Please take pity and help me!

kersti · May 10, 2006

You know, I haven't been through a panel interview myself but here's my advice to you: take deep breaths, relax, be confident.

You are probably building it up in your head to be something ominous and awful-don't. If you are ready to tackle the ER and want it, then that panel will notice you are ready and give you a chance. And don't forget- think positive thoughts and always remember that you can do it!

Wise Woman RN · May 10, 2006

A panel interview is just an interview with some of the staff that already work there... It's just to see if the job will be a good fit for both you and the others... so relax, and enjoy meeting other nurses... This is just another learning experience... Good luck...

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · May 10, 2006

I like to be challenged and have been through a few difficult interviews. I do just as you are doing, run it through my head first with all the worse possible questions that might be asked. After running this really aweful interview through one time I am so relaxed when the real one occurs because it isn't as bad as I expected.

nicuRN2007 · May 10, 2006

OMG I hate interviews. I've never had a panel interview, but I just imagine a line of interviewers sitting on one side of a table, and me at a little table across the room answering their questions. I know it's probably not really like that, but that's what I see when I think panel. Scary!!!

mtnmom · May 10, 2006

Kellie, dear, you will do fine.

No, DO NOT take a nip first!

Just answer questions as honestly as you can.

I notice that you are an older grad? If so, unless the questions specify "clinical" situations, then use experiences from your "past life", whether it was bartender in Buckhead, Dunwoody housewife, or in the business world...if they want clinical experience then just rely on the experience that you have. most importantly, stay calm.

PS...I graduated at age 40, so I know what you are going through!

Go in, be confident but not cocky, smile like you mean it, and look them each in the eye.

you can do this. you rock.

HARRN2b · May 10, 2006

Kellie,

Also remember that you are interviewing them as well. This may help to calm you. And if this interview does not work out there are plenty more opportunities in Atlanta, i.e. Northside, Kennestone, Atlanta Medical Center, Baptist in Cumming, ect....

Good luck,

Holly

Atlanta Kellie · May 10, 2006

All is well....the interview really wasn't bad. Go figure. Thanks to all of you for taking the time to write, and help me calm down.

They asked...

1. Why did I chose nuring...

2. What area of nursing am I most/least interested and why....

3. Why did I choose Grady Memorial....

4. What has been my worst clinical exp. and why....

5. How do I feel is the best way to care for a patient....

Then I was asked if I had any questions, and I had some questions prepared. (Memorized) That was it...much easier than I anticipated.

Thanks again for the calming words and advice. Going to nap now. I'm exhausted. If I had known it wouldn't have been bad, I would have slept last night.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 10, 2006

congratulations on getting through your interview! f.y.i. and for any others who might also be nearing a similar experience. . .hospital recruiters and managers are very much aware that new graduate nurses and nursing students have not had enough experience doing nursing skills, so don't worry about that. if the question does come up, just be honest in your answers. they will know if you are embellishing and lying to make yourself look good. it is totally appropriate to say that you can't think of a difficult challenge that you encountered in nursing school. however, now that you've heard the question it wouldn't be a bad idea to think of something to be prepared. it doesn't have to necessarily be about clinical nursing. it could be related to a problem with another student or an instructor. you should also have a short resume prepared and have one ready to give to the interviewer. you can find instructions on how to make a resume on monster.com or career builder.com. web sites.

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/interview-questions.asp - questions you'll be asked

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/employerquestions.asp - questions for nurses to ask employers during interviews

http://www.hospitalsoup.com/inappropriate-interview-questions.asp - inappropriate or unacceptable interview questions and what you should do if you are asked one of these

http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/careerbytes/cbarticle.aspx?articleid=452 - eight tricky interview questions from careerbuilder.com

the main characteristics employers usually look for in professionals are the following:

initiative - autonomy
dynamism - energy
responsibility
orientation to the client and co-workers (ability to provide customer service)
learning capacity
productivity
high adaptability - flexibility
leadership
team work
tolerance to pressure
analytic ability
professional development

babynursewannab · May 11, 2006

Wow! ER at Grady as a new grad!!! You are a bold, challenge-facing woman!!! That personality trait should help get you through that panel review.

Think about it, you are pursuing one of, if not THE toughest ER position in the Atlanta. You are not being forced into this, you want it! Take that advice from above. You are interviewing them as well. Above all, don't lie. You have your experiences and that's what they are. If you are worried about a particular question, come up with the answer right now. Write down a number of these and answer them for yourself now without the pressure. You'll be amazed. It's like preparing for a test. And, in the likely chance that they ask you a question you don't know the answer to, tell them the truth. Tell them, "You know, I don't know. But, that is one of the reasons I want to work at Grady. I know that I will learn so much here. (And if applicable) In the mean time, I am certainly going to go home and look that one up!" Nurses and managers are the most terrified by new nurses who think they know everything and/or don't ask questions.

I went through something very similar at St. Joe's. I work in the CVICU now and started there as a new grad without ANY ICU experience. In fact, the only in depth experience I had was L&D (thus my screen name). I was trying to get into one of the most selective new grad programs in the Atlanta metro area. Even the nurses I work with now are amazed when they learned I was a new grad when I started there. Most said they couldn't have done it. But it was a grand challenge for me and I made myself rise to the occasion.

I see you as doing the same thing. You're stressing because you want it!!!

It's in you. :pumpiron: You'll do fine. And, if for some reason you don't, there are hundreds of other jobs out there just waiting for you.

Good luck!

-Alyssa

babynursewannab · May 11, 2006

Ok. Ha ha. I just refreshed and saw you already had the interview! :trout: Congrats for getting through it so well!

My advice can apply to anyone, really.

Good luck with the final outcome!

-Alyssa

whiskeygirl, LPN · May 11, 2006

Day-

Those are great links! I will be in the market for a new job in about 2 months and one site listed a couple of possible opportunities!

Thanks!