Interview Questions

noel · Jun 10, 2002

Brett,

In my interview I had two one on one interview and then a third with a panel. It took me a total of three hours to complete all the interview process. I had two clinical questions regarding aortic balloon pumps and vasopressers. Just wanted to know general info. It really was more getting to know what you would do if you did not get in to the program, what was an example of a failure that you experienced in your nursing career and how did you handle it. Also, the only question that through me for a loop was if I could be any animal in the world, what would I be and why. Basically they wanted to get an idea of your personality I guess. Also, they wanted to know how you handle difficult situations. I hope some of this helped. Good luck to all pursuing .

Noel

FritoPie · Jun 11, 2002

So what was it Noel, the animal you chose?

Linda

nilepoc · Jun 11, 2002

Well I would respond with new material, but I think I summed up my thoughts pretty well in the linked post.

later.

Tiiki · Jun 11, 2002

Hey Brett, my interview consisted of a written portion, which included drug brand names to be paired with generic names, drug reconstitution (gawd I hate math:)), and general "what if" questions. If you received 80% or higher on that test then you went on to an oral interview. The oral portion is always more than one person, you are asked basic questions such as history, qualifications, why you think you'd be successful in such a position, and as soon as you feel comfortable they zing you! :) I had questions regarding ventillators, suctioning, trach care, central line cut downs, drugs/dossages used during a crash, and la piece de resistance was blood gas levels. I had gotten real lazy on that, respiratory therapy always I repeat always dealt with that chit, well all my schooling had to come back real fast. Was it metabolic or respiratory acidosis, what would you prescribe, etc, etc.

I would say each interview is an experience, as I have been on both sides of the spectrum. You never know what is going to be thrown out at you. Take each one as a learning experience. Don't worry about messing up, take notes during if you need to. When doing my blood gas level questions, I was feveriously writing down values and symptoms.

Oh yeah, I also wrote my interview in English, oral in French. The hospital where I work is Francophone. Not bad for an Italian girl huh?? :)

Cheers!

Jo-Anne

lgcv · Jun 11, 2002

Mostly clinical questions... what are the effects/side effects and standard uses for various drugs, swan placement/readings. ventilator management, ethical scenarios, then the standard who are you questions.

meandragonbrett · Jun 11, 2002

Thanks for all of the great info guys!

Brett

TexasCRNA · Jun 12, 2002

I think that most of the places that I interviewed were looking to see how you handle stress and so with that they would seem to keep firing questions at you and see how you could handle them.They also seem to tailor questions as to deductive reasoning like, What would you do if you were in surgery and all of a sudden your pts NSR went to asystole? ( start with the basics--I would check the leads...) Also know that you will always get the tech questions so always brush up on your swans, ABGs, chest tubes, current AANA issues, basic CPR,PALS,ACLS, drugs ( classes, doses, contras, e.g.). I also think they are always looking to see how you will fit with them cause remember they will be stuck with you for the next 24-29 months. Gowkout

ma kettle · Jun 14, 2002

Gowkout, do you think the interviews are getting more stressful over the last few years because there are more qualified applicants? I seems to me that about five years ago the amount of perspective students was 2 applicants for every one position in the school. Now I have been told that most schools have anywhere from 8 to 10 prespectives for every one position. I guess the supply and demand theory applies here too. So when there are more perspectives, I guess the criteria becomes stiffer.

But, when this desire for the select school positons becomes few, I wonder to what degree the political element comes to play. I mean, I know doctor so and so , this helped my selection for school.

I guess this question goes to anyone who cares to comment.

Sandy :)

lgcv · Jun 14, 2002

I think who you know will only get you so far. You have to have the grades/experience etc. to back it up. Now two equally qualified people one with a connection one without, obviously the one who has a connection would be first pick.

TexasCRNA · Jun 15, 2002

Sandy, It always help to know someone but I think most schools have a committe that decides because there are so many qualified applicants. I also think there are different levels of nurses like the one that has 10 years of ICU experience and still doesnt know how to start a drip without asking for help. They are the ones that never question the MDs orders and do not try to think for themselves-- they only follow orders.On the other hand, you got the ICU nurse that is very up on whats going on with his/her patients they question orders that do not make sense and they really want to know the "why" and think about the consequences of they're actions. The second type of nurse described is the type CRNA schools are looking to admit. Just my two cents worth.

nilepoc · Jun 16, 2002

Hello, I moved the clinical discussions to a new thread. Hope you all don't mind.

here.

Craig