Advice Needed

[sirJazz]

Good day to everyone! im a new user in this website and have no idea how it works, im just so desperate to talk to someone. I'm 26 yrs old and recently applied to VCU's nurse anesthesia program, and just last week they called me for an interview next month, Dec 6, 2007. I'm humbled by this since i don't have a solid GRE score (english is not my 1st language so I messed up pretty bad, the Math part was pretty good though) and my GPA is just 3.04, I finished my BSN and a few MSN credits in the Philippines. But I have a 6 month PACU and a solid 2 year MICU/CCU experice, and a CCRN-CMC title under my belt. I'm a nervous wreck, i've never been in a panel interview in my life and have no idea what questions I will get. If there is anyone out there who can help me I would gladly gladly appreciate it. Is there a student nurse anesthetist or anyone who recently had an interview in VCU or any other school who could give me some tips and encouragement. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't eat, I couldn't work well... help me pls... pls send me a message or post a reply.. thanks so much my fellow nurses.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Hi. I moved your question out of an existing thread and into a thread of it's own where hopely someone can help you to calm down some. Good luck. Welcome!

[The-Manny]

I really can't answer your question, but I do advice for you to calm down. There are to many things going on in your head, breath.

[ready4crna?]

First off calm down.

Congratulations on getting an interview. Know that others did not, and as such you have something the committee wants to take a closer look at. This is a good thing.

Now- If you show up as anxious as your post, fogeddaboutit. How to decrease anxiety.- Committees have two general methods for interviews. Some know they want what your paper says you are and only need to make sure you match the application, these interviews are more laid back get to know ya's.

The other version is what you can prepare for now. Study ccrn questions, know your labs/cardiac parameters inside and out.Be prepared to admit you don't know. Be ready to be challenged on statements you make. These types of committees look to push your buttons to see if you can handle pressure. (The OR is not a place for the weak of will.)

So my advice is to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised if you get the best.

Good luck to you.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

The panel will have read your resume and transcripts so they know how you exist on paper. They want to see if you are confident or childish, smile occasionally or are a grouch, able to communicate and in general seem like someone who would be an asset to their program. Your best bet is to wear conservative clothes and have a few questions about their program. They may ask what are your strengths and weaknesses but don't go into detail about either one. Good luck!

[empress04]

yup.. you sound very very nervous... but remember you came a long way for this moment... you want this job... you can do it... try to be calm and pray... good luck...