Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

228 unit 3 | Professional Issues

Voice inflection, eye contact, and friendliness are
demonstrations of your enthusiasm for the position
(Costlow, 1999).
Whatever the questions, know your key points,
and be able to explain in the interview why the
company will be glad it hired you, say, 4 years from
now. Never criticize your current employer before
you leave. Personal and professional integrity will
follow you from position to position. Many compa-
nies count on personal references when hiring,
including those of faculty and administrators from
your nursing program. When leaving positions you
held during school or on graduating from your

program, it is wise not to take parting shots at

someone. Doing a professional program evaluation

is fine, but “taking cheap shots” at faculty or other

employees is unacceptable (Costlow, 1999).

Background Questions

Background questions usually relate to information

on your résumé. If you have no nursing experience,

relate your prior school and work experience and

other accomplishments in relevant ways to the

position you are seeking without going through

your entire autobiography with the interviewer. You

may be asked to expand on the information in your

5734 Foster Road

Middleton, Indiana 46204

April 27, 2009

Ms. Martha Berrero

Human Resources Manager

All Care Nursing Center

4431 Lakeside Drive

Middleton, Indiana 46204

Dear Ms. Berrero:

Thank you very much for interviewing me yesterday for the registered nurse position at All Care Nursing

Center. I enjoyed meeting you and learning more about the role of the registered nurse in long-term care with

Jefferson Corporation.

My enthusiasm for the position and my interest in working with the elderly have increased as a result of the

interview. I believe that my education and experience in long-term care fit with the job requirements. I know

that currently I can make a contribution to the care of the residents and over time I hope to qualify as a nursing

team leader.

I wish to reiterate my strong interest in working with you and your staff. I know that All Care Nursing Center

can provide the kind of opportunities I am seeking. Please call me at 907-123-4567 if I can provide you with

any additional information.

Again, thank you for the interview and for considering me for the registered nurse position.

Sincerely yours,

Delores Wheatley

Figure 14.3Sample thank-you letter.