Research - Research - RESEARCH
common pathology, emergency actions, common med interactions - all that stuff
Connecting
➖ Find someone currently employed where you have your interview
✻ Get their experience from the interview process
Facebook & LinkedIn as a networking resource is fantastic - join groups for your program, location, or profession
➖ Be personable
✻ I'm not sure if this is something that can really be taught
✻ If you struggle making quick connections with new people, Google tips & tricks
✻ Use their name
✻ Make eye contact
✻ Smile & laugh
Keep in mind
➖ Most of the time, if you get to the interview stage, they just want to make sure you're a good fit.
➖ Be confident in yourself; obviously, you have something that they're looking for! You're there for a reason
➖ A lot can be taught & developed (hello - orientation)
➖ Someone who...
✻ Contributes to morale & community
✻ Seeks out & adjusts to feedback
✻ Takes initiative
✻ Thinks critically
✻ Gets along with everyone
➤ ... is an asset to every single unit - no matter where or how much experience.
➖ No matter how brilliant, someone who....
✻ Is unable to cooperate
✻ Has poor communication
✻ Won't take feedback graciously
✻ Doesn't apply notes
➤ ... will hinder any unit.
➖ The interviewer will most likely try to test your critical thinking skills
✻ Be prepared to be asked 'why'
✻ It's not them doubting you - they want a rationale
✻ Nursing requires a certain level of confidence, constantly doubting yourself can pose patient safety problems - so trust your gut & stay evidence-based
Pre-interview Prep
➖Reflect internally - What are your strengths? Where are your areas for improvement?
✻ Follow this format ✻
Strength or Area for Growth
↓
Short Example
↓
Strength = Resolution
or
Growth = What You Learned & How You Plan To Improve
✻ Strength Example: "During my clinical at XYZ, I was in a situation where the patient was consistently getting agitated & upset. I de-escalated the situation by recognizing the patient's concerns, validating their experience, then discussed with the other members of the care team about potentially starting behaviour mapping."
✻ Growth Example: "I hope to more thoroughly develop my ability to set patient boundaries. While at my placement in XYZ, I had a patient with a never-ending supply of stories. My hesitancy at seeming rude by outwardly saying I had to go delayed other duties. Eventually, I grew more confident with being assertive. For this patient, I found a blunt approach more beneficial than subtlety. I was relieved to find out they hadn't even perceived it as rude or uncaring. But it is an area I feel I could use more development."
➖ Review your previous evaluations & your instructor's notes
➖ Dress professionally - please don't wear leggings or jeans.
✻ No need to wear scrubs but think business/business casual.
➖ Prep all that you need to bring:
✻ A copy of your resume
✻ Reference letters that have been written for you
✻ Notepad
✻ Pen
➖ Write down your questions before going into the interview so that you don't forget
The interview
➖ Always formally introduce yourself
➖ Observe all niceties - ask them how they are & if they have a preferred name
✻ Use their name - it helps to build a connection
➖ Ask how much time they have/if they have any appointments immediately following the interview
✻ Shows respect for their time
✻ Helps to keep your answers concise
✻ Allows for enough time in the end for you to ask some questions
➖ Take a second to put your answer together before responding to the question
✻ Articulation will be more effective than long & overly detailed explanations.
➖ If you enjoy the teaching aspect of nursing - SAY IT!
✻ A TON of units bring on students & float nurses can end up with students too
✻ Good teachers are a dime a dozen & a huge asset
✻ Do NOT say you enjoy teaching if it's not actually true - there's seriously nothing worse than feeling like you're a nuisance to your primary nurse
➖ When they say, "all alright, do you have any questions for me?" The answer is always yes
✻ The golden number is usually 3-4
✻ Be aware of duration - have respect for their schedule & time
✻ Take notes on their answers
✻ If they don't ask if you have any questions - ask them if they'd be okay answering some of your questions
✻ Great Questions to Ask ✻
➖"When there is an opportunity to improve, how do you provide feedback?"
➖"What are the qualities that you look for & are the most important when adding members to your team?"
➖"What do you feel are the biggest challenges you & other nurses face on this unit?"
➖"How is the turnover rate? Are you able to share the primary reasons that staff leave?"
➖"What are the most common errors you see on this unit? What do you think are the best way to avoid them?"
➖"How would you like me to follow up with you after this interview?"
➖"Are there common struggles that new grads have on this unit?"
➖"How would you describe your management style?"
Wrapping up
➖ Ask if there's there anything else that they can think of
➖ Ask if they have a business card you can have
➖ Offer your physical resume & letters (if not already given)