Nursing interview

[Tigger100S]

Hey everyone-

I know you probably get this question all the time, but bear with me.

I am a sopmore nursing student (BSN) who is finishing up pre-reqs this spring and applying to an upper divisional nursing program for the last two years, including the clincal portion. I am going in for an interview on Tuesday and I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for important questions or issues to bring up during the vist?

So far, I am planning on asking about the NCLEX pass rate, clincial sites, clinical skills, student/instructor ratios, financial aid and housing. Anyone have anything to add?

Also, I was wondering if it would be considerd unprofessional to ask weither skills are practiced by students on other students in lab? I understand this practice is pretty common, but I do have a problem with it, especially since I have very low blood pressure and have difficulty giving blood. Had anyone had any experiences with this situation? I don't want to look like I am queasy or scared, but it may be an issue for me.

Thanks in advance for any input!

[fergus51]

I don't think any schools are still doing procedures on students that are at all invasive like drawing blood. I wouldn't even ask.

My main concern would be clinical readiness as new grads. Ask if their students say they feel ready to practice as new nurses.

[Ortho_RN]

We do give each other injections and start IV's on each other...

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I did drew blood off my partner in skills lab last year....some schools do have their students start IVs and do blood draws on each other.

Z

[Jennerizer, ASN, RN]

At my school we use mannequins & are not allowed to use each other for practice.

I would ask something in regards to how much assistance you get from the professors if you feel you are struggling in a certain area. I have heard of some schools where the professors pretty much tell you you're on your own while at my school they encourage you to seek help if you need it. There is always someone available to help & you aren't looked down upon if you're having trouble grasping a certain subject. If we don't do well on a test, there is remediation---so that you do comprehend what you didn't do well on.

Good luck on your interview! Let us know how it went.

Jen

[Love-A-Nurse]

no, we aren't practicing skills such as these on each other at the school i attend.

i agree with fergus51 unless they otherwise ask this of you.

all the best with your interview and please, let us know how it goes.

[Tigger100S]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will defintely ask about how prepared their grads are for their careers. I won't ask about the student practing, but hopefuly while I'm on campus I'll meet a nursing student and can ask them myself. I figured I would ask about what their nursing skills labs are equiped with, and that might lead to my answer. Thanks again and I'll let you know how it goes. I applied to this school in October and still haven't heard from them because they either lost one of my letters of recommendation or it got lost in the mail. Either way, I had my writer send it again, so hopefully word will come soon! I can't wait to finally start doing real nursing stuff!