New Grad Interviewing for NICU - Please help!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.

:uhoh3:

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...

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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!

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Med/Onc,Ped Home Health.

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!

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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:coollook:

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

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!!

:uhoh3:

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...

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