Want a Job in Burn Unit Nursing? Ace Your Interviews!
If you’re a nurse, attaining a career in an intensive care unit (ICU) for burn patients will ensure that you enjoy high job security and high job satisfaction for years to come. How can you increase your chances of getting a position in this highly rewarding field? Give a great job interview, of course!
Once you’ve arranged an interview with the hospital of your choice, follow the advice below, and you’re sure to be a top contender for the position you want most.
Research Your Future Employer. Learn as much as you can about the hospital for which you’re interviewing through its website. In particular, familiarize yourself with its burn unit to make sure that you have the credentials necessary.
Hospital requirements for intensive care burn unit nurses vary. Some hire registered nurses and then train them. Others require ICU experience. Certifications and degrees that will make you particularly attractive to a burn unit include the following:
· Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
· Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS)
· Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS)
· Certification in Critical Care Nursing (CCRN)
· Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
· Master’s in Nursing with a specialization in Burns and Emergency Trauma
· Master’s in Nursing with a specialization in Critical Care
Spruce Up Your Résumé. If you have earned—or you’re in the process of earning—any of the above certifications or degrees, be sure that is reflected on your résumé. Also, if your résumé does not include your references, including their full names, titles, addresses and phone numbers or email addresses, be sure to add them. This information will be needed by both Human Resources and the hiring manager. Although you probably submitted it with your application, you should nevertheless bring extra copies of your résumé to the interview along with copies of your letters of reference.
Assemble Your Credentials. In addition to your résumé, your letters of reference and your list of questions, take copies of the following items with you as well:
· A copy of your nursing license.
· A copy of your notice of passing board scores.
· Your addresses for the last seven years. (You may be asked to allow a criminal background check. If so, these will be needed.)
· Your most recent cumulative grade report. (If you haven’t taken your licensing exam, a copy of your transcript will indicate your likelihood of earning a passing score.)
Make a Few “Dry Runs.” Before the interview, practice answering questions your future employers may ask. Often, candidates must describe their strengths and weaknesses, explain why they should be hired, talk about their most significant achievements or discuss their ability to work with others. Consider how you could best answer these questions and others you think you’ll be asked.
If you have not been to location you’ll be interviewed at previously, practice getting there. Go at about the same time your interview will occur so that traffic conditions will be similar. On the day of your interview, it’s best if you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Radiate Confidence and Poise. Being well prepared for your interview should reduce your anxiety so that you can interact with your future employer in a friendly, natural manner. Be sure to smile, make eye contact and answer questions directly without fidgeting or rambling. Remember: An important part of your job will be interacting with patients in a friendly manner, so your personality very definitely comes into play. Also make references to your qualifications and your experience in your answers and indicate your specific knowledge of the hospital and its burn unit if applicable. Near the end of the interview, pose one or two of the questions you’ve prepared.
Give Thanks. One to two days after your interview, send a thank-you note or email to your interviewer. Include not only your gratitude but also your continued interest in the position. Close your letter or email with your contact information.
Following the above suggestions is sure to make your interview experience less stressful and more successful.
