what to say at an interview..

[newgrad2004]

Hello all I have my first RN interview next week I am looking for advice on what to say (what they want to hear) or what ever makes me sound like I have done this (interviews) before and im not scared S***less.

I figure enough of you out there have interviewed or been the interviewer, so any advice would be apprieciated.

Thanks!!

[newgrad2004]

I understand jargon, thanks for the help and vote of confidence.

Exactly my piont. It's no use using jargon you don't understand.

[newgrad2004]

I understand jargon, thanks for the help and vote of confidence.

Exactly my piont. It's no use using jargon you don't understand.

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

One thing that I seem to get asked is: "Have you every disagreed with a superior, about what, and what did you do about it?" I also got asked what the hosptials five values were, which one I thought was most important and why (an unfortunate question if you don't know what the values of the hospital are...). I got asked what the nursing process was. I think that the best thing is just to be yourself, focus on your positive traits, and know a little bit about the hospital/position you are applying for. Have your own list of questions as well; IE: what are the staffing ratios, what is your new grad program like, how long is orientation, how many nurses are on the unit on X shift, etc. EmilyRN also mentioned some good points. IT is ok to not know things in an interview--you won't know everything in your new job...I think sometimes those doing the hiring want to see how you will react to a question you don't know an immediate answer too--Will you make something up? Will you admit you don't know the answer and seek assistance? Anyway...I think you will do fine, be yourself, have confidence, but don't be afriad to be nervous...I had my nursing manager tell me that she did not hire new grads that didn't admit that they weren't a little bit afraid, after all we are taking care of other people's lives. She did't want to hire someone that "knew it all" and wouldn't ask for help. So good luck!

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

One thing that I seem to get asked is: "Have you every disagreed with a superior, about what, and what did you do about it?" I also got asked what the hosptials five values were, which one I thought was most important and why (an unfortunate question if you don't know what the values of the hospital are...). I got asked what the nursing process was. I think that the best thing is just to be yourself, focus on your positive traits, and know a little bit about the hospital/position you are applying for. Have your own list of questions as well; IE: what are the staffing ratios, what is your new grad program like, how long is orientation, how many nurses are on the unit on X shift, etc. EmilyRN also mentioned some good points. IT is ok to not know things in an interview--you won't know everything in your new job...I think sometimes those doing the hiring want to see how you will react to a question you don't know an immediate answer too--Will you make something up? Will you admit you don't know the answer and seek assistance? Anyway...I think you will do fine, be yourself, have confidence, but don't be afriad to be nervous...I had my nursing manager tell me that she did not hire new grads that didn't admit that they weren't a little bit afraid, after all we are taking care of other people's lives. She did't want to hire someone that "knew it all" and wouldn't ask for help. So good luck!

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

The interviewer knows not to expect experience from you. Jargon can be learned and is not expected either. What is expected is being clean, polite, have a copy of your resume and any other papers they may have requested, have a good phone number to contact you later (ask if they prefer cell phone or land line) and show a willingness to be a team player. For instance, if you start off with "I can't work weekends" "I have a family" (who doesn't?) "I can't work nights" "the reason my grades were poor in algebra is because the teacher didn't like me"---all those things sound immature. Listen, take notes and ask about patient to nurse ratios, what is policy on floating and will I be paid if I am not allowed to work a shift due to low census, what is policy on mandatory overtime, what is turnover rate for that nursing unit---things that make it sound like you have given thought to the interview. Relax. Just be nice.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

The interviewer knows not to expect experience from you. Jargon can be learned and is not expected either. What is expected is being clean, polite, have a copy of your resume and any other papers they may have requested, have a good phone number to contact you later (ask if they prefer cell phone or land line) and show a willingness to be a team player. For instance, if you start off with "I can't work weekends" "I have a family" (who doesn't?) "I can't work nights" "the reason my grades were poor in algebra is because the teacher didn't like me"---all those things sound immature. Listen, take notes and ask about patient to nurse ratios, what is policy on floating and will I be paid if I am not allowed to work a shift due to low census, what is policy on mandatory overtime, what is turnover rate for that nursing unit---things that make it sound like you have given thought to the interview. Relax. Just be nice.

[Shapeless]

Apologies if my post has offended you Newgrad 2004. That was not my intent, I was genuinely trying to help. :)

I have seen many at interview who have came out with 'nursing jargon' such as autonomy, dynamic, holistic and when asked what they mean, have floundered like a fish out of water.

Puprlemania and Zambezi are spot on with thier comments, if this is your first post, they wont expect experience. Just a willingness to learn, to be guided and able work in a team.

Good luck :)

[Shapeless]

Apologies if my post has offended you Newgrad 2004. That was not my intent, I was genuinely trying to help. :)

I have seen many at interview who have came out with 'nursing jargon' such as autonomy, dynamic, holistic and when asked what they mean, have floundered like a fish out of water.

Puprlemania and Zambezi are spot on with thier comments, if this is your first post, they wont expect experience. Just a willingness to learn, to be guided and able work in a team.

Good luck :)

[newgrad2004]

Thank you all so much, these are things I want to consider and focus on. I havent ever interviewed for a Nursing position, only the NA job, and of course my last "career". But something about this field and the competition I wanted to be a little more prepared. So thats why I asked the questions. And thanks shameless too, I was indeed offended by your earlier posts. Im not an idiot really though hehe. If I didnt understand a word I would certainly look it up before using it. I know a lot of hospitals will use similar questions and because Im so nervous I wanted to be thinking of things that might be thrown out at me. If they are and Im nervous I dont want to blow it.

By hearing these things you all tell me I can try to overcome some of my nerves by feeling more prepared for what I may face.

[newgrad2004]

Thank you all so much, these are things I want to consider and focus on. I havent ever interviewed for a Nursing position, only the NA job, and of course my last "career". But something about this field and the competition I wanted to be a little more prepared. So thats why I asked the questions. And thanks shameless too, I was indeed offended by your earlier posts. Im not an idiot really though hehe. If I didnt understand a word I would certainly look it up before using it. I know a lot of hospitals will use similar questions and because Im so nervous I wanted to be thinking of things that might be thrown out at me. If they are and Im nervous I dont want to blow it.

By hearing these things you all tell me I can try to overcome some of my nerves by feeling more prepared for what I may face.