whoooo, got an interview

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Two, actually! One is Medical ICU, one is Integrative Care. I'm excited to learn more about both opportunities and can see either one being a great place to work and grow as a nurse.

I've checked out several AN threads and websites, so I've got a good list of questions to ask, and the hospital actually had a list of questions to prepare to answer. So I think I'm good on those fronts. I have three more questions:

1) Is it likely that there will be a lot of clinical questions during the interview? This will be my first time interviewing for a hospital unit, and I'm not sure what to expect. I've been brushing up on stuff as much as possible, but in my current job the knowledge I use daily is somewhat fragmented. I want to be as prepared as possible.

2) Share days - any big things I should do or not do? Obviously offer to help where I can, stay out of the way where I can't, and ask questions when appropriate.

3) I'm having trouble with one manager getting the exact day and time chosen for the interview. She has been very slow with responding to emails (but does eventually - like within hours of a possible timeframe I'd suggested). I figured I would follow up one more time next week, but is she maybe just not super interested in taking to me? A friend of mine said that I should just be very flexible so as not to miss the opportunity, but I have things I need to schedule this week and it stresses me out to not be able to do that!

Thanks, all!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adult Oncology.

Congrats!

I think the possibility of clinical questions varies on the hospital and the position. For my position on a med surg/oncology/palliative care unit, I was not asked any clinical questions but for my interview for an L & D position I was. Brushing off definitely won't hurt :)

What do you mean by share days? Days where you are like a resource nurse, meaning you don't have a specific patient assignment rather you help where help is needed?

As far as the manager issue, it seems you are doing everything right but as a manager she is most likely very busy. If you are unable to reschedule because she does not get back to you, just stick to the previously agreed day and time! Hopefully those things in which you are trying to plan are not too contingent on this interview date and time.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Thanks for your reply! They are basically calling a shadow experience a share day, where I'll spend some time on the unit shadowing one of their nurses.

So, basically what happened was, she emailed me asking to schedule an interview. I responded with a couple days and times. No response for three business days. I then followed up via email with another possibility since my work schedule had changed. She didn't respond until within a few hours of that particular timeframe, by which time I'd picked up hours volunteering (I literally did not make other plans until that morning because I figured she wasn't going to respond). So I called her immediately and said I'd made these plans but could try to change them (and apologized!). She said it was okay and that she'd email me later. That was Thursday. Hopefully I didn't blow it! (Y'all can tell me if I did.)

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adult Oncology.

Ah, I see! In that case yes! See as much as you can and ask questions! Sounds like a great opportunity!

Hmmm, its very likely that she is just busy, being a manager and all. What days did you offer? Are they further out? Or are they for this week? I don't think you blew it, I just think she is probably trying to balance a lot plus trying to schedule interviews. :)

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

So, she emailed me on Friday the 20th. I responded that afternoon with Wednesday the 25th and this upcoming Wednesday the 1st. When my work schedule changed, I also offered Thursday the 26th. If I don't hear from her tomorrow, I guess I will email another set of days during the next two weeks. I don't want to overwhelm her, but options are good, right? :)

Thank you so much for your reply, it is very encouraging and helpful!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adult Oncology.

That seems like a good plan! Your follow up shows you are interested!

Of course! Anytime! Good luck and welcome to the nursing profession :)

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