OMG! I've got my chance, now I'm terrified!

[Hooligan]

Since graduating nursing school almost 5 years ago, I have been wanting to work L & D but could never find an opportunity. Even the hospital I currently work in is demanding 2 year previous L&D experience. I was continually running into the old problem of needing experience and not being able to get it. It's extremely frustrating! Well, I finally got the call today...I have an interview on Friday for a L&D position!!! I'm so excited but on the other hand, I'm terrified that I want it so badly and that I won't get it. My whole nursing career outside of school has been med/surg and peds. The last two years of which have been on a Women's Health and pediatric unit. Now that it's here, I feel completely unprepared for a L&D interview. It will be with the HR girl and the L&D Unit Manager. What can I expect out of the interview? Is she going to give me scenarios and expect me to tell her what I would do in a given situation? How much am I going to be expected to know about L&D? I mean, should I brush up on my L&D info and give my Maternal Nursing book a good going over or am I making to much of this. Bottom line, I just want to be prepared! I am a quick learner and have not doubt that given the opportunity, I would make a terrific L & D nurse. I just want to be sure that I get that opportunity. I know my response to the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" question because L&D is the only area of nursing I have even considered getting an advance degree in. So that one I've got covered! Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! I really, really want this job!!!!

Thanks!

Bean

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Your first problem is being terrified. This is an opportunity you want badly. It's not the only chance you'll ever get for an L & D position. You have a great background for the position. You have some things to learn, but NOBODY is born knowing it all. Get the position and you will have your turn to learn. You're a quick learner.

In the interview it will be easy to show you're vested in your desire for the position, you're well prepared with all the basics, and can quickly learn the rest. Good luck. And if this one doesn't work out, the sun will rise tomorrow and with it more opportunities.

[LoveANurse09]

Do a search here for some interview tips/questions..there are alot that I have saved for when I get a interview. Maybe study up on the basic what if questions, you never know if they might ask them (what would you do if you had a decel on the monitor?). Most of all tell them how much you want it and how much you are willing to learn. Like you I have always wanted L&D, I'm been reading articles to keep up to date, if you have too,tell them. You just might impress them! Good Luck!

[SmilingBluEyes]

Most interviews these days are SO CASUAL. Expect to be asked about any experiences you have in working, why you want to work there, and what you can bring to the table. Expect to be asked where you see yourself in 5 or 10 years and any plans you have to continue your education and grow.

BUT: Also, be prepared with questions of your own; what is a typical nurse-patient ratio? What continuing education opportunities are offered? Is the unit "open" or "closed", meaning will you float during slow days? What happens when things are frantically busy? Are they able to get help fairly easily? Will you be expected to take call, if so, how often and when? Do they allow VBAC (lady partsl birth after c-section), what the working relationship between nursing staff and staff physicians is? Anesthesia coverage, reliable and prompt? Will you be expected to circulate or scrub in for surgical cases? Etc. I could go on and on. But always have questions of your own, and as you go, you will become MUCH less nervous.

There was one job for which I interviewed, whereby I had to face the entire charge nurse team for interview. I actually liked it cause I learned as much about my potential coworkers as they did me. But it was intimidating at first.

Just relax, breathe and be yourself. Let us know how it goes.