Interviewing for a CRNA position? Four Questions to Expect

Congratulations on your interview! This is an important first step towards your next CRNA position. Now comes the interview preparation. What questions will the hiring manager ask? After all, the more prepared you are, the better you’ll do and the more confident you’ll be. It can be hard to think on your feet, but if you’ve thought ahead of all the possible questions you might be asked, you can be prepared with some sure-fire answers.

Know your stuff

First and foremost, obviously, you’ll need to know your position inside and out. To do this, be familiar with your resume—what you’ve accomplished, how it helped your employer and patients, and how you’ve learned and grown through it all. You’ll also need to know about health conditions and medications—your interviewer will want to be sure you’re an expert in your field and may ask you specific treatment questions for conditions, such as myocardial infarction and heart blockages.

Four questions you can expect on your CRNA interview

Beyond the basics, you can prepare for your interview by practicing your answers to the following questions:

1. Why do you want to be a CRNA? To answer this question, summon up all your positive energy and good will. You will need to illustrate your passion for your career, your desire to help others, your motivation to make the world a better place, etc. If you have a story about something in your past that inspired you to become a CRNA, now is the time to tell it.
2. What was your most recent difficult case? Why was it difficult and how did you handle it? With this question, the interviewer is simply looking to know what you’ve had to handle so far in your career and how well you handled it. Show your determination and your commitment to excellence in your career.
3. What are your two most important achievements as a nurse? There is no trick to answering this question right. What experiences helped you learn and grow? What did you work hard to accomplish? You’ll want to give examples and explain why they were important to you. Did you want to be a CRNA ever since you were a little kid? Did you feel it made a grandparent proud? Anything that helps you explain the importance of your career accomplishments is the right answer.
4. Why should we choose you over other candidates for this position? Sell, sell, sell! Do your research ahead of time to answer this question to the best of your ability. Check out the facility’s website for its mission statement, or search Google to find any recent news. Does the facility have any pain points you can help them address? Do you have any unique qualifications that will help you to excel at the position? The more you can sell yourself as the perfect choice, the more likely you’ll be to land the job.

Preparation is everything

You can never be too prepared for an interview. Plan your answers to these and other common interview questions, and practice with a family member or close friend. Be ready to smile, too—it will come through in your voice, especially if you’re interviewing by phone.

For CRNA positions, KTE Services can help

When it’s time for your next CRNA position, contact the experienced recruiters at KTE Services. We place CRNAs and other healthcare professionals specializing in anesthesia and pain management with positions across the country. To learn more, contact KTE Services today.