CRNA interview

Trauma Columnist · Nov 28, 2016

Moved to SRNA forum

dread_pirate_roberts · Nov 28, 2016

"Your ventilator is peak pressure alarming - other than your patient biting down on the tube, what might be happening?"

"Your patient needs to be intubated, not emergently but soon. What items do you want ready to go in your room?"

"What are some reasons for post-operative tachycardia?"

"How would you handle traveling for clinicals?"

"What is the difference between CRNA and MDA? Do you understand 'opt out'?"

"What is it about this program that makes you want to come here?"

"Have you applied to other programs?"

"Are there any stressors or circumstances that might hinder your ability to complete this program?"

Those were some of my questions, and to be honest - I kind of stumbled because I'd prepared different answers (i.e. politics of CRNA vs MDA - came in handy with the opt-out portion of the question, but I blanked on the difference between...which is the easy part). My best advice to you is to prepare for these questions but don't forget to just breathe and think before you answer. If you prepare too much, unexpected questions will catch you off guard. I was still accepted though! Good luck :)

geogeo1991979 · Nov 30, 2016

can u please tell me more about the setting of the interview, more questions? do they stress on your GRE score a lot?...

geogeo1991979 · Nov 30, 2016

can I hear your advice please about the CRNA interview?

jj224 · Nov 30, 2016

Search and read any of the hundred posts about this subject

emb92250 · Dec 1, 2016

I agree with jj224.

First off, each school's interview process is different. Have you applied to any schools yet? Have you searched this forum for your specific program's questions? Some schools ask clinical questions, while some schools don't ask any clinical questions. If you didn't at least think to do that much research on your own, you are not ready for anesthesia school. They don't just spoon feed you answers and what you need to know. You need critical thinking skills.

That being said, I applied and interviewed for two CRNA schools. I'll tell you about my experiences.

Clarkson College, in Omaha, NE, did not ask any clinical questions. Interviews were scheduled in 30 minute blocks. It was expected that you arrived about 30 minutes prior so you could talk with current students, some were in the didactic phase and some were in the clinical phase. When were called for my interview, I was taken to a separate room with a panel of staff, about 8 I think, and asked various non-clinical questions such as: What is your favorite type of patient? Why Clarkson College? Tell me what you think a CRNA does. Are there any barriers to you finishing the program. What questions do you have for us?

Midwestern University in Glensdale, AZ was much more clinical and technical with their interview. Everyone interviewing that day (they have rolling admissions, so they interview several times a year) was scheduled to be at the campus all day, from about 0745-1300. While waiting for your interview, there was a campus tour. Lunch was also provided. When time for the interview, I was taken to a separate room and interviewed with two program administrators. They asked questions such as: Discuss the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, what receptors does Levophed act on, Tell us about a critical patient you had and, as a followup to that question, tell us about the pathophysiology occurring in that patient.

emb92250 · Dec 1, 2016

I agree with jj224.

First off, each school's interview process is different. Have you applied to any schools yet? Have you searched this forum for your specific program's questions? Some schools ask clinical questions, while some schools don't ask any clinical questions. If you didn't at least think to do that much research on your own, you are not ready for anesthesia school. They don't just spoon feed you answers and what you need to know. You need critical thinking skills. Also, not that these posts are your best writing, you need better grammar, verb/noun agreement in your sentences, complete sentences, etc.

That being said, I applied and interviewed for two CRNA schools. I'll tell you about my experiences.

Clarkson College, in Omaha, NE, did not ask any clinical questions. Interviews were scheduled in 30 minute blocks. It was expected that you arrived about 30 minutes prior so you could talk with current students, some were in the didactic phase and some were in the clinical phase. When were called for my interview, I was taken to a separate room with a panel of staff, about 8 I think, and asked various non-clinical questions such as: What is your favorite type of patient? Why Clarkson College? Tell me what you think a CRNA does. Are there any barriers to you finishing the program. What questions do you have for us?

Midwestern University in Glensdale, AZ was much more clinical and technical with their interview. Everyone interviewing that day (they have rolling admissions, so they interview several times a year) was scheduled to be at the campus all day, from about 0745-1300. While waiting for your interview, there was a campus tour. Lunch was also provided. When time for the interview, I was taken to a separate room and interviewed with two program administrators. They asked questions such as: Discuss the role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, what receptors does Levophed act on, Tell us about a critical patient you had and, as a followup to that question, tell us about the pathophysiology occurring in that patient.

cticunurse · Dec 1, 2016

The first question I was asked was about iabp how it works. I then was asked about an anterior lateral MI what coronary would be affected. I was then asked neuro questions on how to lower icp. I talked about mannitol. They asked me what kind of patients I take care of on what drips I talked about pressors levophed I knew in and out so I talked about that drug. Questions I didn't know were how to calculate minute ventiltion I blatantly said I do not know. and what vent settings would be used in an ards patient. I briefly stated that low tv, low resp rate but that I didn't take care of many ards patients They asked a few Personal questions how I prepared my family for school and the most famous why I want to be a CRNA. My interview was tough I studied real hard ccrn and Csc review is what I did. Know your drips and receptors in and out and if you begin to talk about something make sure you know! And it's okay to say I don't know. I feel like I didn't know a fair amount and I said I don't know. I still got in start in may! í ½í¸ Study, review and you'll be good!

Fentanyl_CA · Dec 2, 2016

i heard they love to ask about "your weakness and strength". How do you guys prepare for the weakness part? lol (perfectionist sounds so blame rite? )

emb92250 · Dec 2, 2016

Strength- handle yourself/good leader under pressure.

Weakness- not a strong reader or something along the lines of need to learn how to study again. They can't blame you for that, but shouldn't stop you from being a good student

Timboner · Dec 2, 2016

Best weakness answer is taking too much on without asking for help. Say it's something you're working really hard at correcting and you are getting there. It lets them know you are a hard worker and take on a bit of work. Delegation is also a good weakness that can be used when talking about being new to a certain area.