Pedi/NICU Interviews

sharann, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2003

I'm sorry no one has been able to answer you until now, and I am no expert in interviewing or in NICU/peds. I think that "I love children" is an admirable reply, one that can be expounded upon. Do your homework about the particulare hospital (check online for stats...) so you can refer to them). You should include questions about orientation length and what is covered, preceptors or mentors... Ask questions as to the nature of their facilities admits (Are many trauma related or transfers from other facilities). Ask about educational opportunities etc... I am not a manager either, but I have interviewed for 3 nursing positions and hired in all three. Happy graduation and welcome to nursing. Don't worry, you will find a job that is right fo you.

JuicyJem · Nov 18, 2003

Thanks!!!!!!!!

llg, PhD, RN · Nov 18, 2003

I have interviewed a couple hundred candidates for NICU staff nurse positions (as a NICU CNS) and here is my advice:

1. Sharann had some good tips about questions to ask. Ask about the types of patients, common diagnoses, length of stay, etc. Ask about the orientation program and the amount of support and education available after the official orientation is over. What is the expected career progression for a new grad in that unit? At what point would they expect you to become a Charge Nurse or preceptor? Are there classes to help you prepare for those types of roles? etc. Ask about the schedule requirements, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, etc. (While it if fine to ask about these things, you don't want it to appear that you are going to be demanding about these things.)

2. If you have gotten all your questions answered and the interviewer asks, "Are there any more questions?" you can say something like .... "Wow! You've done a great job of answering the ones I came in with. If I think of any more later as I reflect upon our interview, can I call you back?"

3. Saying that you like caring for children is a fine way to begin an answer to the almost inevitable, "Why do you want to work here?" question. However, it is only a beginning. What is it about caring for children that appeals to you? Go deep with your answer. Show that you have really thought about children/neonates in depth and fully appreciate the differences between them and adults. There is no one "right" answer to that question, but showing that you have thought about it deeply is usually a good thing. Anyone can say,"I like kids," and not mean it. It takes someone who really DOES like kids to come into the interview with a well thought out, deep answer to what it is about kids/neonates that appeals so much to them.

4. While it is OK (usually desirable even) to express an emotional desire to help children, be careful not to sound to "pie in the sky" about your expectations for the job. Sometimes, people new to peds/NICU have such romantic notions about being angels of mercy to the kids, that they get devastated when the reality of the work doesn't measure up to their dreams. The people doing the hiring probably want someone who is realistic and tough enough to work through any problems that arise ... not an unrealistic dreamer with visions of sainthood. Strike a balance on that issue.

5. As with any job, employers are looking for smart, hard-working, committed high-achievers. But they also want someone that will be pleasant to work with who will fit smoothly into the team.

Good luck,

llg

Jolie, BSN · Nov 18, 2003

The others have given you excellent advice. I can think of only one thing to add: Ask the manager what the ratio is of experienced nurses (2 years or more of NICU or peds) to new grads on the unit in general, and also on the shift to which you will eventually be assigned. RUN, don't walk away from any unit which has less than 50% experienced nurses.

Upon completing orientation, you should have gained the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the care of most of your patients. But you will be far from "expert", and will need the mentoring and guidance of more experienced nurses to back you up in caring for complex patients and help you to prioritize, develop critical thinking skills, manage your time, advocate for your patients, learn hospital politics, etc. It is simply not possible for a new grad to develop this kind of expertise without the support and guidance of an experienced mentor, something you won't get if your unit relies too heavily on new grads for staffing.

Good luck to you.

TeenyBabyRN · Nov 18, 2003

Originally posted by Jolie
The others have given you excellent advice. I can think of only one thing to add: Ask the manager what the ratio is of experienced nurses (2 years or more of NICU or peds) to new grads on the unit in general, and also on the shift to which you will eventually be assigned. RUN, don't walk away from any unit which has less than 50% experienced nurses.

Upon completing orientation, you should have gained the basic knowledge and skills necessary for the care of most of your patients. But you will be far from "expert", and will need the mentoring and guidance of more experienced nurses to back you up in caring for complex patients and help you to prioritize, develop critical thinking skills, manage your time, advocate for your patients, learn hospital politics, etc. It is simply not possible for a new grad to develop this kind of expertise without the support and guidance of an experienced mentor, something you won't get if your unit relies too heavily on new grads for staffing.

Good luck to you.

YES YES YES! Very good advice.

I worked in a unit like that once - it did not start out that way, but evolved without my noticing. Then one day I was taking care of a very unstable baby on a jet vent and I heard one of the other vents alarming. I looked to my left....to my right....I was the only non-new-grad in the immediate area. SCARY! (also very scary for the new grad whose baby was crashing and had no experienced backup, as I could not leave my baby - I had JUST started a transfusion and this baby had already reacted to one transfusion, previously). No one wants to be put in that situation.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2003

As a pedi nurse I can tell you the two most valuable skills to learn are assessments and therapeutic communication. You will be dealing with parents and grandparents a lot. If you can say something like "this unit will give me a chance to develop excellent assessment skills" or " I feel I am able to demonstrate good customer service skills in communicating with family".

You get the picture. Good luck. Remember, NO ONE expects you to know it all just because you have a license. They do want someone who is willing to learn and has a good attitude.