Vanderbilt Nurse Residency winter 2011 cohort

Published

Figured I'd start a thread for those of us applying to the Vandy nurse residency program for 2011 to share thoughts, feelings, questions and to network with eachother a bit.

I'm Duluth! I'm a new grad with a previous degree in Biology. I'm applying for the Adult Critical Care track, with hopes of matching to Trauma or Emergency Services.

ICU geek-

Thanks for the heads up. It sounds like your interview although may have been difficult, I am sure went fine!

Good luck to you and again, thanks for the insight.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ED, PACU.

I would be wary of posting the actual interview questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks DuluthMike! I am sorry that my first post has to be a negative one. First, I interviewed the first week and the questions posted above were not the questions asked in my interview. I believe it is unprofessional and inappropriate to post exact interview questions. Also, I believe the Vanderbilt interviewers are intelligent enough to know a prepared answer from a sincere one. Behavioral interviews are designed to learn who you are. There are no right or perfect answers. Secondly, proving the interview questions to those interviewing later gives them an unfair advantage. Or, if you only prepare for the posted questions and end up with different ones, then you may get caught with your pants down. My advice (as stated by others before), be yourself first and foremost. And, take some time to think about your experiences during your clinicals. What experiences stick out to you and why. Then when you talk about those experiences, your real passion will show through. That is what the are looking for in the interview. Not some fancy, polished, pat answer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I found this website below that helps prepare for the type of behavioral questions that are sometimes asked. (Although perhaps not the strongest or most credible source from the internet...it may help to practice) Its is not as specific but more general to help practice for the type. As it mentions, the goal is not to memorize an answer so that it sounds reheorificed. Rather, it is to focus on your ability to think in a linear fashion and showcase you as a unique practitioner.

Sample Behavioral Job Interview Questions

Maybe this will help with the prep?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I had my interview last week as well... and I think it wasn't as scary as I thought before. I did prepare many questions which I found online, but I think they don't ask all candidates the same questions.... My suggestions is just be sincere and be yourself... They give you time to think about answers and if you don't understand their questions, just ask!! All interviewers are very nice and kind. Good luck to everyone!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with you all about the interview questions. My questions were different from the ones posted above, so they must change them up a bit with each person. I think the most important thing is to be yourself. I am sure they realize how difficult it is to answer some of the questions on the spot. Anyway, good luck to everyone!! I guess its just a waiting game now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hey, my name is Summer and I applied for the pediatrics track. I had my interview last week and was just glad to come up with an answer to each of the scenario questions! hehe. There are no perfect answers! Just be yourself. I hope that I get in! I am from Mississippi but my family lives in Nashville so it would be perfect!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Practice, ICU.

Hi guys, I'm Sam, from Utah. I have an interview for the Adult Critical Care track on Nov. 1st. I'm pumped! Gonna' be sweet. I was honestly surprised to get an interview, as all of my actual work experience has been in home health and hospice. I think they look at the whole picture, including your written statements. I also put that I want to be an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner eventually, so maybe that held some weight as they have an ACNP program there?? Not sure.

I know some people have posted about what is required to get an interview and all, so I'll just state what I had when I applied.

GPA: 3.7 cum, 4.0 nursing school

Preceptorship: Thoracic ICU in Level 1 Trauma Center

Nursing Program: ADN

Work Experience: 2+ years in home health / hospice

Volunteer Experience: I went on a mission for the LDS (Mormon) church from 1998-2000, and have done a few hours heping out in a homeless shelter. Other than that, not much.

At any rate, I'm excited for everyone and hope your interview went/will go great. For those who didn't get accepted, I understand your frustration. I've had my LPN since April, have had a few interviews, but have been turned down for about 10 to 12 jobs around here. I also was rejected by the first nursing school I applied to last year. But I also know that persistence pays off. Keep on applying, stay positive and enjoy the fact that we're all about to eventually embark on a great career as nurses. I know lots of people who would die to get into nursing school. We are all very fortunate.

God bless,

- Sam

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This waiting is driving me crazy!! I was just wondering...did anyone hear how many they were interviewing and how many they are thinking of accepting? When I asked in my interview, they said that they didn't know exactly.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

They interviewed about 200 and take about 100. For pediatrics, which is what I applied for, they interviewed 60 but were hoping for a smaller group, which I assume is about 30.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the info! That's actually less than I thought....I was thinking that they interviewed something like 500 or so. Good to know it is not that many! Good luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks! good luck to you too! they receive probably 400 applications but only interview half. then they divide that by about half for actual positions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion