I actually have an NICU interview

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

After months of applying everywhere I can think of, for every job I qualified for, and getting those pre-made declination emails. I finally have an interview for a NICU position. Its 3p-11p and at this point I don't really care. I've worked that shift before, I just won't have much of a life until something else opens up, that is IF I get the job. How in the world do I sound eager, but not TOO eager to get this job?

Are there any NICU specific questions I can/should ask the manager? I have some basic general questions.

In case I hadn't said it before I REALLY want this one. I also have two interviews next week for non-NICU related jobs. One is for whichever positions are open for a New Grad at St. Joseph's in Lexington, and the other for the Warrior Transition Unit at Ft. Knox.

Any advice, good luck appreciated greatly as this NICU interview is tomorrow morning.

On another note, I finally got my ATT and my NCLEX is scheduled for the end of September

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

I have also found out Suburban's NICU is a level 3, which is really exciting.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

That's awesome!

Just ask normal questions like orientation length, type of acuity, n/p ratio, floating policy, etc....

Some specific questions like:

Do RNs attend high risk deliveries?

What NICU-specific new grad classes/CEUs are required?

Best of luck!!

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Well I think the interview went ok. I had to interview with the Assistant Manager as the Manager got called to a meeting downtown. I did get to meet her though towards the end of the interview, before I toured the unit. Its certified for 10 level 3 beds and 40+ level 2's. The only thing they don't do is surgical and ecmo.

I think I presented myself well, ended up talking about issues that I've seen discussed on this forum. I let them know that I knew that NICU wasn't all holding and feeding babies, that alot of it is family support.

They do have a delivery team, but you have to work there awhile before being allowed on it. They also stay on L&D which is literally 1/4 mile away on the other side of the campus in the womens pavillion.

I got to see a machine used to sample arterial blood from a 24 weeker that runs the sample, then gives the blood back to the baby....very cool.

I said that I've always wanted to work with babies, but that I also liked the critical care that I did with adult patients. They seemed pleased that I do plan to continue on and get my BSN. I hope I get this one. I should hear something by the end of next week.

I have an interview at St. Joeseph's in Lexington on Monday for acute care, but I'm hoping and praying for the NICU job.

Thanks Steve for your support and encouragement.

[texas2007, BSN, RN]

I got to see a machine used to sample arterial blood from a 24 weeker that runs the sample, then gives the blood back to the baby....very cool.

:

Hey this sounds neat! I want to see this machine myself. We currently have to draw up blood in a cap tube or syringe and then go run it back to the gem machine.

BTW sounds like your interview went well. Good luck!

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Hey this sounds neat! I want to see this machine myself. We currently have to draw up blood in a cap tube or syringe and then go run it back to the gem machine.

BTW sounds like your interview went well. Good luck!

The machine is hooked up to the babies umbilical line. Its looked really cool and it made a lot of sense. The baby it was hooked up to was a 24 weeker and didn't look like he could afford to lose even a little blood. I just can't remember what the name of the thing is.

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

I got a phone call this afternoon from the Nurse Recruiter for the NICU saying the manager wanted her to call me. Too bad I was in Lexington at another HR interview for a hospital over there. I returned the call and left a message, twice . Then when I got back from Lexington I called again. She will definately know I attempted to return her call. I should hear back tomorrow to find out what's happening. I really hope its a job offer

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Well I think the interview went ok. I had to interview with the Assistant Manager as the Manager got called to a meeting downtown. I did get to meet her though towards the end of the interview, before I toured the unit. Its certified for 10 level 3 beds and 40+ level 2's. The only thing they don't do is surgical and ecmo.

I think I presented myself well, ended up talking about issues that I've seen discussed on this forum. I let them know that I knew that NICU wasn't all holding and feeding babies, that alot of it is family support.

They do have a delivery team, but you have to work there awhile before being allowed on it. They also stay on L&D which is literally 1/4 mile away on the other side of the campus in the womens pavillion.

I got to see a machine used to sample arterial blood from a 24 weeker that runs the sample, then gives the blood back to the baby....very cool.

I said that I've always wanted to work with babies, but that I also liked the critical care that I did with adult patients. They seemed pleased that I do plan to continue on and get my BSN. I hope I get this one. I should hear something by the end of next week.

I have an interview at St. Joeseph's in Lexington on Monday for acute care, but I'm hoping and praying for the NICU job.

Thanks Steve for your support and encouragement.

Oh, I almost forgot. The Manager asked me how I felt about breast feeding, with regards to the NICU patient population. To me its a hard question, I mean you encourage it if possible but don't beat a dead horse you know? Yes, it is better IF they can do it. But, you give the information and let the mother decide which is best. I pretty much said "encourage BF if she is able, for as long as she is able since even a little is better than nothing."