Certification Q&A;
blank during the interview and my confidence is
shot. I wish I could go back and redo the inter-
view. Do you have any advice?
How about calling the person who interviewed you,
mentioning this was not your best performance and
that you would like to try again? You really have
nothing to lose. May I ask, was there a question that
caused you to go blank? I have coached many peo-
ple on interview skills and am happy to offer a bit of
advice, if you like.
Yes, I was asked about a cardiology case, and I
don't think my cardiology rotation went well. This
is an area where I know I need to expand my
knowledge base.
Can you recall enough of the case to put together a
reasonable explanation of what you would do, then
try again? Best not to pull the blame card (ie, "I had a
horrible cardiology rotation."), but rather, use forward
thinking, "I recognize my knowledge base in 'ABC'
needs expansion. As a result, I am currently studying
'XYZ' so I am better prepared for practice." Start as
many sentences as you can with the word "I," which
makes you the most powerful person in the room.
Never use negative terms or phrases. Therefore, nev-
er, "I have no experience in (fill in the blank)," but
rather, "I am looking forward to expanding my expe-
rience in (fill in the blank)." And make sure you can
verbalize what strengths you bring to the table. Of-
ten, as novice NPs, it is easy to focus on the negative
("I have so much to learn!") rather than the positive,
"As a result of my RN practice, I am expert in working
with families in crisis, rapidly changing plans of care
to meet patient needs, supervising the work of oth-
ers, and flourishing under pressure." That last state-
ment will stick in the person's mind!
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