Acute Care NP Preparation/Interview

[quinnk27]

Hello, I am currently finishing up the application process at University of Miami. When I spoke with the admissions office I was told that if you meet the requirements (which I do) you would automatically get an interview. This was great to hear but now I am trying to best prepare myself for the interview process. My understanding is that they will be asking clinical questions during this interview. At least that would make the most sense to me but either way what I'm looking for is any advice for how to prep for the interview. For example, patho/pharm books, Online lectures or specific areas to focus on. Also, if you have experience with the school/program tell me a little about your experience.

To let you know a little more about myself, I am a 25 year old male, and I have been a nurse for two years now. I have spent my whole career in a Medical ICU in Rochester, NY. During this time I also have also worked once a week on a Medical step-down unit/Progressive pulmonary care floor and I occasionally pick up time in our Cardio-Thoracic ICU. I recently have been given more responsibility on the unit like being charge in the step down unit and also potentially becoming an ACLS instructor. I've recently tried to improve my resume and join more committees in the hospital. Also, I have started teaching at skills days and doing competencies on hemodynamic monitoring for the hospital. I am fortunate to be working on a teaching floor so we constantly have residents working with us. I love this because it means that the attending physicians will always take the time to explain the rationale behind their decision making. It really helps me learn when I'm sitting in on rounds. This also keeps you on your toes because the residents frequently make mistakes and you need to catch them.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

In my interview for an acute care program I was not asked any clinical questions. I was asked to tell the interviewer about myself and why I wanted to be an acute care NP. Granted, I knew the dean as I had worked with her before in the ICU that is connected to my school, but the interview lasted less than 10 minutes. I was told because of my experience that I wouldn't have anything to worry about, and indeed I did get a place in the program. Your second paragraph is a great place to start. tell them what you told us and be compelling in your reasoning for wanting to go to that program and that school. Your resume and statement should tell them quite a bit about your intentions also. Good luck!

[quinnk27]

Fingers crossed that's how my interview goes. Telling them about myself and my experience is easy for me. I am pretty well rounded for only having 2 years under my belt. I just want to be ready for anything just in case they do throw some questions at me. I have heard of people breezing through interviews and I have also heard the opposite. Maybe it just depends on the school. They could also be on the fence about accepting you or not based on your grades and experience and they want to dig a little deeper. Thank you for sharing your experience with me! Any info is very helpful!