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Well Im back....This time continuing my education going from CNA to LVN . my question is after i completed two assesement test and passed I still have to complete an interview with the director of the nursing dept. Not a problem persay, however was wondering if this is normal for the LVN course and if so any advice from other LVNs who may have been through a similar situation in regards to help me seal this interview. I am so anxious to move forward yet nervous, the school only acceots the top 30% . The interview plays a factor in your ranking and my scores even though passed me to the final step, I am a bit older then those who are coming fresh out of school. My english scores was that of college level , however my math,which i admit is not my stongest attribute, was that of a high school graduate. And that was back in 1986 for me. Hence why it is so important that I "nail" the interview. Thank you in advance for any and all help or suggesstions.

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Specializes in acute care-step down/rehab.

Are there any other schools in your area? I JUST DIDN'T WANT YOU TO LIMIT YOURSELF. You always should have options

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Yes there is but for the most part they are on line and I don't fair well with that. I suppose you can say I'm old school in that manner, seems I excel more in the structure of the classroom.

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Specializes in acute care-step down/rehab.

Use Khan Academy for math review.

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I already took the assessment tests which I passed both, and I recently downloaded the Khan app, which I shall be using once officially accepted, that is pending the interview, which I am very nervous about I've never been interviewed to be accepted into school the school only accepts the top 30%, so needless to say, the interview has to be in my opinion perfect... Any suggestions on how to master that???

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Specializes in acute care-step down/rehab.

I'm am so thankful that my program didn't have an interview. Good luck.

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My LPN program had us take the TABE, then the TEAS-V, then submit a health packet with medical clearance to begin, and then an interview with the director. I then got to sit in on one of these interviews as a senior student. Here are a few things I was asked, and a few things I noticed in the interview I joined in on:

1. Why do you want to do this?

Go in with a strong answer to this. Know that they are looking for people who can make it through a tough year with their goal in mind.

2. Why our program?

Highlight your strengths here. You thrive in a classroom environment! Do you learn better by being fully immersed in a learning environment? Do you like where the program does clinicals?

3. Do you have any young children or aging parents at home who require your care?

If so, have a plan on how they will be cared for if you have to take a day to study. And have a backup plan if the kids get sick and need to stay home from school.

4. Do you always have to get an A?

This is a question of resilience. Do you lose hope when you get a B- or do you shake the dust of and move on? Come in with an answer and an explanation of your strategy.

5. Do you plan to work through school? Do you need to work through school?

If this is a full time program, realize you may not be able to work all the way through. You may be asked if your household can sustain without your income, in case the coursework becomes too much. There were weekends I had 15+ hours of homework to do.

6. What do your study habits look like?

Go in with a study plan. Figure out what your days look like and plan in a window for up to 3 hours of studying at least 4 days per week, if not every day. Write it out so you remember, school 7-2, lunch 245-330, study 345-7, dinner 7-830, etc. Plan sleep in. Make sure you show that you are planning in at least 7 hours.

7. What specialty are you interested in?

This is a general question to see if you are passionate about something. Know and show your passion. Passion is what gets you through the long nights studying and the tests you fail.

8. How would you handle failing a test?

Remember to include remediation in your answer! They are looking for something to the tune of: pull myself up by my bootstraps, reread the chapter, and ask for help/tutoring if I need it. Remember everything in nursing builds off of something you've already learned.

9. What would you do if you discovered a classmate was cheating?

This one is tricky and each director will have a different view. To cover all bases, the best answer I've heard of is this: first I'd confront them privately, ask how they feel about the material, offer to study with them, see if I can help them out of that desperate place. If I still had any suspicion or concern, I would bring it to a teacher's attention.

Do not take the "its none of my business* approach because all they hear is "what drugs other nurses take recreationally is none of my business".

10. Because of your background, be prepared to answer questions to the effect of "yell me about a time when you....."

Overall, be professional. Dress for the biggest job interview of your life. They are really looking at two things: will you make a good nurse? (Will you be a safe, caring, effective nurse?) Do you have what it takes to get through this program? So show your best side. If you have any tattoos, cover them. Piercings other than your ears? Take them out. Acrylic nails? Best to wave goodbye in favor or a neutral colored manicure. If you wear makeup, keep it natural. Be confident, smile, share your excitement.

Good luck!!!!

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