What questions to ask while shadowing a nurse

[jmckinnon]

Hello all,

I am a newly registered nurse in Colorado and have been through many interviews already with no luck, I also got the chance to shadow a nurse as part of the interview process and didn't get the job. My feedback was that I didn't ask enough questions while shadowing. I have another shadow opportunity coming up and wanted some advice on different types of questions to ask! I asked the questions that I had, HELP!

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

That's kind of weird feedback--I can't imagine that's the only reason you didn't get the offer...perhaps they felt that by not asking questions you didn't seem interested in the job or engaged in the unit?

Anyway, I definitely wouldn't 'ask questions for the sake of asking questions' at your next interview; I could see that coming off as really annoying and disingenuous. Instead, I'd try to think about some questions that you sincerely have about the unit. It's great that you're taking some time to think about it before the interview. You can definitely browse around this site for 'questions to ask during interview.'

Off the top of my head, I might ask: What was your orientation process like? How does the unit support new nurses? Do you have opportunities for further education? How can nurses get involved in committees? Are there opportunities for advancement? What is your favorite thing about working on this unit and why? What do you like most about this specialty? Are there certifications available to nurses in this specialty?

Again, I wouldn't just ask questions for the sake of filling the silence or meeting some sort of question quota. Rather, brainstorm some questions that you really care about the answer to, and keep them in the back of your head. Ask them as the opportunity arises.

Best of luck!