Why do you think you are a great fit for our hospital?
Nursing interviewers want to hire people who do their homework. This question is an opportunity to showcase that you've done yours. It is also an opportunity to express yourself vibrantly and show off your communication skills. Nurses work in all kinds of environments. Most entry-level positions likely will be more medical-surgical, as this is where most new nurses gain their basic nursing skills.
There are many options within medical-surgical 'bedside' nursing, and new nurses sometimes get hired in the ICU, telemetry, or psychiatric. Your answer may vary, depending on the job for which you are applying, but in general, know the organization's philosophies. Know the culture and mission of the company and know your worth. You are interviewing this company as much as they are interviewing you and the benefits are mutually inclusive. You are hoping to gain a job that you love, and they are hopeful to gain an essential, quality employee with longevity. If you are a relaxed, laid-back person who likes to sit and braid their patient's hair, then a fast-paced ICU may not be the optimal choice for you. After you have done your homework on the culture and mission of the healthcare organization and matched it to your own philosophical and life goals, craft your best answer to reflect on why you are the best choice.
"St. John's has long been known as the go-to hospital for pediatric care, and I love that. I reviewed your hospital website and liked the nurse interviews. The nurse leadership program is amazing, and I aspire to be employed by a magnet hospital where I am constantly encouraged and challenged to do better. I like fast-paced, challenging environments, and the resident rounding program at St. John's is one of the best. In addition to graduating near the top of my class of 200, I bring enthusiasm and energy to the workplace."
"As I've completed several clinical rotations here and worked as a student nurse extern here at Methodist, I've gotten along well with the nurses and other staff. On the unit where I worked as an SNE, the nurses told me they appreciated my hard work and good attitude. You are also known for your excellence in cardiac surgery, and I'm very interested in taking care of post-op cardiac patients."
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