Tips for Extern Interview

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Hello, I have been lurking around the site since I joined allnurses.com last year. Right now I need advice. I am having an interview tomorrow for an extern position this summer in a critical care unit. What kind of tips can you give regarding the types of questions I may be asked during the interview? What do I need to know? Any sage words that you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

JJ

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When I went in for my extern interview a lot of the questions they asked me were just based on nursing school, how I felt it was going and your life in general. Then they started off with questions such as how many days are too many to be late, or to be absent. The person who interviewed me also asked if I were a nurse manager what would I want in an employee. And of course they're going to ask you what you can bring to the program. My advice is to just be yourself, answer truthfully, and try to stay calm as best as you can. Good luck!!

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Specializes in OR.

Last summer, I had an extern interview for an externship at Vanderbilt Hospital. It was around 45 minutes in length by the time we finished, and to be honest, there is nothing that can really prepare you for what they asked me.

She asked me questions such as "Tell me a time when you met a goal and you felt good about it" or "Tell me about a time in your life when you overcame an obstacle". Honestly, they're looking for a true response, even if it isn't the best or most important reponse. They want to see what you're made of and how you react/respond with your answers. I didn't get any questions (that I remember) about nursing actions, interventions, or anything about nursing school. They just wanted to see who I was. It's a good thing that I've already had interesting experiences in life, and that my family is a little off :p So I was able to draw on those experiences to give honest answers.

Just be yourself! Be honest. I think that's what they're looking for. They want to judge your character to see if you fit in with their program.

Good luck! Having an externship position, for me anyway, was a great way to get my foot in the door for me. Finding a job has been a whole lot easier so far. When I graduate in May I know I'll at least be working somewhere now :p

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Specializes in critical care, PACU.

I went for an ICU internship interview and I got a lot of clinical questions actually. I was glad that I was OCD and prepared for it anyways hehe

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