Interview Tips for NICU GN position

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Hello,

I am looking for some advice. I graduate in May and was called for an interview this coming Friday for a GN internship (June start) in the NICU (nights). I am so nervous because I never had the opportunity in nursing school to do a NICU rotation. I did however walk into the NICU on one clinical day and was able to change a preemie's diaper, but that is it! My best friend had two preemies years ago and so I remember visiting the NICU when they were born as well.

Can anyone give me interview tips? Anything I should know, ask, or read up on? What do I wear? I really want this position and I am very excited for the opportunity to interview. Do many people get offered an interview and then they narrow it down, or do they basically narrow it down and then interview a chosen few? I'm trying to figure out what my chances will be for landing the position which I know is impossible for anyone to tell me. Anyway, thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!!

[fhockeychick504]

I have not interviewed for NICU, but here's what I've experienced from interviews I've recently been on. I have been asked why I want to be a nurse, what do I see as potential problems I will experience, since I am young looking what would I do if a patient says he doesn't want me to be his nurse, what would I do if I was given a very hard patient load, what clinicals did I like/dislike and why. I think they will most likely ask you why you want to work in the NICU as well. Just to name a few. And go to the interview prepared with a few questions of your own. Ask about the orientation period, scheduling and thiings like that. Be honest about your answers. If they ask you something you don't have an answer prepared for then take a moment to think it over before you answer.

Definitely wear a suit. You should look professional. Eat something before the interview so you aren't hungry and your stomach isn't grumbling throughout. And before you go into the interview take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down. Arrive early so you aren't rushed. When you get to the hospital go into the bathroom and give yourself a look over, make sure your hair is okay, look like you are the one they want for the job. Be confident! They wouldn't have asked you to interview if they weren't considering you! Good luck!

[niculonghornrn]

good luck with your boards first of all alakhaya! my interview went well, i dressed nicely and she pretty much just asked me if I wanted days or nights and the job was mine. i know that's not typical of an interview but later when i went back to sign my official papers, i had to fill out a form with typical interview questions, but it didn't take more than 15 minutes. i'm sure that if you've been summoned for an interview you're definitely a candidate for the position, be confident, be truthful, and be yourself...nobody likes a kiss up