[heartrn35]

I'm feeling a little confused. I thought I would be a shoe in for anesthesia school. I have 9 years of CTICU, two years of step down before that, I understand hemodynamics well enough to teach others (always room for improvement), I graduated magna cum laude, GRE score was 1100. I had excellent recomendations from people who I really respected. I keep trying to understand what I did wrong.
I have to admit that I probably could have done better at the interveiws, I was nervous and really didn't show my true self, but I'm not sure how I can change that part of me. The first of my three interviews was clinical and I did poorly, becuase I was rattled by the negative tone of the interview. But the second and third I walked out of feeling "that's how I want a interview to go."
Could the committee be so focused on the interview that this all they focus on?
Any advice would be appriciated.

[mrigas]

What certs do you have? How is your science background? What have you done over the past 9 years to show your leadership and clinical abilities? Maybe they felt you were overconfident at your interview?

....just a few thoughts....

[suzanne4]

You are marketing yourself when you go to these interviews, not just what you show on a piece of paper, and when you are very nervous, it shows thru.

They also judge you on how well that they think that you will fit in with others that they are considering, as well as the staff that will be teaching you. Some come on too strong and the facility will back out right in the beginning.

If you did not get selected, suggest that you contact them to get input on what you could do to get selected next time. Have seen many do this and have it work for them. It also shows that you are truly interested in their program and willing to try harder to get accepted to it.

[mmc-rockstar]

I'm so sorry.....Since I don't know you I can't give too specific advice but here's what I have to offer.... First, if your nervousness is a problem in the interview (which really is for most) Try hard to think of answers ahead of time and really try to be prepared for anything/any type of questions. Also, having a little beta blockade on board can't hurt. Also, if you don't have your CCRN, get it (and use it in the interview). Be current on ICU issues/research..and anesthesia too (it can only impress). Next, definitely call the directors of the programs you interviewed at (or schedule an appt to meet in person). You have to get feedback to improve.
Also, look at your school selection and competition. I've been told personally by a director that her ideal candidate is someone right out of school with only a few years experience (yes, age and experience CAN hurt you). But that depends on the school, some really value good experience. Look at various programs, expecially if you know students there, and find out where you will be a good fit. Keep your head up, and don't give up. You have great experience and qualifications, I am sure you will succeed!!

[neurogeek]

I suggest that you call the programs that declined you and ask them for specifics. I bet they will be able to give you insight into what they viewed as your weaknesses, and then you can focus on improving in that area before round 2.

[californianurse]

HeartRN35, Did you make alternate at any of the schools? I agree with all of the above posters, especially with contacting each program and speaking with the directors. They will let you know why you weren't selected. Anyway, if you made alternate, it's not over yet...there's always a chance at getting in.

My boyfriend, an MD resident now, only got into one school--2 weeks before it began. He was wait-listed at only one school, but he got in. He majored at Berkeley with 3.98 in biochemistry, was eagle scout, triathlete, did a year of research, worked at a law firm; well rounded. I think his interviewing skills were what hurt him. Back then, he was overly concerned with being polite and how he would say things. I don't think that he let his true self shine through. This may or may not have been the same reason for your situation.

Best of luck to you my friend.

[heartrn35]

Originally Posted by mrigas

What certs do you have? How is your science background? What have you done over the past 9 years to show your leadership and clinical abilities? Maybe they felt you were overconfident at your interview?

....just a few thoughts....

Over the past Nine years I have worked in five different CTICUs. In each that I was staff (I also did travel assignments), I was in charge after completion of orientation. In my current position I am responsible for orientation for new open heart nurses, I teach basic hemodynamics, pa lines, IABPs, etc. I am certified on a couple VADs, IABPs,...I'm not a CCRN, just never saw the need to do it...till now.
As far as science, I've taken all the necessary sciences (multiple chem's, physics, basic and advanced A&P, minor in psych) and have gotten A's on pretty much everything (except some of the psych).
I was quite nervous at the interveiw and this may have come across as overconfidence, but I never would have thought confidence would hurt me. I know what I know, but not so much that I am not open to learning something new.
Thank you for your input

[heartrn35]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

You are marketing yourself when you go to these interviews, not just what you show on a piece of paper, and when you are very nervous, it shows thru.

They also judge you on how well that they think that you will fit in with others that they are considering, as well as the staff that will be teaching you. Some come on too strong and the facility will back out right in the beginning.

If you did not get selected, suggest that you contact them to get input on what you could do to get selected next time. Have seen many do this and have it work for them. It also shows that you are truly interested in their program and willing to try harder to get accepted to it.

Suzanne
Thank you for your reply.
In retrospect I did not realilze that the interveiw held that much power, and I may have come in overly confident. I don't think that I was obnoxious but may not have had the best questions to ask them, and I gave breif answers to their questions (I was worried about talking myself in a circle).
I have contacted the schools I interveiwed at and asked for feedback, but have not gotten anything really solid in reply, but I will try again. I'm not good at being persistent but it looks like that is what I need to become.
No matter what I'm going to continue to persue this dream.
Thank you again.
Heartrn35

[heartrn35]

Originally Posted by californianurse

HeartRN35, Did you make alternate at any of the schools? I agree with all of the above posters, especially with contacting each program and speaking with the directors. They will let you know why you weren't selected. Anyway, if you made alternate, it's not over yet...there's always a chance at getting in.

My boyfriend, an MD resident now, only got into one school--2 weeks before it began. He was wait-listed at only one school, but he got in. He majored at Berkeley with 3.98 in biochemistry, was eagle scout, triathlete, did a year of research, worked at a law firm; well rounded. I think his interviewing skills were what hurt him. Back then, he was overly concerned with being polite and how he would say things. I don't think that he let his true self shine through. This may or may not have been the same reason for your situation.

Best of luck to you my friend.

californianurse,
Thanks for your reply. I did make alternate at Pitt and hope to get in there but hoping doesn't get me anywhere. I'm planning on getting my CCRN, becoming a ACLS instructor, getting on my Code committee, and other like minded changes.
I'm not sure I will be able to make changes to my personality to WOW people during the interveiw, but I'm going to make my best attempt to makesure that I'm not suffering from mediocrity either.
Thanks again
heartrn35

[llg]

You might want to ask the schools (or any future schools you might apply to) about their GRE scores. 1100 is not very high. I sat on an admissions committee (not specifically for a CRNA program, but for am MSN program) and that school had a minimum standard of 1000. I've heard of other schools that have a minimum of 1200. It might help your chances to take the test again after a little more preparation so that you can raise your score.

Good luck to you!