Published Jul 6, 2010
girliegirlRN
47 Posts
OK, I went on my interview today for a school nurse position at an intermediate school. The interview only lasted 20 minutes, or so. My husband seems to think that's a bad sign, as it wasn't much time. The principle seemed interested but I must admit I was SOOO nervous! She mentioned that she had 4 other people interviewing for the position today and hoped to make a decision soon! What should my next step be, if any? Do I write a follow up thank you letter for allowing me the time, or not? What do you all think?
5 people interviewing for a school nurse position that was just posted last week seems like ALOT to me! I didn't think there would be so many applicants I would be competing with!
mustlovepoodles, RN
1,041 Posts
I don't think the 20 minute interview is necessarily a bad sign. Principals are very busy. If she's interviewing 5 potential candidates for 20 min each that's over an hour & a half. Probably more than that, all told. She may be keeping aaaaallll the interviews short so she can get back to her other work.
I have interviewed twice for school nurse positions. The first time I was one of many candidates. THe principal didn't seem to like me all that much and sat with her arms and legs crossed. I should have listened to my gut. She didn't make me an offer until she had interviewd a LOT of other people, so about 3-4 weeks! I always felt like she got me by default and we never had a good relationship. I just sensed that she didn't like me.
My second interview was last December. I sent my resume, they called me in, I wowed them,they loved me, and I had an offer 2 days later. THis job has been a match made in heaven!
hammergirl5
32 Posts
I don't think it is a "bad" sign ... sounds like she is just busy. Were the questions asked short, sweet and to the point? My interview lasted about 45 minutes, but I am a talker, and it easily could have been shorter!
I interviewed at 9am and the principle called me at 3pm to ask me to send her 3 references. She said she was very interested in me and she would like to offer me the position if my references checked out. I'm so excited! I don't think I've ever been chosen over 4 other people for any position! We didn't discuss details of the job during the interview (start date, training, whether or not I'll have to be certified, etc). Has anyone ever worked with 7th-8th grade students??? Is there anything I should brush up on prior to starting the year?
bergren
1,112 Posts
Congratulations!!!!
Some states have excellent school health websites.
Find out if your state offers a school nurse orientation. If not, plan to attend their fall conference. Some states and school districts also offer mentoring programs. I do suggest getting the School Nursing Textbook by Janice Selekman for starters.
To find your state organization: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=60
Good luck!
schooldistrictnurse
400 Posts
My first post! I'd be sure to ask if there is a job description. If there isn't, its one of the first tasks I would tackle. It puts your duties and responsibilites in writing, which we all know is valuable. Plus it prevents misunderstandings down the line.
As far as learning about middle school students--I'd recommend that you try to be in the hall during passing time, try to be in the cafeteria during lunchtime--you'll learn a lot!