Dear Donna Delivers FAQs
by Donna Cardillo, RN, BS

In the year and a half that I’ve written the Dear Donna column, I’ve answered well more than 1,000 questions from RNs, students, prospective nurses, and others. I continue to marvel at the strength, perseverance, and courage that many of you exhibit in attempting to overcome difficult and challenging work and life situations. I also marvel at — although I’m not the least bit surprised by — your talent, creativity, and desire to make a difference. Keep those great questions coming. Here are a couple of questions I answered in the past year.

Dear Donna,

I recently interviewed for a management position at a hospital with a director of nursing. I have been asked back for a second interview with a team of nurses (both peers and staff)! What could they possibly have to ask me that I haven’t already answered in my three-hour first interview? Do you have any idea why they want a group of nurses to interview me as well? Also, I wore a business skirt suit for the first interview. Would it be appropriate to wear slacks and nice sweater to the second interview?

Upward Bound

Dear Upward Bound,

What you describe is not unusual for a management position. The first interview is to make sure you have the right stuff — personality, attitude, demeanor — not to mention credentials and experience. The second interview is to make sure you will “fit in” with the crew and can get the job done. They are looking for compatibility. Those you will be working with need to get a good feeling about you, too, and feel confident that you can do the job. Otherwise, your tenure may be short-lived. It’s a good opportunity to establish rapport with your prospective colleagues, get a feel for the unit and the facility, and discuss some tentative plans.

Second interviews often involve more situational questions. For example, you may be asked: What is the first thing you would do as nurse manager? How would you handle a difficult employee situation? (They may even give you a specific scenario.) Although these questions can be challenging, there is no need to get nervous. Obviously, you have something going for you if you’ve been asked back for a second interview. Take a moment to compose your thoughts, think logically, and answer succinctly. You don’t need to give long, detailed answers. Just answer the question in a way that shows that you’re a competent, professional, rational person.

You should also ask some questions, such as, “What problems exist on the unit that need immediate attention?” Or, “Tell me what you think is important in a nurse manager?” You might also ask for a tour of the unit/facility if you haven’t already done that or aren’t already familiar with the place.

A second interview is just as important as a first (sometimes more so), so don’t get complacent. Dress at least as well as the first interview. A skirted business suit is the way to go. Remember, you’ll be meeting several more people for the first time, and first impressions matter big time. You have to dress the part. Make sure you shake hands, while making eye contact and smiling, with everyone at the beginning and end of the second interview. Be sure to make eye contact with all in the room while speaking, too. In other words, don’t just address one or two people.

Keep in mind that unless you were told otherwise, you may not be the only one brought back for a second interview. In fact, if you can find out beforehand if they’re bringing anyone else in for a second interview, that would be good to know. If they’re bringing anyone else back, you should ask, light-heartedly, “Where do I stand with the competition?” Review my article “Interview to ‘Knock Their Socks Off’” at .www.dcardillo.com/articles/knock.html .

I’m sure you’ll be great!
I’m rooting for you!
Donna

Dear Donna,

Could you please give me advice for an RN who has been out of the nursing field to raise a family? After 12 years, she’d like to reenter the profession, but she can’t find a refresher course. How can she find a refresher course or internship program?

Helping Out a Friend

Dear Helping Out a Friend,

There are many refresher courses offered in various parts of the country. There are also internships and comprehensive orientation programs offered for nurses who’ve been away from the bedside. Local colleges are offering most refresher courses, but some healthcare facilities and private education companies also provide them.

Before your friend takes any course, I’d recommend that she call several area hospitals. She should tell them about her situation and see what they have to offer. If they want her to take a refresher course, ask them to recommend some in the area.

In the meantime, I’d suggest that she go to the library of a local college that offers nursing degrees and browse through the nursing journals in the periodical section. This will help your friend get “back in the groove” and updated on some key practice issues. She should also join her state nursing association www.ana.org to start getting reconnected to the profession. She should also consider volunteering now at an agency like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. This will give her some recent, relevant experience to put on her resume, help her get back into healthcare, start to build confidence, make new contacts, and learn new skills.

Good luck!
Donna

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