Nicu New Grad Interview

Published

Specializes in GENERAL.

Hello Fellow nurses,

I graduated the end of last year and have been looking for a job at a specific hospital and unit. I finally found an opening and I have a interview next week in the NICU. I applied for the position, followed up with a phone call and visit and was offered an interview the next day. I have been reading all the post about this unit, even talked to my sister who is a NICU nurse. Everyone is reiterating to go into the interview and answer basic questions not NICU specific questions. I have been trying to see what level NICU they are and cant find it. I have researched and I keep coming up with the nursing fundamentals or ABC's. Anyone with advice on what I should prepare for? I dont want to underprepare? I am so excited for this interview and I want that to emanate from me. Please any help or advice is great, I have two more days to get this right.

Thanks Fellow Rn's

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i just went to a NICU interview last week and was offered the job 2 days ago! questions were very general..let me see which ones i can remember...

on a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your organizational skills?

why the NICU? (they are looking for passion here)

name a time you went above and beyond for a patient?

how do you stay organized during a particularly hectic shift?

what are your career goals for the next 5 years?

so yea, just general interview questions! go in prepared to talk about yourself..think of these types of questions and your answers ahead of time. always have 3 or 4 questions regarding the position that you can ask the manager..he/she may answer your questions during the interview but always be thinking of things you would like to know. what is the patient ratio? orientation length? will you have one preceptor or multiple ones? when are you expected to be NRP certified? etc etc. feel free to PM me with any questions! Good luck, take a deep breath, and go in confident! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.

Hi,

Thank you so much! My interview went well. The mgr smiled at me a lot during the interview. How did you feel about yours when you left? How long was it? Was it a panel? My questions were similar. So they got back to you in less than a week??

Up Vote Up Vote ×

haha awesome! glad it went well! i felt like i rocked it when i left...i honestly think it's the best interview i've ever done. the whole interview was about an hour from start to finish but this included small talk, her asking me questions, me asking questions, a description of the unit, and a tour. and no, it wasn't a panel..just the manager and her assistant who just sat in on the interview and didn't ask any questions. and yes they interviewed me on a friday and i heard back the following thursday for nurse recruitment! then again, i am a transfer within the same facility so that may have a factor on the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.

Excellent! Your interview sounds similar to mine, except for mine had 5 interviewers. It was best interview bc all of my answers were thought through and sounded knowledgeable. Even during those times when i wasn't sure how to answer I was able to rock an answer. They loved my responses and onr charge got teary eyed during a response. Thank you for sharing your story..she said I would hear from her by Friday. I hope she calls me. I will keep you posted!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi ladies I am a new grad with 8 months of experience on a Med/surg floor. Can you give me more details about your interview.... How did you prepare? I have one next week and this is my dream job!!! I don't want to mess it up...please help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

to be honest, i did not really prepare for my interview. i have heard of people studying material for interviews but this is not something i have ever adopted as a nurse. i simply did my usual routine..chose my interview outfit and made sure it was dry cleaned, reviewed answers to typical interview questions that i might be asked, listed a few questions i planned to ask the manager and i made sure i had directions to the place of the interview so i would not be late. this is my dream job and after over a year working in oncology i am so proud to make this career change. i am a firm beleiver in letting your passion shine through and to make it known that this is your dream. i was upfront with my new manager from day one that regardless of my adult oncology experience, i would do whatever it took to succeed in the NICU. i believe this is what they want to hear but i also meant it. if it is your dream, go in full force. do no let fear paralyze you during the interview. show personality, be calm, be human (we all stumble over our words), and be professional :) good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hey! what's the word on the job??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GENERAL.
hey! what's the word on the job??

Your advice was really good. I sort of agree that the interview shouldn't be scripted. I have heard that you should study and be prepared but if you really want the job, the passion should shine through.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi all I have a interview in a few hours on the phone for the nicu unit. I feel mostly prepared but were some questions you asked the interviewer?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion