Interview Tips Nursing Interview Tips Whether you're a recent nursing school graduate, or an experienced nurse looking to move

ahead in your career, you cannot underestimate the importance of your nursing job interview. It is the most important aspect of your job hunt. Below are some helpful nursing interview tips for recent nursing school grads and experienced nurses alike. Interview Tips Pre-Interview Prep The first items you should have ready are your credentials. The credentials you absolutely need for your nursing job interview are as follows:

A copy of your complete CV. Be sure to proofread for any mistakes. Copies of your nursing license or, if you have them, a copy of your notice of passing board scores. Two copies of a complete, typed list of all references and previous managers. You will need one copy for the HR department and one for the hiring manager. Be sure to include their complete names, titles, current addresses and telephone numbers.

Prepare in Advance for Interview Questions Below is a list of standard nursing interview questions you should be prepared to answer.

How would you describe your skills as a team player? How will you deal with difficult doctors? How will you deal with difficult patients and/or their families? How will you handle unexpected circumstances, such as being short staffed and having to perform a treatment you have not done before?

You should also practice answering the tough nursing interview questions ahead of time.

If you are a recent nursing graduate, you should be prepared to explain to your interviewer what qualities you possess that will help you get up to speed quickly with the demands of your new unit. You should be prepared to answer questions regarding any negative experiences you've had in the work place, what you learned from them, and how you would use those experiences in a positive way in your new position.

Have a list of your own interview questions to ask your interviewer. Below are some examples of nursing interview questions you should ask a potential employer.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio? Is there support staff on the unit to assist nurses? In what ways are nurses held accountable for high qualities of practice? How much input do nurses have regarding systems, equipment and the care environment? What professional development opportunities are available to nurses?

Remember, these are just some examples of nursing interview questions to ask. You should by all means ask about any additional questions that you find important.

What is the question behind the question?

During the interview process you may encounter questions that will prompt some amount of self-examination. Some very simple questions may illuminate extremely important issues, for yourself and the hospital. Realize that some questions may be asked in a certain way to see how you handle stress. Take a breath and think before you answer. Are there issues behind the question? Also think about why the question is being asked. In addition to the more obvious goal of illuminating information about you, some questions may also reveal issues at the hospital that need to be addressed. They want to know if you have dealt with the problem before and if you succeeded. Use this insight to focus on examples of your past successes in resolving these types of challenges. Here are examples of those questions and the "question behind the question." How you answer these and similar questions will have a major bearing on the success of the interview. Take time to review these questions and think about how they apply to you, your career and the opportunity at hand. "Tell me about yourself. What is not shown on your resume?" Just talk for 2 minutes. Be logical. The interviewer is looking for communication skills, linear thinking. Provide insight into your management philosophy or personal mission statement. "Why are you leaving your current position?" There is nothing wrong with being open to an opportunity that enhances your career. This is a very critical question. Don't "bad mouth" your previous employer. If you are coming out of an organization known to have major problems, or in midst of a buy-out, down-sizing or re-engineering, this may be an easy question to answer. It is also good to state that after long personal consideration your chance to make a contribution is very low due to changes in the company. If you were not looking for a change when contacted by the recruiter to this interview, say so. There is nothing wrong with being open to an opportunity that advances your career. "What do you consider your most significant accomplishments?" Answers to this question can get you the job so prepare extensively. You may want to frame your answer into a two minute story, with details and discuss personal involvement. Describe how things were when you arrived, what you did to make the change and the measurable results. Discuss accomplishments that were worth achieving. Discuss hard work, long hours, pressure and any important issues at stake. "Why do you believe that you are qualified for this position?" Be certain you know the specifics of the question - do they need a person to maintain the status quo or make major changes? Do they want staff development, a hands-on manager or an administrator to facilitate policies with upper administration? Pick two or three main factors about the job and about you that are most relevant. Provide specific details. Select a clinical or technical skill or a

specific management skill (organizing, staffing, planning), and combine it with a personal success attribute. "Have you ever accomplished something you didn't think you could?" The interviewer is trying to determine your goal orientation, work ethic, personal commitment, and integrity. Provide a good example where you overcame numerous difficulties to succeed. Prove you're not a quitter, and that you'll "get going when the going gets tough." "What do you like/dislike most about your current position? What will you miss most about your current position" The interviewer is trying to determine compatibility with the open position. If you have an interest in the position be careful. Stating that you dislike overtime or detail work can cost you the position. There is nothing wrong with liking challenges, pressure situations, opportunities to grow, or a dislike for bureaucracy or frustrating situations. Again, be positive about your current position. "How do you handle pressure?" High achievers tend to perform well in high pressure situations. These questions also could imply that the position is pressure packed. If you do perform well under stress, provide an example with details, giving an overview of the stressful situation. Let the interviewer "feel" the stress by your description. "Describe the difference between being a manager and a leader. ...a leader and a follower?" Your answer will tell the interviewer about your understanding of hiring, motivating and retaining staff. Following directions, thinking outside of the box, empowering people or just doing what needs to be done; all of these management approaches have their time. It's OK to be a manager; certain situations require it. Being a leader is the next level of managerial development, so convey what is appropriate for you. "Describe your gaps in employment, frequent job changes or your being asked to leave your last position." Addressing mistakes in choices you made in the past will demonstrate maturity. Being unable to do so will cost you the job. From commuting issues to re-engineering there are people who never expected job loss or changes to be a problem to address. Be able to address each issue clearly with solid information. This is an opportunity to grow with new challenges. Convey why you can and are ready to settle down now and your ability to make a contribution to a new organization. If you have taken time off between positions, it is OK to let them know that you were not looking for another job. Let the interviewer know with increased responsibility and your broadened experience, you will be an asset to their team. If you had offers and did not accept them, let them know you are looking for the perfect organization - theirs! Be positive, introspective and honest; but do not dwell on the question. "Describe your best boss." This is the essence of who you are as an employee. Autonomy, someone to brain-storm with, fairness, someone interested in your continued professional development, creativity and supportive of your decisions may

be some of the many different aspects of your next manager. Being aware of which of these characteristics have worked best (or worst) for you is important in being true to who you are as a manager and an individual. Be aware that your answer will also reveal a great deal about who you are. We tend to mirror the person we want for a manager. "Why do you want to work here?" If you have done your homework about this organization, now is the time to use that knowledge. Remember, even as a recruited candidate, some facilities will want to understand why you would select them. If you are a recruited candidate, remind them that you were not looking when you were contacted, but that the challenge sounded intriguing and that a solid opportunity for career advancement is important to you. "Describe your involvement in re-engineering, down-sizing or cost containment processes?" Healthcare continues to go through major changes. Describe in a positive way, what changes you led, facilitated, or were involved in as a participant. Use examples where you specifically made changes and describe the outcome. "Where have you saved money, handled more with less, or found other ways to cut cost or increase productivity?" Describe your actions with a positive can-do attitude. Most organizations face these same issues and your proven success will make a good impression. Be specific and describe your successes in quantifiable terms. Share those achievements where you increased revenue, reduced costs, improved quality of care or otherwise improved the bottom line. Know the positive impact you have made for your current and past organizations. Well articulated, these answers can land your next opportunity. "How do you mentor your managers and retain your staff?" Provide some thoughtful insight into your management style. Any success involving a departmental turn-around should be shared. Be specific in your successes and short falls, and reflect on what you learned in the process. Having a unit with little turnover sometimes is luck but more often is an art. Be able to describe the secrets of your success or the process you took to achieve it. Always take credit for your success, but be willing to give credit to those who helped you and your department. "How do you go about securing buy-in from administration? ...physicians? ...other department heads? ...your own staff?" This is clearly an opportunity to discuss your facilitation skills and ability to develop relationships at all levels within the organization. This is a critical question and lets the interviewer know you understand what it takes to be successful in an organization. "Describe your typical day." The interviewer is looking for your organizational skills and the functions you handle to determine if you can address their problems. Before the interview, review what you do daily, weekly and monthly. Being energetic, planned, able to set goals and willing to be flexible are all important aspects of successfully managing your new responsibilities. Extensive discussion about putting out fires may signal a problem with your ability to plan or anticipate

problems. "What's the worst or most embarrassing aspect of your business career? How would you have done things differently now with 20/20 hindsight?" This is a general question to learn how introspective you are and to see if you can admit to your mistakes and learn from them. Don't be afraid to talk about your failures; we've all been there. This is a critical aspect of high potential individuals. "How have you grown or changed over the past few years?" This requires thought. Maturation, increased clinical or technical skills, or increased self-confidence are important aspects of human development. To discuss this effectively is indicative of a well-balanced, intelligent individual. Overcoming personal obstacles, or recognizing manageable weaknesses can brand you as an approachable and desirable employee. "What do you consider your most significant strengths?" Be prepared by knowing your four or five key strengths. Be able to discuss each with a specific example. Select those attributes that are most compatible with the job opening. Some people say "management" or "good inter-personal skills" in answer to this. Do not answer this way unless you can describe, with specific examples, the characteristics of management (planning, organizing, results, staffing, etc.) or how your relationship skills have proven critical to your success. "What do you consider your most significant weaknesses?" Discuss tolerable faults that you are working towards improving. Show by specific example how this has changed over time. Better yet, show how a weakness can be turned into a strength. For example, how a concentration on details results in higher quality work even though it requires extra effort for a period of time. "Deadlines, frustrations, difficult people, and silly rules can make a job difficult. How do you handle these types of situations?" Unfortunately most companies face these types of problems daily. If you can't deal with petty frustrations, you'll be seen as a problem. You certainly can state your displeasure at the petty side of these issues, but how you overcome them is important. Diplomacy, perseverance, and common-sense can often prevail even in difficult circumstances. This is part of corporate America, and you must be able to deal with it on a regular basis. "One of our biggest problems is ___________. What has been your experience with this? How would you deal with it?" How well do you think on your feet? The situational question is the most frequently asked question. It is paramount to demonstrating that you understand the issues, are able to listen for the facts and provide your experiences and insight to solve their problems. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying or exploratory questions to gain relevant information which helps you analyze the problem. Be specific in stating how you would go about solving the problem. "How do you compare your clinical knowledge to your management skills?" Most successful managers possess good clinical knowledge. Display your

understanding of the clinical aspects of your area in order to create confidence and build credibility with your staff. The more administrative roles require less emphasis on clinical expertise but a greater demand on your ability to recognize, motivate and develop talent, to provide a vision and manage the bottom line. "How would you handle a situation with tight deadlines, low employee morale, and inadequate resources?" If you pull this off effectively, it indicates you have strong management skills. Be creative and use examples. Relate your toughest management situation. Be able to address your flexibility along with your team building, interpersonal and organizational skills. This is real-life situation in most facilities today. "Are you satisfied with your career to date? What would you change if you could?" Be honest. The interviewer wants to know if they can keep you happy. It's important to know if you're willing to make some sacrifices to get your career on the right track. Your degree of motivation is an important selection criteria for you and them. "What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself five years from now? Ten years?" Most importantly, be realistic! Blue sky stuff brands you as immature. One or two management jumps in three to five years is a reasonable goal. If your track indicates you're on line for senior management in ten years, it's okay to mention. However, if you've had a rocky road, it's better to be introspective. "Why should we hire you for this position? What kind of contribution would you make?" By now you should know the key challenges faced by this organization. This is the time to thoughtfully summarize what you have observed and to link your achievements to their key issues. Now is the time to ask for the position. Here are some additional questions to contemplate. "What problems have required you to be especially creative? Walk me through your thought process." "What overwhelms you and why?" "How would others describe you as a boss? ...a peer? ...an employee?" "Give an example of your initiative in handling a challenging situation." "How do you handle criticism?" "How dysfunctional was your last organization? How about the one before that?" "What is the main reason you last failed? ...last succeeded?" "Are you successful? How do you define success?" "What is your relationship with your physicians?" BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

1. Prepare your credentials and other paperwork. Create a professional rsum that profiles your experience and any nursing career highlights. List your job positions, key responsibilities, accomplishments, rewards, recognition, credentials, licensing and education. Ask a colleague or mentor to review your rsum for content, grammar, format and overall effectiveness. (For tips on preparing your nursing rsum, read more.) Print out multiple copies of your rsum and keep them in a folder with your other documents. Make a list and check off all of your credentials, immunization and identification documents. Make sure to include your nursing license, BCLS/ACLS card, additional certificates from any advanced training programs, driver's license, immunization record and social security number. Bring the original documents and two or three copies of each to give to the human resources department and the hiring/interviewing manager. Bring a current copy of your nursing skills checklist(s). Be thorough and honest about your answers; this list demonstrates your clinical competencies, a key component in your nursing career. If you are working with a staffing company, they can normally provide you with skills checklists that can be completed for your nursing interview. Have at least two copies of your references available-one to leave with the human resources representative and the other for the hiring manager. Verify and update the names, titles, facility designations, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of clinic managers, nursing faculty and personal references. (If you have reference letters, bring them along. Most employers use them as supplemental material, not as a substitute for references. Anticipate being asked for permission to conduct a criminal background investigation. The permission form may require you to list all of your prior addresses for the past five to seven years, so keep this information with you.

2. Anticipate the questions you will be asked. Find out as much as you can about the facility where you'll be interviewing by visiting their Web site or picking up literature from your nursing school's career center. If you have any contacts who work at this facility, take the time to ask them about the staff, the corporate culture and general procedures. Prepare answers for standard on-the-job type interview questions:

1. How would others describe your skills as a team player? 2. What is your approach for getting along with difficult staff members? 3. How do you handle problem patients and/or families? 4. What is your method for dealing with the workload when your unit is short-staffed?

5. How do you give a treatment that you have never administered before? 6. How do you handle three emergency admissions at shift change? Develop an answer for one of the most common open-ended questions: "Tell me a little about yourself." This question is designed to evaluate your judgment. This is not the time or the place for a chronological biography or any self-critical remarks. It's your opportunity to reveal key details about yourself that validate why you are the right one for the job. Use this opportunity to point out the unique skills, talents and attitudes you bring to the nursing unit, backed up with specific examples. For instance, if you talk about your teamwork or leadership skills, give an example of when you demonstrated these qualities. Practice answering questions in a way that shows you are a problem-solver. Staff shortages and new employee training can be a source of stress for the manager and the other workers on the unit, so show that you can be part of the solution. Provide examples from your nursing career that demonstrate how you've picked up the slack, organized workflow and contributed in various ways to make things more efficient. Craft answers to negative situations, but frame them in a positive light. Review your nursing experience and write down pertinent examples that show how you overcame adversity and gained new insights. Even if you faced some difficult situations at your last facility, refrain from speaking negatively about a previous employer, department or manager. You don't want to come across as someone who blames his or her situation on others or offend the hiring manager by mistake. Emphasize the positive and highlight how these challenging experiences strengthened and shaped your skills and your nursing career.

3. Practice, practice, practice! Practice answering all of these questions until you feel comfortable and at ease. Don't just say what you think the interviewer wants to hear; be true to yourself. Otherwise you could be hired under the wrong expectations for a position that's not a good match. Your goal is to prepare answers that best reflect your skills and personality. Remember to be sincere, professional and show how you've excelled in your nursing career. Give these nurse interview tips a test run and stage a mock interview. Ask a colleague, friend or relative who is a manager or familiar with the interviewing process to do a "mock" interview with you. Have them ask the same thought-provoking questions they would ask their candidates. Even if they don't work in nursing or health care, their interviewing experience is still relevant. Don't let them go easy on you; the tougher their questions the less stumped and more prepared you'll be when it comes time for the real interview.

You should also practice greeting your interviewers with a smile and a firm handshake, either with friends or in front of a mirror. Keep at it until you exude the warmth, confidence and professionalism that you want. It may feel strange at first, but it can help you alleviate jitters and appear more polished on the day of the interview. Don't forget to get plenty of sleep the night before your nursing interview to help you look rested and feel more alert.

THE INTERVIEW DAY 1. It is important to make a great first impression. Like the old adage says, "You only get one chance to make a good first impression," and the success of your nursing career may depend on those first few moments of an interview. Studies have shown that managers often make hiring decisions within 30 seconds of meeting a candidate. It's that initial impression that stands out in the interviewer's mind when they are evaluating you vs. another candidate. This is why dress, grooming, a clear speaking voice and a winning smile are important.

2. Dress to get the job. What are you going to wear? If you do not know the personality of the hiring manager or the corporate culture of the hospital, dress in professional business attire. The degree of formality and what's acceptable varies around the country, but it is better to err on the side of being too dressed up than to come across as less-thanprofessional. Ask your most "image conscious" nursing colleague for advice about what is appropriate to wear, or check with anyone who might have worked at that facility or department in the past. Whatever clothes you choose, make sure they are impeccable; freshly cleaned and pressed. Don't forget to shine your shoes and make sure they are in good shape, as well. Dressing in neat, professional clothes shows respect for the facility and your nursing career. Hiring managers pay attention to these details since they reflect a candidate's diligence.

3. Keep personal accessories to a minimum. Remove or tone down personal accessories that could be considered distracting or distasteful; avoid flashy nail decor, heavy makeup and clunky jewelry. The emphasis during the interview process is to portray a professional and neat appearance, not broadcast your unique style. Style your hair so it is pulled back and off your face, a mirror of how it will be when you are doing patient care. Avoid any scented lotions, perfume or after shave. It could trigger an allergic reaction and make a less than favorable impression.

4. Allow plenty of time to get to the interview. Punctuality at your first meeting with a potential employer is crucial! It is a mark of your dedication and professionalism, and sets the right tone for the next step in your nursing career. So start out early and allow plenty of time to make it through traffic, find the facility, park your car and walk to the interview location. If possible, get directions ahead of time and ask about parking and access to the place where you need to interview. Plan to arrive early just in case an accident or something unforeseen might slow you down. This pre-planning will also allow you to arrive at the interview relaxed and prepared. If you're very early, you can use the time to review the nurse interview tips and rehearse your answers to common questions.

5. Do not smoke before your meeting with the hiring manager. No matter how tense you get, do not give into the urge for a cigarette. The smell of smoke on your clothes and breath can create a very negative first impression.

6. Greet your interviewer warmly. Make eye contact, smile warmly and shake the interviewer's hand. Take a look at their personal dcor in the office and find something pleasant to say about an item that draws your attention, or mention something about the facility in general. This "connection" can help set the tone and get the interview started on an upbeat note. Maintain frequent eye contact throughout the interview to show your continued interest.

7. Listen, respond and relax during the interview. It's only natural to be a little nervous, especially during your first nursing interview. So don't worry if you stumble on your first sentence or don't immediately get your full point across. Look for the opportunity to provide more details and demonstrate your strong points. Relax, take a couple of deep breaths and maintain a calm, even conversational tone. Listen carefully to each question and respond to what is being asked, not to what you anticipate will be asked. Ask for clarification if needed and be careful not to rush through your answers.

8. Your turn to ask questions. Most interviewers will give you a chance to ask questions, so use this opportunity to show your interest in the position and find out key details about the workflow. Feel free to check your notes, but avoid asking questions about items that are already spelled out in the hospital's literature.

You might ask questions about the unit, current developmental projects, orientation and getting acclimated into the existing work group. It is also helpful to ask the hiring manager what skills they think are most important to succeed at this job, and then be sure to point out how you have demonstrated those skills in previous situations.

9. Extra things to bring to the interviewer's attention. Discuss your professional association memberships and any committee positions which you've held. Mention research you've helped with, volunteer projects, published articles and continuing education. Let the hiring manager know if you're interested in extra responsibilities such as committee or task force memberships. Express your willingness to take advanced training in subjects needed to fill in clinical competencies in the unit. Ask for a tour of the facility and to meet some of your peers. Use this experience to get a feel for the unit.

FOLLOW UP 1. Send a thank you note after the interview. Letter writing may be a lost art, but a simple thank you note shows your interest and thoughtfulness, which reinforces a favorable impression. So, if you want the job....say thank you. Thank the interviewer(s) for their time and consideration. Keep the tone business-like, focused and warm. It should be a reflection of your personality, your professionalism and how you approach your nursing career. Mention a specific contribution you can make to address their current challenges and then wrap up the note by asking for the job. Proofread the letter and make sure there are no typos or inaccuracies. E-mail, mail, hand-deliver or fax your letter so that it arrives within 24 hours after your interview.

2. What if the job's not for you? Send a thank you note anyway. It shows good manners and thoughtfulness on your part. Hiring managers will appreciate your courtesy and might even suggest another position at their facility or at another location.

3. What if you don't hear anything from the hiring manager? If it has been a few days, call to convey your continued interest and check the status of the interviewing process. Find out when the decision will be made and ask if there is anything else you can provide. This could be an opportunity to supply additional references, paperwork or information.

Follow up the day before the decision is supposed to be made. Be considerate of the hiring manager's time and pressures associated with the pending decision. This warmth and graciousness shows compassion on your part and could turn things in your favor.

GENERAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR NURSES: 1. What type of nursing experience do you have? 2. Where did you get your training and what certifications do you have? 3. How long has it been since you worked in (ER, OR, ICU, or particular specialty area)? 4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? 5. Why did you choose (ER, OR, ICU, LTC, FNP, or other specialty area of nursing)? 6. Why do you want to work in our hospital and/or community? 7. Why did you leave your last job? 8. Tell me about a time in which you had to handle an irate physician, coworker, or patient. How did you handle it and what were the results? 9. Describe a difficult decision you've made and the process you went through to reach that decision. 10. Why makes you right for this job? 11. What nursing organizations do you belong to? 12. How do you stay current in your practice?
Find a Nursing Job (by State)

- Find a Nursing Job (by Category)

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE EMPLOYER DURING AN INTERVIEW: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Can you explain the scheduling process? What is your nurse/patient ratio? Do you have 8/10/12 hour shifts? How is the scheduling done for the unit? What are the current challenges that your company faces? What were the results of the last survey? When is the next survey scheduled? 7. Is call required for this position? If so, what are the call requirements? 8. What would be my primary challenges if I were selected for this position? 9. How often are performance reviews conducted and what is your process? 10. How does this organization feel about continuing education? 11. How does the administration view nursing in terms of importance to the hospital? 12. Are nurses allowed to suggest areas for research to improve patient care? If so, are they allowed to design and carry out research projects with other professionals? 13. What unique challenges has this unit faced over the last year? (i.e. successes, failures, etc.) 14. How long is the orientation phase and what can I expect? 15. How much of the orientation phase will be spent on the shift I will be working?