Shadowing interview!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

I had a shadowing interview for the current position I have. I ask questions about pt population, ratio, etc. I interviewed several nurses on their feelings on working there. I made sure if all the responses were cogent enough; ie how many people can say why they like to work there, enough people are able to have a similar response about the unit culture and the hospital culture; if the unit itself is transparent enough about their aspects of the unit.

I had an interview with nursing leadership first, then had a two hour shadow, where I was able to observe nursing care and get to know the unit, the expectations, etc.

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

Thanks for your response! That's exactly what is going to happen - meeting with the director for 45 min then shadowing for 2 hrs. They want me to wear scrubs to the interview. I plan on trying to ask as many questions as I can... I wrote up a list. Did you approach the nurses when they were alone? How did you go about that in the most professional way? Did they just let you wander the floor or did your interviewer walk with you?

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 19, 2013

With the nurse I was shadowing, I was able to meet other nurses, and had time to ask questions with them, just a general feel about the unit, staffing, shifts, preferred shifts...they were so transparent about the unit, I was able to make a decision when I got the offer. The unit reflected the management and vice versa as far as expectations and the unit culture; there wasn't an inconsistency. If something interesting was going on, they were willing to have me observe. Some asked me questions as well.

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2013

So I interviewed and it went well. I get an email from the recruiter that she was happy to say that the director felt the same :) Now they want me to meet with the nursing leadership (ACNO/CNO, not sure what that stands for ) on Monday... I wonder what this means.. Really trying not to get my hopes up!

St_Claire, ADN, RN · Mar 22, 2013

So I interviewed and it went well. I get an email from the recruiter that she was happy to say that the director felt the same :) Now they want me to meet with the nursing leadership (ACNO/CNO not sure what that stands for ) on Monday... I wonder what this means.. Really trying not to get my hopes up![/quote']
I think it's safe to get your hopes up. Keep being you!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 22, 2013

I think it's safe to get your hopes up. Keep being you!

^This!!!! Excellent news!!

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2013

Well. Went to the meeting. It was yet another interview with nursing leadership this time. This time we fully discussed what accommodations I would need if hired. First time I've had this conversation with an employer for an RN job. Honestly I think they're skeptical about the whole thing, and rightly so. Not sure if they're going to take the chance on me but I'm trying to stay optimistic. They said they have other applicants to interview this week and should have a decision by the week's end.

St_Claire, ADN, RN · Mar 25, 2013

Well. Went to the meeting. It was yet another interview with nursing leadership this time. This time we fully discussed what accommodations I would need if hired. First time I've had this conversation with an employer for an RN job. Honestly I think they're skeptical about the whole thing and rightly so. Not sure if they're going to take the chance on me but I'm trying to stay optimistic. They said they have other applicants to interview this week and should have a decision by the week's end.[/quote']
Good luck! You haven't been ruled out yet so hang in there.

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2013

Decision still hasn't been made. They always push back the dates and tell me they ended up having interviews go into next week. Doesn't look too good for me.

I wanted to ask, is it even worth it to reapply to places I was turned down from when new grad programs open up again?

St_Claire, ADN, RN · Apr 1, 2013

Decision still hasn't been made. They always push back the dates and tell me they ended up having interviews go into next week. Doesn't look too good for me.
I wanted to ask, is it even worth it to reapply to places I was turned down from when new grad programs open up again?

I kept getting put off by a company I really wanted to work for. I thought the interview had gone well and follow up emails were encouraging. They finally got around to offering me the job when I called the person that interviewed me to check on the progress. In the mean time I continued to apply, interview, and network because I had not been offered the job. A job in hand is worth two in the bush. Keep applying elsewhere.

AFwife727, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2013

I'm definitely not waiting on this one hospital. She (again) said they should know by the end of the week so I am not sure if I should call them before then to check in. Seems like there's no point since they won't have an answer.

I've gotten in touch with my state's vocational rehab dept to help me find employment since I have a hearing disability. Employers are wary of hiring me, I'm sure.