Staff Nurse, ICU 

How did you get your current job?
I did clinicals at the hospital as a student, but I received my current position by word-of-mouth.

What was the application process?
I provided both a paper copy of my resume and was required to fill out a general application and reference form. Additionally, fingerprints, background checks and a drug test/physical were required.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
I interviewed three times, once each with the Director of Nursing, Human Resources Director and my departmental director before being offered a job.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
I was asked a variety of questions, mainly such things as “Why do you want to work here?” and “What makes you qualified for this position?”

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
I was offered both departmental and hospital orientation.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
I graduated from an accredited Bacclaureate of Science Nursing program and then took national board exams to become a registered nurse in the state of Mississippi.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
I felt that my college education prepared me well for the workforce. However, as a healthcare professional, there are always many new things to learn with ever changing research and technology affecting our daily practice.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
I would certainly recommend someone interested in pursuing a degree or career in nursing to spend some time either working in a healthcare facility or shadowing a licensed professional. Nursing can be a very stressful occupation and one should be prepared for both the positives and negatives of this career well before investing a significant amount of time and money into it.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Reliability, honesty and integrity are crucial skills in being a healthcare professional. Good technical and organizational skills are also important, but many things can be learned and improved upon with practice. A solid education will provide many skills but is only the beginning for a nurse. Someone who desires to become a nurse must wish to work closely with the public and other healthcare providers as a team. They must also commit to lifelong education, keeping up with current practice standards and certification requirements.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
In order to practice as a licensed nurse, one must graduate from an approved and accredited program of training and pass national and state licensure examinations.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Do not be afraid to ask questions or admit that you don’t know something. Seek out the older and more experienced nurses and let them serve as mentors to you. Never quit learning! Immerse yourself in as many educational opportunities as your employer will allow!