Interview Advice Please!!

[brookesbuddy]

Hi all! I'm new to this site, just want to say hello to everyone first!

I just found out this afternoon that I have an interview in Jan at Minneapolis School of Anesthesia!! I'm so excited, but even more nervous. I've heard from others who've interviewed there in the past that it is generally not a clinical-oriented interview.

Any tips/advice on how best to prepare for this interview? My main concern is that I'm a shy person and it is very obvious when I get nervous (blushing, sometimes a shaky voice)--I want to be thoroughly prepared for the interview so I can try and avoid this!!

Also, are there some very common clinical questions that get asked? I just want to be prepared in case they do decide to throw in some clinical questions.

Thanks everyone!! Keep your fingers crossed for me :)

[LJH3CRNA2B]

I'm currently in my first year of a CRNA program in the south. I have experienced two interviews, of which I was accepted to both schools. Here's a few things that may help you. First of all dress your best, best appearance, etc. They know you will be nervous, but if your nervousness is to the extent to where you can't think, answer questions etc, than this is a problem. I had some clinical questions, not many, which mostly involved swan lines and vents. Diff b/w SIMV, and AC modes of ventilation, why place a swan as compared to just CVP? Others had ABG interpretations. One school I interviewed for had a 20 question "TEST" with ACLS scenarios, ABG interpretations, Drugs etc. but I don't think this a common practice. The clinical part was '' small" part to my interviews. Some of the questions I remember, were Why become a CRNA. Had I ever followed a CRNA. In your own words what is a CRNA? Does your spouse understand the commitment required to this program?. Are you married, kids. What kind of ICU, types of experience have you had. They're not looking for someone who knows everything, they looking for someone who is stable and who will be able to be successful in their program. The best advice I could give is be yourself, don't try to be someone who you're not, and if you don't know something, say you don't know it. Don't try to BS your way through anything. They'll see right through this, and you will dig yourself into an "inescapable" hole. Someone in the business community suggested to make a portfolio consisting of my Resume, credentials, certifications, accomplishments, etc. I had a portfolio for each member of the interview committee. They seemed to be really impressed with this. I hope this helps, and if it doesn't work out this time "try and try again" Don't give up! I applied last year and was not even granted an interview, applied the next year and was accepted by 2 schools. Hope this helps, and good luck.:)

[RYNOBLASTER30]

B on Ur best behavior.

[krzysiu]

Don't give up! I applied last year and was not even granted an interview, applied the next year and was accepted by 2 schools. Hope this helps, and good luck.:)

do you apply to the same schools a second time? or, were they different institutions?

thanks

chris