New Graduate Interviewing for OR Training Program TOMORROW - Advice, please?

MamaCheese · Jan 22, 2009

I think it's important to show them you have a backbone without coming off as arrogant. They need to know you have a thick enough skin to survive in the OR. There are a lot of strong personalities in the OR and not everyone is suited for it. They may ask you about your technical skills. You deal with many different pieces of equipment on a daily basis and as the unsterile member of the team you need to be able to get it up and running and trouble shoot it if necessary. I think we're up to almost 150 different pieces of equipment we're expected to know how to use. I think they asked me at my interview if I was able to program a VCR. Just say yes if they ask you that The OR is all about teamwork so they want to know that you are a good team player and that you're resourceful and able to multitask. Prioritizing is also essential. I kow there have been other threads on this subject so try doing a search to see what else you can find.

Good luck tomorrow :redbeathe

Qtp2t RN · Jan 24, 2009

Thanks, MamaCheese! I about fell on floor laughing when I read your comment about being able to program a VCR! :chuckle

The interview went really well and they called me less than 2 hours after I left to offer me the position. My biggest concern is that they require a 2.5 year employment contract. If I don't complete the full 2.5 years, no matter what the circumstances, I owe them $39K. I understand their reasoning for this, as training anybody (esp. a new grad) is very expensive and extremely time consuming, but OUCH!! They are allowing me to take a look at the contract on Monday (was not available yesterday as the OR director needed to jump in on a procedure very quickly and therefore, was not able to meet with me) and possibly take it home to discuss with my family. I know that contracts are not at all uncommon in general, but they are almost unheard of in this particular area unless there is loan forgiveness involved. We'll see what happens!

Thanks again!

~Cathy :heartbeat

linda2097 · Jan 24, 2009

You might want to hire a lawyer to read the contract before you sign it.

NabiRN, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2009

When I interviewed for my current job, my manager said she is considering putting a contract in writing since she lost many peri-op 101 trainees in less than 2 years. She told me it costs her about $200,000 to train someone for OR nursing. She also said the trend is to have a contract. She did ask for a two year commitment but I did not have to sign a written contract.

MamaCheese · Jan 25, 2009

My employer also asked for a 2 year commitment but we didn't have to sign a contract. We lost 2 of the 5 people in our class less than a month after we started be precepted in the OR. And the three that did survive had many moments where we didn't think we wanted to continue. I am so glad that I stuck it out but it wasn't easy. I'd be very hesitant to sign a contract such as that. What if you decide to move for some reason, get pregnant, have a family member get sick? So many things could go wrong that would leave you stuck with a very large debt to repay.

mimimartina · Jan 30, 2009

I'm in my last year of school, and hoping to go into the OR. I am also 52 y/o. I was reading how much $$ the hospital puts into training a new OR nurse. Do you all think that my age will lower my chances of them wanting to put the money into hiring/training me? I want to do this, but am very anxious about my chances...??? I live in the New Orleans area.

#1rnstudent · Feb 3, 2009

I don't think age has much to do with hiring. One of the gals in my group is 5-7 years away from retirement and is in her mid 50s. She came from being the top in her area to being new in the OR. It's never easy for anyone but if you want something bad enough, ya make it happen. :)

andrea20 · Feb 27, 2009

Does anyone know any interview questions they ask at OR interviews? I imagine they're different for different areas of Nursing. I don't know what it is, but I'm not nervous or shy around anyone, but interviewing is my biggest weakness. I get so nervous I can't even think.:uhoh21: Please Help :heartbeat

lilla_fjaril · Feb 28, 2009

Why do you want to work in the OR? Why is it a good fit for your personality?

How do you deal with interpersonal conflict?

Are you okay with working with people from different ethnic backgrounds? (translation: who may or may not treat women like crap because it's just how it's done in their home countries)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Hint: don't say travel nursing)

What do you think an OR nurse does? (Hint: don't say caters to the surgeon patient advocate--that's what they want to hear.)

Are you okay with taking call?

Try and have some questions for them. And learna bit about the hospital/center before interviewing.

andrea20 · Feb 28, 2009

Thank you!! Those are some really good questions. I've heard the hospital I'm going to apply for asks really hard questions like what would you do in this situation etc. They ask stuff like name five disease processes related to pelvic pain. They don't ask the usual why do you want to work here questions. Can you think of any situational questions the OR may ask? Thanks for the other questions those are really good, who knows what they will ask!! I gotta get a hold of that person! :lol2: LOL!

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

cornpoohRN · Mar 18, 2009

Well......I am very excited!! :yeah: I graduate in May and recently applied to a very competitive residency program with Perioperative being my first choice (they made me choose 3); and yesterday I got an invite for an interview next week. I was hoping to hear from some of you who have been on interviews, experienced OR nurses or even OR educators about what kind of experience might I expect. It is a panel interview. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!