NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA) President O’Bray Smith shares some tips for final year nursing and midwifery students in preparation for their new grad interviews.
A common mistake that people make when they sit their new grad interview is thinking that we are looking for someone who can diagnose, or an advanced practitioner, and we are not.
First and foremost, we are looking for entry level new grads that are safe and collaborative.
If you are given a clinical scenario in your new grad interview, start with the A-G patient assessment. If you can do a patient or woman history, talk them through an A-G, and document your observations.
If you find something outside of your normal limits or have clinical concerns, then you escalate according to policy.
Make sure that when you hand over about who you are concerned about to your NUM (Nurse Unit Manager), MUM (Midwifery Unit Manager) or whoever is in charge, that you use an ISBAR handover.
Document the same accordingly.
Then if you are unsure of anything, refer to policy, your CNE (Clinical Nurse Educator) or your CME (Clinical Midwifery Educator).
Make sure you educate your patient and their family if you have consent, because we provide collaborative care.
If you have done all of that, throw in an example that you can think of that you have seen in your practical over the past three years.
The last thing to do is if you think you have a plan moving forward, vocalise it. If your patient has a fever and your plan is going to be to give them paracetamol – absolutely say that. Do not be afraid to show initiative.
If you have done all of that, be proud!
Good luck at your interview.
