pre interview jitters

Athlein · Oct 10, 2003

Hey Gooser,

Here is a copy of my response to an earlier thread about interviewing. I would add a few additional points:

1. Dress the part. Professional attire - well-fitting pressed suit/dress, shiny shoes, tasteful makeup/hair, minimal blingbling, papers organized in an attache or briefcase.

2. Cell phones, kids, and spouses do not belong anywhere near the interview. You would think this is self-explanatory, but the faux-pas gets committed every year...

Pleae feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

Do whatever you have to do to allay the nervousness and anxiety you feel on interview day. Run ten miles, listen to relaxing music, whatever. Projecting a calm, confident demeanor will do much more for you than a dissertation on the cardiovascular system.

Practice solid, coherent answers to the basic questions - why you want to be a CRNA, what resources (family/finances/etc) you have to get through the program, what direct experiences have you had with the nurse anesthesia profession. Know these answers cold so that you do not spend minutes with vague, wandering replies and "um" and "uh"s.

Avoid "desperate student" syndrome. You know...that deer-in-the-headlights look that screams, "this is the only program I have applied to, and if I don't get in, I am screwed!". Formulate pertinent questions, which illustrate that you are knowledgeable about the strengths and drawbacks of their program. Do not sit there silently when they ask you if you have any questions for them! Be prepared to show them that you have done your research, and that they should want you as much as you want to get in.

Understand that you may be asked to explain any weaknesses in your application. Take the time to formulate honest, straightforward answers so that you are not put on the defensive or caught making frivolous excuses. If you made a D in intro biology, but you were taking 18 credits, and it was your freshman year, then say so. If you made a D because you partied and drank too much beer, then say that you entered college without the study skills to excel in the more rigorous classes, but that you redoubled your efforts and subsequently maintained a 3.8 GPA.

Resist the urge to suck-up or gush. No one likes a sycophant.

When it is all said and done, thank them earnestly for their time and for considering you as a future student. Salesmen and politicians know that your tag line is the last thing people remember about you. Make a professional exit.

Best of luck!

talldollNYC · Oct 10, 2003

AWESOME ADVICE!!!

jadednurse · Oct 10, 2003

Awesome advice. I would also add, educate yourself fully about the program/facility and ask relevant questions.

Good luck and let us know how things turn out!

sweetdreams · Oct 10, 2003

Gooser,

Great advice so far,

My two cents:

One of the objectives for the interview is often times to see how a student functions under stress. I interviewed at three programs and all interviews had at least one question that I think was designed just to rattle the applicant. Don't try to BS during the interview. If you don't know the answer to a question, say so. The admission committee will probably let you dig your own grave if you start rambling. Give short, concise answers that display your knowledge, but don't go into any grey areas. Kind of " if you don't want to fall of the cliff, stay away from the edge".

You might also want to think about and have a answer ready for an ethical question such as an emergency blood transfusions in Jehova Witness patients.

As for the nervousness, try to put it into perspective, you're obviously an ICU nurse; chances are nobody's going to code or tamponade in the interview.....tachycardia, HTN, urinary incontinence and flatulance maybe, but remember your qualifications. You wouldn't have been invited for an interview if you weren't what they are looking for.

Good Luck to you!!

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Oct 11, 2003

I am in my Sr year and I too am nervous about an interview. A job interview!!!! I am excited. It is the first CRNA job interview that I will go on......!

I understand your jitters! GOOD LUCK!

Brenna's Dad · Oct 11, 2003

I thought about a Beta Blocker for a while, but then realized with my luck that I might end up in the ICU.

I too was nervous, but found once I started talking, all my nervousness went away. I prepared by thinking about some good quewstions to ask the interviewers. After all, it's not fair to let them have all the fun!

I think the stress reduction stratagies that people have mentioned is good advice. I probably wouldn't take up smoking. Smoking seems to be frowned upon by the anesthesia community.

Good luck.

szoozoo · Oct 13, 2003

I heard that one of the questions they might ask was: when you followed CRNA what was a drug they gave to the patients to put them asleep? I followed CRNA once but I overlooked that part...

So, I guess I am going to need another tour.