Nurse extern interview

SnowStar4 · Jul 24, 2010

I was asked a bunch of HR questions...tell me about a time when you didn't get along with someone etc. Then things like abnormal vital signs, what would you do in this situation kind of questions.

Calixan · Jul 24, 2010

I'm graduating nursing school in 5 days YAY! I had two interviews last month for nursing positions and some of the question they asked me in one or both interviews were:

Why do you think your the best candidate?

Why do you want to work in this department?

What are your strength/weaknesses?

What are your goals and where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Do you work well under pressure (I think I was asked this because I applied for an ER position, so not sure if this is asked in every unit)

If you have a problem with your co-worker, who do you go to about it? (I feel like this is a trick question, you are suppose to talk to the co-worker about it FIRST)

Well, those are a few questions. They asked me some clinical scenerio questions but I doubt they will ask you any as an Extern.

Ohhhhh one more important question, this must be a new thing. At one of the interviews, I was asked how many times have I called in sick to work in the past year. I guess they want to see how reliable you are. But you said this is yoru first interview so I am guessing your first job too? Probably won't get that question.

Good Luck!

ladycj · Jul 24, 2010

Thanks for your help, I started working at Ford Motor Company right after High school and I worked there for 9 years then took a buy out. I did not have a interview for that job, so I am just really nervous and especially when they said a panel of people.

mercuryrawks · Jul 24, 2010

Oh GOOD LUCK!! I am planning on applying for an externship next summer at the hospital I want to work at when I grad. They actually have an L&D one, and I know it will be VERY competive. I hope you let us know how it went!

Alesha

Calixan · Jul 24, 2010

Thanks for your help, I started working at Ford Motor Company right after High school and I worked there for 9 years then took a buy out. I did not have a interview for that job, so I am just really nervous and especially when they said a panel of people.

Both interviews I had were so called "panels" but there were only two people at both interviews. So I am guessing maybe no more than 3 people. Shouldn't be too bad I don't think. Just go in there confident. Take a copy of your resume and cover letter. I also took two reference letters with me, and they asked for them and read them during my interview too so it pays to have good reference as well. I had one from my current boss at the time and also one from a charge nurse. I had clinicals on her floor several times and she told me if I needed a job when graduating to let her know, that was my third choice floor to work on so I asked her to write me a letter of reference instead and she did.

Do you think that a charge nurse where you had clinicals would be willing to do that for you? I think if they see a letter from someone that has seen you practice hands on good care, they will take that into consideration to show your a good candidate and willing to work.

Let us know how your interview goes, I hope you get it.

ladycj · Jul 25, 2010

I have a letter from my last med/surg clinical instructor that is great. I am trying to get another one before Wednesday but it is hard during summer. I am feeling better about the interview I am getting my portfolio together but I heard some poeple say they dont even look at them but at least I will have it just in case. I will post back on here Wednesday to let everyone know how it went and if it does not work out at least I got my first interview out of the way and can prepare better for the next one.

Calixan · Jul 25, 2010

I have a letter from my last med/surg clinical instructor that is great. I am trying to get another one before Wednesday but it is hard during summer. I am feeling better about the interview I am getting my portfolio together but I heard some poeple say they dont even look at them but at least I will have it just in case. I will post back on here Wednesday to let everyone know how it went and if it does not work out at least I got my first interview out of the way and can prepare better for the next one.

Yeah, at my first interview, they didn't look at my portfolio either. Needless to say I didn't get that job. At my second interview the first thing my new manager said after introducing herself was "what ya got", meaning my folder I was carrying. I told her and she asked to see my letters. So yeah, doesn't hurt to carry it, they may or may not ask for it but better to be prepared I think. I'm glad you are feeling good about the interview though. I bet your excited and nervous (that's how I was) lol

Good Luck again!

ladycj · Aug 4, 2010

Well I want to thank everyone for your response. I got a call today and got a offer for a position in the mental health department exactly were I wanted to be. I am very happy and I finally get to do what I always wanted.

OnaBada · Sep 29, 2010

Ladycj,

How did the externship go? Did you say you sent out 60 apps?? Was that for summer extern programs or positions as a patient tech/nurse associate?

Trinitas2010RN · Sep 29, 2010

:)

Hello, Well I finally got a interview after about 60 applications! It is for a Nurse extern position which is great because I am going into my last semester of my nursing program and the hours are great just 32/hr a month. They said it will be about 15 minutes long in front of a panel of people. I am so nervous I have never been interviewed. What can I do to get more comfortable/confident? What questions will the ask? Any advice would be appreciated thank you.

60 application! Really! I did a externship in the summer of 2009 and to be honest I signed up at the last minute for it. I did one interview with some basic questions about head to toe assessment and the basic where do you see yourself in 5 years. The interview took 15 minutes and I got the call to work on a renal floor within a day or so. Granted let me state this was a non-paid externship and I was the only male that applied. Basically I volunteered 24 hours a week to work and learn at the hospital. The perk was that I could place that experience on my resume. To be honest the job to me was alot of fun and I learned a bit from the program. the only unfortunate thing is that my externship experience has not seem to impress nursing recruiters in my area. So I'm still out of work so far. But I still say that experience was really good to have and I enjoyed it very much:). And I'm sure your going to enjoy your experience too. Good luck.