INTERVIEW FAQ
How should I prepare for a CRNA School Interview?
You should already know the answers to clinical questions especially if you have your CCRN. I would encourage you to review that material if it's been awhile.
Other than getting to know you questions, you may be asked to write an essay, take a test, be placed in a simulation, or be left in a room by yourself.
Check out my interview video for more tips!
What should I wear to the CRNA School interview?
Business casual.
Women: Suit/Pantsuit or skirt and blouse. Wear comfortable shoes -- you may be there all day and go on a tour. Bring a sweater in case it's chilly.
Men: Suit or dress pants, button-down shirt and tie.
Refrain from wearing leggings, Uggs, Timberland Boots, and super bright colors. If you sweat a lot, wear darker colors so it doesn't show through. I tend to wear grey or blue for interviews.
How early should I arrive for my interview?
Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes early for your interview. You want to make sure you give yourself enough buffer time in case you run into traffic, forget something at home/hotel, have issues parking or can’t find the right building. Use google and the schools maps online to see where your interview building is located and where you can park. If you can, go there a day or two ahead of time to become familiar with the area.
Should I bring business cards?
Business cards usually aren’t necessary to have unless you’d like an easier way to connect with other interviewees. Make sure you get business cards of all of the individuals you interviewed with to send a thank you card/email.
How can I prepare for exams and simulations during the interview?
Know ACLS and think about scenarios that are specific to your experience (fresh post-op patients). Don’t forget your H’s and T’s. Simulations are a way to test your knowledge, see how you handle stressful situations and your interpersonal relationships. Remember, they’re looking for teachable nurses and those that work well with others.
What should I bring to my interview?
Copies of your resume and transcripts
A portfolio style folder with a notepad and a pen
Mint
Should I write a thank you note?
I always suggest a hand-written thank you note, but email thank you notes are acceptable. If you were interviewed by a full committee, send the thank you note to the program director and address the note to the “Interviewing Panel or Interviewing Committee.” I was interviewed by two different people, so I sent two separate handwritten thank you cards.
While your first impression is your lasting impression, the thank you note is your last impression. Think about something unique that may have been brought up, or if there was a question you didn’t know the answer to, you can address it briefly.