Nurses - interview advice please!

[smurfgirl]

I have an interview for a band 5 job in anaesthetic recovery, i qualify in October.

I am visiting them prior to interview, what should I wear and ask? I have had a placement there already.

What should I read up on for the interview itself? What should I wear?

Advice is v.welcome!

[pinkteddy]

I am not a nurse but worked in the NHS for many years and interviewed a few nurses in my time! I would dress smart/casual, I certainly don't think you need to wear a suit but look smart.

Re: interview - presume there is a job description? And a person specification? The interview (if formal) will all be based around the person spec, so you need to focus on going through that and I would write notes beforehand on each bullet point within the person spec on how you feel you meet them (use real examples where possible). I would also look at the Trust website and any relevant policies/procedures, information about the department and local population etc that might be relevant. HTH, happy to post a few ideas if you want to post any details/items on person spec that you are struggling with. Good luck!

[pinkteddy]

just noticed the bit about visiting prior to interview - do you know if this is a tour of the department or formal sit down chat? Do you feel you know exactly what job is, where it fits in the team, what opportunities are for advancement/training etc? They are the sort of things I would ask but not sure what you already know!

[smurfgirl]

Prior visit is something people have recommended to me, I know the area so am just reminding them of who I am really!

[avenanap]

Wear a suit. Look confident, you know it's boring, make it sound like it's the best placement you have had throughout the course. Read up on best practice, how to recognise a bleed, when to take the patient back to the ward. You'll be fine. Good luck!

[summer111]

The key to a successful interview is preparation and confidence. Come up with potential answers to questions and do your homework beforehand. It's amazing how much more confident you'll feel.

Yes, all the questions 'should' be based around the JD so get very familiar with that.

We always include a few scenario questions too eg: 'tell me about a time when you have worked with another member of the MDT towards a successful outcome for your patient' OR 'The population of XX area is ethnically and culturally diverse. Tell me how you would support the needs of your patients, from ethnic minority backgrounds'. I'm a mental health specialist so am not too au fait with anaesthtic recovery I'm afraid!

Make sure you are up to speed on current legislation, clinical governance, equal ops etc etc. If there are new procedures in anaesthetic recovery, make sure you are aware of these too!

Dress smartly, with polished shoes and a small amount of make-up. No strong perfume! Come prepared with the necessary evidence of ID etc etc and have a couple of questions ready to ask the panel if needed.

Best of luck

[mummyeme]

Hi,
Mums a senior sister and said you should ask about the following: Development opportunities in that specific field and what can the trust offer you in that respect.

Good luck

[ladylush]

Ask about preceptorship. I think all Band 5 nurses are entitled to this and it is now linked to the KSF (Knowledge Skills Framework)which means you are assessed continually and have to reach a certain standard in order to go through the gateways and get your annual rise However, the main point of it is that you get much needed support and direction as a newly qualified nurse.

You could ask about clinical supervision as well - e.g. how often you will have it and who would do it.

Don't know owt about anaesthesia as a MH professional.

Good idea to look up some articles before your interview. They sometimes ask what you have read recently - to see if you're keen.

They are bound to ask you something to do with Clinical Governance/NICE.

Good luck If you have a suit then wear it, otherwise a smart pair of trousers/skirt and a shirt with smart shoes should be fine.

[fledtoscotland]

1stly good luck.

i would always wear a suit to an interview (and have done for both my interviews as a band 5). with my first interview they asked me about clinical governance and that seems to be quite a popular one. oh and take your professional portfolio from college. i did with both mine and it was commented on and looked at in both interviews (have only had two interviews and got the job both times).

when you visit, i would just look smart and casual (no jeans etc)