tips for nursing school interview? anyone?

bluechick112, BSN, MSN, RN · May 12, 2011

Hey! I'm not sure how much I can help you as I never had to do a nursing school interview...but I have had to do several nursing internship interviews so I imagine they're probably quite similar.

Questions you should prepare for are basic...Tell me about yourself. Why do you want to be a nurse? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Why do you want to attend this specific school? What makes you different from the rest of the applicants?

Really make sure you practice basic interview questions like that because you don't want to get caught like a deer in headlights if you don't have a unique response prepared. Remember, they're asking everyone the exact same questions so you really need to do something that stands out. Try bringing thank you cards to the interview panel thanking them for taking the time to interview you. Good luck!

33762FL · May 12, 2011

Dress like it's a job interview, preferably in a suit and tie. Look conservative.

dgolden · May 12, 2011

The best advice I got was to be honest and sincere. They can tell if you are not being yourself, or saying things you think they would want to hear. I agree with the posts above that you should be prepared for those questions.

I like the dress idea above, and if it isnt that dressy, nice slacks and dress shirt is nice too. I dont think being overdressed at an interview could really be a bad thing, so when in doubt, I would dress up more. My boyfriend reminded me 1000 times to make sure I had light/unchipped clear nails, as when he interviews people he said its really distracting and unprofessional so I will pass that advice along too! haha.

Other great advice I got for my interview was, if they ask if you have questions, make sure you do! try not to select questions that you could find on their website like "whats your G.P.A requirement?" , but instead sincere, and intriguing questions, such as " what nursing specific clubs and organizations I could attend?" It shows your interest.

Do your research before hand, and showcase it! If you know their nclex pass rate (and like it) for example, you can say, "Its really important to me that I attend a school with such an impressive pass rate, such as your 97% etc) or mention a class etc.

I also would remind to send a written (avoid email) thank you note. Its kind and keeps you in their mind.

I really loved the interview, because I think it really worked in my favor, so use it to your advantage and relax! This is a great step! :)

Good luck!

GamerGirL337 · May 12, 2011

Is the interview a Group interview or one on one interview?

When I went for an interview, it was 7 of us in there with 2 nursing teachers, they only asked 3 questions...

The basics that most schools ask are:

Why did you choose this school?

How have you prepared for nursing school?

How do you plan to work around the nursing school/your study habits

Why do you think we should pick you over the other applicants?

What do you bring to the program that no other student can?

Have you had any experience in nursing/why did you choose nursing/how far do you plan on going with your schooling

they may ask specific questions regarding your school credits, your GPA, your essay (if applicable) test scores (if applicable), etc...

The best thing to do is dress up...not necessarily a suit, but slacks, a button up shirt and tie...they really like the idea of casual/dress....(how many nurses have you seen in skirts, tons of makeup, and in high heels?) (and since your a guy, how many male nurses have you seen wearing full suits?)

be polite, don't speak over the interviewer, make sure to ask questions at the end about the program or the interviewers background in nursing, NCLEX-RN pass rates...etc...they do like when you do your homework about the school so if they do ask about why you chose that school bring up some FACTS about the program or if you know people who did WELL in the program, mention them...etc...

Overall...RELAX, if you stress out it may not look so good! and this isn't a interrogation by the FBI! lol

jimithing112 · May 21, 2011

I interviewed for nursing school a few weeks ago and got in (yay!) but none of the questions asked were like those in previous posts. Mine were all about thinking on your feet, diversity, multiculturalism, problem solving and critical thinking. I think it gave the interviewers a better insight into the applicants because there was absolutely no way to prepare for it or regurgitate canned, reheorificed answers. I loved it. Good luck!