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Discussion

Nurse extern peer interview

Hello!

I am currently a nursing student in an ADN program. Today I went to my first health care job fair in search of landing a nurse extern position at any local hospital. Well, I didn't get hired on the spot, but I do have two upcoming interviews. Each interview will be held in front of a panel called a peer review. I've been told this is where staff ask me questions and I also ask my share of questions. Anyway, I'm not quite sure what questions to ask. I have never worked in a health care setting before. I really want to become an extern so I can gain a better understanding of the hospital setting and also to practice clinical skills. My first interview is at a specialty heart hospital and the other is just a general hospital. I have visited each hospital's website so I can incorporate facts into my interview. Any suggestions on what type of questions I should be asking is greatly appreciated!!

Thank You!

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    • Featured Replies

    What type of floor are you interviewing for? What type of extern is this? Some hospitals have different levels based on how far you are in school, some are just "externs."

    At my hospital, we are considered just externs. We get scheduled as a aide, but we make more $$ and get to do other things like insert foleys, change dressings, suction.

    Some things I would ask:

    Do you have a set staff-to-patient ratio?

    What sets this organization apart from other facilities?

    How long is the orientation phase and what can I expect?

    How do you go about scheduling? (Is it self-scheduling or does someone else dictate the schedule)

    What are your expectations of new hires in their first 6 months on the job?

    What type of experience can you gain as a extern at this facility?

    How long have most nurses worked on this unit?

    I'm sure I can think of more....lol

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    • Author

    Awesome! Thank you so much for giving me direction. I just thought of a lot more questions I can also ask. The woman wasn't sure what floor I would be on because we didn't go into detail on the current level of schooling I'm in. I believe we are going to discuss that today. As of right now I'm okay with anything that is available because I don't have enough experience to know the difference. I think it is similar to how you are describing your job. I'll have to do some PCA work but I will also be assigned to a nurse at times. Thank you again!

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    No problem!! Good luck :) being an extern is the best thing you can do. The hospital is much more likely to hire you into a RN position.

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