What to expect on my 1st nursing job interview

MzMouse · Nov 5, 2007

I have had three interviews for nursing positions in my career. They were pretty similar.

Expect questions such as:

1. Why are you interested in the position?

2. What specifically made you wish to apply for a position at this facility.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?

4. Why did you leave your last position?

5. What are is your strength and your weakness?

Take your time with questions and don't be afraid to have questions repeated that you are unsure about.

Try to learn a little about the facility you are applying for. Questions mean interest and are a good thing. I have never asked specific questions about compensation and benefits, but most interviewers will bring this up. I have never applied for a position with a signing bonus.

Good luck!

floridarose · Nov 8, 2007

I have had three interviews for nursing positions in my career. They were pretty similar.
Expect questions such as:
1. Why are you interested in the position?
2. What specifically made you wish to apply for a position at this facility.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5, 10, 20 years?
4. Why did you leave your last position?
5. What are is your strength and your weakness?
Take your time with questions and don't be afraid to have questions repeated that you are unsure about.
Try to learn a little about the facility you are applying for. Questions mean interest and are a good thing. I have never asked specific questions about compensation and benefits, but most interviewers will bring this up. I have never applied for a position with a signing bonus.
Good luck!

Thanks MzMouse, I appreciate your input!

MaraG. · Nov 13, 2007

I have had 3 interviews as well. Basically right out of school while I was looking for a job that was right for me. 1 in LTC the other 2 in acute care. 2 of 3 the were very intensive. I was asked questions like:

1. What are the symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia.

2. What would you do if your pt had an active GI bleed

3. You made a med error what would you do?

4. You are the supervisor and the staff is not attending the pt/residents or they are speaking publicly about the pt's what do you do

5.As an LPN you feel that the RN staff is treating you poorly how do you handle it?

In the end I worked casual at all three jobs and the one I stuck with and like the most was the one that the job interview was the most laid back and casual.

Hope that helps.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 13, 2007

Anyone knows how the weekend only shift works?

I have been working the "weekend only" shift at my workplace, which happens to be a skilled nursing facility, for nearly 2 years. In my area, this shift is referred to as the "Baylor Plan," since Baylor University first started the trend to fill the weekend staffing holes.

Here's how it goes at my facility. I have Monday through Friday off. Then, I work two 16 hour shifts (1 on Saturday and another on Sunday). My workplace pays me for a 40 hour work week, and I have full benefits.

Fiona59 · Nov 13, 2007

Lately there have been a lot of questions about how you would deal with co-worker interactions (ie hypercritical co-worker, dealing with gossiping). It almost seems as if they are wanting a referee on some units rather than a nurse:rotfl:

The where do you see yourself in x years is always popular.

kstec, LPN · Nov 16, 2007

Depending on where you live the expectations may be different. Around where I live, if you have a pulse and a license, you're hired. I could go to ten LTC facilities tomorrow and get hired at all ten. I have over 1 year experience, but they would of hired me right out of school. Noone stays in LTC very long for some reason. I love my little old people, I just hate the high numbers of residents assigned to you and time restrictions put on you. I'm glad you want to work LTC, because the geriatric population need people who want to be there with them, not just for a paycheck. Yes, I realize we all need money, but compassion makes your work alot more enjoyable.

AprilRNhere · Nov 16, 2007

Depending on where you live the expectations may be different. Around where I live, if you have a pulse and a license, you're hired. I could go to ten LTC facilities tomorrow and get hired at all ten. I have over 1 year experience, but they would of hired me right out of school. Noone stays in LTC very long for some reason. I love my little old people, I just hate the high numbers of residents assigned to you and time restrictions put on you. I'm glad you want to work LTC, because the geriatric population need people who want to be there with them, not just for a paycheck. Yes, I realize we all need money, but compassion makes your work alot more enjoyable.

The one LTC facility where I interviewed it was like this. It quickly turned around and felt like I was interviewing them. Every question I asked...she spent 15 minutes "selling" the facility to me. Within 2 minutes I knew I had the job if I wanted it.

I keep hearing abstract questions are becomming popular. My current manager asked me to pretend I was putting an AD for myself in the New York Times...with only 3 words...what were they?

I was advised to use phrases such as time management...and cost effective during conversation. They go over very well with management. Make sure you have questions to ask as well. Incorporating the facilities mission statement looks good too..it shows you've taken time to look into the facility. Questions can include pt/nurse ratio, why the position is open, and how many positions are currently open. Do not ask about bonuses/pay/benefits until the job is offered. Downside to bonus...if it's higher than the norm in the area...there's prabably a reason. If you take it..and hate your job- and leave...you'll likely be expected to pay it back.

sweety1 · Jul 17, 2009

JOB INTERVIEW

I have my first job interview at Del Sol Medical Centre in ELPaso Texas, can anyone help to let me know what kind of questions will be asked?

thank you

sweety

lpnornot · Jul 17, 2009

Hi kstec just wondering where you live, where the job opportunity is so great. Thanks.

nursenow · Jul 24, 2009

I guess I got lucky. Except for the first question being about why I got into nursing (believe it or not I told them my primary motivation had been for the money) we didnt even really talk about much nursing stuff. I had the feeling when I first started talking with them that we clicked. The DON said I got hired because they thought I would "fit in." I left it at that without asking what "fit in" meant. I am not sure many LTC/SNFs actually give tests. I work with people that also work part time at other facilities and none of them took a test either. The primay focus was on how long they had been an LVN. I agree with the poster that mentioned he could walk in alot of places and get a job. I think, based on the experiences of my co-workers and others I have observed, that is true of alot of experienced LVNs. (the poster originaly wrote that in 2007 I believe)

You may have to work part time at a couple of facilites, work on-call or work NOCs but you can get your forty hours in. Even with this job market. It is true that new grads have a harder time but just keep going back to the same facilities in person and asking. Don't drop off a resume, ask for the DON and ask in person. Don't call every two weeks following up. Stop by in person every two weeks. I feel very lucky because I LOOVE where I work! I know being a new grad is not fun and I am sure you will survive your first interview and get a great job!

pmr0409 · Aug 12, 2010

Sweety1 how did you job interview go! Im getting ready to interview a couple of places in ELPaso TX myself! i know it was over 2 years ago :)