Should you mention your kids in the application/interiew process?

FLTraumaRN · Jun 13, 2008

Lovegas- I agree with your CRNA friend for the most part. I wouldn't bring them up. I wouldn't lie about it in any way. One of the main questions that I got asked and something my program director stressed repeatedly was to have a financial and family plan. If I got asked this, at this point I would make sure that I have a plan for my kids. I would make sure they know that you have looked into childcare, finanaces, etc and are 100% ready and able to handle school and kids. IT can be done for sure, just let them know you are ready and able to handle all the challenges that will come up.

Jolie, BSN · Jun 13, 2008

It is imporper and discriminatory for an interviewer to ask if you are married, have children, care for elderly parents, etc. If you bring them up, however, they become fair game in the interview process in terms of making you a less "attractive" candidate due to the potential for family obligations and sick time interfering with your required schooling.

And furthermore, it is simply none of the interviewer's business. I would not recommend mentioning your family. If the interviewer (improperly) brings up family matters, you are well withing your rights to politely decline to answer. It sounds like you have a very strong plan and a supportive husband, but your acceptance should be determined on your academic and professional merits, not your childcare plan.

Best of luck to you!

snookiepie · Jun 14, 2008

To lovegas, I disagree with the other's posts. I believe that interviewers want to see that you have experience successfully balancing work/family/school...They want to know that you have the ability to maintain balance. My interviewer talked a lot about being able to say to your child/husband "tell me more", even though you are exhausted mentally and physically and just want to get a few hours of sleep before you have to go back to the hospital. He stressed the importance of ALL roles (Mom, wife, student, daughter...) and the need maintain them all. I am pretty sure that the interviewers are parents themselves, in fact I know mine was because he talked about that with me, and they understand that many applicants are too. As for the comment by Jolie, "your acceptance should be determined on your academic and professional merits, not your childcare plan", IMHO, I think they just want to know that you have a good support system around you and you have thought things through regarding the care of your children. Just like they ask you about your financial plan. They want to know if you have money in the bank, or plan to take out loans, or have a rich uncle...whatever... So that you are not in school while the bank is boarding up your house cuz it's being foreclosed on because you didn't have a financial plan going into school. Just my :twocents: Best of luck!

Summitk2 · Jun 14, 2008

The goal of the interview is to get you into school. Think about the adcom. They want students who are close to 100% commited to school. The more you have going on in your life outside school, the less you have to commit to the program. This is a fact you should remember. While your hard work and dedication to both your career and family are admirable, it does not make you a better candidate and I suspect it actually decreases the chance that you will graduate (but you will, we know that). Again, think about the adcom's perspective.

I haven't applied or interviewed yet, but I will this year. I have kids and have already decided that I will not mention my family... unless asked. And while it's improper of them to ask, they may. And the question then becomes whether to decline to answer or do your best to sell your situation and history of success.

Pedsccrn · Jun 17, 2008

I guess that my opinion is vastly different from the majority that has posted here, but I feel obligated to share my experience. I was asked about family and even produced a picture (my good luck charm that I carry always) during my interview. I didn't feel at all that this was unfair.... but a way for them to feel out how well you balance everyday stresses of work, school and home. I was a single mother of three, with my youngest 4 mos old when I started nursing school. I worked full time through nursing school. I really believe that my tenacity showed through because of this during my interview.....and I would like to believe it is a large part of why I was accepted. I'm sure there were many with higher GPA's, and GRE scores, but there's no denying how real you are when your talking about your family. Just my :twocents: . Good luck to all no matter how you choose to reply about family questions.

zrmorgan · Jun 20, 2008

lovegas-

you should have them get to know you as much as possible...I would not hide the fact that you have children. do be prepared to tell them how you have planned to take care of them and how they will support you. My daughter, wife and I made it through CRNA school easily, and even had our son with two months to go. I was upfront and honest during the interview and throughout the program with what was going on at home. Your instructors are human, and most of them understand life. If anything I spent more time talking about how great my family support was, and less time about the C I got as a Freshman during my interview. Bottom line is, there are moms and dads in all programs who became CRNAs while they were parents. Along the same note, there are lots of people who drop out who have no children.

good luck.

zrmorgan

lovegasRN, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2008

Thanks everyone for your input! You've all had great replies and given me a lot to think about. I appreciate it greatly! Wish me luck.

zozzy777 · Jul 3, 2008

I would say more than 50% of my class of 28 have kids. It will come out in the interview most likely when they ask about your support system. You should be honest from the start. It is unrealistic for schools to expect their applicants to not have outside distractions. Those outside distractions will be what help keep your sanity once you get in! Good luck!