Questions to ask in an interview?

[lizzy33]

As a new grad RN I haven't had many interviews, but in the couple that I have had I always get asked "do you have any questions for us?" What are some appropriate things to ask? I always try to do my research before an interview and I don't want to ask a question that would make it seem like I didn't know anything about the company. In the last interview I had I asked a couple questions about things like patient ratios, orientation time, how/when they notify applicants, etc. But the woman interviewing me did not seem to be satisfied and she just kept asking if I had more questions, at that point my mind went blank and I told her I didn't have more questions. There was then a long awkward silence as if she was waiting for me to think of something. What are some good things to ask? I have started to apply for a few jobs out of state, is it appropriate to ask about the area/relocating? What questions should I ask for HR interviewers? And what questions for the nurse managers?

[galeon]

Maybe ask:

How is the new grad program structured?

What are the major responsibilities of this position?

Describe the ideal candidate for this position?

Hopefully that'll work. Goodluck!

[jadu1106]

hello! :)

i had previously posted these questions in another thread, but here are some more to add to the previous poster!

some interview questions that may be asked:

1) how will you handle unexpected circumstances, such as being short staffed and having to perform a treatment you have not done before?

2) why did you choose xx area of nursing?

3) what do you consider your most significant strengths/weaknesses?

4) what are your career goals and where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

5) how will this internship help you meet your career goals?

some questions i have written down that i would want to ask my potential employer:

1) based on our conversation today, do you have any concerns i can clarify?

2) as a nurse manager, what are your expectations of a new nurse?

3) how long is the orientation process, and if i don't feel comfortable at the end of my orientation, will you allow more time with my preceptor?

4) what have been the biggest challenges for previous interns on this floor?

[RadBSN]

Questions I ask:

Can you tell me more about your leadership style?

What's the experience level of the nurse on this floor?

What types of special training or certification should I work towards as a nurse on your unit?

I ask about orientation, length, number of preceptors

I ask how the staff work together

What brought them to the unit?

Can you tell me more about the patient population?

What's the relationship between the different disciplines on the floor? (e.g. respiratory, PT, OT, medicine, etc.

I have a list of questions typed out and I will look over it and say, something like "you answered my questions about orientation" or whatever just so they know that I did have a question about it. I don't have my list in front of me, but if I have others to add I will come back.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I ask what their management style is, the challenges the floor faces, what their goals for the unit are, and what qualities they look for in a new grad. What is the turn over, how are preceptors chosen and trained? Is there support for getting advanced certifications?

I don't ask about salary, holiday/vacation time or benefits. At this point in my career, those are all secondary to finding a job, AND the questions you ask tell a story about you and are part of what they evaluate about you. I'd rather use my question time to show them that I am committed to contributing positively to the department and playing a role in it's development. The salary etc details I can get from HR after/if I'm offered the position.

[abbeygator28]

THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed to this thread! I have my first grad nurse interview this upcoming Friday morning and my anxiety is through the roof. I came straight to this forum, though, and knew I would be able to find some good advice. I have written down all of the questions and plan on spending time formulating my answers prior to my interview. Thank you for helping to make me feel more comfortable and relieving a little of my anxiety! : )