Questions during grad school interview?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 5, 2009

no idea but wanted to wish you all the luck in the world

AbeFrohman, BSN, RN · Oct 7, 2009

Clinical questions with topics such as ventilators, IABP, hemodynamics, drugs (possibly down to cellular level), physiology questions (such as frank starling law) biggest weakness, biggest strengths, can you afford this program, are you prepared for the time commitment, tell us about a patient you took care of, a time when you used critical thinking, what are your hobbies, what is a CRNA job description, why do you want to be a CRNA, why this school, how do you stand out from the others.

and tons more but that's all i can think of

My_brain_hurts · Oct 17, 2009

Yes, I agree with what AbeFrohman said. That's the kind of stuff they will ask. There is no way to be prepared for every question they will ask. Eventually they will come to a question that you do not know. So practice what you will do when that horrid, uncomfortable moment comes. The point of the interview (well, one of them, in my opinion) is to see how you respond to uncomfortable, stressful situations. The people interviewing you will likely be the ones teaching you also. They want to know if you are "teachable". Can they get along with you/you get along with them in the stressful, uncomfortable environment that will be clinicals? It's also as much to let you get to know them and the school as it is for them to get to know you.

Where are you applying?

Good luck!

sherry62 · Oct 27, 2009

Each school is different. I applied to three different schools. One asked the extreme clinical questions (choose 5 drugs off of their supplied list and know their levels of action down to the cellular level), talk about an interesting questions, vent questions, many questions on monitoring (and what the numbers mean). One asked alot of general anesthesia type questions. The other one asked alot of personal questions-what type of person are you, why do you want to be a CRNA, what are some of the political issues currently with CRNA's. My personal belief is that you will find the school that will work for you. Don't give up and do your best to be enthusiastic and CALM.:dncgbby: IT IS SO WORTH IT!!! I grad almost a year ago-it is the best job ever....

natbug · Dec 4, 2009

I just interviewed in Oct so it is pretty fresh in my mind what I was asked, although each program is different. I was interviewed by an anesthesiologist and the program director.

Clinical questions:

I was asked to choose 3 vasoactive drips and talk about them (I mentioned receptors affected, dosages, classification, etc.- give as much detailed information as you can).

I was asked to interpret a few EKG strips and ABGs.

I was given a patient scenario (related to the unit I had my experience in-which was CCU) and they asked a question about that.

I was also asked about the blood flow through the heart and they asked me one question about PA catheters.

Personal, get-to-know-you questions:

Why do you want to become CRNA?

How would you define professionalism? -this was a curve ball :)

What kind of unit are you currently working in?

He basically went over my essay/application with a fine tooth comb, asking for clarification on some points.

He asked me if I was aware and prepared for the financial commitment the program demanded.- (if you are asked this, I think it would be good to mention that yes you are and that you have a very strong support system in place too)

A the end of my interview I was asked to write a paragraph on what makes me a well-rounded person.

I had a friend who interviewed at a different program and she was interviewed by students and not faculty and she was asked CCRN information.

each program is different, but i hope this helps.