Job interview at the VA hosp on Tuesday any advice would be great :-)

Nurses Job Hunt

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A little background first.

So after I finished my LPN program 2 1/2 years ago with the army I started working in an office position in home care. I kinda fell into the position because a week after I graduated and I had my son and I figured it would be a nice way to ease into things since I hated the thought of working and leaving my son home. Well I had a few patients and then I started working full time in the office. I must admit I was also a little nervous about some other positions too because the majority of jobs in Michigan are at SNFs and I had no experience in that and I was hesitant of becomeing burnt out from a poor patient to nurse ratio.

I have finally realized that if I am going to ever progress anywhere in my career I have to get my butt out of an office to maintin my skills and get real nursing experience. So I figured I need to pull up my big girl britches and get out there before I forget everything. Last week I applied for a job at the Detroit VA and they called me in for an interview. She said that it would most likely be a panel interview. What kinda of questions would they be asking? I figured they would ask basic interview questions and I am prepared to discuss my lack of clinical experience (I discussed it in my cover letter so they are aware). Do they ask nursing/clinical question for positions like this? I am rusty and have been going through my pharmacology book. I feel that with a good orientation I would do okay but I really don't want to mess up the interview. Any thought or advice?

Also, the job is a midnight shift 12-8am. I figure I would do morning meds but any one have any tid-bits on how nights differ from a day shift? I've never done nights.

Thank You.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Hello and welcome to the site. I moved your thread to the Nursing Interview Help forum. Hopefully you get some helpful advice here.

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't think they'll ask you specific medical questions, but perhaps something like: "If you had a very dissatisfied family member, what would you do?" "If you had a nursing assistant that wasn't doing their job, what would you do?" "How would you prioritize your shift?" "Why do you want to work for the VA and why should we hire you?" Something like that.

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Specializes in Trauma/Critical Care.
A little background first.

So after I finished my LPN program 2 1/2 years ago with the army I started working in an office position in home care. I kinda fell into the position because a week after I graduated and I had my son and I figured it would be a nice way to ease into things since I hated the thought of working and leaving my son home. Well I had a few patients and then I started working full time in the office. I must admit I was also a little nervous about some other positions too because the majority of jobs in Michigan are at SNFs and I had no experience in that and I was hesitant of becomeing burnt out from a poor patient to nurse ratio.

I have finally realized that if I am going to ever progress anywhere in my career I have to get my butt out of an office to maintin my skills and get real nursing experience. So I figured I need to pull up my big girl britches and get out there before I forget everything. Last week I applied for a job at the Detroit VA and they called me in for an interview. She said that it would most likely be a panel interview. What kinda of questions would they be asking? I figured they would ask basic interview questions and I am prepared to discuss my lack of clinical experience (I discussed it in my cover letter so they are aware). Do they ask nursing/clinical question for positions like this? I am rusty and have been going through my pharmacology book. I feel that with a good orientation I would do okay but I really don't want to mess up the interview. Any thought or advice?

Also, the job is a midnight shift 12-8am. I figure I would do morning meds but any one have any tid-bits on how nights differ from a day shift? I've never done nights.

Thank You.

Congratulations on getting the Interview :yeah:

First things, first: Get as much information about the facility, the unit and the position you are applying for (become familiar with the job description). I had participated in numerous panel interviews, and it is painful to witness someone trying to make a good impression when they obviously did not do the research. Since you lack clinical experience, most questions will probably be based on common situations, such dealing with difficult custumers, situations/co-workers.When responding to a question, please make eye contact and address everyone in the panel. In regard to your lack of clinical experience...do not bring it up, unless it is addressed and if someone bring it up, focus on everything you had done to stay up date with skills (education, volunteer work, projects).

Best of Lucks.

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Congrats on your interview!!!!!If you've already completed your interview, how was it and what types of questions did they ask???

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Specializes in Rehab, Geriatrics & School Nurse.

i know this an old topic but how did u do and what did they ask you? I have an interview on tuesday.

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Specializes in TCU, Post-surgical, Infection Prevention.
Congratulations on getting the Interview :yeah:

First things, first: Get as much information about the facility, the unit and the position you are applying for (become familiar with the job description). I had participated in numerous panel interviews, and it is painful to witness someone trying to make a good impression when they obviously did not do the research. Since you lack clinical experience, most questions will probably be based on common situations, such dealing with difficult custumers, situations/co-workers.When responding to a question, please make eye contact and address everyone in the panel. In regard to your lack of clinical experience...do not bring it up, unless it is addressed and if someone bring it up, focus on everything you had done to stay up date with skills (education, volunteer work, projects).

Best of Lucks.

Although my response is over 2 years after this thread began - I just received an invitation for an interview (cna position) tomorrow!

I will take the advice you dispensed to the OP. I think it is very helpful to ease my nerves!

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