New Grad NICU Interview Help

[SF BSN2b]

Hello everyone,

I was invited for an interview at a Level IV NICU in one of the best hospitals in the area. I am beyond excited and thankful, but also very nervous. Their new grad program is very competitive, so I would like to be as prepared as possible for my very first nursing interview ;-) I have read numerous threads on NICU interviews, but I would like to ask if any of you had the chance to interview a new grad. What qualities would you like to see in a new grad? What questions are most commonly asked? What makes a candidate to really stand out? Also, how much do you know about a candidate before the interview? I really appreciate any help and guidance. Thank you!

[SchoolNurse91, BSN, RN]

I just landed a new grad position in a level 4 NICU. None of my interview questions were NICU related. It's such a speciality. I don't think they expect you to know much about the care in the NICU. They did ask me why I decided to work NICU. The hiring managers want to see you're dedicated. It's usually a fairly lengthy orentation from what I have seen. Other questions I received -

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Why would you be a good fit for the NICU?

I was also asked basic med surg questions.

After interviewing with the hiring manager, I also had a peer interview.

I think I was chosen because I was confident. I heard the residency was very competitive (over 200 applicants, 8 were picked.) I also have worked as an LPN for 5 years managing three elementary schools.

[SF BSN2b]

Thank you for such a detailed reply! Congrats!! When does your program start?

[SchoolNurse91, BSN, RN]

June or July, depends on when I pass the NCLEX!

Good luck.

[bewareofthephog, BSN]

I interviewed for a level IV new grad position that I'll start in July. I'm not sure what the interview process is like at the hospital you're interviewing for but in my experience there was a "video interview" which was really just myself recording my own answers to generic questions like what is your biggest strength/weakness, why do you want to work NICU, what part of critical care interests you the most etc. I don't have any trouble with public speaking but recording myself talking to basically nobody was kind of awkward!

After the video interview I was selected for an "in person" interview which was actually a peer group interview with an educator, and two bedside nurses. The questions here were also relatively generic questions such as what do you know about the hospital and the unit you're interviewing for a position on. Then there were some situational questions such as how would you deal with upset/stressed parents and what would you do if you noticed a medication error of some sort and then I was just asked why I felt I was the best fit for the position.

As far as preparing I would suggest finding some of the more generic job interview questions asked in nursing interviews and writing/typing out your answers and going over them a couple of times so that you'll know the answer to the majority of questions you might be asked. Good luck!