NewUtahn

I have an interview coming up for the BSN-PhD program I applied to. It's with the Dean of the program as well as another professor. I'm thankful for the advice I've received on this forum in the past, and would be eternally grateful for tips regarding the interview- specifically the types of questions to expect, how to discuss my statement of purpose while also being honest about other research interests, how to prove my committment to the program, etc. What makes a candidate desirable? What makes a candidate "mentorable"? Background: 12yrs clinical experience ranging from home health to ICU. Personally, I don't know any RN PhDs, and I certainly don't know any RN's that went through a program like this, so I've had to navigate the process without any real guidance. It's been a doozy. I am currently assisting in research for a professor of a different healthcare discipline- so although the experience has been invaluable, he can't speak to what a formal interview with the College of Nursing would be like. Thanks in advance!!

Thank you SO much for this!! I'm going to DM you

After 12 years at the bedside (ranging from ICU to home health), I'm at a point in my life where I can pursue my years-long dream of going back to school. I always imagined I would be an NP but as time passes I feel more compelled towards a life in academia and not a clinical setting. I'm considering a BSN-PhD program. While filling out the application I felt overhwhelmingly underqualified (I don't have any research experience), so I'm wondering if I'm crazy for wanting this or if it's a reasonable goal to work towards. I'd love to hear from a phd student/grad and hear your experience. 1) how much research were you involved in before you got into your program? were you published before you started working on your degree? 2) what is a day in the life of a phd student like? how many hours a week are devoted to school? I'm not working right now....and I love school so I'm actually looking forward to a lot of bookwork.....but I have little kids so balance is important to me. 3) I read that directors of the program will show preference to applicants that share the same research goals. Did you feel like you had to compromise/sacrifice your own research interests in order to appease the admissions board? For anyone wondering why I don't get my MSN- 1) I want the challenge of obtaining a terminal degree in nursing. Knowledge is power, the more knowledge you have the greater difference you can make. 2) I like the idea that the coursework of a phd program is spread out over years, and that at times it is self-paced (correct me if I'm wrong). That flexibility is more appealing than meeting all the demands of an intense, 2 year masters program. 3) I don't want to have student debt when I graduate. From what I understand, most phd programs are partially or fully funded. Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my ramblings! ?