Scene: “The Interview”

So if you’re here, it’s for one of a few reasons…

1. You read my first blog post “So You Wanna Be A Flight Nurse?” where I outlined my journey from start to “finish” of getting into a flight suit with “Flight Nurse” on my badge.
2. You were driven here by my Instagram account @Pyrovixi where I share my career, my love of travel, my dogs, occasionally the man who puts up with my crap and feeds me (shout out to Chris!), and overall live the fabulous life of an InstaCeleb (at least I play one on TV).
3. A search engine deposited you in my tender loving care because you scored your first (or fifth) flight nurse interview and you wanted to prepare for it. I relate–I googled “Flight Nurse Interview” once and didn’t come up with anything specific.

Well… welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Make yourself at home. I’d offer you a drink but well this is the internet and my jokes are tired AF to be honest. Scoring your interview was a huge obstacle to overcome and regardless of your outcome you need to be very proud of that fact. Not only did you meet the requirements to be entertained but you slayed the human resource’s beast guarding the gates of your future. I cannot tell you how many bright and high-potential people I’ve seen be weeded out because of clerical errors and automated systems. So you did well! Moment of silence for you to bask in that awesomeness!

So before I get into the meat and potatoes (or salad and vegan alternative meats for my plant-based friends) of the matter, I want to make sure I am transparent. I am by no means an expert in human resources, flight nursing, or really ANYTHING. I have been successful in life by a series of trial and error situations, good networking, persistance in the face of adversity, and by continued education. My nursing career is still young (at the time of writing this I have been a nurse for just under 6 years and a flight nurse just over a year). But I have the wisdom bestowed upon me by those who are much more experienced than me that I want to pay forward as well as my own personal experiences. Do not feel obligated to take my word as the end-all-be-all and use your own judgement when evaluating my statements.

In this post, I also may offer some tips that come off super commonsense for interviewing but when you read articles about interviewing, evaluators will states that the most commonsense things will often be the most overlooked by interviewees. Further, it’s not meant to sound redundant but act as simple reminders before you go in. Hopefully there are some new things you take out of this!

I think I’ve done enough prefacing. Let’s jump in!

Do Your Research Before the Interview!

You probably know about the agency you applied to. You may have a friend who works for them or have heard about them in the media or seen them on Facebook. However, did you take a few moments to scroll through their “About” page on their website? If you were asked “what is ABC Med Flight’s mission statement and can you discuss their values?” would you be able to talk about it? If not, you were underprepared. It really is important to understand the meaning of the work you say you want to do when you’re pleading your case to your interviewers. Incorporating their buzzwords into your interviewer shows you align with their end goals and make you more marketable. I try to look for these things before I interview so that I look like a candidate that will mesh with the company.

I also like to try to know a tiny excerpt of history about the agency as well as their current status. These are all usually searchable online. A lot of agencies post their service areas on-line and well as the background of their company.

If you know someone in the agency, ask them about their interviews. It’s not really some big industry secret. One interview I went to was an interview followed by a medical simulation then a trauma simulation. Another was a basic knowledge assessment followed by an interview then if you did well a second interview where you completed a simulation with the leadership team. So knowing what you are walking into can help you leaps and bounds. Interviewers may tell you upfront what to expect but it never hurts to ask. I know I helped someone in our agency by telling him about my experience. Depending on the agency’s policies, you may be able to get a copy of their protocols to help you prepare for your interview.

Take a Moment for Self Reflection–Before You’re Put On The Spot.

Interviewers are going to be curious about how you handle things and who you are. Your resume gives them your certificates and your job history but no real insight on the personal growth factor those things entailed. So sit down and brain storm the following:

1. What are your strengths? I personally like to avoid “I’m really nice!” Well that is important please don’t get me wrong but nice doesn’t save people, to be blunt. No one ever came back from a trauma arrest because we told them they had a nice smile. I usually encourage people to focus on their abilities to adapt to change. The critical care transport environment is one where patients just REFUSE to stay nice and stable (how rude!). However it’s also the weather, wildlife, bystanders, the spinning rotor blades of death we motor around in, other healthcare workers, and a million other factors that throw wrenches into our cogs and we need to be able to continue to function around these. But it isn’t just on flights. You need to have the ability to adapt with the changes in medicine–I know since I’ve started, I’ve seen a great deal of change in my program. I’m proud to say I was around for the implementation of the blood program but it was a challenge. The requirements are never static and thus, neither should we be. So when you’re laying out your strengths consider what would benefit the company, the patient and their families, your new coworkers, and the agencies we will be working with (EMS/Fire/Rescue/Police and other hospitals): critical thinking, assertiveness, enthusiasm/drive, reliability, and customer service. The final thing I really want to emphasize is this: if it isn’t a strength already make it one… ATTENTION TO SAFETY. Aviation has inherent dangers that we make every attempt to mitigate through our combined efforts of many individuals. It requires consistent vigilance and complacency can kill you and if it hasn’t yet it will eventually. Every few weeks we hear reports about another aviation mishap so having a respect for safety is a foundation strength; I don’t say this to scare you away because many companies have strong emphasis on safety (I recommend you check out the ECHO Heliops Community if you’re curious about aviation and safety–if the agency you’re interested in is on their radar, you may want to re-evaluate your options).
2. What are your weakness? I think everyone is pretty wary of talking about these. I mean, who really wants a light shown on their shortcomings? We all want to be picture perfect people performing perfectly. However I really encourage you to admit these! It shows you have good self-awareness but also humility. Arrogant people are dangerous–if you know everything, you are less receptive to other’s input and in critical care transport that is a recipe for absolute disaster. So you came up with some weaknesses (“I lack neonatal experience; I’m no confident with obstetrics; I didn’t see a lot of ventilators”) and are probably thinking that will disqualify you. I want to reassure you that very few people without flight experience come 100% prepared and flight programs have training plans to address this. So be transparent and tell your interviewers–it isn’t a personality flaw and is a workable issue. I also recommend that you follow up every weakness with a proposed plan to tackle it. So going into the interview for this job,  I knew my weaknesses and explained that I planned to do more studying on the topics, listen to podcasts, and asked to shadow on units pertaining to that subject. I was actually surprised to learn it was part of my orientation anyway. So own your weaknesses!
3. Remember a time when you were challenged as a nurse (this one I usually try to think of a complex pathology, a difficult family member, a coworker with an ethical issue, how I overcame a personal struggle with an emotionally taxing patient, how I worked without enough resources). Use this question to demonstrate your ability to be resilient and creative. It is a question they use to assess your ability to handle stress and overcome using your intellect.
4. If you noticed a coworker was tired or came to work smelling like alcohol or was diverting narcotics or any form of this question… always reflect on how this would affect the safety of the crew. See rambling discussion above about safety. If anything ever puts you, your crew mates, your patient in any danger, err on the side of safety: speak up, cease the action, intervene if necessary, and if all else fails, involve your leadership. And after your interview: remember these things, don’t just say it and forget it!
5. Why do you want to do this? Awww! This is my favorite and maybe it is because I’m not all salty and burnt out yet but my reasons bring tears to my eyes. If your reasons don’t move your soul and/or inspire and excite you, perhaps you have the wrong reasons. I really, really, really stress this: DO NOT say because it would be cool to wear a flight suit and fly in a helicopter. We all know that haha. But it is a vapid reason. Too many times I get sweet little nursing students who message me about this and say how they want to wear a flight suit or be a flight nurse so they could putz around in The Bird©. Focus on your personal growth/new challenge, the working with the sickest patients, join a team of like-minded/education-aggressive individuals… Think outside the box because there are probably three more applicants with the same reasons as you–make yours memorable.

Have Questions Prepared for Your Interviewers!

At the end of interviews, applicants are asked “Do you have any questions?” This is your chance to get them asked. In the days or weeks leading up to your interview, think up everything you want to know about the job. How do the shifts work, what happens if pilots/crew members call off (are you moved to another base?), what opportunities are there for public outreach or education, does this agency participate in mission trips or disaster quick response, are there opportunities to assist with projects in the agency, or are there any research projects the company is participating in? What do a majority of their calls consist of? Medical/trauma, adult/ped, scene flight/interfacility transport?

Don’t be afraid to ask about their safety practices. Do they participate in “3 to go, 1 to say no” practices? Do they operate at FAA weather minimums or do they have more rigorous standards? Do they offer safety and survival training? How is their safety record? What are they doing to ensure the safest practices for their crews and patients? (Dual engine helicopters, night vision goggles, flight tracking softwares).

But most importantly, ask if they are CAMTS accredited. If they are, are they expecting to? How do they ensure staff are maintaining CAMTS mandated proficiencies? How does their education work? What do they do to ensure staff are staying up to date with the the changes in medicine?

Write your questions down as they come up. Some may answer themselves in your interview but at least you show you’re interested! Do not skimp on asking about safety–its a hot topic in aviation and if your interviewers seem shy about it, that should be a red flag to you. Transparent, safety conscious companies will be up front with you about their practices.

Medical Knowledge: Some Things You May Want to Know

I’m going to through some things up here but ultimately flight systems can vary so much I can not give you a comprehensive prep list. My recommendation is you check out the Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing’s Content Outline for the Certified Flight Registered Nurse because its a very good list of major topics we encounter.

My recommendations:

• STEMIs (Inferior/Posterior) and Rhythm Interpretation/Management
• Strokes (ICH/CVA, BP Management)
• Sepsis
• High-Risk Obstetrics (Use of Magnesium)
• Trauma Management
• Know your state EMS protocols–usually accessible online
• Come being able to do dosage calculation, calculate drip rates… good refresher here and here!

I recommend this great app if you’re looking to grow your knowledge of critical care–it is called CRITICAL and does cost money to use but it is well worth its weight in gold. I currently could only find it for Iphones so I apologize for Android users.

DOOMSDAY! Just Kidding: Day of The Interview

So by now you know what to wear to these things, so I’ll save the talk on that 🙂

However some little things that get looked over are the following:

• Eat a light breakfast or lunch–enough to satisfy any hunger and ward off any stomach growls/sugar crashes but not enough that you may have to consider a bathroom break during your interview or leaves you in a brain fog (remember going to class after a carb-heavy lunch?)
• Show up 10-15 minutes early.
• Have at least 5 copies of your resume printed, one side only on decent paper (they have the electronic format but I’ve been complimented many times on my preparedness and thoughtfulness).
• Bring a note pad and pen with you to take notes.
• Start the day with positive thoughts and if you can remind yourself to, smile throughout the day–there are a lot of studies that show that it sets you up for a better mood.
• Immediately before your interview try to take a series of deep breaths, clear your mind of the possibility of not being successful, and relax your shoulders.

In The Interview

This is it! Dun dun duuuuunnnnnnnn. So now that you’ve done all the prep, spit out your gum (before you got there, obviously), ditched your coffee, and brought your resumes you enter the Chamber of Destiny (any fantasy fans out there?)

Likely the individual retrieving you will introduce you to the group. However, make sure when you first speak, it is to introduce yourself. Remember to greet every interviewer with a handshake, making eye contact, and thank them for their time. This is your opportunity to offer copies of your resume but don’t be offended if they decline, they may have one already. If they don’t, provide one. Then you can refer to items on it throughout your interview and they have a small reminder of your existence at the end of the day after they conclude other interviews.

As you speak, sweep your eyes across your interviewers and be sure to smile. If you’re on a phone interview, remember to smile! It sounds cheesy but your voice changes when you don’t and it can make you sound more approachable and relaxed. Try to commit their names to memory and if you answer a question one has asked you, try to start your answer with their name. Example, the female interviewer is named Karen (because they are always Karen, am I right?!) and she asked about your last job: “I’m glad you asked, Karen….” This also prompts me to say: while it isn’t unreasonable to identify weaknesses your last job may have had, I would avoid condemning it or sounding condescending about it. There is a way to frame these things politically correct so always come out on the high road– interviewers may be made to thought “if they talked about their old job this way, how will they talk about us?”

You’ve prepared the hard self-reflection questions already so those should be easy by now! Highlight that you can operate alone and as a team mate. Make sure you discuss how you feel confident in your knowledge but also realize you have a lot to learn, recognize that you don’t know what you don’t know but know how to utilize your resources (protocols, experience, partners, other agency providers) and your medical command. It shows you’re competent and confident as a provider but also humble and not a cowboy. Be willing to learn, willing to help. Also willing to stand by to decisions when it comes to safety—- that is HUGE in aviation. Safety of the crew is 100%.

Something that came up for me that tricked me up was the question “Who are our customers?” Well of course they’re our patients! Right? Yes and no. We also have to consider the facilities we go into and work with. In my interview I literally felt so goofy–of course! Bad interactions with other facilities reflects poorly on the whole organization. My director said it best and it has stuck with me since–the flight suit represents quality and we have to always be aware that people expect that (paraphrased). Hospitals have the ability to call other flight services or ground services (some places don’t have many because they are rural but still) but they make a choice to use yours; this is not something we should take lightly. Losing the trust of a facility means we may not go back. It may mean utilization of another flight service who may not be as good or may be more expensive and consider how that may effect our patients but also, its not good for our company’s bottomline. While I don’t like to think about making money off of sick people I also recognize the reality that we operate and have the ability to do so because we can afford to.

So now you have the opportunity to wrap up the loose ends of the interview! Make sure you clarify anything you might have said that might have you cringing now (example: I once said something about working with new grad nurses… it wasn’t that I disliked them and when I was talking later, I realized the context was lacking when I discussed it earlier. I’m glad I circled back because the impression the original statement left was not the one I intended). Ask the questions you prepared. And finally, ask for business cards!!! If they do not have them, ask if they would be willing to provide emails for follow-up questions.

Again shake the hand of every interviewer for their time and consideration, looking them in the eye with a smile. I like to throw the “I hope the next time we meet is when I am beginning my training but regardless I appreciate the opportunity to have been here today.” I think conveying confidence and excitement/hope with being realistic and grateful is a good blend of human emotion and social interaction.

After The Interview

Alright! Go you! Not only did you survive the interview, you survived 3,340 words of this blog post (:

Now is the time to relax and reflect. Every interview is potentially practice for the next. What went well? What didn’t? File it away. We always hope we’ll never need to interview again because we got our dream job but approaching this with realism is tactful and responsible. Interviewing is a skill and like any other skill, it requires practice. I know I was cruddy at foley catheters for a long time but eventually I hit the right hole! Interviewing is kind of like that–eventually you kind of just fall into the right hole.

Within 24-hours, I recommend pulling out those business cards or the list of emails and composing thank you emails. Generally I like to take the opportunity to highlight the major key points of the interview, reiterate why I feel I am a good fit for the position, as well as include any things I may have forgot to mention and other questions I might have had. Conclude with a thank you for the time the interviewers provided and another statement that you will hope to speak to them again moving forward.

Now hurry up and wait, ya’ll!

If you’re applying for a flight job, chances are you have a few interviews under your belt. And realistically, you probably had this all on your own if you were out researching how to prepare–because the kind of people who get hired and thrive in flight are the types who want to be the best and put in effort.

Finally I want to end my post with a quote posted in our base:

LIVE YOUR INTERVIEW

DO WHAT YOU SAID YOU WOULD

It’s one thing to say all the right things but just make sure you follow through–our work matters and people will look differently at you when the flight suit goes on. Be cognizant and never forget what you said.

Clear skies and tail winds, friends!

Did you use this blog to get a flight job? Please leave a comment if you used this post in an interview and how your interview went! I am vested in the success of future flight nurses and would love to continue to develop this for future readers. Suggestions and honest feed back is greatly welcomed.