what happens during a college interview to get into a nursing program

solneeshka, BSN, RN · Feb 23, 2011

My program didn't have an interview to get in, so I'm just taking a stab at it here. If you haven't had to take any pre-reqs, then they can't expect you to know anything about nursing, that should help ease your mind. The best thing you can do is to come off as competent, professional, self-motivated, and friendly. It will probably be a lot like a high level job interview. Have some examples from your life where you've demonstrated that you are reliable, that you get along well with other people, that you have experience with customer service, that you can work well with people in positions of authority. Good luck!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 23, 2011

Nursing is different from most other types of college majors. Successful outcomes are absolutely measurable - passing NCLEX & those pass rates determine whether the program can maintain accreditation. So that means that a great deal of emphasis is placed on selecting students who not only have the intellectual horsepower to learn an enormous amount of material, but also have the inner drive/motivation to see it through to the end.

They may ask you some very tough questions if you have any 'less than stellar' grades (especially in science courses) or there is any evidence of failure to follow-though or complete a program... e.g. lots of WPs or WIs, changing majors, etc.

If you're nervous, don't be afraid to just say "I'm reallly nervous". If you can't think of a ready answer, ask for some time to reflect in order to provide a thoughtful answer.

Best of luck to you. Let us know how it goes.

WillowNMe · Feb 23, 2011

I have not had one, however I did have to write a paper to get in and I also had to go in front of a board.

What I would reflect on is what draws you to nursing, what you can bring to nursing (your strengths... good with people? Motivated to learn? Calm in emergency situations?), and what motivates you (patient satisfaction? a smile and a thank you? deadlines?). Have you worked as a CNA? I would be prepared to relate some of that experience in, as well. I would suspect they would ask questions about your pre-reqs... especially in a class you might have gotten a low grade in. I would make sure to have ideas on how I would study (IE: study groups, seeking tutors from the school, communicating with professors, asking questions, being prepared... but remember, its stuff you need to follow up with!). I might even suggest adding that you have heard that nursing school is a lot of work, but you feel up to the challenge or something "cheesy" like that.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring information about the program into the conversation... For example, if you have shadowed nurses previously, speak about the reputation that the school has for turning out good nurses, so you wanted to seek out a program that you think would influence and shape your nursing practice into the best it can be (by graduation). Or if you know of people that previously graduated, such as, "Becky Smith graduated from this program in 2009, and she is a strong, confident and knowledgeable nurse." Then incorparate it into what type of nurse you want to be.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

meghan91 · Feb 23, 2011

thanks guys! these all sounds like things theyll probably ask me. If it helps, someone mentioned about pre reqs, so far i took A&P 1, medical terminology, history(need it for this school for a bsn),taking A&P2, will be taking microbiology in the summer so i can start my clinicals at this school if i get in, ethics, philosphy, nutriton(but this class wont be transferred), 2 psych courses, took cpr/aed, sociology, 2 english classes. ANd as far as me being a CNA (i wish i was so i could work as one and get experience but there arent many classes for CNAs were i live and they never work with my other classes im taking) but i do have experience taking care of 2 grand parents one had cancer, breathing problems and other illnesses and the other had demetia alzhiemers and had a peg tube and i assisted with their care so maybe if they ask ill slip that in there

wsuRN09 · Feb 23, 2011

It's been a few years since I had mine and I can only remember 2 of the questions they asked me. 1) Why did I decide on nursing and why I would make a good nurse? 2) How do I handle conflicts with others? There were more, the interview lasted 30 or so minutes and there were 3 people on the interview panel. Our interviews were focused on getting to know you beyond what your transcripts say. Hope that helps a bit, good luck :)