Anyone interviewed at Newman University CRNA program.

ICUDOUCME? · Dec 19, 2007

Yes, I interviewed there in 2006. It was a panel interview with about 7 or 8 people. There were faculty CRNAs and administration from the nursing school, and an anesthesiologist that I think ran the whole thing.

There were about 30 that were interviewed that year and they accepted 9 or 10 students (I can't remember). My impressions of the school were that it was a well run program and a nice facility. The clinical sites are all over and travel is expected to some of the more remote sites.

They had some current students there to meet and greet, show us around, etc. It was very nice to talk to someone who was there and experiencing the program first hand.

The interview was tough though. They start out asking me the usual questions about why I wanted to do this, why Newman, what my feelings were about graduate level education, etc. Then they asked me to describe the types of patients I took care of in the ICU. I listed a bunch. They picked a kind of weird one to focus on, a patient with necrotizing faciitis (spelling?). Anyway, they asked me what drugs I would give and then they drilled down on dopamine and some of the other vasoactive meds.

They found the limits to my knowledge pretty quickly. And the questioner was a little impatient or stern or something. It freaked me out a little inside. I was nervous, my first interview.

I made the alternate list and then they called me a few months later to invite me to attend. I was already promised to another school by then.

I hope that helps you with your interview. Just be yourself, smile! And meet them in the eye. Know something about the patients you mention because they will pick one of them to drill down on.

good luck!

BSN14John · Dec 19, 2007

ICUDOUCME,

Thanks a bunch, I will make a mental note that the patients I discuss I will know many details about them. How long was the interview? Where did you end up going? Thanks again.

John

BSN14John · Dec 19, 2007

Any other inputs from anyone?

Thanks,

jw

COtraumarn · Dec 28, 2007

I interviewed there in Jan of 2007. Made the alternate list but did not get in. It was just like the other person described. About 7-8 people on a panel and they asked you the usual questions of why you want to do this blah blah. Then yes, they ask you about the types of patients you take care of and then concentrate on one. They will ask you about why you would choose a certain gtt for a patient, vent settings, and treatments. The main person asking the clinical questions was an MD Anesthesiologist. They may ask you some morality questions too- like if you saw a fellow student cheating what would you do and 3 people you would want as dinner guest- (Don't say a football hero b/c the MD went to my biggest rival).

Best of luck.

nrsmelissa1 · Dec 28, 2007

My interview went the same way. You don't know how you are doing, because they give you no feedback and they never smile. Everyone I know who has ever interviewed there walk out feeling terrible. I have known some great nurses with tons of ICU knowledge to not get accepted, but others with minimal knowledge get in. Know your gtts, classifications, diseases and treatments. Most importantly know ABG's and vent settings. GOOD LUCK!

BSN14John · Jan 29, 2008

Ok, Had the interview at Newman this past weekend. All I can say it was strange and it looks like a good facility and the students who greet you say they like the program-----but what are they supposed to say.

Anyway, the interview committee seem preoccupied at times which probably is not good or maybe they are testing you. I try not to read into those things.

Anyone out there interview in the past couple of weeks feel the same.

We will see the outcome soon.

jw

KS_ICU_RN · Jan 30, 2008

BSN14John - I sent you a PM...your right the sonic cups where a bit much hu...?

KsMICT · Feb 1, 2008

"I have known some great nurses with tons of ICU knowledge to not get accepted, but others with minimal knowledge get in."

I wonder if some of that is because those experienced nurses have not taken certain classes (i.e. chemistry) in many years. I do not know what Newman actually requires or recommends in terms of a science background but I know from my research into CRNA programs that the more the better.