by sunshineyday

I think we all know how tough the new grad market is. I completed a 320 hour senior practicum within a level II trauma center. then dove right into graduate work. passed the NCLEX.

I finally have an interview Monday for a NICU position!!!!!!!!

I'm faxing over my transcripts, letters of recommendation etc. prior to interviewing (it's a phone interview).

Can you guys please help me prep? i.e. what characteristics would you want in a new grad within your NICU? What are some good answers to the typical questions... i.e. why are you a good fit for us etc.?

Thanks so much!!!!!!! If I don't get this job, I'm going to be living out of a cardboard box...

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

I have worked in the NICU for 15 months now...here are the qualities that I would say are most important

Detail oriented
Organized
STRONG assessment skills( but you will be taught this)
Team Player
Quick thinker
Strong advocate for your patient


Most important thing I learned is that you MUST SPEAK UP! When I was brand new I was often too afraid to say something because I thought the Dr's, etc would roll their eyes at me...and you know what sometimes they still do but now I just don't care...be willing to speak your mind! You are the advocate and caregiver for that patient 12 hours a shift!

GOOD LUCK with the interview! You'll do great!

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

The characteristics that I would want in a new GN in my NICU would be:
1) A willingness to learn and not be afraid to ask questions--A must! No one knows everything and learning is a life long process.
2) Good time management skills--Once you get some experience, you will find your routine and what works best for you.
3) Someone who knows how to handle pressure and doesn't crack or freeze up--VERY important when you have multiple situations going on all at once. Need to know that I can count on that person when the you-know-what hits the fan!
4) Someone who has a sense of humor--the unit is stressful enough...need some comic relief from time to time, don't take everything so seriously; learn to laugh!
5) Someone who shows initiative and doesn't have to be told what to do all the time.
6) Basic critical thinking skills--learn to prioritize and use deductive reasoning--you will become better at it as you get experience.

Those are just a few things that I have found very useful while working in the NICU. Hope they help you. Good luck and have fun!

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

my friend just got a job a columbia presbyterian in the nicu as a new grad and they asked her if she is willing to admit that she is scared to death working with neonates...she said very scared..the nurse laughed and said that i wouldn't hire you if weren't...good luck...i really have no advice to give you because i am a new gead myself and thought my job interview went terrible..luckily i got a job in a med surg setting...i will keep you in my prayers

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

Thanks for all this advice, I'll stockpile this for a year from now.

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

Hope you get the job! I am hoping that I will get a job in the NICU too. I just applied yesterday so I haven't heard back yet...but fingers crossed!

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

How did the interview go! I start Aug. 10th in the NICU and would love to know someone going into orientation The best advice is the most cliche advice...BE YOURSELF. You want to be part of a unit that's not only adventitious for the hospital but also for YOU. No one interview is the same--if you've had experience be prepared to answer "your most challenging clinical experience..." questions. If new be prepaired to answer "where do you see yourself 5 years from now." I've only had two years of NICU experience and can say boldy that I am equal parts excited and petrified. Us NICU guys and gals tend to be worriers but it's only because we care so much about every tiny (no pun intended) detail Experience of no experience, if you're part of a NICU team there is a level of passion and enthusiasm that will naturally come through in your interview. Show it off!!! I'm so honored to be part of such a wonderful NICU and can't wait to start (freaking out!!!!!) . Best of luck to all my fellow nurses... you'll end up where you're suppose to end up-I believe in you all!

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

The one question I'm having a hard time prepping for is "what are your weaknesses?" I have all of my questions well thought out and this one is difficult because I definitely don't want to say the wrong thing!

Re: New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

Hi,
I graduate in 26 days and I want to be a NICU nurse so bad but right now no one is hiring! May I ask where you applied? I am willing to move!!

Also, please let us know how the interview went!! Good luck!!

Originally Posted by sunshineyday

I think we all know how tough the new grad market is. I completed a 320 hour senior practicum within a level II trauma center. then dove right into graduate work. passed the NCLEX.

I finally have an interview Monday for a NICU position!!!!!!!!

I'm faxing over my transcripts, letters of recommendation etc. prior to interviewing (it's a phone interview).

Can you guys please help me prep? i.e. what characteristics would you want in a new grad within your NICU? What are some good answers to the typical questions... i.e. why are you a good fit for us etc.?

Thanks so much!!!!!!! If I don't get this job, I'm going to be living out of a cardboard box...