Pre-Entrance Interview Advice?

Published

Hello, I'll be interviewed next week for entrance into an R.N. program. I've never been interviewed for a school before so I'm a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. Any advice?

congrats!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro.

Honestly, if you've ever had a job interview, many of the questions are similar. You will probably be asked why you want to go into nursing, why you selected whatever school you're interviewing with (saying "I applied everywhere" is probably not your best answer), and what your nursing goals are. You will also probably be asked how you cope with stress, change, having to think on your feet, challenges, etc. You may also be posed situations and asked what you would do.

I truly think the goal of your interview should be to leave a lasting impression on the panel that sets you apart from all the other applicants. Try to steer away from generic answers like "I want to help people", because that doesn't really show who you are. If you had a unique experience that propelled you into nursing, share it. If you remember an experience that truly answers their question, share it. These people are tired of hearing the "easy/good/right" answer -- they want to hear what you can bring to the program from your own life experience, so tell them about your life experience.

For example, when I was asked what made me decide to go into nursing, I told them that I have always been fascinated with healthcare but never considered it as a career option for whatever reason. I have always been addicted to medical-themed shows on the Discovery Health Channel, however. One day my roommate came in and caught me watching a disgusting surgery show and said to me, "Geez, if you like all that stuff so much, why don't you go be a nurse or something?" The lightbulb went on, and I started researching programs the same day. My response answered the question, and also allowed me to tell a story and reveal a bit about myself, which made me a more memorable applicant. And I got into the program. :)

So go out there and sell yourself!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

check out this thread:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f198/anyone-doing-interview-147030.html#post1553426

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Princess, I used to live in Elizabeth City. Go to the CHKD thrift stores in Norfolk. I got a Christian Dior suit in one there for eight bucks one time. It was an older suit, but a classic cut and an UNBELIEVEABLE fabric. I'm betting all the doctor's wives and executive's wives for the Sentara system take their stuff there. There were three suits, all hanging together that all fit (like they came in together from the same closet - you know what I'm talking about). I wish I could remember where this one particular one was; the clothes in there were unreal.

Thanks, I will check them out!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Not specified.

Obviously the most common question that will be asked in an interview for nursing school is "why do you want to be a nurse?" It is a cliche to respond by saying, "I want to help people....." I certainly have my own reasons for wanting to become a nurse, but I wanted to throw this out there:

So why do you want to be a nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi I am new here and I have a question about the pre-entrance exam for nursing. Are the PAX and NET similar? If they are different can someone explain the difference?Today 05:17 PM

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion