LaurainLA

http://www.son.jhmi.edu/resources/career/center/resources/ has a complete interview guide for New Grads. I started using it as a worksheet to prepare for any possible questions I could be asked. I finally landed an interview on 7/22, but it's about 600 miles from where I live and hoped for a job. It's an interview for an RN position so I'm very excited and nervous. Thank you, both of you, for your advice. It's definitely helped my preparation.

Both replies are helpful thank you! raquetmom you bring up a good point about the interviewer catching me off guard. I need to be ready for anything!

I just want to start off by saying I don't have an interview yet, but I am hopeful I will have one soon! It's never too early to prepare right?? According to interview etiquette, when the interviewer asks you if you have any questions... you should be prepared to ask questions. Well what if He/She answered the questions you've prepared throughout the interview? For example: I would like to know the nurse to patient ratio, if it is a total care floor or if the hospital employs techs/CNAs, the hospitals accreditation (and the last time JCAHO, for instance, paid a visit), if there is a tuition re-imbursement program for continuing education, and the details about the hospitals preceptorship program. Can anyone give me examples of questions you've asked your interviewer? Any input would be helpful. Thank you!

I felt like i had 30 SATA and specific side effect med questions from meds i've never heard of. NCLEX was very specific. I think I was more overwhelmed when I left the testing facility!! Good luck to everyone!!

The problem with a CNA or Tech position is that it can cause a conflict in your scope of practice as an RN... I have started looking at other areas, hoping that with experience, opportunities will come. Most hospitals are filling their RN and LPN positions internally with techs so hopefully you will be ok!! Also Ochsner is changing their approach to Nursing. They are going to start team nursing... which is when a LPN and RN work together to take care of 6-8 patients. They are currently looking for LPNs to fill their need. Good luck with school!!

I am a recent ADN-RN graduate (May 2010) and have yet to find a job, or even have an interview. I have read posts from all around the country and have noticed that many people are having the same issue. It is a shame. Every news article gives false hope, advertising a "nursing shortage" when so many new nurses are liscensed and eager. Every day I hear "did you get a job yet?", "Everyone is looking for nurses", "You'll definitely have job security". I work at a coffee shop, and I'm a liscensed RN. I want to work, and I want experience. Pay isn't even a factor. I decided to go to nursing school because I have a passion for healthcare, medicine, and science. I would talk about how much I enjoyed nursing school and encouraged many people to pursue a nursing degree. I don't anymore. There WILL be a nursing shortage in the coming years, because no one will go to school if they can't get a job. New grads are becoming jaded, stressed, and broke. I have faith a job will come eventually, and I really hope it rekindles my love for nursing. Good luck to all of the new grads!! We've worked so hard.

I am a recent grad from southern mississippi, but i live closer to new orleans. I constantly see advertisements for Tulane, Ochsner, and Touro in the paper, but every resume I've sent out I've gotten the reply "We appreciate your application, but we have filled the position 'internally'" It's very frustrating. I am considering relocation, but it seems the new grads are having this problem everywhere.