[egul105]

Hey, does anyone know if it's true that TCU interviews you according to what your background is? I had been told that they will ask you clinical questions according to what your specialty is (eg. cardiac gets lots of hemodynamic questions). I'm driving myself crazy trying to get ready for my interview!

[fence]

I had a friend who interviewed last year. They asked him what he thought his weakest area was. He stated "neuro" since they do no neuro int he unit he works in. They then proceded to quiz him on normal ICP's, CPP etc. In other words be ready for anything related to critical care.

[pigtails]

I have not interviewed at TCU; however, I have been to several other programs.I am starting at VCU next fall. I was accepted my second time trying.


Don't spend so much time worrying yourself nuts about clinical questions.
You must look good on paper because they have offered you an interview.
Go to your interview and show them you are human. Interviewers do not like "know it alls." I found the more general questions to be the most difficult.
For example, what qualities do you have that will help and hinder your abilities to be successful graduate student?
These people want applicants who are teachable. Show your excitment and don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer to a clinical question.
Remeber your posture and how you speak. Don't be afraid of silence. Take a few moments to think before you speak. Don't say "like". I really believe people, in general, are not aware of how much they do this. I have been guilty of it and made consistent effort to delete it from my conversations.
Who cares if you a nervous. Anyone who isn't may not be serious enough about their own future. You should be nervous! This is how you want to spend the rest of your life.
Relax, make an effort to get to know the other applicants. At present, they are your competition but may very well become your classmates. I found this to be an extremely effective at redcucing anxiety. It also loosens you in preparing to talk to the interviewers.
Prepare some questions to ask of the interviewers. Remeber you are interviewing them as well, you are paying them to teach you. Make sure this is where you want to spend your money. You will do fine. Smile, make eye contact, and don't tell them what you think they want to hear.
Think about why you have chosen this path and be prepared to tell them this.
Hang in there. I was rejected 5 times before I was accepted. If things don't go your way this time around, keep trying. I feel even more prepared this year and will ultimately be a better clinician because of it.
Things happen for a reason. Good Luck to you. Persist and you will succeed

[TexasCCRN]

I would say know basic concepts. I drove myself crazy trying to prepare too, but I think for the most part it was a waste. At this point either you know it or you don't. I think they want to know that if they give you a problem can you get to the answer. (critical thinking). Good luck...hope to see you next semester!

[egul105]

Thanks you guys, I appreciate it, and all you have said makes sense. I have a flight nursing background mainly and I'm used to the group interview question so I'm not as nervous about that. But even though I have ICU I'm a little rusty on it, and have been reviewing mainly the hemodynamics. This forum is great but in a way it's also 'nerve inducing' because everyone writes about the questions they were asked and they have all been different! lol I agree with not saying 'like', bad habit of mine too! Wish me luck, my interview is Tuesday!

[Just a CRNA]

Originally Posted by pigtails

Don't spend so much time worrying yourself nuts about clinical questions.
You must look good on paper because they have offered you an interview.
Go to your interview and show them you are human. Interviewers do not like "know it alls." I found the more general questions to be the most difficult.
For example, what qualities do you have that will help and hinder your abilities to be successful graduate student?
These people want applicants who are teachable. Show your excitment and don't be afraid to say you don't know the answer to a clinical question.
Remeber your posture and how you speak. Don't be afraid of silence. Take a few moments to think before you speak. Don't say "like". I really believe people, in general, are not aware of how much they do this. I have been guilty of it and made consistent effort to delete it from my conversations.
Who cares if you a nervous. Anyone who isn't may not be serious enough about their own future. You should be nervous! This is how you want to spend the rest of your life.
Relax, make an effort to get to know the other applicants. At present, they are your competition but may very well become your classmates. I found this to be an extremely effective at redcucing anxiety. It also loosens you in preparing to talk to the interviewers.
Prepare some questions to ask of the interviewers. Remeber you are interviewing them as well, you are paying them to teach you. Make sure this is where you want to spend your money. You will do fine. Smile, make eye contact, and don't tell them what you think they want to hear.
Think about why you have chosen this path and be prepared to tell them this.
Hang in there. I was rejected 5 times before I was accepted. If things don't go your way this time around, keep trying. I feel even more prepared this year and will ultimately be a better clinician because of it.
Things happen for a reason. Good Luck to you. Persist and you will succeed

This may be some of the best advice that I've seen on here.

[fence]

I would have to agree.