Upcoming OR shadowing followed by Interview

ORoxyO · Jan 1, 2013

Always offer to help with something. They shouldn't let you touch anything, but the offer looks good!

They will probably assign you to a nurse and have you stay in his/her room all day. We usually try to keep people away from nasty docs/nurses/techs but in interesting cases. Try to not focus so much on what the doctor is doing but what the nurse is doing as that will be your job. There's always time to see cool stuff if you get the job. Eat breakfast. Even if it is just juice. If you feel light headed at all, sit down. Better than crashing down!

As for interview questions I got the basic HR questions plus a few different:

-Questions about if you are interested in the technical side of nursing

-An example of going out of your way for a patient

-Why does the OR interest you?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 1, 2013

For your shadow day:

-Focus on the role of the RN, not the surgery taking place. Focusing on the surgery means you will miss a lot of what the RN does and is responsible for. I'm not saying you shouldn't watch the surgery at all, just that you are there primarily to watch the nurse.

-Ask questions, but be sure to do so at an appropriate time. There are times when the nurse needs to concentrate on the patient and should not be interrupted (anesthesia induction, counts, passing medications, etc.).

-Be sure to introduce yourself to the whole team if the nurse you're shadowing doesn't do so. Surgeons and staff like to know who's in the room and why- some surgeons/staff will morph into teaching mode, others will.... behave themselves a little better.

For the interview:

-Be prepared for questions about strengths and weaknesses, how you handle conflict, more questions along those lines.

-Ask about call requirements: how much, how often, allowed response time, will you have the opportunity for buddy call before flying solo.

-Ask about orientation: how long, evaluation process, expectations from the facility, etc.

-Dress professionally. Yes, you will change into scrubs for the shadowing portion, but you should still make a good first impression.

These are just a few suggestions, I'm sure other posters will have more.

classics70s · Jan 1, 2013

Thanks for the incoming feedback and responses. I was also wondering about the clothing---what is proper attire? So the OR scrubs are provided, of course?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 1, 2013

Business casual would be appropriate. Your own scrubs would not be. Double check with the OR or person setting up the shadowing and interview, but the standard is that OR personnel wear facility-laundered scrubs for infection control purposes. Also, limit the jewelry you wear, as it may not be permitted for the shadowing experience. My facility only allows one pair of stud earrings (which must be covered by the hat) and a plain wedding band (no stones or engraving), also for infection control purposes.

classics70s · Jan 1, 2013

Thanks again. I'll contact the person who contacted me to arrange the interview and OR session.

NP Sam · Jan 2, 2013

Good luck on your interview! Your strengths and weaknesses are something you should take time to think about. I was recently told that I was hired because of my interview! So it means a lot. I agree that during the shadowing you should pay attention to what the nurse is doing, questions asked of her/him, and questions that they ask. It's okay to feel overwhelmed, that is normal.

classics70s · Jan 2, 2013

Glad its a normal response. I have some preparation time. So I'm very thankful for all the feedback. I'm excited for this opportunity and hope I'm successful on this interview.

classics70s · Jan 21, 2013

I was offered the job. Thanks for all the input.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 21, 2013

Congrats!

classics70s · Jan 21, 2013

Many many thanks