New Graduate

[Tuesday17]

Hey all! I'm new to the site and will be graduating in 4 weeks - a new RN! I am a non-traditional student who has been in school for the past 5 1/2 years so I have not had a job while attending college FT. Though I have never been turned down for a position once I have gotten an interview, I have heard that nursing interviews are different. I have a mock interview and will have my new resume ready in about 3 weeks for my last clinical instructor, but I am curious now.

Question #1: How does nursing interviews differ from other interviews in the medical field?

Question #2: Any suggestions or tips for a new graduate (i.e. how to survive the first year)?

Thank you in advance for your words of advice!

[NursedotcomPaige]

Hello and welcome! It's tough out there for any field. Best of luck to you!

[Tuesday17]

Thanks! I am lucky in that my local hospitals and others in my state are still hiring ... especially new grads.

[GitanoRN]

Welcome to the cite and Congratulations! on your latest accomplishment, wishing you the best in all of your future endeavors...Aloha~

[Tuesday17]

Thanks! I have learned so much from navigating through this website :-)

[Tuesday17]

I've been buying Danskos in all colors and have prepared for that! :-) What about how to survive during the first year of employment? Any tips? They are all appreciated!

[FamiliesProsper]

GOOD LUCK IN YOUR WONDERFUL CAREER
Karen.RNMN@FamiliesProsper.com

[awheat]

Listen. Pay attention and learn from everyone: your preceptor, your aides, the respiratory therapists, lab techs, etc - Don't be afraid to ask questions / clarify / ask for help. Do not pretend you know something if you don't, (although act confident in front of the pt, it helps to keep them calm). Good luck!!

[Tuesday17]

Thanks! I will use these tips :-) I appreciate your help :-) I am so excited to start with a "real" job!!!

[Tuesday17]

Thanks! I am so very excited to finally begin my career!

[Sillyiness]

I am not sure what one means by Nursing interviews are different. The person they are interviewing is going to have a lot of responsibility. It is a job that requires dealing with people, and also doing procedures that are invasive to a patient's body. This is different from say a service job, where you are dealing with thangs.

The interviewer is going to be asking questions centered around one's character and judgement. For an entry-level individual, the questions are going to be addressing your commitment and your willingness to do the job, your honesty/integrity, and even your attendance would also be a concern. How would you handle yourself if you were to make a mistake? Can you describe a time when you made a mistake? Can you demonstrate what steps you would take in addressing a mistake.

How do you handle disagreements with co-workers, and constructive criticism? How do you handle stress, or stressful situations? Do enjoy chatting with people, or are you shy? What are your goals for your nursing career? Are you planning on staying in this position for a certain length of time? I hope this gives you some idea.

[Tuesday17]

IT helps a ton! Thanks for your input!

[billhoward201240]

Prepare for the questions centered around one's character and judgement.

[NURSEDETROIT]

Most of the interviewers are HR; Not Nurses; they typically ask standardized textbook Psych 101 type questions. . . you are judged by "how" you answer the questions. . . Good Luck