Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

jojofruits — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:00:38 GMT

Have a look at the current situation in practice and how you could improve it - rotas? use of time? introducing clinicsw or new schemes? cost effectiveness?

Practices love to know how you can save you money and add value to the business.. the last 2 head nurse positions I held I explained in interview what I could do for them... for one it was save them the equivalent of my salary over the year so effectively I was free! ;) ( although this was easy as they needed some guidance on budgets!), for another, it was using my skills to build the business

good luck!

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

Arlo Guthrie — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 10:05:04 GMT

Daniel, hi

I'm not qualified to give any advice about HN positions specifically, but have you read the results of our VetNurse survey of employers and what they are looking for, in the job section? (https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/agContent/jobs/vetnurse-employer-report.pdf)

One of my mantras is: 'People do business (hire) people they like' and I always think that is the single most important thing in any interview. But there is a lot more in that report which I hope might be of help!

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

daniel walklate — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 09:21:14 GMT

Thanks everyone for your comments. Found them very helpful

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

Jennifer Henderson RVN — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 09:15:18 GMT

I have never been for a head nurse interview but I would probably like to explain some examples of things I have done to show I have the ability to be a head nurse. Discuss your relevant strengths as to why you think you'd be good for the job. Hope that helps :)

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

WelshyNurse — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 23:55:07 GMT

I always like ambition in my nurses. And a nurse who is flexible, meaning happy to stay on when a caesarean comes through the door just before home time

In a head nurse, good organisation skills, team leader, happy to step up when the poop hits the fan, good at training newbies and students

Good luck!

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

Sal the 1st — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 22:26:59 GMT

yep - if you get asked the question 'having seen the practice what would you like to change?' don't go overboard with all the stuff you would like to change - its ok to mention a few things but don't forget people in the practice might be quite happy with some things the way they are. Don't plan a whole total change - phase it in gradually once you know what will and wont work taking onboard the input of the people you are working with and don't forget to acknowledge what works very well already.

The real biggie is if it aint broke don't fix it

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 22:16:42 GMT

Er, can we stay on topic - anyone got any advice for Daniel going for an interview as a head nurse!

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

PHA86 — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 19:41:55 GMT

I don't think this has to necessarily be an awkward scenario!

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

WelshyNurse — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 19:41:38 GMT

[quote user="PSA-David"]

firstly can i ask that your actually carrying out the interview? as it would be very awkward a student nurse interviewing a registered nurse!

[/quote]

I don't find it awkward interviewing RVNs not being one?

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

daniel walklate — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:20:57 GMT

No im qualified having an interview for the position.

RE: Advice on preparing for a HeadNurse Interview

PSA-David — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 18:00:38 GMT

firstly can i ask that your actually carrying out the interview? as it would be very awkward a student nurse interviewing a registered nurse!