Scored a job interview, but may be in over my head

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2011

You mentioned that the person knew you were a brand new nurse correct?

If they are willing to give you a shot by interviewing you, why not give it a try? Worse case senerio, you go to the interview, get the job and once into it you realize you can't do it and you move on. No harm no foul. If they know you're new, no experience, etc and offer you the position they must know that there is a chance you might not fit, learn quick enough..whatever.

Consider this opportunity knocking..ANSWER the door :)

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Nov 5, 2011

I'm going to let you in on a secret: the learning and studying doesn't end when you pass the NCLEX

If this is your dream job and you're willing to put in the effort to learn about OR nursing, even during your off hours, then IMO give the interview a shot. Besides, it's just an interview--you're not committed to anything. You're not committed even if they offer you the job--you can always say No.

Best of luck!

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 5, 2011

I'd certainly go to the interview -- prepared to ask about the training they will give you. Also ask if they have ever hired a new graduate before -- and if so, how did that work out.

If the place has hired new grads before and given them sufficient training to be successful ... then I would take the job. However, if you find they are not prepared to give you the support you need to be successful ... then I would not want that job.

The above poster said, "no harm, no foul" if you take the job and it doesn't work out. I disagree with that. If you take the job and it is a disaster, you will be hurt. You will be getting your career off to a bad start and be bruised by the experience. It will delay your acquisition of another job at which you could succeed -- and it may give you a bad reputation among the surgical nurses in your area. If you want a surgical job later, that bad reputation could hurt your chances of getting it. (People within the same specialty in the same town often know each other even if they are working in differenct places.)

So ... my advice is to go to the interview and assess the situation. If you think you have a good chance of being successful in the job, take it. But if there are too many "red flags" -- such as their not being prepared to offer you a strong orientation -- then walk away. Think about your career in the long-term and avoid getting it off to a bad start.

Good luck to you! Tell us how the inteview goes.

One1, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2011

Why don't you find out what sort of training/support they will offer you as a new grad so that you can succeed? Otherwise, only you know if you are feeling up to a "steep learning curve" initial year or two. If you feel you can handle it, go for it!

kate0010 · Nov 5, 2011

Thank you all for your advice! I completely agree with what you've said about determining whether THEY'RE up to a new nurse. There's no question in my head about whether or not I'm up to it. Even if it doesn't work out, I want to try. Hopefully I'll get the chance.

Now... I've got to wait. The interview isn't until the 14th!d Aggggh! :)

Peetz, BSN · Nov 5, 2011

Define "steep" to you it may be a small incline. You will never know unless you try. Good luck in your interview, I hope you get it. The best person for the job is the one who has the most passion for it. I curious and motivated person is better than a seasoned skilled one in my opinion.

Peetz, BSN · Nov 5, 2011

Take that time to prepare yourself well for the interview. To many time I have gone in ill prepared only to kick myself later. Again, good luck.