Interviewing on a psych unit for eating disorders

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU, Emergency, Psych, Art Therapy.

Hello!

I'm a brand new RN (literally just passed the NCLEX last week) and I've been asked to come in for an interview at a psych hospital for the eating disorders unit.

Any advice for my first interview??

Thanks!!!

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Hi,

I got my very first job (I got it 2 weeks after graduating from nursing school) working at an eating disorder treatment facility (we were PHP, RTC, and IOP) and despite my reservations, I loved that job! It's hard work and you have to firm with them sometimes, but seeing them get better is so rewarding. In my interview, they asked me to describe what my psych experiences were, if I have any issues with food or exercise, what my strengths and weaknesses were, and what i thought was a unique trait I could bring to the table. They also asked about my availability, why I wanted to work there, and what my schooling was like since I didn't have any prior experience was like since I was a brand new nurse and didn't have anything else other than clinical experience! =) Good luck!

I think good points for you to really emphasis is your ability to remain calm during emergencies, how you have handled psychiatric crisis' before at clinicals (or just in general!), your plan on how to be firm with your clients yet still support them and listen to their feelings, any experience with manipulative or needy clients + drug/alcohol withdrawl, and any other pertinent psych experience you have already.

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I would just say to be honest and read up on the place your applying before the interview so you can show your interest in the organization

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Specializes in Neurosurgical ICU, Emergency, Psych, Art Therapy.

@molly.RN & @wayemika Thanks for your responses. I think the interview went well and I'm hopeful they'll want to set up a second interview with me. *fingers crossed*

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