katinme

i love love love nights. while i have found that the people who choose to work nights are usually a bit more laid back, fun to work with, and there is more of a camaraderie on nights because you have to do more with less, i also think it depends on where you work. there are fewer distractions impeding on my time with my patient(s). i do have two words for you though sun downing. not fun!

Hang in there. I know it is a disappointment but you will find a fit. Keep at it!

Don't send a note, you should call. I usually call to follow up about a week or two after the interview.

A panel is a great way to interview because you get multiple perspectives on a person. The way we panel interview is that each team member asks the person interviewing questions. You have actually already been interviewing every day that you have worked, so they will already have an idea of how you fit and your work ethic. Do nurse extenders recieve training? The same orientation? What about sitting on committees? you can ask these questions. Ask what their favorite and least favorite part of working the unit is. Do you already have a list of questions? Yes you will eventually get a job- you just have to keep applying everywhere if this one doesn't work out. Check the prior interview section- there is another person panel interviewing. the questions that they had were good. they might help. I'll give you the same advice...RELAX, take time and be thoughtful about your answers, and address everyone in the interview when you are answering questions. It's a little different because you know everyone. I'm usually a little quirky, going around shaking peoples hands. But it seems to bring down the tension. About the other people- its hard to say if 3 months makes a differnce. It depends on how well they fit and work also. BEST OF LUCK!!!!

two questions. 1- Did you send a thank you letter?. This always gives you a reason to follow back. In addition it sets you apart and shows that you were paying attention in your interview (always include something that they said) . Hi xxx, I'm following back to see if you recieved my thank you note. My name is xxx i interviewed on xxx. 2- Do you have the name of the person who conducted your interview? Hi xxx, my name is xxx. I interviewed for the xxxposition on xxdate. I am really excited the at the prospect of working on your unit and I wanted to follow back.

You should definately give good eye contact first to the person who asks you the question, but then as you continue with your answer look at the others. Do your homework about the hospital and units if you can. Sometimes finding information about the specific units is difficult. I often try to incorportate information that i've found on their website, this way they know you are interested enough in getting the job to do your. When you ask your questions, you can use that as your opportunity to ask the different interviewers if you don't have specific questions about each section. If there is a certain unit that you think you would like better, mention it. Keep this in mind...As much as you want a job, they want a RN that will grow within their unit. It has to be a mutual fit. I think that is something that RNs often forget. It's a partnership of sorts - if you are happy there, you will be a much better nurse. As a new grad you need to want certain things too. For example - a healthy environment, good mentors, great leadership who will listen, and an adequate orientation.

Agreed- HR first.

Follow up. Always follow up, unless it specifically says do not call. It says that you are interested and engaged. It might be irritating to the human resource people to have people follow back, but frankly that is their job and they are the gateway to your getting your job. Forget about what they might think and go get it!

You need to follow back. It lets them know that you are interested. Sometimes it takes a while to interview a number of candidates. I will often follow back after one week. See what they say. After I graduated, I followed called to follow up on one position 3-4 times (it took a few months to get a final response). I eventually got offered the job- but decided on another. It might seem like harassing, but it keeps you fresh in their mind. And if they are not interested, you will find out faster and be able to move on. Good luck!

First of all...relax, be yourself, and take time to thoughtfully answer questions they ask, there is no need to rush your answers. YOU WILL BE FINE! Second- they are interviewing you as a group, because it saves time, lets them all meet you, and each interviewer will often focus on different parts of your answers and comments . Usually, the managers of the unit will discuss (after your interview) which unit they think you will fit best in. Regardless of which unit you would like to work it (its ok if you don't) you need to address everyone in the interview. Your questions are good. - What is the typical nurse to patient ratio? - What qualifications are you looking for this position? - What challenges are there for this position? - How often do you offer in-services and other education? - How is orientation structured? How many weeks? - How long have most of the nurses worked on this unit? (turn over rate?) Good luck!