying out of pocket for my education now so I would hope that would simply convey my desire to further myself and not that I am looking for a hospital to foot the bill. I genuinely want this position for the right reasons, because I want to work in the ER. I also am genuinely continuing my education because I want to better myself as an RN. I hope if I am asked these types of questions that I convey it properly. Thank you for your post!!

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