No, I'm not a kid going back to school, but returning to work after escaping for a conference was very similar. I feel as if I was jarred out of a deep, restful sleep and thrown into a world that is constantly going and I'm running in, then looking forward to the time I can run straight out.
It's always nice to go to a conference just for nurses. People, for the most part, look at you, talk to you in the hall and are social. Some other disciplines (which will remain nameless...Freudian cough cough) often walk with darting glances because you might actually talk to them. We had lots of interesting sessions. I even gave one this year. One presenter brought her demo dog, as she was speaking about how to get a service dog and ADA guidelines.
Overall, I had a wonderful time. I may even look to turn my presentation into a journal article (one of the things on the bucket list). I'm fortunate that my subject is not typical rehab (bowel, bladder or skin), so I just need to sit down and do it.
This week, I get to interview new staff for the Hotel. It should be exciting. I just hope they can survive the Manglement.
Stay tuned...
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
TGIF (for so many reasons)
Yes, I'm thankful it's Friday because I don't have to work on Monday. Happy long weekend to all of you fortunate enough to be able to celebrate our country's presidents Monday.
I have been doing research for another conference abstract (the story of my life lately) so I've managed to find some interesting articles, including this one on writing a good one. Some of these are even appropriate for the abstracts. Here are a few of the ones I found below.
While I'm not looking for a job right now, I try to keep my reference list up to date. This article talks about how to ask references the right questions to get good information on candidates. While I don't actually check the references, I have interviewed people. One of the folks I interviewed provided us a list of references to check. Surprisingly, the candidate's name and phone number was on his/her list. It gave me a chuckle, as the other interviewers didn't immediately pick up on this. This got said applicant in my "Interesting Interviews Hall of Fame".
The end of this week was sad, though. One of the national folks for our program died suddenly this past weekend just as he was getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. His team won, so despite everything, there were a few smiles knowing that. He was not old and it was not expected.
We found out that one of our coworkers has a family member with cancer. What makes it worse is that it's a child. Being new at the Hotel is crazy enough, then to have your family member have cancer is just awful.
These moments remind us all to be grateful for health. It's never guaranteed.
Until next time...
I have been doing research for another conference abstract (the story of my life lately) so I've managed to find some interesting articles, including this one on writing a good one. Some of these are even appropriate for the abstracts. Here are a few of the ones I found below.
While I'm not looking for a job right now, I try to keep my reference list up to date. This article talks about how to ask references the right questions to get good information on candidates. While I don't actually check the references, I have interviewed people. One of the folks I interviewed provided us a list of references to check. Surprisingly, the candidate's name and phone number was on his/her list. It gave me a chuckle, as the other interviewers didn't immediately pick up on this. This got said applicant in my "Interesting Interviews Hall of Fame".
The end of this week was sad, though. One of the national folks for our program died suddenly this past weekend just as he was getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. His team won, so despite everything, there were a few smiles knowing that. He was not old and it was not expected.
We found out that one of our coworkers has a family member with cancer. What makes it worse is that it's a child. Being new at the Hotel is crazy enough, then to have your family member have cancer is just awful.
These moments remind us all to be grateful for health. It's never guaranteed.
Until next time...
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Changes
Yes, it's January, and everything changes, if you're on a calendar year cycle.
Health insurance changes for many people. I saw the first few people in my office looking for the department that handles that this week. How they get that deviated (we're not even close to the office they need to go to) is crazy.
One of my friends from my master's program received a pink slip right before Christmas. His/Her health care organization needed to stop spending money, so they just laid off everyone in his/her unit. The equation seems to be: if the company loses millions, the employees have to suffer.
I have thought about changing jobs at the Hotel for the last year or so, but I think, I've finally decided to give up on most anything posted on our jobs site. Our HR department may or may not be run by actual humans, because every job post I've responded to and gone to interviews (two so far) have not been anything like the job posted online. This job mentioned working from home and flexible hours. The first things they mentioned was that neither of those were true. Big red flags flew up and continued flapping in the breeze as my other favorite thing was uttered, "Oh, well, this isn't just a 40 hour a week job." To me, it sounds like a whole bunch of mandated overtime. Funny, that's what I thought it was, so thanks for clarifying that little detail.
As a result, I think if I want a new job, it will be outside the Hotel, and with a company that actually posts accurate job listings as not to waste my time and theirs (in this last interview, I spoke to the chief executive of that area, who had to make time for me) in my interview. When I think of the waste this was, I'm mad. Not just for me, but for him/her.
Happy weekend all! I'm going to enjoy it. Hope you do too, wherever you are.
Health insurance changes for many people. I saw the first few people in my office looking for the department that handles that this week. How they get that deviated (we're not even close to the office they need to go to) is crazy.
One of my friends from my master's program received a pink slip right before Christmas. His/Her health care organization needed to stop spending money, so they just laid off everyone in his/her unit. The equation seems to be: if the company loses millions, the employees have to suffer.
I have thought about changing jobs at the Hotel for the last year or so, but I think, I've finally decided to give up on most anything posted on our jobs site. Our HR department may or may not be run by actual humans, because every job post I've responded to and gone to interviews (two so far) have not been anything like the job posted online. This job mentioned working from home and flexible hours. The first things they mentioned was that neither of those were true. Big red flags flew up and continued flapping in the breeze as my other favorite thing was uttered, "Oh, well, this isn't just a 40 hour a week job." To me, it sounds like a whole bunch of mandated overtime. Funny, that's what I thought it was, so thanks for clarifying that little detail.
As a result, I think if I want a new job, it will be outside the Hotel, and with a company that actually posts accurate job listings as not to waste my time and theirs (in this last interview, I spoke to the chief executive of that area, who had to make time for me) in my interview. When I think of the waste this was, I'm mad. Not just for me, but for him/her.
Happy weekend all! I'm going to enjoy it. Hope you do too, wherever you are.
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
The bracing chill
Winter's hanging on here in RehabLand. I took a walk tonight in the brisk air after dinner. Glad I had on many layers and a good hat to cover my ears.
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Work is still work, but at least, I'm rousing the troops. Things I've been trying to accomplish are finally falling into place. Even without a lot of executive buy-in, we're getting things done. It's going to change the dynamics of what we do in many ways.
I had a interview recently for a new job. It'll mean leaving the Hotel, but staying in the same hospital system. It really stressed me out (because I was a half hour early), but I was happy when I got it done. I know there were a lot of applicants. I just hope I'll be the one who gets it. I've passed up on a job like this twice before.
I'm hoping third time's the charm. Cross your fingers, light your candles, etc.
Stay tuned...
Monday, February 9, 2015
More on interviewing
Yes, I know I talked about this last year, but since I'm now on my 10th interview panel (I did a bunch last year), I've found a few more things to add:
Things that may cause us not to hire you:
1. If you are a travel nurse and tell me you just want this job until a gig comes up in Florida, you may not get hired.
Yes, spring will be in RehabLand soon. Why should we bother our HR folks to do a whole bunch of work if you won't stay anyway?
2. If you have issues, we may not hire you. As part of a credentialing process, we have to do a background check.
The state of RehabLand will not renew your RN license if you have tax issues.
3. If you may be part of an investigation due to criminal wrongdoing and/or a sentinel event, thanks for letting us know, but we may not select you for hire.
Things that may cause us not to hire you:
1. If you are a travel nurse and tell me you just want this job until a gig comes up in Florida, you may not get hired.
Yes, spring will be in RehabLand soon. Why should we bother our HR folks to do a whole bunch of work if you won't stay anyway?
2. If you have issues, we may not hire you. As part of a credentialing process, we have to do a background check.
The state of RehabLand will not renew your RN license if you have tax issues.
3. If you may be part of an investigation due to criminal wrongdoing and/or a sentinel event, thanks for letting us know, but we may not select you for hire.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Looking for a nursing job?
I've been dragged, er, lucky enough to be asked by my boss to meet some of the interview candidates at the Hotel.
Part of my job is to also ask questions on our standard questionnaire (which is very short).
While I'm not Ask Annie, I am old (or "seasoned" as the PC people say) when it comes to interviews. If you want real specific HR information for yourself, you'll need to get an HR guru in your own state, as laws vary.
So here are my general tips.
RehabRN's top tips for interviewing success
1. Show up on time.
Not too early (we had one candidate show up at the end of night shift) and not late. NOTE: you may need to leave early to make sure you get to us on time, don't get stuck in traffic, find a place to park, and find the room.
2. Dress professionally.
Neat and clean are especially important, whether you are in scrubs or a suit.
3. Know the job description from the posting.
They may not give it to us to give to you (happens a lot). This is a valuable chunk of information that can help you ask questions of the job.
4. Answer the questions we ask you.
In the worst ever interview, one person was so slow in responding we thought he/she was asleep. He/she was the first interview of the day at 0900, so we're not sure if he/she just finished night shift, or was stoned. (it was hard to tell).
You know it's bad when your manager pleads, "Please, you must answer the question." (this actually happened.)
5. Be able to talk about your job and how you do it.
As the old saying goes, "It ain't bragging if it's true." We don't know anything about you if you don't tell us.
We will check to see if a reference backs up your storyline. Make sure you have good ones (and at least one manager).
6. Have questions to ask of us about the job.
We can't tell you everything, but we can give you an idea of what you'll do. Preparation is key.
7. Leave your attitudes at the door.
Especially if it's bad or entitled.
8. Never assume.
Never act like we will just hire you because of your RN license and/or your impressive resume. Just because your spouse works in another department down the hall and a job at the Hotel would allow you to carpool is another thing that is not guaranteed to get you hired.
We may not hire you if you are not a good fit with the rest of the personalities, I mean, team, at the Hotel.
Need more information? Check out these sites:
http://www.hrworld.com/features/interviewing-cheat-sheet-092507/
http://humanresources.about.com/od/interviewing/
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/jobinterviews/
Best of luck in your next interview!
Part of my job is to also ask questions on our standard questionnaire (which is very short).
While I'm not Ask Annie, I am old (or "seasoned" as the PC people say) when it comes to interviews. If you want real specific HR information for yourself, you'll need to get an HR guru in your own state, as laws vary.
So here are my general tips.
RehabRN's top tips for interviewing success
1. Show up on time.
Not too early (we had one candidate show up at the end of night shift) and not late. NOTE: you may need to leave early to make sure you get to us on time, don't get stuck in traffic, find a place to park, and find the room.
2. Dress professionally.
Neat and clean are especially important, whether you are in scrubs or a suit.
3. Know the job description from the posting.
They may not give it to us to give to you (happens a lot). This is a valuable chunk of information that can help you ask questions of the job.
4. Answer the questions we ask you.
In the worst ever interview, one person was so slow in responding we thought he/she was asleep. He/she was the first interview of the day at 0900, so we're not sure if he/she just finished night shift, or was stoned. (it was hard to tell).
You know it's bad when your manager pleads, "Please, you must answer the question." (this actually happened.)
5. Be able to talk about your job and how you do it.
As the old saying goes, "It ain't bragging if it's true." We don't know anything about you if you don't tell us.
We will check to see if a reference backs up your storyline. Make sure you have good ones (and at least one manager).
6. Have questions to ask of us about the job.
We can't tell you everything, but we can give you an idea of what you'll do. Preparation is key.
7. Leave your attitudes at the door.
Especially if it's bad or entitled.
8. Never assume.
Never act like we will just hire you because of your RN license and/or your impressive resume. Just because your spouse works in another department down the hall and a job at the Hotel would allow you to carpool is another thing that is not guaranteed to get you hired.
We may not hire you if you are not a good fit with the rest of the personalities, I mean, team, at the Hotel.
Need more information? Check out these sites:
http://www.hrworld.com/features/interviewing-cheat-sheet-092507/
http://humanresources.about.com/od/interviewing/
http://careerplanning.about.com/od/jobinterviews/
Best of luck in your next interview!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Mush
That's what my brain has felt like lately. Total. Utter. Mush.
What could do this you ask? Two things.
First, interminable meetings. One right after the other. Trapping you in a room with closed blinds and crazy weather after a week of freedom should be against the law.
Second, I also got to interview people. For my old unit and the SU. It's so nice to feel wanted...until they tell you that you'll be trapped in a room for that, too. Filling out papers. Lots of papers.
An aside (or rant ..WARNING):
If I told you we were required to ask these kinds of questions, would you come to the interview unprepared? About 25% of the people came in not knowing (or caring). Consequently, it was easier for me to give a lower rating on the interview.
Some folks didn't pay attention to dress, either. Scrubs are not unusual for nurses if the person just came from work, but they should be clean and neat. If they are not, they are not appropriate.
Dress was the least of the worries, though. Some people just couldn't answer the questions. The best person I interviewed was one where my supervisor kept saying, "Feel free to elaborate" as the candidate basically answered the behavioral questions with yes and no. It made me wonder if they had just gotten off the night shift (the candidate never volunteered that information, though).
Needless to say, they declined to offer said candidate a position due to poor performance.
Remember folks, I don't know what you do. The interview is where you tell me what you do and why I should hire you.
Ah, another week ahead, but thankfully, without any interviews.
Stay tuned!
What could do this you ask? Two things.
First, interminable meetings. One right after the other. Trapping you in a room with closed blinds and crazy weather after a week of freedom should be against the law.
Second, I also got to interview people. For my old unit and the SU. It's so nice to feel wanted...until they tell you that you'll be trapped in a room for that, too. Filling out papers. Lots of papers.
An aside (or rant ..WARNING):
If I told you we were required to ask these kinds of questions, would you come to the interview unprepared? About 25% of the people came in not knowing (or caring). Consequently, it was easier for me to give a lower rating on the interview.
Some folks didn't pay attention to dress, either. Scrubs are not unusual for nurses if the person just came from work, but they should be clean and neat. If they are not, they are not appropriate.
Dress was the least of the worries, though. Some people just couldn't answer the questions. The best person I interviewed was one where my supervisor kept saying, "Feel free to elaborate" as the candidate basically answered the behavioral questions with yes and no. It made me wonder if they had just gotten off the night shift (the candidate never volunteered that information, though).
Needless to say, they declined to offer said candidate a position due to poor performance.
Remember folks, I don't know what you do. The interview is where you tell me what you do and why I should hire you.
Ah, another week ahead, but thankfully, without any interviews.
Stay tuned!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Weekend fun of sorts
On weekends, besides catching up on chores around the house, I often volunteer. This weekend, I volunteered at PrivateU interviewing students for scholarships. It was very interesting.
I was assigned to a team with a current scholarship student, another alum, and myself. Here are some things I noticed.
1. The kid who wanted to major in computer science, really was a computer nerd (nice, but totally freaked out by my interview question I asked all the candidates).
2. Of the applicants our group reviewed, only two of the candidates were boys. The rest (about 10 in all) were girls.
3. Everyone (except for 2) came because PrivateU has a special early admit program to medical school.
4. Not surprisingly, everyone could tell me how medicine was so important and why they wanted to be a physician. Not one of them demonstrated a real idea of what other professionals do in health care, including the kid who planned on majoring in biomedical engineering.
From the description one gave me, it would have been more appropriate to tell her she could spend more time with patients as a nurse, but blowing her mind right then and there seemed like a bad thing to do.
5. I had all of their applications on paper, but was not sent any other details. My co-interviewers obviously reviewed their homework, but I did not. They seemed a little irritated by this at first, but they got used to me, eventually.
One gave me her form, and I reviewed it. I opted out and asked a non-standard question, which they liked, and was not on the suggested questions handout.
Not surprisingly, many more alums will interview more kids next weekend. Frankly, I thought one weekend of that was enough.
A lot of good kids and only so many scholarships. Now I know what I have to do to get Bubba in shape for college. A whole lot of work.
More to come...
I was assigned to a team with a current scholarship student, another alum, and myself. Here are some things I noticed.
1. The kid who wanted to major in computer science, really was a computer nerd (nice, but totally freaked out by my interview question I asked all the candidates).
2. Of the applicants our group reviewed, only two of the candidates were boys. The rest (about 10 in all) were girls.
3. Everyone (except for 2) came because PrivateU has a special early admit program to medical school.
4. Not surprisingly, everyone could tell me how medicine was so important and why they wanted to be a physician. Not one of them demonstrated a real idea of what other professionals do in health care, including the kid who planned on majoring in biomedical engineering.
From the description one gave me, it would have been more appropriate to tell her she could spend more time with patients as a nurse, but blowing her mind right then and there seemed like a bad thing to do.
5. I had all of their applications on paper, but was not sent any other details. My co-interviewers obviously reviewed their homework, but I did not. They seemed a little irritated by this at first, but they got used to me, eventually.
One gave me her form, and I reviewed it. I opted out and asked a non-standard question, which they liked, and was not on the suggested questions handout.
Not surprisingly, many more alums will interview more kids next weekend. Frankly, I thought one weekend of that was enough.
A lot of good kids and only so many scholarships. Now I know what I have to do to get Bubba in shape for college. A whole lot of work.
More to come...
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sometimes I wish
I didn't volunteer to be on committees.
I'm doing so much committee work, I never feel like I'm getting real work done. I'll have to wait and see how it all turns out.
In one committee, I'm working with high-ranking physicians and nurses. In another, I'm interviewing people for jobs, since I'm one of the customers. (and we're required to send representatives...)
Almost makes me wish the interviewing, policy writing and jockeying with erstwhile random staff were over.
I think I need a vacation. Maybe I just won't come back from my next road trip.
Nah, I really don't like tourist traps that much!
Stay tuned...
I'm doing so much committee work, I never feel like I'm getting real work done. I'll have to wait and see how it all turns out.
In one committee, I'm working with high-ranking physicians and nurses. In another, I'm interviewing people for jobs, since I'm one of the customers. (and we're required to send representatives...)
Almost makes me wish the interviewing, policy writing and jockeying with erstwhile random staff were over.
I think I need a vacation. Maybe I just won't come back from my next road trip.
Nah, I really don't like tourist traps that much!
Stay tuned...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Me? You really like me?
No, Sally Field isn't coming to RehabLand anytime soon, sillies (although we'd love to see Teri Garr). Yours truly got interviewed!
Thanks Kim for passing my info along to Martin. You can read all about my interview here at http://www.onlinenursingdegrees.org/news/nursing-beyond-the-books/
Many, many thanks and I hope you all enjoy!
Thanks Kim for passing my info along to Martin. You can read all about my interview here at http://www.onlinenursingdegrees.org/news/nursing-beyond-the-books/
Many, many thanks and I hope you all enjoy!
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