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Didn't see a thread for this, so I'm making one.
This is for the 2016 THR Versant Residency Program.
This past week (Sept. 7-11, 2015) I noticed that some of the hospitals were starting to post their residency listings- like THR Fort Worth, HEB, Arlington Memorial, Denton, a couple from Southwest, and one from Cleburne and Plano. I've checked back every day to see if any new postings have been added from other hospitals, but I haven't seen any as of yet. I'm not sure when the rest will start posting, but hopefully we can keep each other up to date with any information we find out individually.
When I applied, I had to complete a one time behavioral type survey for first time applicants.
Anyway, any information you guys can share about the interviewing process, meet and greets, and anything else regarding the residency will be appreciated. And good luck to everyone!
Can anyone tell me what the heck a loose bound folder is? Is it like a regular folder? Or one with the brads (I think that's what they're called) in them?
I put my portfolio in a half inch three ringed binder and used dividers and those plastic paper sleeves to make it more professional. So I think it's a three or four ringed binder...
Well I didn't get the L&D spot I interviewed for. But I still have two Mother/Babys that are forwarded to hiring manager.
Anyone have any tips for acing the interview? I always feel like the interview goes well, but then I don't get the job (same thing happened to me at a different hospital system residency program I had applied for earlier this year). I am always myself, giving honest answers from the heart...sharing my passion for nursing and whatnot...but never seem to get the job.
Any tips from you guys who have gotten job offers? Or anyone?
Well I didn't get the L&D spot I interviewed for. But I still have two Mother/Babys that are forwarded to hiring manager.Anyone have any tips for acing the interview? I always feel like the interview goes well, but then I don't get the job (same thing happened to me at a different hospital system residency program I had applied for earlier this year). I am always myself, giving honest answers from the heart...sharing my passion for nursing and whatnot...but never seem to get the job.
Any tips from you guys who have gotten job offers? Or anyone?
I'm sorry to hear about your L&D interview. Did you do mock interviews with your peers or look up practice interview questions on YouTube? Those were things that I did to try to prepare myself for my interview. Though not all of the questions are used when I did the interview, it at least made me think about how I can reply to their questions as well as having at least two or three patient stories or scenarios that I can use for examples in my answers. Also during my mock interviews I was able to practice on my nervous habits that I tend to have like fidgeting with my pen/pencil.
It sounds like your heart is in the right place, but the trick is to get them (the employer) to know that in only 20 minutes or less which is the hard part. One thing I did to get that across was when I was asked "Tell me about yourself?" I didn't respond with my usual answer of "I worked at X place as a Y position..." and so forth. I responded with character and personality traits I had that applied to the position I was interviewing for. For example " I am prudent and careful with my choices, I'm responsible, I have a desire to learn, etc.". They don't need to hear the other items, they already know that from your resume so give them something new.
Also, I kept repeating to myself to smile and be confident. It sounds elementary, but we need to remember that if we get to the interview it's only because they already want to hire us for the position and that we are just supporting their idea that it is the right choice. So we already have the job in a way. Was I nervous? Yes. Anxious? Yes. Had too much coffee? Probably one cup to many, but I kept being mindful to remembering to sit up straight, smile politely, and know that they may be just as nervous as I am.
What I would do at this point honestly, is to print off a crisp clean copy of your resume, dress up professionally, and visit the two remaining positions that are pending. Make sure to call before hand and ask for the manager's name before going so that your cover letter is addressed appropriately as well. Ensuring that the manager can put a name to a face and seeing that your are very interested in joining their team may assist you in getting you an interview. Hope this helps! Good luck!!!
Thanks for the tips Roxy!
You know, I felt like the interview went well...I was very excited to be there- so I was smiling a lot and genuinely interested in what she was saying. With the Denton Women's Center, they are doing construction so she was telling me all about their upcoming changes in that area- which I thought was awesome....and I kept saying "that's awesome" "that's so great" and stuff like that. She only asked me like 4 questions, and none were "tell me about yourself" so I kind of feel like I didn't get to express that part about myself adequately enough. I did have to include an essay about myself/a clinical experience that most impacted my nursing practice. And I wrote stuff in my cover letter that talked about the values and characteristics of myself and what not.
I did research the hospital and read up about them and that sort of stuff but I feel like I didn't get the chance to bring that stuff up- like about their awards. But I did speak about how I like that THR is willing to spend money and make changes to their facilities all for the sake of improving patient care...
As far as questions and practicing goes, I didn't do a whole lot of it. I've had 4 different interviews over the past 4 months or so- 2 were for a residency in Austin and the other 2 were for a clinic in Denton. I had prepped and practiced for my very first interview- looked up a whole page full of questions and wrote down my answers to them so I had like a little script to kind of pull my answers from.
I was definitely nervous...probably fidgeted with my ring and fingers. Maybe I talked too much? Maybe they don't like that...I talked about how important communication is and teamwork...she asked what I would do if a patient was having trouble understanding what I was saying- I said it's important to bring myself to the patient's level, not just bring them to mine.
I sent a thank you email the next day...and then a few hours later I got an email from the recruiter saying they chose someone else. Meh.
I like the idea of walking a resume to the manager...only problem with that is I live 200 miles away. We will be moving up there in a few weeks (I got a clinic job and am just waiting for the official job letter and drug testings stuff). But I don't know if the positions will still be open by the time we move up there. *sigh*
I just pray I get an interview with one of the other areas....THR is truly a great place to work (had clinicals there in school) and it's just where I've wanted to work ever since...meh
But I really appreciate your help Roxy! Hopefully I can use your tips on another interview!
You know interviewing is really a skill I think. Truth be told we are all the same in terms of nursing knowledge and skills as new grads so that doesn't really help or hurt you in my opinion. What is your background New Nurse 75? Use that to your advantage. I have a really strong customer service background so I would answer most questions giving examples from that background. They want to know if you will fit in with their team and how well you can speak so if you can sell yourself that way I would try that route.
Sorry you didn't get that position. I know it is disappointing! Keep trying and good luck :)
Sometimes I can stumble when I speak. And it can be hard for me to think of the words to say..kind of like they're on the tip of my tongue but it might take me a few seconds to think of the word. I mean I am still an effective communicator with a team...it's just sometimes it might take me a little longer to "spit it out". I know employers want you to pretty much be perfect...I'm not perfect...but I know that with time I will be a better communicator.
My background is in the food service industry so I have good customer service skills...I just haven't had a chance to draw on that experience in my interviews. Not really sure how to pull that in with the questions I've usually been asked...any tips?
Well I am not sure exactly what you did in food service but a waiter for example takes a lot of time management and prioritization. Use that to your advantage. How did you settle a conflict with a customer? When you made a mistake serving the food what did you do to fix it? Use your ability to act fast and resolve issues and relate that to nursing. I don't think anyone wants you to be perfect but they do want you to be able to fit in with the team.
FutureRN62
1 Post
Hey everyone, I am not sure where the other THR facilities are in the process, but I interviewed for and accepted a position in the ED at the Arlington facility a little over a week ago!