SkiingRN

Hello- Expect to feel unprepared. This was nothing like a job interview for me, and everyone I spoke with about it said no one feels prepared for the interview. Make sure you know why you chose the school you applied for and how you think they can help you with your education/career. Have some questions prepared for them, too. I think one of my first posts in this thread talks about more of the questions they asked me, I actually don't remember a lot about the interview. I am still really enjoying the University of Arizona. It was a good fit for me. Good luck!

Congratulations! I know exactly how you're feeling right now :) My first semester was good, they really know how to ease you into getting back to school. My second semester is more difficult, but I'm getting into the swing of things again. Plus I'm taking an extra class, which doesn't help. My research position is remote, but we are actually going to move to Tucson to make things a little easier. You don't have to, but my husband is looking for a change of scenery, so that will be nice for us. Hopefully I'll be able to meet you at RISE in August!

I like it so far! We're only halfway through the first semester, so ask me again in December :) I'm not sure if this is unique, but I still feel like I'm valued as a student, not just a tuition machine. All of my professors have been really supportive and flexible. No one makes me feel stupid for misunderstanding something. The grading seems pretty lenient, which I'm OK with. When I make a mistake, they correct me and give me good advice, not just tell me I'm wrong. I think one of the main things was they knew my name when I walked in on our first day of orientation. Everything is online, except for one week a year we have to go in person. I walked in the door not knowing anyone, or having any clue where to go, and the director of the program said hello and knew exactly who I was. We are also given a lot of funding opportunities. I was really worried about paying tuition, but I got a job right away as a graduate research assistant, and if I can work 20 hours per week I'll get tuition reimbursement. They are always sending us other funding opportunities as well. Good luck! I like it a lot, so far!

I'm doing the BSN-PhD route. I chose the University of Arizona because I felt like they actually wanted me there, and their research aligns with mine. I only applied there and the University of Utah, but I felt like I would get more support at Arizona. I felt like they wanted me as a student, not just my tuition money. THat's how my undergrad university felt, and I didn't want to deal with that again. So far so good! I want to study Palliative Care and starting it early on in a chronic disease diagnosis vs starting it when hospice is more appropriate. I did find and speak with a faculty member who aligned with my research before I applied. I think schools like it if you can mention a faculty member in the application or in the interview. I only have research experience in clinical research trials, and I've been at the bedside for pretty much my entire career. I was doubtful I'd get in anywhere because my GPA was only 3.2, but I did get in!

Hi! I have orientation next week, and I start classes the week after. Feel free to pick my brain!

No one asks what grades you got in nursing school during a job interview. The classes I had to work the hardest in but got lower grades are the classes I learned the most. It's better to learn critical thinking skills than get straight A's in nursing, IMHO. You're doing great! Keep up the good work, study hard, and take the B and run! -signed a B average student

It did go OK! I got accepted! For anyone else who may be preparing for grad school to get a PhD, you will most likely feel unprepared for your interview. A few students and faculty members have told me that no one feels prepared for those. Feel free to message me for any questions and if I can help, I will!

I'm not sure if you have looked at the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, but they might have some resources for you. Is there another hospital in your area you could transfer to? I'm not sure if that would be a better environment, but you could at least stay in CVICU if that is what you want. You could also look into a different ICU in the same hospital. I worked in CVICU for a few years (not during a pandemic though), and I agree that the stress I experienced was not worth the very few and far between rewards. What a bummer that the nurse you used as a resource decided to belittle you instead of support you. We as nurses need to fear the people who don't ask questions, not demean the ones who do. In the end, you gotta do you. You have to do what makes you happy. The hospital doesn't seem to care if you are happy and satisfied with your job, and you can do just as much good with less stress in another area. Good luck.

In case anyone can use this info...I wore a suit jacket. I'm glad I did. I was asked about how I felt that certain faculty could help me with my specific research topic, to describe my research topic in more detail than was asked in the application, who/what inspired me to further my education, and what I want to do/where do I want to work after graduation. I"m still kind of in a daze of nerves from it so I can't remember everything else. I asked them about how they support their students, what their alumni are doing 6 months after graduation, and what is their graduation rate. I think it went OK? I should know by December 22nd.

I thought that would be the best idea. Thanks for confirming!

Hello! I have an interview with the University of Arizona this week for their PhD program. I have an odd question...the interview is on Friday, and I have to work. I am seeing a bunch of patients that day, so need to be at work and the interview is only 15 minutes long. Would it be weird to do the interview wearing my scrubs? Or should I bring in a suit jacket or something? Thanks for any help!