Hi
Next week I have an interview for the graduate accelerated diploma in Mental Health Nursing. I am getting a bit worried about what they will expect of me and what kinds of things they will ask me. I am unsure if I have read enough or have got enough voluntary work experience to have a real idea about what the job entails. I am currently working for a bank, but volunteer at a nursing home on a Saturday, so this experience is quite limited and I am worried that I havent had any experience of working in any other area.
Anyway the selection day takes a whole day – so can anyone offer any helpful advice about what to expect or what to brush up on.
Ta
Well, the very fact that you work for a bank suggests you are reliable, honest, smart, punctual, numerate and have people skills. That will give you a major head start over many psychiatric nurses. The fact that you are prepared to surrender a steady, secure(ish) career with good prospects for something more vocational is impressive. As is the fact that you sacrifice your weekends to voluntary work. I`ve no idea what they`ll ask you, nor why they want you for the day. Stop fretting though, you`ll be fine.
Hi
Firstly, well done on getting an interview
Don’t worry about not having much experience, I have never been on a mental health ward in my life but the universities I went for interviews at all said this was not a problem. The fact that you have bank experience will stand you in good stead as well so try not to worry so much.
As for the selection day, at mine I had to do a maths n English test and then have an interview. At the interview I was asked things like ‘why mental health?’, ‘why nursing?’, ‘what would you do if you had a patient that did x?’ and ‘how will you cope with the demands of academic life?’.
All I can say is just be yourself and hopefully it all goes well for you.
The most important things (from my point of view, and going from my own interview) would be to show that your communication skills are good, you are likely to be asked about experience that doesn’t have to be care related, just person related!
Having done any volunteer work in the care sector is a good thing, I have met students that have had none and get quite a culture shock on their first placement.
I think you need to try and convey a sense of being non-judgemental, being able to communicate easily and taking the course seriously (you don’t think it is a piece of piss), and showing you want to work hard.
Sounds to me like you will be fine. Good luck anyway!
Avoid telling them you used this site for advice
Be yourself and don’t try and second guess what answers they want.
Good luck and please let us know how you get on.
Hope we encouraged you to apply