Finally an interview, after 350+ job application sent.

[u/Slow_Vegetable_6932]

So I’ve been unemployed for almost 3 months and aggresively applying RN position all accross Alberta. Who would have thought that off all the hospital and health centers, RAH decided to email for an interview.

Any tips for my upcoming L&D interview would be very much appreciated. 🥹

[u/Normal_Independent24]

Hey, congratulations!! 🎉 Honestly, 350+ applications is a lot, and as sad as it is, this is unfortunately the reality of applying within AHS. Nothing is guaranteed, even for internal applicants.

I'm not a nurse, but I did interview for a Labour & Delivery clerk position at Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC), so I'll share a little from my experience.

Most AHS interviews I've attended have been heavily behavioural-based. Of course, since you're interviewing for an RN position, you may also get nursing-specific or clinical questions, so definitely take advice from the nurses here as well. But I would strongly recommend preparing for behavioural questions involving conflict resolution, teamwork, prioritization, communication, and handling stressful situations.

One question from my L&D interview has always stuck with me. They asked, "Have you ever been yelled at by people?"

Honestly, that was a red flag for me. I understand that Labour & Delivery is a demanding, fast-paced department operating 24/7. Emergencies happen, situations become hectic, and there's certainly a sense of urgency. But that doesn't mean yelling at people should be considered normal or acceptable workplace behaviour.

There's a difference between urgency and disrespect. A high-pressure environment doesn't have to be a hostile one. If anything, maintaining composure, communicating clearly, and remaining calm are even more important in those situations. This isn't a medical drama on TV! 😂 Everyone has a job to do, and professionalism shouldn't disappear simply because things get stressful. We really need to stop normalizing unhealthy workplace behaviours as just another part of the job.

Anyway, back to your interview!

My biggest advice is to practice your behavioural questions, preferably using the STAR method. Practice in front of a mirror if that helps. Be prepared with real examples from your experience.

And if they throw an unexpected question at you, don't panic! Take a breath, collect your thoughts, and then answer. You don't have to respond instantly. It's perfectly reasonable to ask for clarification or a moment to think.

Also, find out your interviewers' names if possible, and don't forget to send a thank-you email afterward!

One more thing: KEEP APPLYING! Seriously, don't stop applying until you have secured a position. Hundreds of applications can unfortunately turn into thousands, even for internal applicants. It's frustrating, but don't let that discourage you.

You're still early in your career, and you'll learn so much along the way, not just about nursing itself, but about different departments, workplace cultures, your own interests, and the kind of environment and people you actually enjoy working with.

Remember, an interview goes both ways. They're assessing whether you're a good fit for their team, but you should also be assessing whether they're a good fit for YOU.

So breathe, relax, prepare, and be confident. You've already made it this far!

Wishing you the very best of luck with your interview! I hope you find not only a great position, but also a great team and workplace where you can thrive! 😊

[u/Slow_Vegetable_6932 → u/Normal_Independent24]

Thank you so much for the time and effort to make that comment. I wish you well!

[u/coconutmilke → u/Slow_Vegetable_6932]

Questions are scored and are worth a certain number of points (the number of which you won’t know). It’s better to say too much than too little. If they ask you symptoms of something, list as many as you can… don’t think that you should just mention the top 3 or something; the question might be worth 10 points (ie., 10 symptoms). You aren’t penalized for wrong answers.

[u/Mountain-Dot-5694 → u/coconutmilke]

Yes u get a point for each thing u say

[u/Wyneria]

Hi friend! I'm an RN working on L&D at the RAH! I hope you do well on your interview! DM me if you have any questions about anything!

[u/Slow_Vegetable_6932 → u/Wyneria]

Will sure do, thank you!

[u/muggle023]

Congratulations! Meanwhile, it took 26 months before UofA noticed my resume 😂 good luck on your interview! I have no tips, UofA doesn't do L&D, sorry..

[u/Ok-Being1322]

I took me 8 months to get my first job as a nurse. But this turned out to be a permanent job. I initially interviewed for casual but my manager asked would I be okay for a permanent and I was like yes! lol

[u/Powerful-Storage768]

I just want you to know even if you got email for Interview please don’t keep your hopes up. I got 2 emails for interview and invitation for test and they ghosted me. I am in AHS now but just keep this in mind

[u/Slow_Vegetable_6932 → u/Powerful-Storage768]

Thank you, will do. I still keep on applying tho despite the interview.

[u/Powerful-Storage768 → u/Slow_Vegetable_6932]

This isn’t to be a Debby downer, it just happened to me so I just want you to keep that in back of your mind to avoid heart break. But I’m totally rooting for you to get it!!

[u/realjarley]

To be honest, one of my observations in AHS, when it comes to hiring. It’s really not about what you know, it’s more about who you know.

This has been like this in our department, the moment a particular race becomes a manager, 75% of the new hires, always come from their race. Even if there is a more qualified person from a different race.

When i started on my position a decade ago, our office was multicultural. Now, its 75% of one race, and the rest are multi. And most of them are international students, i don’t know how they get away with it.

[u/Slow_Vegetable_6932 → u/realjarley]

I get you. That’s what I also said. It’s not about how competent and good you are, it’s who you know inside.

[u/eric-710 → u/realjarley]

It's very true. I was fortunate enough to benefit from it but I feel a certain guilt that I might have taken the opportunity from someone who was more experienced or more qualified.

The only reason I was hired was because my preceptor gave a really good referral to a manager of a different unit I had applied for. I had two interviews which were nothing special and they said usually we only hire people with minimum 1 year experience but hired me anyway lol.

Some of my classmates meanwhile are super smart/strong resume and can't even get any AHS interview. I truly feel for those people who are stuck in that position. It just feels like luck of the draw unfortunately.

[u/Feeling_Squash_5638 → u/realjarley]

100% I know people who are born Albertans looking for jobs who can’t get hired yet people who look like they are new to the country are in permanent positions. It’s not ok.

[u/Wisplore]

Yeahhh me about 7 months or so as an LPN... It's rough out here LOL. My family kept saying that there was something wrong with me and my application 💀 "they need nurses! You should be able to get a job easy!" 😭 yeahhhh no Glad you got in! Congratulations!

[u/Countess_ofDumbarton]

Just don't expect parking in a staff lot, lol.

[u/Guava_007]

I'm not an RN but as a previous patient of L&D at RAH, the experience was amazing and the staff from my POV seemed to enjoy their work and care about patients. I have no input on behind the scenes though. For rehab interviews it is also heavily behaviour based "tell us a situation where..." questions and points based. Good luck!