I have 6 years CICU experience, mostly children with some adult.
RN of the Year Award
Safety & Communication Educator for Risk Management
Graduated with honors in BSN
Sigma Theta Tau Intl Nursing Honor Society Nurse Leader Member
Research Experience
Research Assistant in BSN Program
Stellar recommendations from my Director, a RN Educator & peer RN.
Preceptor & Mentor
On several hospital committees
Some volunteer experience
Stellar personal essay
This is only part of what was on my CV/Resume for FNP at the same school I received my BSN. Out of 300+ applicants I was 1 of 100 invited for an interview, but ultimately was NOT accepted!!!!??? WHAT!? I know of some already in the program without HALF of what I have achieved.
When I called to find out why I was told they simply had too many applicants & it was bc my interview scores were lower. Now, I have been on several job panel interviews, am familiar with them, and I have always done well. I come across as articulate, poised and mature.
So, I take GREAT issue with this bc
I had to wait over 3.5hrs for my interview!
I was the LAST to be interviewed out of 13 that morning.
By the time I was interviewed there were only 2 (out of 3) left on the panel, so wouldn't that affect my score????
I only had 10 mins and felt rushed, my interviewers were not familiar with my resume, I had to point out several things.
I was asked idiotic and irrelevant Q's such as "This Research Poster you worked on, was it with floor RNs or ICU RNs?" HUH!?? When I explained it was a collaborative effort I was told "Well it was a Magnet project". NO! No, it wasn't! And, who cares?
My interviewers kept reinforcing, practically debating that I had primarily peds ICU experience and no adult experience so I lacked the exp to be an FNP. Not ok! Doesn't the door swing both ways? What of adult med surg RNs trying to become FNPs? I personally know FNPs that were RNs in my unit and are out in the community doing well. I felt they had already made up their mind before I walked in.
I contacted a few of my BSN Professors over this. One was "flabbergasted" and urges me to appeal to the Dean. Another encouraged me to try PsychNP or PedsNP (as there is less competition for entry) and then transfer to FNP once I am in. Also, this school is allowing all Foreign Educated MDs to apply for their FNP program, so less spots for RNs. Another said I was "overqualified" bc of my ICU experience and FNP is not an acute care environment. Should I formally appeal? When I called the school I felt like I was getting nowhere.
I know I would be great as a FNP, I am a compassionate people person!
I could apply to other FNP schools, but to be truthful, I secretly want to apply to CRNA school as I have the qualifications but I don't know if its right for me (I shadowed a CRNA and loved it). I'm more confused than ever.
