New RN/Panel Interview

Hello everyone!

I am a new Registered Nurse and have an upcoming panel interview in a few days. I have 8 potential managers that I am interviewing with. I have had one panel interview with just a couple of people on the panel in which I was unsuccessful. It was prior to my boards and I believe that my nerves got the best of me. It started out with my most dreaded question...tell me about yourself! Unfortunately, I am uncomfortable talking about myself so I appear timid. However, in the clinical field I am very confident. I have been a CNA for almost 10 years. Does anyone have any questions that they had while interviewing and/or that maybe you have asked potential new nurse employees? I am very interested in the hospital that I am interviewing with and do not want to come across as nervous and therefore flub my words. Thank you in advance.
Hi JMO82,Congrats on landing the interview! I have never had a panel interview, or an interview as a RN applicant but in my previous interviews I was asked what are my goals for the future and some patient care scenarios and you have to walk them through how you dealt with it/will deal with it. I suggest you rehearse what you want to emphasize about yourself in case you encounter the "Tell me about yourself" question again. Your previous experience definitely needs to be heard. Good luck!

JMO82,Wow! Is this an interview panel or a jury?I'm amazed by this huge group interview. No wonder nerves butted in. It's hard enought to shine onene much less eightne. Good Luck. Focus on the person that asks the question. What ever happens keep your smile and look the person in the eye, don't jump face to face because it makes you look nervous. After you've answered the question let you gaze wander down the row, but don't react to anyone not smiling at you, by adding fluff. Having an "about me" script ready to go will help melt the ice. A stand by question that usually gets tossed is how do you handle conflict, so be prepared. If someone asks where do you see yourself in 5 years--consider saying right here as one of your trusted colleagues.

Thank you SO much. I hope that the panel understands that it may be a bit intimidating having that many people in with me. Good response on the 'where do you see yourself in 5 years'. I appreciate the tips!

Congrats on the interview! Good for you! You landed an interview in a very tight market and many people are reserving time on their busy schedules to interview you. Therefore, they already believe there is likely something special about you. Go in with the idea that you are going to prove them right!The first website below offers common nursing interview questions. I agree with the above poster that it is very important that you plan out how you are going to answer questions especially - tell me about yourself - what are your strengths and weakness. See the second web link below - it provides example responses to interview questions. Obviously, you need to make the answers relevant to nursing. Just like you had to practice to become skilled at nursing, you need to practice your answers to become skilled at responding in an interview. Ask a friend/relative to fire questions at you. Finally - consider checking out the website of facility you are applying - what is their philosophy of care, what are they proud of - make sure you are knowledgeable so that you can explain why you want to work there. Good Luck! http://career.ucsf.edu/nurs/samples/nrninterview.pdfhttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/interv...rviewquest.htm

Quote from JMO82Thank you SO much. I hope that the panel understands that it may be a bit intimidating having that many people in with me. Good response on the 'where do you see yourself in 5 years'. I appreciate the tips!

I would like to pursue a degree as a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner. However, my main goal is to fully establish myself as a floor nurse. I want to emphasize that I am interested in remaining at the facility in which I am applying (provided I get hired) as a Nurse Practitioner as well. The facility has an amazing reputation, one in which I can see myself at for many years to come. I want to make it known that I am not applying for a position in which I wish to remain for just a few short years. Does bringing up advancement in education in future years sound like I will be a promising employee to a team of HR recruiters and nurse managers?

Thank you again for the advice! I truly appreciate it!

Quote from JMO82I would like to pursue a degree as a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner. However, my main goal is to fully establish myself as a floor nurse. I want to emphasize that I am interested in remaining at the facility in which I am applying (provided I get hired) as a Nurse Practitioner as well. The facility has an amazing reputation, one in which I can see myself at for many years to come. I want to make it known that I am not applying for a position in which I wish to remain for just a few short years. Does bringing up advancement in education in future years sound like I will be a promising employee to a team of HR recruiters and nurse managers?