"Tell me about yourself" nursing school interview question.

[green.tea, BSN]

Hi,

I am going to be interviewing for a competitive accelerated BSN program. In general, I feel prepared for the interview, except for the "Tell me about yourself" prompt. I feel like I am going to freeze or ramble, and I know I need a well-prepared answer.

I have a bachelors degree in an unrelated field (I worked in the field for about 8 years total while in college and after). I took several years off of work to be a stay at home mom. I recently took a CNA class, and received my CNA credentials but I am not currently working. I am currently attending the local community college and finishing up my pre-requisites. I have a 4.0 GPA in my prerequisites. I have a very high TEAS score. The nursing school selection committee has already read through my CV/resume and personal statement.

I have read through a ton of interview preparation materials, but most of what I encountered is for job interviews, not for school. Since I don't have a background in a related field, I am unsure what to include.

I would really love any advice! Thanks so much.

[bjwojcik]

My stock answer of, "I would rather not, I really need this job" never worked out for me, so avoid that answer.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

As someone who sits on the other side of the interview - please don't say "Well, I'm 23, have brown hair and green eyes, about 5'4"..." I actually had someone do this on a phone admit interview. She then gave me five minutes of conceited "I'm the best candidate you'll talk to today for sure".

I think a better approach is to tell them how you came to nursing, what you hope to get from it AND what you hope to give to it.

[FutureNeonatalNurse]

As someone who sits on the other side of the interview - please don't say "Well, I'm 23, have brown hair and green eyes, about 5'4"..." I actually had someone do this on a phone admit interview. She then gave me five minutes of conceited "I'm the best candidate you'll talk to today for sure".

I think a better approach is to tell them how you came to nursing, what you hope to get from it AND what you hope to give to it.

What is the best interview answer you have recieved? As in, what inspired them?

[Davey Do]

My stock answer of, "I would rather not, I really need this job" never worked out for me, so avoid that answer.

I like to paraphrase Beetlejuice and say something like...