Questions and Concerns about Nursing School Interview

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · May 12, 2005

I just had my first nursing school interview. I was well prepared and was very pleased with how I handled myself during the interview. My concerns and questions are regarding how the interviewer handled herself. Do these interviewers normally cut you off before you are finished answering their questions? I was not long winded by any means necessary. I could barely get a sentence out before I was cut off with the next question. Towards the end of the interview, she showed some interest in what I was saying. Should I be concerned about how this went or is this normal? Does this say something about the school I am applying to? Thanks for any help on this.

A couple of possiblities come to mind: Perhaps the interviewer was rushed and was not staying on schedule? Or, perhaps this was a very inexperienced interviewer.

No, it is not "kosher" to cut someone off during an interview. That said, this is probably just an isolated incident and should not reflect poorly on the overall quality of your nursing school. (This does show, however, the importance of first impressions, whether justified or not.)

Couch30 · May 13, 2005

A couple of possiblities come to mind: Perhaps the interviewer was rushed and was not staying on schedule? Or, perhaps this was a very inexperienced interviewer.
No, it is not "kosher" to cut someone off during an interview. That said, this is probably just an isolated incident and should not reflect poorly on the overall quality of your nursing school. (This does show, however, the importance of first impressions, whether justified or not.)

I appreciate your opinion on the matter. She did have a lot of things on her desk and seemed to be looking at these items while we were talking. She probably was just having a rough day or was behind on her work. I was just concerned because she never really made eye contact with me. Also, all of the books I have read about preparing for nursing school gave me the impression that the interviewer can speak volumes for the school. So, again this had me very concerned. Thank you for your advice. I'll just take satisfaction in knowing that I did all I could do, and put my best foot forward.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 23, 2005

I realize my reply is kind of late, but I just couldn't resist putting in my 2 cents :twocents: in on this and making you feel a little better since I did some interviewing during my nursing career. As a former administrator I get really upset when I hear about people doing this kind of thing and being intimidating with interviewees. Some people, kiddo, are just jerks. Just because they have a position of some authority doesn't make them particularly special. Everyone has to earn respect and this lady obviously didn't. The interview process is a two way street. She is suppose to present a nice appearance of the school as well as you presenting a nice appearance of yourself. She obviously dropped the ball. If the rest of the people at this nursing program are like her I would think long and hard about being a student there.

If you are accepted into this program, I would find a sympathetic ear and tell them in a very nice way what your experience with this lady was like. If you're not accepted into their program I would definitely write the program director a letter about your experience and thank them for giving you the oportunity to see how not to conduct an interview. They need feedback in order to know that she sucks at her work. However, be real, don't ruin your chances to get into the program or get yourself booted out, or worse yet, branded as a trouble maker. File this experience away in your memory under "How not to treat other people".

Good luck to you, sweetie. :)