September 2011 CHLA RN Residency Program

newbiepnp, MSN, RN, NP, CNS · Oct 4, 2011

To those that have gone through this before, what kind of questions were asked during the interview? Should we brush up on any information specifically or is it like a regular interview where they just try to know us and not our knowledge?

newbiepnp, MSN, RN, NP, CNS · Oct 4, 2011

Just found the answer to my questions....

Hello everyone. I just interviewed with HR a few days ago. I read this thread before my interview...so i decided I would find out the answers to some of the questions people are posting here.
First, there were about 400 applicants...of which only 1/4 are being considered for interviews. Among the 1/4, some are not from LA county or are further than a 45 minute drive. They will give preference to those who live among LA county or who already have living arrangements in LA county (like a family member or something).
You will interview with 2 people from HR: the program manager and the nurse recruiter at the same time. They will ask about 10 questions from a list that is already premade. I cannot remember all of their questions (bc i was very nervous trying to get the answers right) but they included why you chose nursing as a career and where do you see yourself in 5 and 10 years from now. They also asked why would you accept a 2 year commitment and at the end they ask if you have any questions for them, so be prepared to ask them a good and polite question. Dont just say "no".
I also found out that they are interviewing people for 3 more weeks at about a rate of 6 per day. they schedule 2 persons at the same time, and the one that gets there first goes first...lol..they said that they will try to call people for Unit Managers interviews by mid june, but that it will most likely be at the end of june.
It is also very interesting to note that the day I interviewed, I was scheduled number four of 6. and my appointment was at 11 am...and there were already 2 no-shows.....
Also, they are looking for NEW and UNEXPERIENCED nurses....so dont bring up all of your internships and jobs as RNs...because that is not what they want...they want a blank canvas....
Now that I think of it.....I am kinda giving tips to my competition..lol...but I feel like I should share this with everyone....because the interview is just HR! no medical or nursing knowledge is needed....they are just making sure you are a nice person with your head on your shoulders......and the nicest will be on top I guess....btw, what do you wear to this thing? I tried like 4 different outfits!!! and when i got there, the interviewers were wearing whatever clothes..hahaha....i felt overdressed!
letme know if this is helpful, i dont know if i missed anything,but if you have questions, let me know(i might be able to answer them).