What should I expect in interview looking for a preceptor for my clinical hours?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

As a former acute care Educator, I can help with that!  A meeting with a hospital's Education department to secure your clinical placement for an RN Refresher program is different from a typical employment interview. The focus will be more on your previous experience, current skill level, and goals for the refresher course. Here are some tips on what to expect and how to prepare:

Introduction and overview ( tell us about yourself). You'll be asked to introduce yourself and briefly talk about your nursing background and experience. They will be interested in your reason for taking time away from work and returning.

Be honest but positive and avoid negative language. If the reason you left was personal, without over-sharing too many details. You could say something like, "I had to step away from nursing due to personal reasons, but now I'm fully ready to return." 

They will try to gauge your commitment before they invest in you. Be prepared to discuss your specific areas of expertise.

 Refresher Program Requirements

Expect to discuss the goals of your refresher course and the specific requirements of the program, such as the number of hours you need to complete and the kind of clinical settings you are interested in.

Be ready to talk about your availability and any preferences for types of units or specialties (e.g., med-surg, ICU, ER, etc.).

Your Clinical Competency

They may want to assess your clinical skills and knowledge. This could involve discussing your comfort level with specific nursing procedures, technology,  new protocols, or completing a self-assessment.

Be honest about areas where you might need extra support or practice. This can help them match you with a preceptor and unit that best suits your needs.

Schedule and Logistics

They will likely want to know your schedule and availability for clinical shifts and expect you to follow your preceptor's schedule.

Hospital Expectations and Policies

You may be asked to undergo an orientation to get computer access and be checked off on IV pumps and glucometer devices. The orientation will also cover hospital-specific policies and expectations, such as infection control practices, patient privacy, and hospital procedures.

Be ready to discuss compliance with those policies and any training or documentation (e.g., immunizations, background checks) that may be required.

Questions You May Be Asked

Why do you want to return to clinical nursing?

What specific areas of nursing are you interested in refreshing?

Do you have experience with the hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system?

Are you open to working in different nursing areas or prefer a specific department?

Questions You Could Ask

What units or areas are available for clinical placements?

How will my preceptor be chosen?

What kind of support will be provided to help me refresh my skills?

Should I complete any specific policies or training before starting the clinical hours?

This meeting is all about setting you up for success and ensuring you're placed in the right environment to complete your refresher course effectively. It's more collaborative than an interview, so you can feel comfortable discussing your strengths, areas for growth, and expectations.

Good luck with the meeting!

Nurse Beth