Interview in 2 days, UGH!

I have not personally gone through any interviews yet, but from what I hear, many schools are trying to determine how you respond under stress. So my plan would be to lay off the starbucks the day of the interview (shaky hands, bad), get a good night's sleep the night before, get there early, and keep saying to yourself: "They asked ME to come here" as in, YOU are an invited guest of thiers, so act accordingly. Also, I don't think it's a good idea to B.S. ANY questions, personal or clinical. One great trait of a future student is the ability to admit you don't know and ask. Also, I wouldn't stress out about clinical questions (I'll cross my fingers for you). All the clinical stuff you know, you already know, so I hope you aren't studying as we speak. I wish you all the luck in the world.
Christina
P.S. Hurry up and get in so you can give us all the gory details!

I only had to interview once and my interview focused mainly on what type of person I am and what I had done to prepare for a vigorous graduate program. I would recommend being prepared for different types of interviews. Then when you get into the interview you will be able to see by the direction that they take what they want to find out about you - clincal competentce, knowlege of CRNA profession, how much you planned for grad school, or what type of person you are. If you go into the interview focusing on the interviewers needs then your more likely to address their concerns. My interview focused on me as a person and how much I had prepared for grad school financially, in relationships, and by having realitstic expectations. I had to drop all the weeks of planning for clinical questions and focus on those issues. Also by focusing on their needs in the interview, I think it shifts your focus off of your own nervousness. I don't mean to be totally flexible though. It is still good to have a few important points that you want to come across in the interview. For me, since I was younger than most applicants, I wanted them to be assured that I have the maturity level for grad school so I conveyed that in many of my answers.

I think a few other things are important. Blow off steam that morning, no caffeine, have meaningful questions, and write a follow-up thank you letter or e-mail within a couple of days. Good luck!

I wouldn't worry too much about clinical questions you think you have to "brush up" on. At my interview I was the only one with CSU experience and they gearded thier clinical questions towards my specialty, while the other applicant's had specific questions related to their individual units (MICU, CCU, Trauma ICU).

Trust me when I say to have your generic answers to questions DOWN PAT! I was pretty confident in my answer to "why do you want to be a CRNA" and "what are your positive and negative character traits", but as soon as I entered the room I had the biggest brain fart ever! And I can honestly say that I don't get stressed out about anything - unless it deals with money. So go over in your head the main points you want to get across, just in case your mind goes blank (i.e., 'working with a great team in the OR', 'my love of pathophysiology', 'wanting to know more of the 'why' then the 'how'', etc.).

I got up early and did a long run the day of and it really helped calm me down ... do something you know will relax you. You will do great ... we'll be crossing our fingers! LEt us know how everything goes

So today should be your big day! Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

We're waiting................

I can't wait to hear about your interview. Mine is next Thursday. I am experiencing short periods of extreme confidence coupled with periods of extreme nervousness.

I wish you all the luck

Dontae

Dontae, where are you interviewing?