1st Job Interview

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 1, 2016

Thread moved to Job Interview forum. Good luck.

futurepsychrn, ADN · Jun 1, 2016

Thank you.

cocoa_puff · Jun 2, 2016

I would research the unit, know what types of patients they take care of, any special distinctions or awards, know why you want to work there (all interviews I've been to have asked me this question), show your interest, think about your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time (usually they will ask for three) and try to pick ones that sound positive. For example, strengths could be something that contributes to the unit, such as compassion, willingness to learn, and teamwork, while weaknesses should be something that you can work on to improve...such as being more confident or assertive (do not say that you are usually running late or forget deadlines, or anything that could be seen as a patient safety issue). They may ask the usual interview questions, difficult coworker(remember the chain of command, talk to person first, then charge RN, then manager, keep objective documentation of the incident), what you are most proud of (my first interview, I said my GPA, lol) Maybe they will ask for an example of when you provided outstanding patient care, or why you decided to become a nurse (and specifically why you are interested in oncology). Think about where you see yourself in 5 years, managers like to hear that you want to be a preceptor, change nurse, serve on committees, and be a leader on the unit, if that is something you would like to do. If you plan on oncology being your specialty, maybe mention your interest in becoming certified in oncology and chemo later on.

Before your interview, maybe review some basics about caring for oncology patients (neutropenic precautions, chemo precautions, common meds, maybe the basic care for different types of cancer patients, maybe hospice/palliative care and their role...). They might ask about your experience with oncology patients, so think of an example from clinical. Bring your resume (a few extra copies), your cover letter, CPR card, transcripts, and any recommendation letters you have (plus whatever they tell you to bring). I put all my stuff in a nice binder as a portfolio.

I type up a list of questions to ask during the interview, with space to write in their answers, such as (ask these after they are done interviewing you):

* How long will orientation be and what will it consist of? Ask about the types of classes, new grad residency, 1:1 with preceptor

* What is the nurse to patient ratio (days/nights), also the CNA to patient ratio?

* What shift would you be working? (days/nights/rotating) unless they have mentioned it already. Would you be oriented on all shifts?

* Ask if it would be possible to shadow on the unit for a few hours, use this time to get an idea of the staff, support, and culture of the unit, and to see if you think you would be a good fit. Ask new grads if they felt well supported and if they felt the orientation was sufficient.

* Ask about nursing retention (how long have most of the staff been working there)

* What are some qualities of successful new grads on their unit?

* When to expect to hear back from them with a decision.

Wow that was long, but hope it helps! Best of luck! :nurse:

futurepsychrn, ADN · Jun 2, 2016

Thank you so much!

AspiringNurseMW · Jun 2, 2016

I would research the unit, know what types of patients they take care of, any special distinctions or awards, know why you want to work there (all interviews I've been to have asked me this question), show your interest, think about your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time (usually they will ask for three) and try to pick ones that sound positive. For example, strengths could be something that contributes to the unit, such as compassion, willingness to learn, and teamwork, while weaknesses should be something that you can work on to improve...such as being more confident or assertive (do not say that you are usually running late or forget deadlines, or anything that could be seen as a patient safety issue). They may ask the usual interview questions, difficult coworker(remember the chain of command, talk to person first, then charge RN, then manager, keep objective documentation of the incident), what you are most proud of (my first interview, I said my GPA, lol) Maybe they will ask for an example of when you provided outstanding patient care, or why you decided to become a nurse (and specifically why you are interested in oncology). Think about where you see yourself in 5 years, managers like to hear that you want to be a preceptor, change nurse, serve on committees, and be a leader on the unit, if that is something you would like to do. If you plan on oncology being your specialty, maybe mention your interest in becoming certified in oncology and chemo later on.
Before your interview, maybe review some basics about caring for oncology patients (neutropenic precautions, chemo precautions, common meds, maybe the basic care for different types of cancer patients, maybe hospice/palliative care and their role...). They might ask about your experience with oncology patients, so think of an example from clinical. Bring your resume (a few extra copies), your cover letter, CPR card, transcripts, and any recommendation letters you have (plus whatever they tell you to bring). I put all my stuff in a nice binder as a portfolio.
I type up a list of questions to ask during the interview, with space to write in their answers, such as (ask these after they are done interviewing you):
* How long will orientation be and what will it consist of? Ask about the types of classes, new grad residency, 1:1 with preceptor
* What is the nurse to patient ratio (days/nights), also the CNA to patient ratio?
* What shift would you be working? (days/nights/rotating) unless they have mentioned it already. Would you be oriented on all shifts?
* Ask if it would be possible to shadow on the unit for a few hours, use this time to get an idea of the staff, support, and culture of the unit, and to see if you think you would be a good fit. Ask new grads if they felt well supported and if they felt the orientation was sufficient.
* Ask about nursing retention (how long have most of the staff been working there)
* What are some qualities of successful new grads on their unit?
* When to expect to hear back from them with a decision.
Wow that was long, but hope it helps! Best of luck!

Um wow. Super amazing advice. I'm totally bookmarking this!

futurepsychrn, ADN · Jun 25, 2016

I would research the unit, know what types of patients they take care of, any special distinctions or awards, know why you want to work there (all interviews I've been to have asked me this question), show your interest, think about your strengths and weaknesses ahead of time (usually they will ask for three) and try to pick ones that sound positive. For example, strengths could be something that contributes to the unit, such as compassion, willingness to learn, and teamwork, while weaknesses should be something that you can work on to improve...such as being more confident or assertive (do not say that you are usually running late or forget deadlines, or anything that could be seen as a patient safety issue). They may ask the usual interview questions, difficult coworker(remember the chain of command, talk to person first, then charge RN, then manager, keep objective documentation of the incident), what you are most proud of (my first interview, I said my GPA, lol) Maybe they will ask for an example of when you provided outstanding patient care, or why you decided to become a nurse (and specifically why you are interested in oncology). Think about where you see yourself in 5 years, managers like to hear that you want to be a preceptor, change nurse, serve on committees, and be a leader on the unit, if that is something you would like to do. If you plan on oncology being your specialty, maybe mention your interest in becoming certified in oncology and chemo later on.
Before your interview, maybe review some basics about caring for oncology patients (neutropenic precautions, chemo precautions, common meds, maybe the basic care for different types of cancer patients, maybe hospice/palliative care and their role...). They might ask about your experience with oncology patients, so think of an example from clinical. Bring your resume (a few extra copies), your cover letter, CPR card, transcripts, and any recommendation letters you have (plus whatever they tell you to bring). I put all my stuff in a nice binder as a portfolio.
I type up a list of questions to ask during the interview, with space to write in their answers, such as (ask these after they are done interviewing you):
* How long will orientation be and what will it consist of? Ask about the types of classes, new grad residency, 1:1 with preceptor
* What is the nurse to patient ratio (days/nights), also the CNA to patient ratio?
* What shift would you be working? (days/nights/rotating) unless they have mentioned it already. Would you be oriented on all shifts?
* Ask if it would be possible to shadow on the unit for a few hours, use this time to get an idea of the staff, support, and culture of the unit, and to see if you think you would be a good fit. Ask new grads if they felt well supported and if they felt the orientation was sufficient.
* Ask about nursing retention (how long have most of the staff been working there)
* What are some qualities of successful new grads on their unit?
* When to expect to hear back from them with a decision.
Wow that was long, but hope it helps! Best of luck!

Thank you so much for your advice! I got the job!!!!!! Oldest in my class and the 1st to get a job and it's a really good one. I truly appreciate your help. :x3:

cocoa_puff · Jun 25, 2016

Thank you so much for your advice! I got the job!!!!!! Oldest in my class and the 1st to get a job and it's a really good one. I truly appreciate your help.

Yay!! I'm so happy for you! And I'm glad I was able to help