Interview Questions & Responses Part 1

It may be impossible to predict which questions will be asked during an interview. However, there are certain questions that are commonly asked. Knowing these questions and practicing your answers can make the difference during an interview and can lead to being hired. This list is by no means all inclusive; there are hundreds of questions that could be asked during an interview. Expect the unexpected. The most important thing to remember is to be honest! Always give complete and truthful answers.

What inspired you to be a nurse?
This is a question all nurses should be comfortable answering. This question is asked during almost every interview. There are various forms of this question including: “Why did you become a nurse?” or “What made you decide to become a nurse?” No matter how it is phrased this question is an important one. This question is one that is aimed at the core of every nurse. If you haven’t thought about this yet, think about it now! There are various reasons for wanting to become a nurse. Many want to help others, some are inspired by other family members or friends, still others are intrigued by the medical side of nursing and like the gory details. Most likely the answer is multi-faceted and complex. There is no wrong or right answer to this question, just be sincere and truthful to yourself.

Why do you want to work here?
This is a very commonly asked question as well. There are many settings and facilities in which nurses can work. The interviewer wants to know why you chose their facility. The answer to this question can be augmented by researching the company before hand. Having some background can provide concrete reasons to work for the company and let the employer know you did your research. Another good thing to do when applying to a facility is to ask about its reputation. Ask around and see what can be found “through the grapevine.” Of course take personal testimonies with a grain of salt and remember there are always two sides to every story. However if a facility has a good reputation, it is most likely well deserved. Show the interviewer that you did your homework and let them know that you like their positive reputation. Find out if the facility you are interviewing for has a special focus or function; rehabilitation, geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, etc. If you are drawn to a facility because you want to work in a certain specialty, let the interviewer know that. They will likely be happy you chose them over similar facilities.

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Tips For Job Interviews

Preparing for a job interview can be stressful, overwhelming, or even downright scary. While there are certain elements of a job interview that are out of your control, there are some things you can do to prepare. Good preparation for an interview can make the difference between a callback or even being hired on the spot and being told they went with another candidate.

Interview Timing
Always arrive early to a job interview. This cannot be stressed enough. Ideally you should arrive between 10 and 15 minutes early. This shows the potential employer that you are serious about wanting the job, eager, and punctual. These are all positive things to show the interviewer before even meeting them. Arriving more than 15 minutes is not recommended. This can lead to anxiety due to long wait times before the interview. Arriving too early can also make the interviewer feel rushed.

The worst thing you can do is arrive to an interview late. This says to a potential employer that you may be irresponsible or undependable. Not a good first impression. Even though there really may have been traffic or a flat tire, employers have heard it all. Excuses usually do not go far. Many interviewers will cancel the interview all together if you are late. The best thing to do is leave early. Plan to leave plenty of time for traffic or other delays. If you arrive to the facility too early to go in, wait in the car or drive around the block to pass some time.

Do Your Homework
Researching the company and facility you are interviewing for is always a good idea. Finding out about a facility can ensure a good match for both parties. In addition, many interviewers ask questions about the company or will simply ask what you know about the facility. Being knowledgeable can impress your potential employer. One of the best and easiest ways to gather information about a potential employer is by visiting their website. You can also Google the company name and find a variety of results for the company including news, web results, and images. Social media can also be a valuable resource for getting to know some companies. Another great way to find out information about a company is from a current employee, especially if they have the same position you are applying for. People working at a facility will be able to tell you insider information that would not be found on the company website.

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Nurse Training is Extensive, and is Never Complete,

Being a successful RN requires a lot of on-the-job nurse training, as nursing school only goes so far in preparing you to be a fully functioning nurse. A brand new nurse on a unit has a long road ahead before he or she will feel confident in their skills and abilities. An orientation program is designed to ease this transition and to ensure that the nurse has the skills and competency to provide good patient care.

The truth is, on-the-job nurse training programs are not standard and can vary greatly between facilities. Most will have a classroom portion that discusses the policies and procedures of the hospital or care facility. Then, a period of working with a preceptor typically follows. A preceptor is an experienced nurse who is responsible for "showing the ropes" of patient care and ensuring the new nurse is familiar with the workings of the unit. The time that a new nurse will spend with a preceptor is not consistent and can vary, depending on the facility and the unit.

There is a new trend in on-the-job nurse training: the new graduate nurse residency program. These programs accept multiple new graduates, and through a combination of classroom work, clinical experience and preceptorship, they help new nurses transition to full competency and confidence. Some of these programs can last up to a year, depending on the facility.

A lack of proper training for the new nurse can lead to a myriad of pr
oblems. The new nurse can feel overwhelmed by his or her responsibilities and lack of support. They may seek employment in another field or within another facility. Patient care may suffer from a less experienced nurse. It is important for employers to recognize the needs of a new nurse and to help them through this transitional period. It is also important for new graduates to advocate for themselves and their level of confidence in their nursing practice.

Nurses who have been working in the field for some time still need to keep up with their studies as medicine advances. This is typically done through continuing education credits. Many states require a certain amount of these credits to be completed each year for a nurse to retain his or her license. They are available through the Internet and cover hundreds of topics. CE credits can also be earned by completing certification classes, like ACLS (advanced cardiovascular life support) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support).

Nurse training is extensive, and is never complete. From the intense orientation of a new nurse to the continuing education of a seasoned nurse, learning is an essential part of this profession.

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2 More Things Recruiters Look For In Nursing Candidates

--Polished Professionalism
As you move through the job-search process, it’s important to position yourself so you stand out to recruiters. Major recommends customizing your résumé to every position you’re applying for, and being responsive to calls, voice mails and emails from recruiters. Use the keywords from the description of the job you’re applying for.

In addition, you should strive to behave like a professional at all times,. A team attitude is a must, as well as accountability. Because you work with dynamic and growing health care organizations, they look for nurses who have a desire to grow in their careers, expand their skills and further their educations.

Don’t be afraid to check in with recruiters. Follow up, follow up, follow up – folks are busy and may not remember or even take time to get back to you, so make it a point to reach back out to them weekly; you won’t be perceived as a pest, but rather someone who is responsible and interested.

--Desire to Grow
Once you get your first job, don’t stop there. Build hours toward getting a certification that can boost your own sense of accomplishment while adding value to your résumé.  According to an American Nurses Credentialing Center survey of nurse managers, 86 percent said they would hire a certified nurse over a noncertified nurse, if all other factors were equal. A vast majority of those respondents said the main reason was that certification proves a nurse has a knowledge base in a given specialty.

Eventually, you will want to consider whether furthering your education would be useful. As the demand for physicians increases, so too does the demand for advanced practitioners, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

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