rejection letter

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Nov 16, 2003

Dear Gooser;

Know that the interview is an opportunity to show what you got. What it says on a piece of paper does not reflect you on all accounts.

The interview is where you allow your personality to show through. It is where you "sell" yourself. Pretend that all 12 of the interviewers are clients and you want to sell them something. You have to want them to want you (your product). They do not know just how special you are, you need to tell them and show them.

Smile, be sincere, KNOW that you are the best canidate and that they need you. Don't say it, but project it.

Be sure to tell them why you want to be in their program. What makes them special and why is this the best choice for you?

Be sure to portray that you are a nurse, you are proud to be a nurse, and now you want to expand your knowledge and become a nurse anesthetist. You are not becoming a MDA. Its a different job and you are not applying for it.

Good luck; Hope this helps.

srna04 · Nov 16, 2003

Sorry about the bad news. I was in your shoes at one time. My first time I applied I did not get in. However, the second year I applied I was accepted to both schools that I applied to. The best advice I can give you is to be persistent. This next coming year start taking graduate courses towards your degree, and get A's in them. I would even apply to that school again just to show them how bad you want to get in. Besides the more inverviews you do, the better you will become at interviewing. Also, whatever adivice the director of the program gave you, use it by all means. Best of luck to you!

Athlein · Nov 17, 2003

Gooser,

Hang in there! If you went to the interview prepared, answered the questions to the best of your ability, and kept your anxiety in check, then shrug your shoulders and move on to the next interview.

You were smart to contact the director of the program and ask why you were not selected. Understand, too, that some program admissions committees have a very narrow idea of what constitutes a suitable student for their programs. What is "interested and enthusiastic" for one school may be "gushing and suck-up" to another.

Here is something that might make you feel better: I know a CRNA who went to a smaller school that took "interested and enthusiastic" to mean "doormat and kiss-a$%" once admitted. That environment makes for a long two and a half years.

Beware of programs that make you feel like you are lucky to be in their presence. If that's the attitude they extend when they are interviewing you, what would student life be like?!

tcrn · Nov 17, 2003

Look elsewhere, it is not too late to apply at other schools. Remember that a shut door only opens another.... or something like that.

hmccartn · Nov 17, 2003

gooser,

sorry to hear about your bad news... when i have had friends interviewing for things, i have found that they often do not see qualities in themselves that i see. start asking your friends and colleagues about your positive attributes. you might be surprised. also, go in with a note pad with "selling points" about yourself..if you are nervous and think you will forget you can refer to your notepad..also have well thought out questions to ask the interview and have them written out on your notepad..just be as prepared as possible and try to relax. easier said than done, i know.

best of luck

CCU NRS · Nov 17, 2003

Originally posted by Qwiigley
Dear Gooser;
Know that the interview is an opportunity to show what you got. What it says on a piece of paper does not reflect you on all accounts.
The interview is where you allow your personality to show through. It is where you "sell" yourself. Pretend that all 12 of the interviewers are clients and you want to sell them something. You have to want them to want you (your product). They do not know just how special you are, you need to tell them and show them.
Smile, be sincere, KNOW that you are the best canidate and that they need you. Don't say it, but project it.
Be sure to tell them why you want to be in their program. What makes them special and why is this the best choice for you?
Be sure to portray that you are a nurse, you are proud to be a nurse, and now you want to expand your knowledge and become a nurse anesthetist. You are not becoming a MDA. Its a different job and you are not applying for it.
Good luck; Hope this helps.

I agree with everything said here just go get em!

susanmary · Nov 17, 2003

Treat yourself to a new "interview" outfit & perhaps get your hair cut/styled/etc. Be yourself, be confident & know that you will realize your dreams. There's more than one school ... one way to fulfill your dreams. Too often, students think that one school is the "holy grail" -- far from it.

You seem wise & did some introspection regarding your "rejection." Now move on from this ... and continue to strive to realize your future -- you will do it. Best of luck.

CougRN · Nov 17, 2003

i can empathise with your situation. i wasn't granted an interview with one place i applied and asked them what i could do to make myself a better candidate for next year. they told me to work on my "professional statement". i was shocked that that was the reason that i wasn't interviewed but it goes to show how competitive this process can be and some of the small things that can keep you out. however, i was granted an interview at another school and was accepted so i say keep going. my only advice on the interview is to show how much interest you have in becoming a CRNA. i did this by mentioning how i try and follow the AANA website about current issues in the profession. i also mentioned how i use this board and the interviewer had not heard of it but was impressed that i sought out information from students and practicing CRNA's. it shows interest i think and they want to know you are really interested in the profession. you need to let them know that you have really thought this out and you have gathered as much info as possible. keep going and your next interview will be much easier for you. best of wisdom to you.

brad

mother/babyRN, RN · Nov 17, 2003

I am so sorry....When I was young and naive, I got a rejection letter from the nursing school I applied at, SO I wrote right back with a heartfelt letter explaining that my desire to be a nurse shouldn't be based on some math sat score and that for them to just turn me down made me sad for them knowing that they would turn someone down they didn't even know who really TRULY wanted to be a nurse. I mentioned that I wouldn't be disuaded what ever their decision but felt I should have another interview, and indeed, another chance. Never expected that would go anywhere BUT did get the call from the person in charge who was amused and impressed by my nerve AND three years later, I made the graduation speech....They still bring that up at reunions, since, had I not replied to their original rejection letter, I would not be a nurse today...Heartfelt thoughts are always good to let people know that it is individuals and not masses that attend programs.....Good luck...Maybe you are just destined to attend a better program....

szoozoo · Nov 17, 2003

I would definitely reapply to the same school!!!

lmd32 · Nov 17, 2003

I'm sorry you didn't get in... this time. I agree with all that has been said about reapplying, being your best self, etc. I'd like to add that it is a very good sign that they asked you in for an interview. You made the first cut and you should be proud of that. You had the qualifications they wanted and they thought you were a good fit for their program...good enough to spend time with. At the interview point, you are up against a select number of candidates all of whom are at least as qualified, prepared, bright, etc. as you. Sometimes I think it comes down to random chance and the interviewers' mood of the moment. Try, try again and the best of luck to you.

--Lynn