What would YOU ask the E.R.? (interview)

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Jul 6, 2011

did you get the position

Crux1024 · Jul 6, 2011

So, hi! I forgot to update.

After about almost 3 weeks, i finally did get offered the position! They told me during the interview that they really liked me, but that they would prefer an experienced RN, however, the person before me turned down the position and I was on the B list. Lol. Of course though, i have just been called for an interview at the hospital I am already employed at: a 60 bed ER, level 2 trauma center and dedicated security team that resides in the ER (which takes a load off my mind).

The second ER interview is tomorrow, and I still havent heard from the ICU yet, but the NM told me they had almost 100 applicants and were giving 14 interviews, so IDK about my chances for that one.

CrimsonAlchemist · Jul 7, 2011

I'm a bit late to join the party, but this thread has def. given me a lot of useful information.

Keep us updated!!

Crux1024 · Jul 7, 2011

Well, had my second ER interview. I have mixed feelings about it. I had all three NMs (they have one per shift) there, and they were all asking me questions. They did ask me two clinical questions re: CP, and vomiting blood, which i can confidently say I answered well. But those other questions about "Tell me about a time you made a mistake?" and things like that.....I dont think i did so well on. The interview also lasted a grand total of 20 mins, so that also makes me think they were getting rid of me, but they all seemed to be receptive to what I was saying. I guess Ill find out next week.

Thanks for all the support.

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Jul 7, 2011

Thanks for the update. I havent worked in a while and i have an ER interview next week. I got some useful information here.

All the best

Crux1024 · Jul 9, 2011

Thanks for the update. I havent worked in a while and i have an ER interview next week. I got some useful information here.
All the best

Good luck! As I said earlier, one ER asked me clinical questions (what to so with a chestpainer and someone vomiting bright red blood) and the other did not; wouldnt hurt to brush up on some things if you need to. Let us know how it goes.

Crux1024 · Jul 15, 2011

So yeah...im stuck here!

I got BOTH E.R. jobs! I accepted one almost 2 weeks ago but this other offer just came today. One ER is 16 beds, avg 3-4 nurses, sometimes theres a tech, not trauma certified, smaller 250 bed hospital. Other bigger hospital is trauma certified, 50 beds ER, Lots of techs and nurses , own phlebotmy team and i already work for this hospital, about 450 beds and its a lateral transfer.

I feel like typing it out, its obvious that I should stay at the hospital i already work for and transfer, i just dont know how to rescind my prior acceptance gracefully. I mean i was very excited to be offered the first smaller ER job in the first place and the manager is an angel, who goes to bat for her staff allll the time.

Im just happy! Theres a light at the end of my tunnel.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 16, 2011

If you have to have a dilemma, this is the best kind! LOL. Congrats. :)

honeykrown, MSN, NP · Jul 17, 2011

Wow congratulations...I would say just go with your guts. The manager you liked best when interviewing would probably be a good fit for you.

I did the ER interview and went for a medsurg interview after. And i was surprise to find myself saying i wont mind the medsurg since ER and ICU were my first passion.

Good luck with your decision. And if you accepted and dont plan to work there, you can politely call them that you do appreciate their time in interviewing you and selecting you but you did have another offer you would like to explore (not exactly in this words but you get the point)

Crux1024 · Jul 17, 2011

I liked the smaller ER manager, but theres issues with the actual hospital that kinda scare me. Theyre for profit and not the most financially sound. I know they cut a lot of corners staff wise (i think i said earlier theres no security). And as much as i would love to wear multi colored scrubs (theres no dress code), i think id the safer bet would be the larger ER. At this point, Ive acepted both...but I guess ill email and follow up with a call on Monday to rescind the acceptance.

Thank you all for your words of wisdom, guidance and encouragement.

My next hurdle is to figure out when my current manager will let me go...she can hold me up to 8 weeks in my current position, so we'll see what she says come Monday.

Crux1024 · Jul 19, 2011

I start the week of Sept 4th! Very excited. Any good books/sites to read til then? Ive perused most of the stickies at the top of this forum.

fmAtoZ&backagain · Jul 28, 2011

crux1024 hi, thanks your sharing your experience doing interviews.

when i decided about any major decision with clear two choices, i make the typical 2 column option, and start with the pros and cons, give them a number and add them. one point is that you may not choose the best because there are other factors, as example: people, people is one important consideration that is impossible to measure unless you know the team you are planning to join) sometimes bigger ed means more complications, at the same time more lessons to learn, but that can get old very quick. so regardless of your decision, think, measure, choose your best, and do not look back, is not worth it.

also, can you share what kind of questions you have? (besides the ones you already shared, if you can). how many where in the interview for ed in the larger hospital? some people say they have up to 12 people! one person - 12, making questions?? ... i just can imagine… not really~