RN Panel Interview

Published

I have been working on the telemetry unit as a "nurse extender" (CNA who has already graduated nursing school) for 8 months (I graduated nursing school LAST August with my BSN). I have a 6 panel interview this Thursday with my manager and 5 other nurses that work on the unit with me. There are 2 new grad position openings and there are 3 of us nurse extenders competing for the positions. The other two have both been working here for about 5 months and both graduated in December. The first girl interviewed yesterday and it took an hour and a half :( Mostly situational questions. The next girl interviews today and mine is tomorrow. I'm so nervous!

First:

How does a panel interview work? (how do they choose who gets the position)

What questions can I ask since I already work on the unit?

Are my chances any better since I have been here longer?

If I don't get the job will I ever get an RN Position being a year out?

Also, one of the other girls only has an ADN. Does that make a difference?

Thanks!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Rehab.

I dont know but good luck, make sure you smile in the interview

Up Vote Up Vote ×

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!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good luck! Just keep calm and don't rush your answers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in nursing education.

When we interview for positions, our manager asks one or two of the staff nurses to be in on the interview too. I've done it a few times and it was kind of fun- she does let us ask questions of the interviewees. The manager has the say ultimately although she does ask for input/opinions. I would bet that your situation will be similar.

Best of luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your advice! It was very helpful.

So I had my interview yesterday. It wasn't as bad as I thought, especially since I knew everyone on the panel.

It lasted an hour and a half and they asked pretty much all behavioral questions.

We find out next week who got the positions! Hopefully it works out

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello!!! I also have a panel interview next week; it will be my first interview ever for a nursing position. Its at the hospital where I did my clinicals. I noticed your interview lasted an hour and a half! Can you please share what exactly did they ask you,, it seems like such a long time for an interview? I am beyond nervous. I really truly am excited about this opportunity they have given me but Im really scared to blow it...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, progressive care.

Keep us posted, Sangrita!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey NurseMotivated! Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. Have you had your interview yet? Yeah my interview lasted an hour and a half. I was so nervous when I got there but once it started it wasn't too bad at all! They asked me all questions like "Tell me about a time you did this... tell me about a time you did that" Most of my answers were from experiences in nursing school and on this unit. You will do great and good luck! Let me know how it goes.

And update: I got the position!!! I'm so excited and NERVOUS! Haha. I start in a couple weeks. It's been a LONG year :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats:yelclap: on your new position!!! I can just imagine the sense of relief once you got the news!! Please keep us updated on how orientation goes and your first day on your own and everything else in between hehe...

As for me...I actually had my interview this afternoon.I was interviewed by 4 ppl in all. I have been preparing for weeks for this..I organized a binder with tabs and everything also with sheet protectors. You are not going to believe what happened:banghead: I walk up with a big smile on my face,,shook everyone's hand,,, i sit down and on the first question:Tell me about yourself. and why I wan to be a nurse...as I was giving my answer half way MY EYES START WATERING, and tears start falling!!!! I just got so emotional talking about my reasons.. I wanted to die! After I apologized like 5x the interview continued. I do remember given a lot of my stories of situations that happened to me during my clincals as answers to their questions..everything else is still a blurr...

I am taking it as a huge learning experience being my first interview and all and one thing is for sure I will NOT CRY next time!! I still cant believe I blew it...:sniff:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As for me...I actually had my interview this afternoon.I was interviewed by 4 ppl in all. I have been preparing for weeks for this..I organized a binder with tabs and everything also with sheet protectors. You are not going to believe what happened:banghead: I walk up with a big smile on my face,,shook everyone's hand,,, i sit down and on the first question:Tell me about yourself. and why I wan to be a nurse...as I was giving my answer half way MY EYES START WATERING, and tears start falling!!!! I just got so emotional talking about my reasons.. I wanted to die! After I apologized like 5x the interview continued. I do remember given a lot of my stories of situations that happened to me during my clincals as answers to their questions..everything else is still a blurr...

I am taking it as a huge learning experience being my first interview and all and one thing is for sure I will NOT CRY next time!! I still cant believe I blew it...:sniff:

Maybe they will see it as you being really passionate?

I've heard horror stories from my friends that got interviews. One of them said that one of their questions was: What you would do for a heart patient? They wanted the answer MONA. My friend blanked. She said one of the nurses in the panel said: "Haven't you ever heard of MONA?" Poor thing. And that's just one horror story I've heard.

Don't worry. At least you are getting experience for your interviews. And everyone has little hiccups here and there. It's very nerve-racking for the the new grad, so chin up! You did your best!

Hope you get that position! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow! Now that was a tough one! I will def take it as a learning experience..thank you for your kind words!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion