by lilbug

Hi! I will be graduating in August (accelerated BSN program). I have just scheduled an interview for an RN position in the NICU in an awesome hospital. It's in 2 weeks and it will be my first interview for an RN position. What terrifies me is that this is the unit and hospital I want to work at and with it being my first interview, I'm afraid I'm going to mess something up.

I've looked through the forums and know that there have been some questions answered about interviews, but I'm looking for some advice on what to expect. What kinds of questions might I be asked?

NICU is where I want to be....this is why I went back to school to be a nurse. I have a bachelors already in another field - but couldn't find a job in that field. I refuse to work in another unit besides NICU! I want to show the Nurse Manager that although I don't have any experience in the NICU that I am determined, hard-working, love to learn and will make a good addition to their team (without looking too desperate!!!!). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

These are probably some old fashioned ideas but I'd think first about my presentation. No pants, not a lot of makeup, no fragrance, be a little early, maybe take some of your grades from school, your resume up until now.
Start doing some reading online about neonatology, read what Neonatal Network has to offer...show them you've been doing some advanced (a head of the job) reading. They may want to know what you do as a hobby, if you have time for one!
Don't be afraid. Be passionate like you are in this posting. Make eye contact with the person. Listen to what she's asking, and breathe. You'll do fine. Let us know.

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Thanks for the suggestions!
About appearances, I actually have a pant suit I just bought with a nice blouse. I hope a pant suit is ok. I think it looks professional. I have a resume folder put together with my cover letter, resume and references in it. I will take into consideration about bringing some grades along. I have also done some research about the NICU and recently bought the "Handbook of Neonatal Intesive Care", though I haven't read much of it yet. I actually applied to do my senior practicum in the same hospital I have the interview at so I thought a book would help me if I get to do my practicum in the NICU. Haven't heard from my school yet if I got the NICU for my practicum, but I am hopeful. I will mention this during the interview.

I actually got the interview because a nurse I worked with last week during my community nursing clinical mentioned she was also a NICU nurse at that hospital. I told her I had applied the week before and she said she would put a note in the nurse manager's mailbox telling her I applied through HR, otherwise she said I might never get an interview because HR is really slow. She also told me that as long as my school contacts them about my practicum, I will get the NICU there . I'm hoping all of these will help me get the job after I graduate. I just have to shine during the interview!

I'm worried about the questions they might ask, like "what would I do in this situation," etc. I have only shadowed a level II nursery one day and other than that, have no experience. I know that this NICU hires new grads all the time so I'm sure theyre used to the no experience thing.

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Personally (and I'm not a nurse yet) I think a pant suit is perfect for interviewing. They look very professional and not out-dated.

The one thing that I think is critical to looking good in an interview is asking good questions. Most people get so focused on answering the questions, that they never prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Then when they are asked if they have any questions about the unit or the hospital, they miss a great opportunity to show their knowledge. I usually write down three to five questions before an inteview, and then when they ask me I check my list (makes you look prepared and organized), say they have already answered many of my questions, but I did have a couple others. Then proceed to ask relevant questions that show you have researched the job and are really trying to get a good feel if the job fits you or not. The questions can also give you a lot of information about the manager. I'm not sure what good questions for a NICU interview would be, maybe someone else here can answer that, but here are some general ones that I've used:

-What type of management style do you have?

-What are the 3 biggest challenges for the nurses working in your NICU?

-What are the top strategic goals for the NICU in the next year and the next 5 years? (This is very business based. There is probably a better way to say this for the NICU, but it is getting at the administrative plans for the unit.)

It is usually the end of the interview when you are asked if you have any questions. If you ask really good questions, you are leaving a great final impression and they are more likely to remember you.

Good luck in getting the job!

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

lisa,
haha i see your post. You will be fine. Tell her you only want NICU, thats what i did, it shows you are dedicated. Amy is really easy going and she talks most of the time anyway. She will probably ask you how you organize yourself and how you deal with stres, believe it or not thats how she will pick your preceptor, to the same style as you. Pant suit is fine. There are many nurses here that came with no experience, dont worry about it. She didnt ask me any situational questions, i dont think. Its a new experience, she doesnt expect you to know stuff that you werent taught, and neither will your preceptor. You will do great good luck!

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Thanks Jackie
I've found these posts to be very helpful and full of good advice so I thought I'd start my own! Ha ha. Thanks for the advice. I will tell her that NICU is the only place I want to be and what I have wanted since before I started school! I'm sure I will be fine...just nervous on what to expect.

Thanks everyone!!! I will keep ya posted!

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Good luck on your interview!!

The questions I have always gotten from the nurse manager are:

Tell me a little about yourself?

and

What are your strengths?

and

What are you weaknesses?

Be prepared to answer those questions - I hope you get your dream job!

-Meghan

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Originally Posted by lilbug

Thanks Jackie
I've found these posts to be very helpful and full of good advice so I thought I'd start my own! Ha ha. Thanks for the advice. I will tell her that NICU is the only place I want to be and what I have wanted since before I started school! I'm sure I will be fine...just nervous on what to expect.

Thanks everyone!!! I will keep ya posted!

Sounds like you're well prepared and there probably won't be any clinical questions.
Annaiya gave you some good advice.
I'd like to know who's available during the noc_NNPs, residents, fellows. Who goes to L&D for deliveries.

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

Thanks for all the suggestions, especially on what kind of questions I should think of asking! My interview is not until next week but I will keep ya posted.

Re: My 1st NICU interview!!!!

lilbug- Godd Luck on your interview! I am sending good vibes to you!! You will do fine, just be confident and don't let them see a sweat!