OR Interview tips

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2010

They will ask you questions regarding how you would react in an emergency situation. Just tell them that you would listen to instruction from the charge nurse, get a major pack out and a major tray to start with. Tell them that you have run into this experience before since you have done the ST position.

They may ask you how well you work with a team. They will ask how you would deal with a demanding surgeon. Since you have already been in the OR, you know how to answer these questions. Be confident, have your resume readily available and just be courteous. They will also ask you how you feel regarding call. This is a big one-every manager that I have ever interviewed with asked me this within the first few minutes. I always responded that I am willing to take the same amount of call that everyone else does.

You are already ahead of the game since you know how the OR works. I think that you are probably a ready-pick for them. They will be very glad that you already have OR experience and will only check your references and then you will get the call that you are hired!

Good luck to you and I wish you only the best! Let us know how it goes:)

kat von b · Sep 16, 2010

Thank you very much for the advice! Are there any questions that I should be sure to ask them? I'm looking forward to it, I'll be sure to post how it goes on Tuesday.

Editorial Team / Admin · Sep 16, 2010

Things to ask about:

-length of orientation

-call requirements

-weekend scheduling

-what shift you'll be hired for

-if rotating shifts are required

-certifications needed (ACLS, PALS, etc)

-will you be kept within one specialty or be required to do them all

-how does vacation time work (lottery vs seniority, first come first served, etc)

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2010

I would also ask what the structure is like in the OR. Typically there are several different specialty teams that exist in the OR. Ask which teams are in need of nurses, and ask what the orientation to the TEAM will entail. Sometimes a small OR will expect you to learn everything, and do not break down their staff into teams. Also ask if you will be expected to scrub, and what sort of orientation it will entail.

If the hospital has a "clinical ladder" for nurses, ask about it. Most hospitals are very proud that they can offer this to nurses, and your asking about it will send the manager a mental note that you are there for the long haul and that you are interested in growing with the hospital.

If they do not offer a clinical ladder, ask what sort of longevity program they have. Some hospitals will offer a "longevity bonus" in place of a clinical ladder.

Ask about what committees are within the OR. Typically, there are several committees such as retention and recognition, safety, technology, quality improvement and special projects. If one piques your interest, ask more questions.

I am looking forward to hearing about your interview! All the best to you!

kat von b · Sep 21, 2010

The shadowing went great and I think the group interview went really well. I emphasized my leadership and organizational skills. I'm hoping between that and the year in the surgical tech program will put me towards to the tops of their list of choices. There was about 40 applicants and 8-15 spots. I won't know for 2 WEEKS!!! I've never had to wait like this, every job I've interviewed for I was either hired on the spot or called 5 minutes later. This will be a test of patience!

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Sep 21, 2010

Patience for sure! Just remember (as kooky as it sounds) to think positive.

Envision yourself in the job, doing the job...REALLY place yourself there in your mind. I know it sounds weird, but I did this when I interviewed for my dream job. I went to a quiet place, I was still and calm, and I imagined myself wearing the scrubs stamped with the name of the university, doing counts with the scrub tech in the OR, reporting off to another nurse at the end of my shift, and then driving home to my new place. And guess what? I GOT THE JOB, I GOT THE HOUSE and I was HAPPY! There is nothing like the power of positive thinking.

So my advice to you is to not only be patient, but BELIEVE that the job is already yours. We are all rooting for you!

kat von b · Sep 22, 2010

Patience for sure! Just remember (as kooky as it sounds) to think positive.
Envision yourself in the job, doing the job...REALLY place yourself there in your mind. I know it sounds weird, but I did this when I interviewed for my dream job. I went to a quiet place, I was still and calm, and I imagined myself wearing the scrubs stamped with the name of the university, doing counts with the scrub tech in the OR, reporting off to another nurse at the end of my shift, and then driving home to my new place. And guess what? I GOT THE JOB, I GOT THE HOUSE and I was HAPPY! There is nothing like the power of positive thinking.
So my advice to you is to not only be patient, but BELIEVE that the job is already yours. We are all rooting for you!

I will do anything at this point! Nothing like the power of positive thinking!! Thank you so much for the support and encouragement

kat von b · Oct 5, 2010

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The program starts in a few weeks! Can't wait to begin my career!!!!

daVinciNurse · Oct 6, 2010

Congratulations on getting your dream job! I've been in the OR 11 yrs now, first year was the roughest, but I absolutely love working in the OR. Wishing you the bet of luck :) Just remember to listen to the WORDS that are said to you, not tone or emotion with those words--in other words, don't take everything personally!!. That was a piece of advice I got when I was new, and it helped tremendously.

kat von b · Oct 8, 2010

Congratulations on getting your dream job! I've been in the OR 11 yrs now, first year was the roughest, but I absolutely love working in the OR. Wishing you the bet of luck :) Just remember to listen to the WORDS that are said to you, not tone or emotion with those words--in other words, don't take everything personally!!. That was a piece of advice I got when I was new, and it helped tremendously.

Thank you! That's some great advice too, I'll be sure to do that.