Tough Interview questions

[beatrice1]

I know there are alot of questions and threads about interview advice... But lately I have heard that the questions that are asked now are more about "tell me what you can do for us" more than "tell me about yourself"

They want to know how you will save the hospital money, what you can do to improve the team... how do we know these things if we have never worked as a nurse. Anyone have any advice how to answer these types of questions, or any other ones I should know about.

How can I be well prepared?

Bea

[Orange Tree]

I would make sure they knew that I knew the hospital was a business....and that I was always thinking about the "bottom line" along with providing excellent patient care.

Are you organized? Efficient? Committed to getting out of work on time instead of logging "extra" hours every week? Do you dislike wasting supplies? Do you use your "down" time (haha) to get even more work done than is required? Well then, make sure you let them know!

[beatrice1]

Thanks! Great points to make.

That's why I love this site... :) It's great to get extra advice from such experienced talented people.

Thank you,

Bea

[su9032]

I haven't had an RN interview, but the nurse tech interviews usually have questions about handling conflict such as upset patients/families, and about being flexible. They may ask you to give an example of one of those situations that you've experienced. I find they also want to know your strengths & weaknesses (always have a positive twist & how you are addressing any weaknesses). Also the famous, "Why did you go into nursing?" What do you like most about it & least? Have you ever experienced conflict with coworkers, clinical classmates, or teachers? They are trying to determine if you get along well with others & whether you can work independently and as a team player.

[Jenni811, RN]

i had my RN interview last year, and i remember some really difficult questions. i was thinking "Wow...yea about that..."

but really i remember they asked me "tell me a time you passed judgement on a patient and once you learned their story you thought differently" YIKES!!! do i admit i passed judgement on a patient?? (I'm only human...)

i remember they asked me "Why should we chose you over anyone else?"

basically, its a time to sell yourself without sounding snobby. So its not like "Hire me because i'm the best and i know everything"...no you don't know everything so its more "Because i'm eager to learn" its about how you word it.

and they ALL ask "How did you get into nursing?"...it will be asked!!! so come up with something good. :)

[elprup, BSN, RN]

I did not read all the posts. One great question that I always ask the interviewers is "What type of person are you looking for to fill X position? What qualities? etc From my experience job seekers are always talking about what they can do for the employer. So it's a nice change for interviewers to be asked what would be their perfect choice for X position.

Plus it gets them talking and gives you an idea on which way to go.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

check my thread: wondering why you can't get hired or promoted: resume + interview hints!

see section c for interview questions ...and some answers.

another question being asked: do you know our health system's "mission statement"...how can you apply that in your nursing practice?