What questions where you asked?

PowerPuffGirl · May 17, 2003

I was asked why I wanted to be a nurse, what my future career plans were, and how I felt my background had prepared me to be successful in the program.

As far as answering why you want to be a nurse- be careful you don't sound like you're channeling Florence Nightingale! I've heard from many instructors and administrators at nursing schools that this is somewhat of a red flag for them - be sure you give an answer that shows you have a firm grasp of the fact that nursing is hard work and you'll be doing more than wiping sweaty foreheads.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine!

redhd5 · May 17, 2003

As I recall, I was asked about my background in nursing, and how my background had prepared me to go on into nursing. In retrospect, I am sure they were looking for serious applicants, who were focused, as the course tends to be challenging and involved. If you have kids, it will be harder, because you have to make time to study. In your interview, be prepared to show how you gotten your hands dirty in the past, and that you look forward to the challenge of nursing school. They really look for problem solving and critical thinking skills. These you will use the rest of your life, as a nurse.

Nurse Ratched, RN · May 17, 2003

Wow - the concept of having to interview for acceptance to nursing school is foreign to me. We were chosen strictly on the basis of a combination of GPA and some nebulous factoring of our life experience. But we never had to talk with anyone - you just got a letter that said yea or nay.

I suspect, tho, that they want to know you have your head screwed on straight.

Originally posted by PowerPuffGirl
be careful you don't sound like you're channeling Florence Nightingale!

This sounds like excellent advice! :) In my particular class, some of the worst students were the ones who saw nursing as a step away from martyrdom instead of a profession requiring critical thinking skills and a whole lot of assertiveness. If you've read this board, you know the ugly parts of nursing and you still want in. Great! We need you! Best of luck in your interview :).

luvbug · May 17, 2003

You must be going to a large school!! when I went to LPN school, I didn't have to do any interviewing. They accepted a certain amount of people based on the actual college application and went from there. I think the max was something like 30. I started with 23 people (or somewhere around there) and we only graduated with a class of 16:eek: The standards at the school I went to were 85% or higher on everything, or you failed. I know that if I want to go back to the same school for RN, I will have to do all of that interviewing, plus write a 2 page essay of why I think I should be one of the accepted applicants. Yikes!! One of the questions I was asked in a previous job interview, though, is where did I see myself in 5-10 years and why? Also, what were the steps I was going to take to get there? That really got me thinking, because even though I love being a nurse, I'm not sure quite yet what my areas of interest are.

I hope that helps at least a little bit, and good luck on all those questions:)

cokie · May 17, 2003

no a's due to n injury..... sk friend to videot pe you. sk them to sk questions....such s, wh t is your worst ch r cter tr it. how do you h ndle stress. how do you h ndle difficult pt. wh t would you s y if you were in ch rge nd nurse c me in l te nd st rted compl ining bout the ssinment.....helps to see oneself on t pe...don't lie, just be prep red....turn neg tives into positives, such s, i c n't s y no becomes, i'm e ger to ple se....hope you do well. f ilure is not n option....c rpe diem

petiteflower · May 18, 2003

We were given situations--for example----How would you approach a mother who was a heavy smoker, who did not wish to quit with a child with asthma and is having complications from the second hand smoke.

Be yourself, relax, smile. Be honest with your answers, and if you are not sure how you would react, it is ok to say that.

They look for common sense, appropriate hygeine and dress, and ability to conduct oneself professionally. They are not necessarily looking for how much you know.

Best of Luck

Tim-GNP · May 18, 2003

I remember one question that really stuck out...

"Did you bring your $250 non-refundable tuition deposit."

After I handed the envelope containing the check, we chit-chatted for about 10 minutes. I was given my book & uniform order form. Go figure.

Agnus · May 18, 2003

I am not a nursing instructor. I am a nurse. If I were to interview you for school this is what I would be most interested in.

You would need to demonstrate maturity.

Dress and PRESENT yourself professionally.

You would need to demonstrate that you have thought this through.

That you have some understanding of the demands of school and of nursing. That you have all you ducks in line. Example that you have made arrangements that your family will not suffer. That your kids and hubby for example are prepared.

That you are able to commit fully to the most gruling period in your life. That you have safty nets in place incase there are contingencies that arrise in your life.

That your are going to put school first. (yes I know that sounds harsh, but that is what is generally required to get though nursing school)

You do not have to know what you are specifically going to do after school. It is OK to say that you do not have a speciality picked out. Most students starting out do not. Those who have a speciality picked out sometimes end up in a very different direction. I think it shows direction enough that you want to be a nurse. You will discover a more specific direction as you learn.

Express an understanding that you will be engaged in lifelong learning after you graduate. You do not have to "KNOW" that you will go on for your masters or CCRN or some such degree or credential.

I want to know that you do not have a problem admitting that you do not know something. That you have enough confidence to admit when you are wrong.

Please, be friendly, show compasion, tollerence. You must deomonstrate absolute honesty.

rebel_red · May 18, 2003

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. They are greatly appreciated.

I was a medical social worker for several years, as well as an Activities/Social Services Director in LTC. I know this is what drew me to nursing. I have a solid base in the disease processes most common to the geriatric population and their treatment on a medical as well as psychosocial level. I wish to expand my base of knowledge by becoming a nurse, thus assist in the physical healing process, while incorporating the skills I already possess. I have a deep and abiding passion for the rights of the elderly and the werewithal to learn to assist all people in maintaining or reaching their "personal" optimal health. Be this through treatment, education or ideally a combination of both. Utilizing a team approach.

The "down and dirty" of nursing has immense appeal for me. I specifically accepted a position as a na in order to insure I was capable of handling feces, urine, sputum, vomit, blood and anything else "flung" my way, while maintaining a professional demeanor and leaving the resident feeling comfortable and when necessary comforted. The inherent challenge of nursing is a large component of my desire to be a nurse. There is always something new to learn. No day, even in an environment that appears as stable as LTC, is ever the same. The opportunity to learn is omnipresent, even more wonderful is the practical application of new lessons to difficult situations. I have no qualms about asking questions (ask my supervisors!). When I don't understand anything I make it a point to ask for clarification as someone's health and physical well being are not to be taking lightly. I also enjoy searching out answers for myself using a variety of media. Then discussing these possible solutions with those who are more knowledgable than myself, and seeing them through to application. I look forward to continueing to learn throughout my career.

At the moment my interests fall into geriatric nursing and the social worker in me is giving serious thought to following the route to become SANE certified. Two very differgent paths. After clinicals I will have a better sense of which route to pursue. Either way I do plan on becoming an RN and have investigated local programs that bridge LPN->RN.

My family life is stable. My mother will have charge of my son when he is not in school. For backup sitters my brother and several girlfriends have agreed to be available. My son is excited about my education and becoming a nurse. We've discussed the hours I will be in school and working. He says he looks forward to "studying" with me.

Our DON has been supportive and I will begin working a flex schedule when school starts. Instead of 11-7, I will be working 6pm to 11pm, 3 to 4 days a week. She will also keep me "on call" if you will for weekend shifts at my discretion.

Here's your check............(bwahahahahaa):roll

Okay thanks for bearing with me. Those are the rough cut answers off the top of my head to the questions you provided. I have examples to back up the statements I made taken from my professional experiences, but hey this post is already long enough!!!!!

Thank you again for getting me to thinking, there were many questions I had not considered. Off I go to write out my answers and continue to give thought to these issues. You all are wonderful!!!!

Orientation is June 6th, interview sometime after that. I promise to check back in :kiss

Again thank you!

Tres