CU UCAN spring 2016

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jul 14, 2015

I just heard about the interview details. Sounds like a group interview! I'm super excited but also super nervous! I wonder how to prepare for a group interview...
I'm excited to learn too that it's not just the interview that we should expect, but also a tour and even a mock lecture, which I think will be super useful.
If anyone has been through this process, I am sure that we all would appreciate any info that you may have :).

I interviewed a few years back, so the process may have changed and I don't remember all of the details, but this was my experience:

The group interview is more like a group activity. We broke up into groups of maybe 6 applicants with 2 staff for about half an hour. We sat in a circle, went around the circle once and introduced ourselves, including "Why you chose nursing." Then they asked us another question, almost no recollection of what it was (maybe something like, "What do you think is an important quality for a nurse to have, and why?" Maybe?) and went around the circle again. They gave us an activity to do individually in which we had to rank our own nursing priorities (i.e. compassion, skills). Then they had us come together and set the priorities as a team. It seemed really trivial and trite to me at the time, but now I get it. The point was a) to see how you work on a team to accomplish a goal, and b) to get a sense for how you view the nursing role. You can't really 'prepare,' per se. My biggest advice on the group interview is to be sincere, be respectful of your peers, and don't overthink it.

We spent the rest of the day in presentations (financial aid, student panel, curriculum, mock lecture). The mock lecture really freaked me out; they kept implying that we should already know concepts that I'd never heard of before (i.e. the relationship between blood pressure, cardiac output, and peripheral resistance, aka BP = CO x PR). If you're reading this and freaking out because you don't know what those things are, don't worry, you learn them in nursing school (that's the whole point of nursing school).

Anyway, I was accepted, but declined due to the confusing/uncomfortable situation described in my prior post.

NervousApplican · Aug 21, 2015

Hi all,

Does anyone have information about when in October/November the orientations will be?

thanks!

NervousApplican · Aug 29, 2015

I'm in! anyone else? Cannot wait to meet you guys!

Stentor · Aug 29, 2015

I'm in as well!

Lynn94 · Mar 29, 2016

Hi! I am applying for the 2017 UCAN program but cant seem to find a thread for it.

Is anyone currently in the program and wouldn't mind sharing a little of their experience?

katesietsema · May 9, 2016

Hi Lynn,

I am applying for the 2017 UCAN program as well! I also could not find a thread for it, so hopefully someone from the previous posts on this 2016 page will see your question. I am also very interested in hearing from someone who has been in the program. Good luck!!

wisconsingirl77 · Jun 21, 2016

Hi,

I am currently in the 2016 UCAN program. You guys should make your own thread for your application cycle! I'm about halfway through the program, what kinds of questions do you have?

katesietsema · Jun 21, 2016

Thank you for responding to our comments regarding the UCAN program. Great suggestion about making our own thread too. I'll see if I can figure that out. :)

Feel free to give short answers. I don't mean to take up a lot of your time with my questions.

- What was the interview process like? Any advice?

- Of course the program is rigorous and time consuming, but would you able to work while being in the program?

- I see your username is Wisconsingirl (I am from Minnesota); were you able to find affordable housing for the year?

Congrats on being half way through! I hope I can say that as well next year.

wisconsingirl77 · Jun 21, 2016

Interview process: lots of orientation type activities to the program, information sessions, simulation class, student panel. The interview itself normally involves working as a group on a topic. They observe to see how you work with others and what role you take in the discussion, as well as what you say. My advice honestly is just be yourself and be ready to discuss your view of nursing and why you want to become a nurse. Prep typical interview type questions and you'll be prepared. I did a practice interview with a friend and they gave me feedback. That really helped and made me feel more comfortable for the real thing.

I wouldn't work during the first 4 months or so. I think it would be way too much. After that there is a bit more time, but you often don't know your schedule in advance. Some people in the program work, but I think the majority don't.

Yes, I did find good housing. My husband and I moved here so we obviously share the cost of our apartment, but lots of students ended up becoming roomies and I think did well finding affordable housing that way.

Any other questions, let me know!

lilybatchelor · Jun 30, 2016

Hi Lynn,
I am applying for the 2017 UCAN program as well! I also could not find a thread for it, so hopefully someone from the previous posts on this 2016 page will see your question. I am also very interested in hearing from someone who has been in the program. Good luck!!

Hi we have a thread now :)

https://allnurses.com/online-nursing-schools/cu-ucan-spring-1057385.html

ColoNative · Jul 8, 2016

Do you remember if you had to do a drug test? I'm only worried about things that are legal in Colorado, and will stop if I need to but I didn't see anything on the website. Thanks!