Asking for help. I have an interview for a district nurse band 6 position tomorrow.

[Interviewnamechange]

Hi.

I have an interview for a band 6 -district nursing sister position tomorrow. I already work for the company as a band 5.

I am beginning to go a little mad. I have read about 10 policies, have 3 pieces of research, looked into conflict resolution and much more.

could anybody give any experience of the interview itself and which sort of questions I will be expected to answer?

I just want to go to bed now but I’m so stressed and trying to anticipate anything and everything that could be asked I’m worried I’ll fail short on an actual question I’m asked.

Thanks in advance.

Also, I literally can’t think of anything I’ve done wrong other than very simple things that were very easily rectified- literally had never been told how to do something etc. shall I just make something up?!

You could say that you have an example but for a more strategic one talk about a lesson you learnt from an incident? For example if something occurre at a visit, you realise now with experience and a management hat on how it could have been prevented/supported etc?

You will ALWAYS be asked a question on equality and diversity.

Read up on the Trusts values and think of examples of how you demonstrate them. I’d imagine they will ask you scenario questions, which should be fairly simple if you’re already working there. Also possible leadership questions such as managing conflict in the team, having a challenging conversation. And possibly an example of advocating for a patient? Good luck!

A scenario eg how would you prevent a hospital admission ?

Stop reading policies!! Knowing they exist and where to them to use is enough- that and who/where else to get support so safeguarding, IPC etc

Instead think of responses to question that demonstrate your application of knowledge and skills using the STAR method. Having well organised answers is key

Think about when something has not gone well and what you learnt and would do differently

Work up a managing others example - if you don't do this now think about work with students and trainees

I usually ask something about service improvement, applying learning from research or CPD into practice or audit too

Use lots of 'I' sentences- don't lose the impact of what you did in a lot of 'we' statements

Also answer questions like you are in the role - so as a band 6 , not as a band 5

Defo prep an equalities answer , probably something on how you make adjustments to meet diverse needs so interpreters, access et ( but please don't say 'I treat everyone equally!!!!! That is not a good response 😬)

And perhaps something on working with other organisations like social care, mental health etc

Good luck and deep breaths 🙂

The questions are likely to be based around scenarios i.e what would you do in this situation, so you draw on your clincial experience, you will be expected to mention a relevant policy but not the details of them
They want to know you practice safely - so think of the risks presented by the scenario and ensure you talk how you would assess and manage the situation safely, make sure you mention completing a datix/incident report if required
They may be a question related to demonstrating effective communication
There is likely to be a question related to safeguarding
Possible managing an issue around concern about a team member you may supervise, how to support and supervise team members
How you prioritise work loads
Ensure you mention you would ask senior manager if unsure
Managing a difficult patient
Responding to a complaint
How you work to support team morale

Good luck!

Thank you all so much! I’m so sorry for late reply, I have been reading the replies and running to a note pad.

Honestly, really is a help.

How did it go OP? I suspect you may be asleep in bed having been prepping till the early hours but curious

Fingers crossed it went well x

Hope it went well 🍀

I got the job! 🎉

Thanks so much for the pointers, it really helped. I had a migraine by the end of the interview due to stress!! Thankfully they let me know a couple of hours later. Wooo.

I have a band 6 district nurse interview in 2 weeks. I have been following some trend here and gotten few pointers. However, there will be a blind presentation with 10 min given to prepare for the presentation. Please any idea on what topics might be asked to present on?