Interview Tips for Student/Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists

 Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the job interview process successfully:

1. Dress professionally: Opt for a professional suit and consider bringing a bag with OR shoes and a surgery cap for quick changes into scrubs during the site walk-through. Otherwise you will be put in a bunny suit over your clothes and this may be uncomfortable with dress shoes or high heels. I don’t recommend wearing scrubs to your interview, although I have seen this done.

2. Be prepared for potential assessments: Some institutions may administer short pharmacology tests during the interview process. While it's not common, it's good to be aware of this possibility. These tests typically focus on topics like moderate vs deep sedation and are usually straightforward.

3. Travel arrangements: If you are not local, most employers will cover the cost of a coach airline ticket and provide moderate hotel reimbursement. It's acceptable to request this coverage upfront, but it's uncommon for employers to cover the travel expenses of family members.

4. Engage in conversations: During the interview, expect discussions about the position over lunch. You should also have the opportunity to walk through the hospital's surgery department and shadow CRNAs or physicians. Take advantage of these opportunities to showcase your fit with the team and your knowledge of anesthesia practices.

5. Show interest in the institution: Accept any offers to walk through the facility, as declining could be viewed negatively. Employers are looking for candidates who will be a good fit with their team and demonstrate competence in anesthesia practices.

6. Ask questions? What type of cases does your facility cover? Do all the OR’s start at the same time each day (i.e. 0730)? Do cases typically wrap up at a certain time each day? Are CRNA’s allowed to practice to the full scope of our license such as administering regional anesthesia blocks, epidurals, spinals, central line placements etc.? How does the call rotation work? Am I required to stay in house during call shifts? Or is call taken from home? If so, what is the call back time? If an epidural is running, does the call person have to stay in house? Are post call days guaranteed off? How many days a week, month, year am I responsible to be on call? Who is my backup if I need an extra assistance when I’m on call? Are there opportunities to make extra money such as working vacation weeks or picking up extra call shifts? It’s okay to request to review the benefits booklet prior to accepting a position and ask who to direct benefits questions to so you can understand benefits for deciding to accept a position? Also, it is good to know if CRNA’s are managed under an independent anesthesia group or  hospitals employees. If hospital employees, do they fall under the nursing department or the medical services department that manages the physicians? Also, it is important to know what advanced airway equipment is available bougie, glidescope, c-mac, fiberoptic bronchoscope etc.? What is the culture like at the facility?

By following these tips, you can make a positive impression during your interview and increase your chances of securing a desirable position that will lead to a happy career as a CRNA.