Entrance Interview

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The school I will be attending requires an inital interview with nursing program candidates.. the final step before being admitted. I'm sure this is routine, but it's still new to me! :) What kinds of questions were all of you asked?

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I didn't have to interview but I would bet a 100.00 that you'll hear "Why do you want to be a nurse". Find a creative way to say "to help people". I would bet "to help people" is the first words out of most mouths and they've heard it a bunch. Be different and get noticed.

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Specializes in School, Camp, Hospice, Critical Care.

"Why do you want to be a nurse?"

"How has what you've done professionally/educationally up to this point prepared you for nursing school?"

"Why are you doing this at this point in your life" (I'm in my 40s)

"Why do you feel you're a 'fit' for this program?" (vs other ADN and BSN programs in the area)

"Nursing school is a lot of work and time; how will your family support you in this?"

Most of the interviewers (faculty members) at my school are really sweet and friendly and supportive during the interviews. Thery're not out to "get" anybody--just to get a sense of who you are as a person and verify you don't seem to be really weird or an ax murderer,

Best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
They're not out to "get" anybody--just to get a sense of who you are as a person and verify you don't seem to be really weird or an ax murderer.

:chuckle

Exactly. Don't sweat it - as long as the above doesn't apply I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck to you! :)

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i was also asked about how did i deal with a situation when a person who did not know me decided that he/she didn't like me? interpersonal relations.

i was asked what would i do if i noticed a classmate cheating.

i was asked for my definition of plagiarism.

i was asked if i was familiar with the apa style of writing and citing papers.

the most rewarding thing in your life thus far?

the most challenging thing in your life so far?

the type of educator/supervisor you like the most?

scenario: your supervisor comes to you and your small team of co-workers and tells you that a new change in policy is effective immediate. you do not think the change can be implemented due to logistics. what do you do?

your short-term (3-5 years) goal in nursing?

your long term (5+ years) goal in nursing?

as far as tips:

  • be honest.
  • do not give vague or general answers - they are looking for specific examples in your life.
  • review your application and essay - assume that the interviewer is not familiar with it.
  • be familiar with current trends in nursing - helps to demonstrate why you want to become a nurse and how you feel you can make a contribution in the profession.
  • don't be afraid to show emotion. i cried twice during my interview in relating some life examples.

topcat

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Hi Topcat,

I was asked the same questions as yours. Did you have an interview at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona? Did you get accepted? I was terrified at the interview, but I did good. They sent me an acceptance letter a week later. Now I need to get all the shots and other things before the program starts in August. These shots cost a fortune by the way.

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i did interview at western! unfortunately, i interviewed too late, as i am on the alternate list! i hope that someone (not you! :) ) will be unable to attend and i will be placed in the class!

i too was terrified and let them know. i hoped they would be gentle. but it obviously went well if they accepted me. how funny! you're the only other person for western i know!

topcat

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I also was asked much of the above, including:

I see you have a family and are a mother, how will you handle the pressure of school with a family?

Do you know children are never allowed in the classroom?

If your kids get sick, will you miss school?

If so, how will you make up your school work?

etc.,

Lots of questions about my family and how to deal with the pressure of school and kids. I don't think it should matter, but I think they want to know your mental state and how you react to pressure.

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Specializes in CCU.

dramaluvr,

I am not sure, but the question they asked you sound illegal. Guess they didn't hold it against you, but Gee Whiz talk about raking you over the coals. :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
dramaluvr,

I am not sure, but the question they asked you sound illegal. Guess they didn't hold it against you, but Gee Whiz talk about raking you over the coals. :rolleyes:

My thoughts exactly ... sorry you had this experience.

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