Interview Blues

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Nov 16, 2004

They had your attendance record? That's kind of weird. How did they get their hands on that?

Seriously, Gassgurl, I think most people believe they flubbed the interview, or at least didn't do as well as they'd hoped. Was it your first? Mine is next week and I'm sure I'll be saying/thinking the exact same things. You just have to leave it behind . . . you did the best you could and now it's up to them to decide. Worst case, it was good practice for the next interview.

akcarmean, LPN · Nov 16, 2004

Good Luck

Angelia

skipaway · Nov 17, 2004

They had your attendance record? That's kind of weird. How did they get their hands on that?

It is on the current supervisor's reccomendation letter.

Gaasgurl · Nov 17, 2004

It is on the current supervisor's reccomendation letter.

Skipaway,

I noticed your other threads, what do you think about my chances? When the interviewee leaves the room, does the committee dissect them? Do they go by subjective opinion (I like her...) or objective data (good GRE, GPA, etc...) or a combination thereof? It's most likely a combination. I wish I had better interview skills. Did the people that you know who graduated there extol their interview, or were they surprised that they got in based upon a lackluster interview?

Thanks

gaasgurl-one day I hope:)

Just a CRNA · Nov 17, 2004

You are correct that it is a combination of subjective and objective data. To some degree, if your objective data is inadequate, you will not be offered an interview. So, if you are invited for an interview, there is obviously some good, quality info working for you. I can tell you that our committee does a quick survey amongst ourselves immediately after the interview as to the overall impression. We discuss GRE, GPA, CCRN scores before the applicant enters for the interview. Usually, all of us are pretty close to one another on "impressions." If the applicant really scores high on everyone's list, we might offer that person a position in the next class within the following week or two, with the final decision based upon their choice of clinical sites. Otherwise, favorable applicants go into a "pending" file from which we will make final decisions at a later date. If the applicant is just not for us, we will also notify them of that decision fairly quickly. If you interview at a school which has multiple clinical sites as options, and have a lot of flexibility as to where you are able to go, be sure they are aware of that. Flexibility improves your chances of admission in this regard. Hope this helps.

NYCboy · Nov 21, 2004

What did they ask you at the interview. Thank you

I just had my first interview at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program. At first, I felt good about the interview; but in hindsight, my answers seem lackluster. The panel seemed nice enough, but my nerves were running so high. So much rides on this one interview. Does anyone know if the academic record and test scores weigh heavier than the interview? If the interview is the deciding factor, then I blew it. Is it adviseable to wait a week or two and drop in on the Director to show her that one-on-one I have more composure? This was my first choice in schools. Let me preface this by saying that I had a 71 on the MAT, 1300/5 on GRE, 4.0 GPA for two years while working full time with two children....CCRN, TNCC, PALS, ACLS and 10 years of nursing with 5 in CCU and I am 31. And yet, I had a perma-grin and could not gather my thoughts to answer their questions fully. I still have 2 more interviews (Charlotte and Raleigh) but Baptist was my 1st choice. Live and learn.

Tuffgreel · Nov 21, 2004

Having been on an interview commitee myself, I can tell you that what has been previously said is correct. You do not get to the interview unless you are qualified to be in the program. The interview process is to look more closely at your stats but also get a feel for how you will fit into the program. Honesty is great. Nothing is more annoying than someone opening a can of answers.... and don't think we don't know. Just relax and listen to their questions and answer what they are asking not what you think they will ask.

:balloons:

Gaasgurl · Nov 22, 2004

I will be anxiously awaiting my interviews in Raleigh and Charlotte. I will do my best to not be as nervous. I still think I was true to myself (no reheorificed answers, etc..) If I did not get in to my first choice, I will pray that I at least get in somewhere. I guess that is the best you really can hope for...I hope that everyone who reads these posts gains some insight and uses it to ace their interviews! Good luck everyone!

stranger144 · Dec 6, 2004

i'm looking for insight!! i have an interview in wf in a few weeks and i was wondering if you could give me some advice on the interview process. was your interview one-on-one with a few different people or with a small group/panel of interviewers? it sounds like most of your questions were open-ended & not clinical based. your numbers and qualifications are great-- much better than mine:rolleyes: !! i am sure that you will get in somewhere with your stats. thanks for any help.. & from one desperate crna wanna be to the next good luck!!

i will be anxiously awaiting my interviews in raleigh and charlotte. i will do my best to not be as nervous. i still think i was true to myself (no reheorificed answers, etc..) if i did not get in to my first choice, i will pray that i at least get in somewhere. i guess that is the best you really can hope for...i hope that everyone who reads these posts gains some insight and uses it to ace their interviews! good luck everyone!

Gaasgurl · Dec 6, 2004

Hey stranger:

Good luck on your upcoming interview! Once again, the questions were not clinical, but get-to-know-you questions. I am a shy person, so these are harder for me than clinical questions where you can solve a problem instead of talk about yourself. Some of the questions included: Why do you want to be a CRNA? Where do you see yourself 4 years from now? What have you done to ensure you succeed in this program? Have you shadowed a CRNA? Did you see qualities in those individuals that you see in yourself? What did you learn/see? They brought up my 6 absences in a year and were displeased. They asked questions about a weakness my coworker had put down. They asked about why I had ranked a question on the application a certain way. There was a large panel of about 12-15 people including the Director and Assistant Director. One of these two individuals sits next to you in front of the panel. I hope this helps.

I still haven't heard back yet, but they mentioned that I might not until right before Christmas. I know of a few individuals that have already been accepted. I wonder how their interviews went- probably better than mine. I wish I had a little more confidence. I know I can be a great CRNA, all I need is the chance to prove it!

--Gaasgurl

UCDSICURN · Dec 6, 2004

They actually look at the CCRN scores? If so, what's competitive?

apaisRN, RN, CRNA · Dec 6, 2004

I don't think CCRN scores matter, the whole point is that it's pass/fail. I think the poster meant they look at all your standardized tests.