Old Nurse Needs New Job! (Interview questions)

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I've been an RN at the same SNF/LTC for 8 years, so I am pretty much out of the loop regarding interview protocol these days. :uhoh3: I am relocating to a new state, and I am kind of nervous about finding a new job...and the whole interview process.

A few questions:

1. Do most facilities want a resume, or is it more common to fill out an application? (either in person or online)

2. What about letters of reference? Still used, or is it acceptable to just give names and phone numbers for references?

3. I don't have 3 work references, since I have been at my job for so long. A problem...or not?

I am also kind of nervous because I am in my early 50's. How big a factor do you think that will be in terms of finding a new job in a SNF/LTC setting?

I appreciate any feedback/advice anyone can give...thanks.

:)

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I just finished my 3rd interview at a University facility hospital medical clinic. I had 3 interview's and I am waiting to hear something today. Here are my tips...

1. Complete the online app, attach your resume, AND go in person to HR and ask to fill out an app. Wear a nice outfit NOT SCRUBS, but it doesn't have to be a suit.

2. Mentioning your references at the end of your resume is fine. No need for letter of reference unless you already have one. Be sure to use other nurses or nurse supervisor as one of your references. Don't give interviewer your reference phone num's unless they are ready to offer the job.

3. Longevity is not a problem. Your age is not a problem. Just let them know you are looking for a long term position. Besides eight years in a LTC gives you exposure to everything from eye drops to wound care (except ped's).

4. Before going in for the interview, really think about your strength/weaknesses. I hate that question!:bugeyes:

5. Chances of working at an ER are probably slim, but there are so many other places that would love to have your experience S the stress of an ER, I am confident you will at least get the interview.

6. Last tip: Persist, persist, persist!

Are you SURE you want to work at another LTC? The pt load is so HEAVY! Have you considered schools, clinics, MD office, home care, pvt duty, education (pt or nusing)? If you are job hunting, think abt your PERFECT nursing job and go for it!

GOOD LUCK!

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I am 59. I had been retired for some years. Many of my references no longer worked in the places I knew them. At least one place no longer existed. But i had 18 combined years of experience in LTC, Skilled care, Rehab, and acute stepdown. I found that Physical Rehab is a good fit for all of the above. Yet, I have returned to LTC because it is where I fit and its what i know. The pace is easier on my mind and body. I no longer have to push a cart and pass meds for 3 hours at a time. I supervise, assist when needed, and make decisions....the hard ones too. We fabulous Fifties have the maturity to remain calm because we've been there, done that, many times over. What we lack in running our tails off, we work smarter, more efficiently. There isn't an excuse we have not heard. We have paid our dues in the trenches and have acquired the wisdom of years of experience. Just calmly exude your competence.

After I turned in my resume and left to return home, the phone was ringing before I got my coat off. I was offered the job before any of my references were checked. It must have been the interview. I am a lucky nurse and you will be too. You will see.

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BerryHappy, the patient load in LTC is for the most part stable, maintenance residents. Yes, you may have less than 5 residents with varying degrees of impending exacerbations, a few on continuous IV meds, but that is manageable. The medication round is the over-whelming part. Most LTC residents are on an average of 12-15 meds, but not all are due on your shift. In this area, most places have a treatment nurse, and the newer treatments do not require Q shift changes. Many of the time-sucking duties like making appointments, arranging travel, are handled by Social Work. MDS does the initial portion of admits. Many positive changes are evident where i work.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Old? HA! Not old, just really experienced. That's the attitude I used when I applied to my current job at age 46. I had been out of the field for 4 yrs too boot.

As for that strength and weakness question...HATE it too, but I turned it around in an interview. I tell them my strengths are XYZ and my weakness is my issue to delegate. I could delegate more. If I think a job won't be done correctly, I will at times do it myself. Management loves that answer. It shows I'm not a slacker, and I like things done correctly. I then tell them I'm working on that particular weakness and learning to let go a bit. Seems to work for me.:D

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Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.

Re: the format, most places that I know of will not even accept paper resumes or anything else. EVERYTHING is done online. Even people I have known that have taken a resume to the recruiters office are told they must fill everything out online, and the resume was refused. All reference names/numbers are part of the online application process.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Re: the format, most places that I know of will not even accept paper resumes or anything else. EVERYTHING is done online. Even people I have known that have taken a resume to the recruiters office are told they must fill everything out online, and the resume was refused. All reference names/numbers are part of the online application process.
The original poster wants to continue working in the nursing home/SNF setting.

I live in a very large, populous metropolitan area and the SNFs around here have not yet gone to online application processes. All of the major hospitals around here do everything online, but the local nursing homes still use paper applications and accept paper resumes via fax or in person. It is still possible to walk into a nursing home/SNF with a resume in your hands and be offered an interview on the spot. This is not true with the hospitals.

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Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone! I really appreciate the feedback. I will most likely seek a job in LTC since that's where all my experience has been. The patient load is pretty heavy where I am right now--I have 41 residents on the 3-11 shift. I am hoping to find something a bit lighter, though.

I was also thinking about assisted living, but I don't really know whether assisted living places hire RN's, and what it involves. I wouldn't feel comfortable in acute care, since my skill set matches LTC rather than acute.

I am great at time management! ;)

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Call some LTC facilities and see if they are hiring. If they are, then go to them and fill out an application, bring your resume with you. Ask if you can ask the DON some questions if they are available.

If these do not work, network by asking around and to see if anyone is hiring.

Yes, references will be needed usually once they call you in for an interview. Just use your most recent references.

Some LTC facilities have websites in your state.... In these cases, ask to talk to the HR person, or hiring manager. Ask if you can email your resume to them so that they can forward to their corporate headquarters.

Good luck and Welcome back to nursing!!

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