Interview with a "Vampire"

My interview was today. I *think* it went well, but I have always felt very upbeat and positive after almost every interview I've gone to, so now I get to play the waiting game.

I've joked with some family and friends about how I'd feel like s*** if I wasn't hired on the spot like some others have been. Come to find out, though, that those who have been hired have been contract transfers (meaning a lateral move) and they do not have to go through the interview process - they just are basically handed the job. Anyone who is upgrading, downgrading or changing job descriptions gets to be interviewed and decided upon. Don't get me started on "contract transfers".

Anyway, remaining interviews will be conducted throughout the rest of this week, and decisions will be made within the next two weeks.

As far as the interview itself, the supervisor of NICU took me on a 45 minute tour of the unit, plus outlying units of NICU which have not yet been incorporated into the main unit. It was as much to "show" me to the staff as much as let me see what the area would be like. Since I've worked with some of those nurses in other areas, I think that "lookover" went well. The nurses are very protective of those little ones in their care, and they don't hesitate to complain if someone isn't good to these babies.




Of course I was asked my least favorite question, "What are your strengths?" My answer was my vast amount of patience. That seemed to please him. As I said, we'll see. He does seem like a very nice guy to have for a supervisor - far different than what I'm dealing with now. And, reports I've had from others who've worked with him have indicated the same thing.

I have to admit a vast sense of relief since I've actually seen the NICU. I've toured NICU in years past, but had not seen this unit since it was first remodeled a little over two years ago. And, now it's ready to expand once again. No one had really told me a great deal about the expectations of the job, but the supervisor did a marvelous job of filling me in, even without many questions from me.

The phlebotomy part of the job is totally heelsticks, or capillary punctures, to be proper. I can do those in my sleep, that's how easy they are for me. But, it will definitely be something to get used to when the heel in question is no bigger than the first joint of my thumb. It's definitely something to be cautious with, and to deal with slowly and carefully.



Another part of the job will include working in the critical care laboratory. That will include accepting requisitions and accessioning in the tests ordered, and will also include working with blood bank to distribute units of blood to various locales on that side of the hospital. It's definitely going to be a lot of new things to learn; I'll be very happy to stretch my brain once again to learn these new things...if/when I'm selected for the job.

I'm excited, yet in some ways feeling very cautious about this. I don't want to want it so badly that I'm crushed if I don't get the job. I'd also like to hear as soon as possible *if* they decide not to hire me - there's another job I'd like to pursue if this one doesn't pan out.

So, I guess an answer will come down the pike in the next couple of weeks. I'll let you know when I know.