New RN with an interview this week!

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I am very excited, as I got a call from a local hospital for a position on the surgical floor!

With this excitment, I am very nervous; especially about being grilled by questions about surgical nursing! Can't say I've hit the books recently (especially after passing NCLEX; I've just been enjoying summer to the fullest!)

Any tips/advice for my first 'real' interview?

Thank you.

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Specializes in ED.

Just went through the process as a new grad (and I got the job!!! :-)

Here are my tips take what you can use and ignore the rest!

The obvious things that actually make a big impression and keep you cool: arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time, wear a suit, have your bag organized (resumes, pens, i.d., glasses etc., no digging around a cavernous bag!!).

I was interviewed 3 different times - by HR recruiters, and a nurse mgr, and a nurse educator - but they all kind of asked the same things:

Give examples of a time when you used your critical thinking skills, give an example of a time you had to make a tough decision, give an example of a time you feel you advocated for your patient. I also had to describe a former Pt's Med Dx and some Nsg Dxs and then walk the interviewer through a head to toe assessment of this patient.

I was asked about my "backbone!" - whether I have any problem speaking to Doctors or other specialists when I feel my patient's status has changed or I have a concern.

I took my time answering each question. I also (just like in writing) use some of their words when I begin to answer - it keeps me focused and launches my voice with confidence (for example "Hmmmm... a time I feel like I advocated for my patient was during my 3rd semester clinical rotation when blah blah blah....)

I totally blanked at one point in one interview and said "Well I know I'll think of 10 great examples as soon as I get in my car!" and we moved on - so I think the main thing is to be thoughtful and alive!

They asked about my weaknesses and whether I have any questions for them - so make sure you have something to say - be truthful but not self-damaging.

Good luck. I was literally sweating - so glad I had that suit jacket on!!

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Based on what I've heard & my personal experience with a new grad interview, they don't usually ask clinical questions. They focus more about what you can offer the facility, situational questions like "tell me about a time when...", why you want to be a nurse, etc.

Good luck!!!! ;)

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Oh..and when discussing weaknesses, make sure you mention how you've worked or are currently working on the weakness.

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Give examples of a time when you used your critical thinking skills, give an example of a time you had to make a tough decision, give an example of a time you feel you advocated for your patient. I also had to describe a former Pt's Med Dx and some Nsg Dxs and then walk the interviewer through a head to toe assessment of this patient.

Wow I feel like I would freeze! Just thinking right now alone in my room, it is hard to come up with some past clinical experiences!! And they weren't even that LONG ago!

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Specializes in Obstetrics.

LizardRN is 100% correct in that the hospital isn't going to ask you alot of clinical knowledge questions as they don't expect you to know all "the real life important stuff" yet. They want to determine who you are and if you can answer those nebulous HR questions with some measure of literacy and intelligence, which will tell them if you have the real potential of absorbing all the info you'll be exposed to in orientation. Being shy and not saying much because you don't know what to say in the interview is NOT recommended! So even if you don't have the perfect answer to each question, give SOME kind of answer and give it with goodnatured confidence and humility. Read over some common interview questions on the internet and you'll be able to have some ideas in mind beforehand. Good luck!! Most interviewers just want to know if you are respectful, friendly and will be easy to get along with. Oh, and that you can READ, WRITE and SPEAK, Lol!

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Specializes in LTC.

Good luck

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Hope I am not too late. I have only had a few interviews but most of their questions seem to concentrate on customer service.

Things like a time that you went above and beyond the call of duty. What would do to appease an upset client? I was also asked about team work.

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No you are not late! The interview is Thursday!

Thanks for the advice/tips.

More are always welcomed!

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Can you tell me what you said, when you answered this question:

Give examples of a time when you used your critical thinking skills,

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