I had an interview at Penn and was rejected via email about 3 weeks later. I was so disappointed and was wondering if anyone else experienced rejections? I thought I was qualified ..... Graduated 10 years ago with my ADN and more recently completed my BSN online with University of Phoenix. I worked in Labor and Delivery, the CTICU and currently the PICU. All experience was gained in major teaching institutions where I work independently as well as with a team of residents. I have cared for some of the "sickest" patients from birth to mid twenties and feel comfortable caring for all types of patients .... HEM/ONC, transplant, trauma, neuro, cardiac, ECMO, CVVH, etc.... I work with patients requiring resuscitation of all types .... volume, drips, compressions etc... I have to admit I was very nervous at my interview and had a shaky voice throughout, yet I felt that my answers were good .....
I asked the admissions committee for an explanation and they said that I was rejected for two reasons. First, I expressed nervousness and second I had graduated from an online BSN program? I had a GPA of 3.86, although they told me they turned down many 4.0 GPA's. They suggested I improve my chances for next year by taking two graduate level courses?
I have one more interview at the end of the month and was looking for advice.
However, as most CRNA applicants are young and healthy, taking a beta-blocker can result in postural hypotension. Wouldn't be cool to pass out when you stand up at the end of the interview?
Nix the beta blocker unless you already take it.
I have to disagree here...of course everybody reacts differently to a new medication, and yes, beta-blockers can cause hypotension and bradycardia. But beta-blockers are an effective, well-documented, widely accepted treatment for performance anxiety. They block the adrenergic response that causes the flushing, sweating, shaky voice, trembling. A dose of 20mg usually does not cause severe side effects in most people. It's wise to trial the dose at least once prior to your interview to see how your body responds to it. And OF COURSE, you need to be assessed by your primary care doctor who will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for beta-blockers on a prn basis. I'm not saying that everyone who gets nervous needs a beta-blocker--I'm just saying that they do work and it is an option. I can say from my own personal experience as a young and healthy person, it helped me tremendously. It's not for everyone, but it is out there.
I have to disagree here...of course everybody reacts differently to a new medication, and yes, beta-blockers can cause hypotension and bradycardia. But beta-blockers are an effective, well-documented, widely accepted treatment for performance anxiety. They block the adrenergic response that causes the flushing, sweating, shaky voice, trembling. A dose of 20mg usually does not cause severe side effects in most people. It's wise to trial the dose at least once prior to your interview to see how your body responds to it. And OF COURSE, you need to be assessed by your primary care doctor who will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for beta-blockers on a prn basis. I'm not saying that everyone who gets nervous needs a beta-blocker--I'm just saying that they do work and it is an option. I can say from my own personal experience as a young and healthy person, it helped me tremendously. It's not for everyone, but it is out there.
Really? How about if you are "healthy and have a resting HR of 60 because you run"......I don't think I need a PCP to tell me a beta-blocker will knock me over........Passing out and vomiting on your interviewers "would kinda of kill the mood."
Why not try "Toast Masters"? My husband has terrible social and speech-making anxiety. He recently defended his dissertation and because of Toast Masters...Nailed-it.
Wow..beta blockers before interview?? wait till clinicals start and you have someone breathing down your neck on induction as you're pushing your drugs asking "so by what mechanism does etomidate cause myoclonia and cortisol suppression???..and all you can think about is getting that tube in, while an instructor from your school sits in the corner evaluating your every move..(yes this happened to me this week). What are you going to then..start a Nipride drip on yourself?? Come on...if you want to do this you may as well get used to peforming under REAL pressure...not trying to scare....but B blockers prior to interview just seems a little dramatic considering what it is you want to pursue for a living.
Really? How about if you are "healthy and have a resting HR of 60 because you run"......I don't think I need a PCP to tell me a beta-blocker will knock me over........Passing out and vomiting on your interviewers "would kinda of kill the mood."
Why not try "Toast Masters"? My husband has terrible social and speech-making anxiety. He recently defended his dissertation and because of Toast Masters...Nailed-it.
Skip the drugs.....
c.
Toastmasters is an excellent suggestion. Great idea:)
I feel your pain. I too was rejected by the first school I interviewed at. I put alot into the preparation for the interview including working at the facility the school is at, in the unit they prefer, for the past two years. I studied for the GRE in the program the college offerred. I had put so much into it, and wanted it so bad, that when the time came I thought I was a shoe in. I was nervous during the interview. They said that was normal. They mentioned my GPA, not so good during my ADN 12 yrs ago, and passed over the good stuff during my last 60 hrs for the BSN. We talked about my experiences a little; Paramedic, ER, ICU(CTVU, SICU, critical care float pool at a Level I trauma center), Flight Team. However, I got rejected.
Man was I mad, shocked at first, then mad. Luckily I had time to cool down before the next interiew. I'm not kidding, like night and day the two interviews were. I had taken information from the first interview and applied it to the second. I knew areas I was weak in during the first interview and made it work for me the second time. That is my advice to you. Use that bad experience to your advantage. Shake it off, get over it the best you can, which can be difficult, and go to the next one a better applicant. Look at your first interview as a dress rehersal for the second one. I got in to the second and am very glad it didn't workout at the first program.
I've been viewing this site for some time....about 3yrs. I have gotten rejected the last two yrs. Twice from the same school and once from another. My grades aren't the best but I think I can compete. I have been an RN for about 7yrs. I have worked in ER, PACU, and ICU.....but I stutter. My stuttering has never been a hinderance but I feel that some take stuttering as lying, incompetent, or not having confidence. Any ideas..........N E One????
putmetosleep
187 Posts
I have to disagree here...of course everybody reacts differently to a new medication, and yes, beta-blockers can cause hypotension and bradycardia. But beta-blockers are an effective, well-documented, widely accepted treatment for performance anxiety. They block the adrenergic response that causes the flushing, sweating, shaky voice, trembling. A dose of 20mg usually does not cause severe side effects in most people. It's wise to trial the dose at least once prior to your interview to see how your body responds to it. And OF COURSE, you need to be assessed by your primary care doctor who will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for beta-blockers on a prn basis. I'm not saying that everyone who gets nervous needs a beta-blocker--I'm just saying that they do work and it is an option. I can say from my own personal experience as a young and healthy person, it helped me tremendously. It's not for everyone, but it is out there.