Oncology PCT Hospital Interview Help

Sour Lemon · Sep 10, 2018

I have an interview for a Oncology PCT position September 13, 2018. I'm currently going to school in hopes to become an oncology nurse, so this is a big interview for me. I've been working as a Hospice CNA for over 4 months now plus I have another 4 months experience at a nursing home. I really want this job, it'll be the first step to my dream to becoming an oncology nurse. I'm just nervous for the interview since I've never done one with something as big as a hospital before. Any tips? (Also my apologies I'm not sure if this is the appropriate channel for this topic, I wasn't sure how to change it.)

I'd stress that you plan to stay at the job more than 4 months. That track record is not impressive.

Halienichole26 · Sep 11, 2018

Yes I am planning on keeping my Hospice position even if I get this Oncology one. I only left my nursing home job because the Hospice was much better paying and flexible for nursing school. I've seen people with no experience get hired on. I just wanted some tips, not negativity.

beekee · Sep 11, 2018

Tip: develop and practice an answer as to why you stayed at your first job for only 4 months. Most hospital PCT jobs do not have flexibility, so come up with a different reason than "flexibility."

And if you plan on keeping both jobs, how will you juggle two jobs and nursing school?

Sour Lemon · Sep 11, 2018

Yes I am planning on keeping my Hospice position even if I get this Oncology one. I only left my nursing home job because the Hospice was much better paying and flexible for nursing school. I've seen people with no experience get hired on. I just wanted some tips, not negativity.

That IS a tip! How about you just tell me exactly what you'd like to hear and I'll say it?

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Sep 11, 2018

Dress professionally!! No jeans or sneakers or flip flops/sandals.

Annie

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Sep 11, 2018

Tip: develop and practice an answer as to why you stayed at your first job for only 4 months. Most hospital PCT jobs do not have flexibility, so come up with a different reason than "flexibility."

False. I've had four different hospital tech positions and they were all very flexible. In fact, students were given first choice for scheduling.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Sep 11, 2018

Just say you want to broaden your experience so you can be a well rounded PCT.

DowntheRiver · Sep 11, 2018

I am one of the nurses that sits in on interviews for my unit. I work at a top 10 cancer center. You will be asked about your previous experience and it is 50/50 as to whether the length of time of your previous employment comes up. I would definitely prepare an answer. If I were sitting in on your interview, I would have looked at your resume and the time frame and asked why you left in such a short span.

Also some things I would want to know or would look at:

Are you dressed appropriately? Nice slacks, nice blouse, dress shoes.

Do you look at your watch or phone during the interview? We had a girl who kept looking at her Apple Watch during the interview. Drove me nuts - do you have somewhere more important to be?

Did you print enough copies of your resume? Does your resume look professional?

Why do you want to be an Oncology nurse?

ETA: Also, Sour Lemon is known on this board for providing some excellent advice. I agree with her suggestion, as noted in my post. This isn't negative at all, just the truth. If multiple people have brought it up it must be noteworthy.

Halienichole26 · Sep 30, 2018

just wanted to let you all know i got the job, even with my horrible experience :)