Case Scenario
Searching for jobs require preparations on the part of the interviewee. Preparations do not only involve cues on answering questions, but also dressing up for the interview, preparation of documents necessary for the documents among other relevancies. Each job requires the potential workers to know specific areas of their profession, and indeed, the interviewers ask a wide range of questions to test the potential candidate’s knowledge of the profession. For nurses, preparation for interviews require that each be aware of the questions interviewers are likely to ask, prepare relevant answers to these questions, makes preparations for before, during and closing of the interview (Lisa, 2016). Aside from interviews and preparations, while working, it is important to be cautious of colleagues helping them where necessary, especially within the medical field. It is especially important to act on the mistakes (particularly regular mistakes) of colleagues since non-action to errant professional conduct can have adverse effects on not only the colleague but on patients as well.
Questions on a Nursing Interview
Perhaps the first and most important question an interviewee is likely to face is “Why do you want this job?” While the question is especially broad and requires a lot details and explanation from the interviewee, it is important to be brief on the answer. First, therefore, would be pointing out the credentials, particularly the professional qualifications for the job. However, apart from pointing out the qualifications, it is also important to point out the passion for the job, especially the inner drive to assist others and see them improve. Moreover, also necessary is pointing out the reasons for the specific branch of nursing; and how the branch fits within not only the professional qualification, but also the passion the candidate has in the said field of nursing.
While the first question is broad and requires exemplification from the candidate in the broad sense of the profession and the job, the second question is more specific and asks the candidate more about his/herself and the qualification (non-academic) for the job. “Why should we give you the job and why do you think you are good at it?” The question is more personal than professional, and to answer it, the candidate has to convince the panel of the human attributes that set nurses apart from other professionals. A show of integrity, courage and honesty are among the mentions the candidate should consider. Additionally, personal attribute such as care, compassion, commitment, and competence, as well as skills such as communication are among the necessary sets of personal attributes a candidate must mention. Moreover, the candidate can also give evidence of such skills and personal attributes in action.
Another question may also test the level of commitment in the candidate’s professional character, regardless of whether they have had the job before, or as fresh graduates from college. Thus, “What has been your greatest achievement as a nurse?” is among the question the interviewing panel can ask. For an answer, the candidate must express moments that they have gone above and beyond for a patient. Such moments include when the candidate has stood up for the rights of the patient, or when the direction actions of the candidate were indeed instrumental in saving the life of a patient. Illustrating communication, compassion and commitment to the patient and the job can be good answers in answering the question.
Preparing for an Interview
Lisa (2016) contends that knowing the institution is an important part of preparation for an interview. By doing some research on the institution, the candidate can get important information, which can give the candidate an upper hand in the interview. Going through the institution’s website, visiting the institution beforehand, as well as interaction with people with knowledge on the institution goes a long way in preparing for the interview. The candidate in this case can get information on the goals, missions, and objectives of the institution, in addition to the values that the institution upholds (Lisa, 2016).
Before attending the interview, it is important to prepare all the documents that would be necessary for the interview. Preparation of the documents means making copies of the documents and setting them ready in case there will be need to leave them at the institution (Lisa, 2016). Preparation of the documents must be done a day to the interview to ensure that there is enough time to check that one has carried all the necessary documents required. Moreover, early preparation ensures that one has packed a pen and a notepad for taking notes, if need be.
First impressions matter, and for the interview, it is important to look professional. A set of well-pressed pants and collared shirt are the best options. Doing fewer accessories is even more appropriate, as well as well-fitting clothes and polished shoes. The general outlook, particularly for one in the healthcare industry should be of modesty and sanity, and thus short nails, and hair that is pulled back would be the safest options. Moreover, it is important to prepare the clothing well in advance (previous night) to avoid any embarrassing moments in the morning.
Dealing with Colleagues with Professional Misconduct
In the scenario provided, Lindsey is jumpy, disheveled, and short-tempered, even as her patients complain of pain despite Lindsey’s claims of medicating them properly. In order to help Lindsey and her patients, it is important first to investigate the matter. Dixon (2017) contend that while it is difficult to report colleagues suspected of professional misconduct, it is important first to investigate the suspicions before talking or even reporting on the misconduct. For Lindsey, therefore, investigating the suspicions and patient’s claims before facing her would be the best course of action. Through the investigation, it will be possible to gather enough evidence to face her. Evidence presented should be enough to talk to her to change her ways, and in the event she does not, reporting her could be the only other option, as it is an obligation contained in the Code of Ethics (Dixon, 2017; Peyrovi et at., 2016).
Lindsey’s conduct endangers her life and the life of her patients. Peyrovi et at. (2016) argue that professional misconduct is among the leading causes of mortality among patients, in addition to other injuries on the patients. Doing nothing about Lindsey, therefore, not only puts her life in danger, but also the lives of the patients and others in the institution. It is possible that injuries and infections will arise from her actions. Moreover, any non-action on Lindsey exposes the institution to lawsuits, revocation of operation license, as well as loss of jobs upon closure of the institution.
Interviewers’ work is to test the fit of interviewees for the position advertised. It is therefore important for the interviewee to convince the interviewer that he/she is the perfect fit for the job advertised. Prior preparation for interviews gives the interviewee an edge over competitors, it is thus important for the interviewee to prepare early for the interview, have a gist of the questions likely to be asked, information on the organization, as well as decently present him/herself before the panel for success in the interview and eventually get the job.
References
Dixon, K. (2017). Reporting of professional misconduct is influenced by nurses’ level of education and managerial experience. Evid Based Nurs, 20(3), 89-90.
Lisa, H. (2016). How to prepare for a job interview. Nursing, 36(4), 8. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/nursing/fulltext/2006/01001/how_to_prepare_for_a_job_interview.4.aspx
Peyrovi, H. et al. (2016). Exploration of the barriers of reporting nursing errors in intensive care units: a qualitative study. J Intensive Care Soc. 17, 215–21.