Current Resident Here to Answer Questions

[Kayla Bell]

Hi Ashley! I’m Kayla!

I am interested in National University because it accepts ER and ICU experience. What are your thoughts on the program so far? And, if you remember, how was the interview process?

Thanks so much!

[ashley-h]

@kayla-bell

Hey Kayla! National is GREAT for training independent practice providers! They’ve restructured their interviews quite a bit since I was accepted – they’ve since changed from 100% Emotional Intelligence (EI) to 50/50 EI and clinical based questions. It’s a virtual panel interview with multiple faculty, the assistant program director, and most likely one current resident. The interviews are usually only 15min long, so make sure you know what you want to say and say it well! Ex: keep practicing your “Tell me about yourself”, “Why CRNA”, and “Why National” to really get all the info you want to say across. Tip: for clinical based questions – more is not always better. Short and succinct can be just as effective, if not more! It’s okay to simply stop talking when you feel like you’ve fulfilled answering the question… they’ll roll right into the next one. Good luck!! ????

• This reply was modified 3 weeks, 3 days ago by  ashley-h.

[Kayla Bell]

Hi Ashley,

Thanks so much for responding to me! I am definitely looking more into independent practice programs, my goal is to help run the anesthesia program at my local critical access hospital in Driggs, ID. All the interviews are held via zoom?

Do you have any tips for interviewing? I know there is such a broad range of questions to be asked.

Thanks again for your time!

Best,

Kayla

[ashley-h]

Hi Kayla! Happy to help. Yes, all of the interviews since Covid have been via Zoom – most of our faculty do not live in California where the school is based out of, so this works best for everyone. Aside from those I mentioned above, definitely know what makes National a unique program. Do as much research on the school and the faculty as possible, and try to tie those key points into your answers. Also, not specifically interview related, but National is huuuuuuge on shadowing, political advocacy, and being a voice for the profession. Showing your commitment by being a member of the CRNA club, attending state and/or national meetings, and speaking to current/former residents so that you understand the rigorousness of the program will gain you major points!

[Kayla Bell]

Good Morning Ashley!

YAY! Thanks for all this info. I will be attending the Western Summit Conference in Vegas in October, will you be there? I saw that lots of faculty from NU will be presenting. Also, I was thinking of taking the airway workshop at Midwestern through Diversity in Anesthesia Mentorship and looking at taking an intro to anesthesia certification course through Future CRNA Learning Solutions. What are your thoughts on those two courses/certifications? I currently have 16 hours, but hoping to have 50-60 by the time I apply!

[ashley-h]

Aww I won’t be in Vegas, but a few of my classmates will! Hope you have a blast!! I highly highly recommend the Diversity workshops, I did one myself back when I was applying to programs and loooooved it. Personally, I think that if you’re getting involved at conferences, attending Diversity, and completing shadowing hours, I don’t think you need the certification course through Future CRNA Learning Solutions. Sounds like you’re doing everything you can to be a completive applicant – we love to see it!

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 6 days ago by  ashley-h. Reason: spelling erros

[Kayla Bell]

Thanks for the positive feedback! Phew, that’s good to hear. I have a few coworkers who recently got accepted into programs but they didn’t go to a conference, workshop or do the intro to anesthesia certificate. So I’m wondering if I’m doing too much or if they just got lucky?

I’ll try my best to make the diversity workshop work financially for me! Do you think doing all three of those plus 50-60 shadow hours will help? Currently, my overall GPA is a 3.6 and my science is 3.8 and I’m retaking advanced patho currently. I’ll hit my year in ICU at the end of the year with 3 years of ER. And currently, still work PRN at my ER and do concierge IV’s as well. In your opinion, do you think I am strong applicant and what areas should I work on?

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!

[ashley-h]

IMO, you’re definitely not doing *too much*! Some programs weigh things more heavily than others, so I’m speaking what I know National weighs heavy on. Everything you’ve told me you’re doing so far makes you a strong candidate in my eyes. Keep working on that ICU experience, making sure to grasp the medications used in the ICU, ventilator mechanics, etc. You’re already on the right track!

[Kayla Bell]

Thanks Ashley!!!

[Kayla Bell]

Hey Ashley,

When you went to the diveristy conferences, what did you wear? I am trying to figure out dressed up I need to be. Thank you!

Best,

Kayla

[ashley-h]

Business professional for sure!! I wore dress pants, a nice blouse, and a blazer. I hope you enjoy the conference!