Loma Linda Interview - Starting Fall 2012

bmobSRNA2015, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2012

Anastasiak-

On the info/faq for the Loma Linda program there is a number/email to contact to be set up for a shadowing day.:)

Anastasiak · Apr 21, 2012

Awesome! Thanks so much! I found the contact info to arrange observation with a CRNA :)

stunt362 · Apr 22, 2012

Sounds like everyone's interview questions were different, but they are based off of your experience listed on the application and your resume.

Kucrna2b · Dec 5, 2012

Can u send me information regarding what your interview was like to my email address @ [email protected]? Im really interested in the type of panel they had & questions they asked. Thanks in advance to u & anyone else that would like to help shed some light on their interview process for me. Thanks!!!

SICU/TICU RN · Jan 4, 2013

I have also applied for the program and would be very interested in the interview process. So if anyone can shed some light into the questions and/or the format, i would be very appreciative. I was also wondering about the HRT test and what I can do to prepare.

kuhRN · Jan 4, 2013

There really is no way to prepare for the HRT, I think if you google it you may be able to find a practice test just to get an idea about it. The interviews are conducted in front of a very large panel, like 14 people or so, and you sit at the head of the table. Talking with my classmates everyone had very different questions. They will ask you some generic questions, like why do you want to be a CRNA. My best advice: if you said on your application that you know something, you had better know it inside and out. Did you say on your application that you use IABP, then know how those work, why they work, who they work for and which patient population they are contraindicated for. Hope this helps.

Hartley · Jan 16, 2013

Super excited to have an interview scheduled in February, gotta admit im terribly worried about what types of questions they will ask. Been studying and reviewing everything I possibly can to prepare for it. So it seems like anything you put on your application is fair game, so you better know it inside and out? Anybody have any other recommendations to prepare for other than IABP questions?

Dsurflee · Jan 17, 2013

Hey,

KuhRN is that you Erika?? Haha. What kuhRN said is accurate. Aside from the questions, It's going to be a tough crowd, and they'll try to see how well you do under pressure. I wanna say this is intentional. So be prepared for all eyes on you, and I mean about 12-15 pairs of eyes.

- Try your best to keep your cool (If you've worked in an ICU, you probably know a thing or two about that). I know I had a tough time with everyone looking at me while I answered questions. What I did that helped, was trying to put my focus only on the person who asked the question and tuning everyone else out.

- It's ok to take about 1-3 seconds before responding to questions (to gather your thoughts).

- These interviews run about 10-15 min long.

- Be succinct and concrete with your answers.

- Also, I know of some instances when they asked questions that purposefully are too difficult for us to know as ICU nurses. (IE: What Inspiratory pressure/expiratory pressures, and delta pressures do you set the vent at for patient's with ARDS). Don't try to make stuff up, know your limits and just say, "I'm sorry, I don't know that."

- Keep in mind, they want to get to know you, and what kind of person you are. So, don't be a robot. Everyone WILL BE nervous, but try, at least, to be down to earth, humble, and stick in a "little" sense of humor if you can. Hope this helps!

stunt362 · Jan 18, 2013

As said before, the clinical component of the interviews are based completely on what you put on your resume and application. If you say you worked in a neuro ICU, expect neuro questions. If you say you were a heart nurse, prove it. If you say you worked with IABPs, know everything you can about them. The main thing is to not get flustered or try to BS your way through a question you don't know. Breathe, collect yourself, and say you don't know if you don't. They will ask you questions until you reach this point.

bmobSRNA2015, BSN, RN · Jan 26, 2013

I agree with all of my classmates. One stupid thing I'll suggest is to take a few sips of water while you are in the interview. It will calm you down and help with the dry mouth you get in the room. Gives you a second to think on hard questions before answering. They gave us water in the interview...I didn't even notice because I was so nervous:)

SICU/TICU RN · Feb 20, 2013

Yehhhhh!!!! I got in!!!!! I can't believe it!!!! I owe a lot to all the current students who were there to calm the nerves down and encourage the applicants to do well before the interview. It was so nice of you guys to show us around during open house as well. I felt so welcome. Thank you. You guys made a big difference. I can't wait to join the group. Do you guys have any suggestion regarding anything else that I could do to prepare myself for the program?

stunt362 · Feb 20, 2013

Nothing!!! Relax, rest, spend time with your family & friends, read for pleasure, sleep! In all honesty, studying before school will not be very helpful & they are going to teach you everything anyway. You are about to have 2.5 intense years, enjoy this break! Travel!! & if you can afford it, take at least 2-3 weeks before school to not work & just recuperate & get rested. It'll be great!! Message me with any questions :)