va rn interview questions

VA Interview Question

Interviews for Top Jobs at US Department of Veterans Affairs

Registered Nurse Interview

Registered Nurse Interview

Registered Nurse Interview

Now that you have an idea of what kinds of questions to expect, the next step is how to answer them. To give a complete answer to a behavior-based question, you must, first, reflect on specific situations that you faced while working (include any volunteering or internships), then, describe the specific action you took, and, finally, the outcome as a result of your actions. The interviewer will be looking for concrete examples not generalities. A helpful hint would be to remember the initials “PAR” for “Problem, Action, and Results” such as “PAR for the Course.” Heres an example: Problem: Local newspaper subscriptions were declining for the area residents and large numbers of long-term subscribers were not renewing contracts. With the majority of the newspapers revenue generated from subscriptions, this reduction in renewals would have an enormous affect on the future of the paper, especially employment.

Action: Evaluated original subscription rates and designed a new promotional package that offered special rates for all renewal subscriptions. Results: Increased renewal subscription by 25 percent over the same period last year. This promotional package not only increased renewal subscriptions and maintains job security for the staff, but also enabled the office to replace a badly needed piece of equipment that could no longer be serviced.

For example, in the United States Navy, they use terms like “head” instead of the bathroom. They use “ladder” instead of stairs, “port” for the left, and “starboard” for the right.

Practice translating your military experience so that a civilian is able to understand. You’ve worked in very specialized environments. These environments create very specific military cultures.

Not sure how to translate your military experience into a civilian application? According to the Military Benefits Association, you should use one of the numerous online military skills translators that are available. This will help you describe your experience in a way that hiring managers can better understand.

For example, you may have lived on bases, ships, or subs. You ate in chow halls, or in the galley… or even M.R.E.’s. You shopped in commissaries or exchanges.

So assume you’re asked a question like: “Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a co-worker?” A Navy veteran might answer the question like this:

Example: “In my last role as a nurse, I had a patient who was very upset about his diagnosis. He kept insisting that he didn’t have what we were saying he did, even though it was clearly written in his chart. I tried explaining our reasoning multiple times, but he still insisted that there must be another explanation for his symptoms. Eventually, I asked him if he would like me to call in one of the doctors so they could explain it again. He agreed, and after hearing it from the doctor, he finally understood.”

Example: “I believe one of the most important things we can do for our veterans is provide them with quality care. I would work hard to ensure my team members are well trained and prepared to meet the needs of our patients. I also think it’s important to listen to what our patients have to say and respond to their concerns. If I were hired, I would take steps to improve the quality of care by encouraging open lines of communication between staff members.”

The VA interview process is designed to assess your ability to perform the job you are applying for. The interviewers will ask you questions about your experience, skills, and knowledge. They will also ask you questions about your ability to work with Veterans.

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and see if you are passionate about working for the VA. It can also tell them how much research you did before your interview. If you found out about this position through a friend or family member, be sure to mention that person in your answer.

Example: “In my previous role as an administrative assistant, I was responsible for scheduling meetings between senior management and clients. One day, I scheduled a meeting with a client who had requested a call instead of a face-to-face meeting. The client called me later in the day to let me know they were coming into the office because they needed to discuss something important. I immediately apologized and rescheduled their meeting for later that week.”

FAQ

How do I prepare for a VA nursing interview?

1. Practice your interviewing skills well before you are called for an interview. …
2. Look professional. …
3. Think positive. …
4. Be sure you have the correct time and clear directions to the interview. …
5. Arrive early.

Why do you want to work at the VA as a nurse?

What questions should I ask at a VA interview?

• Tell me about yourself.
• How might your coworkers describe you?
• How might your current manager describe you?
• What’s your greatest strength as a virtual assistant?
• What’s your greatest weakness as a virtual assistant?
• Where do you see yourself in five of 10 years?

What questions will they ask in a nursing interview?

• Do you work well with other nurses, doctors and staff? …
• How would you handle a difficult patient? …
• How do you handle workplace stress? …
• What do you do if your replacement does not arrive? …
• How would you handle a disagreement with a doctor? …
• Describe how you manage a busy workload.