Why should we pick you?

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For those of you who have interviewed for your nursing program, what was your answer when the interviewer asks you, "So why should we choose you over another student for our program?" I don't have any hospital experience and whatnot, so basically I'm forced to list skills that I have that many other applicants might have too. I just need some ideas. Thanks!

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Specializes in CVICU, CCRN.

Well, that is an incredibly aggressive question to be asked. In my interview, I was not asked that sort of question. Rather, I was asked for my strengths and why I believe that nursing is appropriate for me. My answers reflected my attributes of confidence, ability to focus, good communication and teamwork skills, compassion, and a love for the human science.

My university nursing program had approximately a 50% acceptance rate. I worked at dietary in a hospital, and had only graduated from high school a year prior. I too did not have any patient care experience. Honestly, I believe that most institutions focus most of their attention on your grades.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Because I will raise your NCLEX pass rate? LOL No just joking. I would have had no idea really. I hate that question. Glad where I went and am going to Nursing school was not an interview based program. It's easier to answer that question at a job interview.

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That's a question that, really, only you can answer.

Only you know what your strengths and attributes are.

These answers should also be honest and sincere.

People who conduct such interviews on a regular basis learn to spot BS a mile away.

Like my CNA instructor said, "Don't give me no highfalutin answers! Tell me what you have to offer!"

What do you have to offer?

What about character or work ethic strengths?

P.S.

I hate these questions too!

:down:

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Just be honest! If it was me I would say something like:

You should select me because I am a determined individual who is passionate about patient care.

or

I feel I would be a great fit for this program because I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Corny I know, but in a panel of judges (nurses) I think they want to know that you are ready to commit to their program as well as wanting your enthusiasm and dedication to positively relect their nursing program. I would steer clear of saying 'but I don't have any experience', because they already have your information in front of them, so they know.

Best of luck to you, above all remember to be honest and positive!

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Well, that is an incredibly aggressive question to be asked. In my interview, I was not asked that sort of question. Rather, I was asked for my strengths and why I believe that nursing is appropriate for me. My answers reflected my attributes of confidence, ability to focus, good communication and teamwork skills, compassion, and a love for the human science.

My university nursing program had approximately a 50% acceptance rate. I worked at dietary in a hospital, and had only graduated from high school a year prior. I too did not have any patient care experience. Honestly, I believe that most institutions focus most of their attention on your grades.

That's good to know; I hope my program doesn't mind too much about not having prior patient care experience.

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Because I will raise your NCLEX pass rate? LOL No just joking. I would have had no idea really. I hate that question. Glad where I went and am going to Nursing school was not an interview based program. It's easier to answer that question at a job interview.

Lucky you lol. What school do you go to?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That's a question that, really, only you can answer.

Only you know what your strengths and attributes are.

These answers should also be honest and sincere.

People who conduct such interviews on a regular basis learn to spot BS a mile away.

Like my CNA instructor said, "Don't give me no highfalutin answers! Tell me what you have to offer!"

What do you have to offer?

What about character or work ethic strengths?

P.S.

I hate these questions too!

:down:

Sometimes I just feel like that many students can have a lot of the same strengths/attributes as well. Your right, honesty is good for those type of questions.

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Just be honest! If it was me I would say something like:

You should select me because I am a determined individual who is passionate about patient care.

or

I feel I would be a great fit for this program because I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

Corny I know, but in a panel of judges (nurses) I think they want to know that you are ready to commit to their program as well as wanting your enthusiasm and dedication to positively relect their nursing program. I would steer clear of saying 'but I don't have any experience', because they already have your information in front of them, so they know.

Best of luck to you, above all remember to be honest and positive!

Great tips. I will keep those in mind :)

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I had that question. Here is pretty much what I said:

"When I decided to come back to school to be a nurse, I put my heart and soul into that goal. Since starting my pre-reqs I have worked hard and raised my GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.6. I can honestly say that I have never worked so hard for anything in my life because I want to be a nurse and I know that I will one day.

I really would like to be a part of your program, but if I'm not, that's okay because I know that I will find a way to reach my goal."

All true. No reason to try to make anything up, just find a way to get your point across well.

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Specializes in Oncology/hematology.

I hate this question. I got it in my interview. My response was: "I am 41 years old, and am at a place in my life where I know what I want and how much work it will take to get it. I have worked so hard for the last 3 semesters to maintain my 4.0, and will work even harder in nursing school." Again, corny, but it worked.

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I had that question. Here is pretty much what I said: "When I decided to come back to school to be a nurse, I put my heart and soul into that goal. Since starting my pre-reqs I have worked hard and raised my GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.6. I can honestly say that I have never worked so hard for anything in my life because I want to be a nurse and I know that I will one day. I really would like to be a part of your program, but if I'm not, that's okay because I know that I will find a way to reach my goal."All true. No reason to try to make anything up, just find a way to get your point across well.
Good answer. So I guess I am making this more complicated than it is. I hope I come up with a good answer as well. Thanks!
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