Interview for Peds - any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Specialties Pediatric

Published

well, one part of my dream has come true. I have an interview scheduled for a peds nurse position as a new grad RN and basically have one fear. The question "why do you want to be a pediatric nurse?" How do you tell someone that it is your dream, and has been since you can remember (literally, from the age of five, I would go to houses of new mothers and watch, in awe, and learn). I was explaining to my aunt about trisomy 21 when I was 12. I had thousands of dollars in my room from babysitting. I would come home from school to watch "A Baby Story" even if I had already seen it twice. I understand and have seen from my 72 hour pediatric preceptor rotation while still in Nsg school that there are many challenges in this area and that it is not all a bed of roses. I know that, but I still want it with all my heart and I feel that I am still more comfortable taking care of children than adults. Please help, I have thought too much about it maybe? I dont know. ANY ADVICE????

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
well, one part of my dream has come true. I have an interview scheduled for a peds nurse position as a new grad RN and basically have one fear. The question "why do you want to be a pediatric nurse?" How do you tell someone that it is your dream, and has been since you can remember (literally, from the age of five, I would go to houses of new mothers and watch, in awe, and learn). I was explaining to my aunt about trisomy 21 when I was 12. I had thousands of dollars in my room from babysitting. I would come home from school to watch "A Baby Story" even if I had already seen it twice. I understand and have seen from my 72 hour pediatric preceptor rotation while still in Nsg school that there are many challenges in this area and that it is not all a bed of roses. I know that, but I still want it with all my heart and I feel that I am still more comfortable taking care of children than adults. Please help, I have thought too much about it maybe? I dont know. ANY ADVICE????

As a former nurse manager, your answer sounds perfectly fine to me. You are clearly passionate about caring for children, and have has enough experience to realize that this involves challenges and sadness in addition to rewarding outcomes. The very best of luck to you. I would hire you and trust you with my own children any munute!

Always remember that you are privileged to be trusted with the care of another's precious child. That helps to keep things in perspective.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I have also worked with a lot of students and new grads interested in peds positions and I agree that you are very much on the right track with what you posted. The key is to be sure to display a good balance between showing "your heart's passion" and your "practical, realistic" side that you have developed with years of actually working with children as a babysitter, doing a preceptorship, etc.

Mangers want to hire people who care passionately about children -- but also who have realistic expectations. It sounds as if you have both qualities. Show them both in the interview and you should be in great shape to get the job.

llg

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Thank you both very much for your replies... I am breathing a little easier now. Thank you.

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Specializes in Peds - playing with the kids.

Hi,

I am a peds nurse...and your answer sounds wonderful to me :) .

Let them know your strong points too.

Stay calm and focused during your interview...and you will do fine.

Good luck :flowersfo and let us know how you do!!

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I am a pediatric nurse and preceptor. I worked along side by boss while doing a management rotation in school, years ago. Her main thing was if the nurse could look her in the eye when speaking to her. Other than that your answers are great. Be honesst and true to your heart.

well, one part of my dream has come true. I have an interview scheduled for a peds nurse position as a new grad RN and basically have one fear. The question "why do you want to be a pediatric nurse?" How do you tell someone that it is your dream, and has been since you can remember (literally, from the age of five, I would go to houses of new mothers and watch, in awe, and learn). I was explaining to my aunt about trisomy 21 when I was 12. I had thousands of dollars in my room from babysitting. I would come home from school to watch "A Baby Story" even if I had already seen it twice. I understand and have seen from my 72 hour pediatric preceptor rotation while still in Nsg school that there are many challenges in this area and that it is not all a bed of roses. I know that, but I still want it with all my heart and I feel that I am still more comfortable taking care of children than adults. Please help, I have thought too much about it maybe? I dont know. ANY ADVICE????
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Specializes in Peds ER.

Hi Heather,

I recently interviewed for a position in the peds ED and I was asked that question as well, why I wanted to work in pediatrics. I think your answer is great and sounds very sincere. I think what they look for is that you aren't going in there thinking you'll be playing all day and that along with the fun that comes with working in peds there is heartbreak and alot of hard work, as with most areas of nursing.

They did ask me quite a few questions about parents, since this seems to be one of the most challenging areas of working in pediatrics, rightfully so. They gave me some scenarios and asked me how I would handle the parents and asked me what my most challenging experience was with a patient's parents that I had in my peds clinicals (I am also a new grad) and how I handled that situation.

I think by your own explanation that you do know why you want to go into pediatric nursing and you are just looking for some reassurance that your reasoning is valid, I think it is. Oh and I definitely agree with the previous poster who said to look at them while you speak, I think that's so important not only in interviewing but in life in general.

Good luck, I think you'll do great! BTW, I did get the job and I'll be starting in two weeks, I can't wait!

Another Heather, RN-A

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