Before I applied for the position I researched the job description as well as did a salary analysis of the position. I sent a packet which included my CV and a presentation outlining my accomplishments in health care management. Initial communication from the hospital came through the secretary of the VP of operations. My first interview was with the VP of operations who was also in charge of all ancillary services. She asked me a series of question regarding my experience in the field and in managment. She also asked me some questions based on scenarios that had occurred regarding employee relations. The department was experiencing staffing shortages as well as no department director and I from her description, I could only imagine the tension and their frustration. I was asked about my goals and where I envisioned myself 5 years from now. The VP took me on a tour of the hospital and then took me back to her office where she asked if I could come back the next day to be intereview by some of the doctors. I came back the following day and was interviewed by the 2 pulmonologists whom I already knew from a previous supervisory position at the hospital. There were really no in-depth interview questions except to ask how I was doing over the last few years and to confirm my thoughts that the department was in turmoil and needed additional guidance. I was supposed to have an interview with the cardiopulmonary staff so they could "check me out" and see if I was someone they could relate to for their issues. Due to the heavy patient load and no time, I was asked to come back again 2 days later for the staff interview. The staff interview was interesting in that I knew a couple of the therapists already and felt comfortable with the questions that I was being asked. My confidence was high, and it showed in my answers and the staff reactions. I was even put "on the spot" by ome particular staff member who challenged me with questions about disciplinary action. All in all the interview felt very successful. In the end, however, even though I posessed a bachelor's degree in health administration, I was passed over for the job by someone with a master's degree but no supervisory experience. It showed me that some facilities will take a degree over experience.