Am I Lucky?

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First of all, incredible site. I happened onto it by accident and am finding a wealth of info. Now, my problem. I recently was called for an interview at TCU. Thrilled I was, but after reading some of these threads I'm wondering if I'm more lucky than qualified. 1 1/2 years (small) ICU exp, no CCRN, good BSN grades, decent GRE scores. I thought I was sittin' pretty, but now I'm stressin' this interview. I feel I have to nail it. Anyone interviewed there yet? Pointers? Also, recommend any good books to "brush up" on possible clinical questions? Any and all replies tremendously appreciated.

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Congratulations on your interview! Each school interviews a little differently and looks for certain qualities in their applicants. Best advice is to try and relax. They may put the pressure on just to see how you react under stress.

As far as review, know your vasoactive drips, abg's and PA cath hemodynamics. A CCRN review guide will start you in the right direction.

Besides the clinical questions, be prepared for the "why do you want to be a CRNA?", " What have you done to prepare for the vigors of school?", "Why should we accept you in our school?"" What are your strengths and weaknesses?" type questions.

As I said, some schools get very clinical in their interviews and some are more personal-getting-to-know-you interviews. I can't comment specifically on TCU but there have been several people on this BB that are applying there.

I will be starting in May. Feel free to PM me with any questions. Good luck.

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Wait a minute.. I was told you have to already have the ccrn to qualify for tcu... Either, you were a genious on the gre, got great scores in science, or your reference letters rocked. Any which way good luck! we are on your side!

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Muchas Gracias on the feedback. The input has gotten me off to a good start. My interview is in mid-Feb and I'm feeling more confident with each passing day. This site is incredible and I hope to feed it some good news soon.

As far as the CCRN thing. When I applied (09/03) the web site stated it was recommended for initial application and required for reapplication. I guess I snuck in there under their noses.

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I am currently in my second semester @ TCU, and must admit their program is a rigorous one...very doable though! The advice posted from TruamaNurse on reviewing for the interview with the CCRN review guide was a great suggestion. I haven't looked at the admission requirements in almost a year, however in the beginning it was only "recommended" that you have your CCRN. It may be a required thing now? I feel the Director of the program takes a wholistic approach to picking applicants for interviews...then choosing those to be accepted. She is very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. She knows her stuff, and expects you to as well. So, trust me, it's not just luck that won you the interview opportunity, as the applicant numbers continue to rise! Our class (Charter Class) is a pretty big mix as far as years of experience is concerned, including a few with only one year of Critical Care experience. Overall, everyone currently in the class is doing well. TCU is a great College, and the CRNA program has been terrific. Good luck on the interview!!

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I agree with aphippen. I, too, am in my second semester in TCU's charter class and I love it!! Definitely the best decision I could have made. I have learned so much already and am thrilled to be in a program with intelligent, supportive professors and experienced directors who know how to generate successful CRNA's. They are laying a foundation of greatness so don't let ANY apprehensive comments you might have heard early on misguide you. In my experience, they like to focus on cardiac and hemodynamics. Review fundamentals of swan values, cardiac anatomy and ACLS drugs. Respiratory is also key so just study these areas as you would for the CCRN. As far as tips for your interview (and this may be applicable to anyone interviewing) be certain you know what you know and you know what you don't know. By this I mean don't try to BS your way through a question. Have confidence in your answers but don't be afraid to tell them if you don't know an answer. They want to see that you're honest, that you handle stress with composure and that you are teachable. A good response would be "I don't know the answer but I can't wait to learn more about it." If you are struggling with a question, they may even prompt you through it to evaluate your critical thinking skills and your ability to reason. Balance your self-confidence with a touch of humility and above all, have a postive attitude. Good Luck! Go Frogs!

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