New Grad RN with 2 upcoming interviews.. need advice

[crazytonurse]

Hi fellow nurses! As the titles states I am a new grad RN. Graduated in May and passed Nclex 1st time in July. My ultimate desire is to be an ICU nurse, and I also I did my practicum in ICU. I have applied everywhere for every type of position for the past few months just wanting to gain any experience. I have my 1st job interview lined up for tomorrow at a LTCF. Although, LTC is not where my passion lies, it is the chance to gain experience. I also landed an interview just this morning for new grad position in the ICU. So I am super excited about that possibility. I know that the chances are slim to be offered a position tomorrow at the interview but I wanted to be prepared just in case an offer comes before I have my interview next week for the ICU. So here is where I need the advice. How should I go about handling this. I do not have any experience with applying to multiple places before now. Thank you in advance!

[Asystole RN]

They know that you have applied to other places and may even have other interviews. They do not expect virgin applicants. I would not mention them but do not lie about them if asked.

Just make sure you look and act professional. Good luck.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

If LTC offers you the position on the spot, ask for the offer in writing and give them your snailmail address. Tell them (don't ask) that you will be able to give them an answer in (ICU interview day plus two) days. Your other choice is to call LTC and ask if you could please reschedule your interview until (date after ICU interview day).

If ICU interview goes well, ask the nurse manager (not HR) for feedback on your chances. This is when you tell her/him that you very much want to work in the ICU because (name three things you really liked about it-- the orientation program, the progressive internship, opportunities to learn more about X,Y, and Z, the patient mix/specialties, the helpfulness and friendliness of the person who toured you, whatever, like that) and you have another interview tomorrow (never mind where). Ask when you could expect a decision from him/her. Then be quiet and wait to see what she/he says. If she says yes, ask when you could have that in writing.

Good luck!

[crazytonurse]

Thank you both for your inputs. I appreciate the sound advice, and regardless of any position I have ever applied for I am always professional. I have always heard that you should not flaunt other interviews that you have lined up for fear of coming off to cocky. Being that my interview at the LTCF is less than 24 hours away I do not feel it would be in the best light to call and postpone.

[HomeGrownMichiganRN, ADN]

WifeMotherRN,

Let us know what happens with your interview at the LTC and if you were offered a position. Good Luck if you haven't had the interview yet!

[crazytonurse]

The interview at LTC yesterday went well. The first lady I spoke with acted as though I already had the position giving me my schedule and telling me how much she liked me and that she thought I would be a great addition to their staff. I then met with the DON and it was kinda of awkward, no nursing related questions. When we initially set down and she said " Have you tried the hospitals?" Which I thought was awkward, but I guess her reasoning is that I am an BSN. They said they would give me a call by the end of next week. So only time will tell, I am now trying to pull myself together for the ICU interview.

[HeatherGurl84]

Never turn down an interview Sounds like the first one went great. Just make the decision based on what works best for YOU and where you feel you would be happiest.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Sounds like the LTC needs your desperately. Ask yourself why. The director asked you that question because ...they are aware that the position the they are pushing you into stinks. No doubt many nurses have briefly held it while looking for a hospital job.

A 40 patient med pass and trying to direct CNA's that have been there for years is not only impossible, it's not really good experience.

The LTC will wait, focus on the ICU job. Green Tea gave excellent advice. I would add smile, smile, smile. Know as much as you can about the facility and their mission statement.

Good luck.. keep us posted.