My first job interview as an RN was sitting at home, in my pajamas, on the telephone. Since then, its become more serious, and suits. But a first job and “solicited by unit manager” from your clinical is a very good shot.
Ok, one big question they like to ask… “What did you do to prepare for this interview.” Showered and combed my hair is NOT the answer. Reviewed policy and procedure is a good answer. Talked with floor nurses, read recent relevant nursing journals are all good examples.
In general first nursing job interviews are more about how you handle employment, what your work ethics are, and are you a caring person and a team player. Have some examples at hand from your past showing you working as a team, making a tough decision, and going “above and beyond.” A nurse manager told me “I can teach you the nursing skills, but I can’t teach caring.” Have any patients or family members complimented you during your various clinicals? Be prepared to discuss your areas you feel strong in, (eg. I have gained proficiency in wound care) feel weak in… (Ieg. I’m still learning how lab values affect patient outcomes) areas you have a great interest in and want to learn (eg. I hope to take post RN courses in diabetes management, as a growing percentage of the population is at risk for type II diabetes and this affects patient outcomes on many levels)
There may be some unit specific questions, but most likely they will be things you know anyway from doing your clinicals.
Do you have a preceptor/staff mentor of some type? Ask if you can use her name as a reference. Also a nursing prof or two and a work world reference that can attest to your basic employability.
Intellegent questions for you to ask. “What does the orientation process entail?” “What opportunities exist for furthering my knowledge of cardiac nursing? What have been recent experiences in hiring new grads versus seasoned staff?”
In general be open and eager for learning, draw from past experience (In my student job at Burger Nirvana, I was shift crew leader, and I learned a lot about working with a team. If staff from the next shift failed to show, I took it upon myself to make sure there was adequate staff before I left. And so forth)
Of course the usual applies. Nicely dressed, punctual, polite.
Best of luck. I have a job interview myself tomorrow, and I am studying for that, as I really don’t know what to expect. (Infection control department.) Be sure to let us know how it goes!
). I do have current contact info for my old manager there, and I emailed him to ask him if I could use him as a reference, but he hasn’t responded.