Peds Interview!! A few questions!

[msmoore]

Hey Allnurses!

I had a med/surg interview last week, but I got a call today for another interview, in peds! I thought the med/surg job would be a dream, but peds, unbelievable!! Im so incredibly excited!! I'm a new grad, but I worked in a preschool during the summer, which I hope will be an advantage. I was a directors assistant, but basically ran the preschool while the director was doing lesson plans.

I love kids, their outlook on life, their excitement, I really would be honored to become a peds nurse! I told the nurse manager that I had an interview last week, I hope it didn't hurt my chances, but I hate to be offered the med/surg job while waiting to hear something about the peds position. I'm going up against a few other nurses, which increases my nervousness since I'm just a new grad.

I'm young, energetic, and get super happy just about all the time, but also can think quickly during an emergency. I hope this are positives in peds. Any suggestions? I really want this!!

I'm a little concerned about scenario questions. I know ABC's are priority, but I'm hoping I won't freeze up when asked!

Thanks yall! :) :) :)

[littlemammanurse, BSN, RN]

I envy you!I would love to work in peds but as an RPN those positions are few and far between for us! Good luck and keep up that vivacious energy you have!

[*TK8]

What is an RPN? Is that the same as an LPN?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Congrats on getting a peds interview. Remember if they ask scenario questions to remember your ABC's and that most pediatric codes are due to a respiratory issue, where as most adult codes are due to a cardiac issue. I would make sure you emphasize in your interview your preschool work experience.

[msmoore]

Thanks everyone!! I appreciate the feedback! :)

[littlemammanurse, BSN, RN]

RPN stands for Registered Practical Nurse, so same as a Licensed Practical Nurse just call it by a different name here in Canada

[*TK8]

Thank you!!!

[OttawaRPN]

I envy you!I would love to work in peds but as an RPN those positions are few and far between for us! Good luck and keep up that vivacious energy you have!

Where are you in Ontario? CHEO has lots of RPN positions.

[littlemammanurse, BSN, RN]

I live in the GTA area

[OttawaRPN]

I live in the GTA area

Ahhh... unfortunately, no Sick Kids for you.

[tryingtohaveitall]

Some thoughts from when I was manager and interviewing for our PICU... understand that sick kids are different from healthy kids. This seems basic, but I remember one interviewee who just wanted to hold babies. Um, sweetie, go volunteer in a well nursery.

Things that are beneficial for a peds RN: pleasant, able to interact well with all age levels AND their parents (dealing with the parents is as much of the job as taking care of the sick kid), quick learner, high energy level, level headed.

Good luck!

[wondern, ASN]

Yes, parents, you really have the family as well as child to work with which can be such a blessing at times, but of course it's a stressful time for them, and sometimes it can come out in ways even they don't expect. It's important to explain all procedures at age-appropriate levels prior to doing them, and encourage parent's participation in care when possible. Don't forget age-appropriate toys, movies, videos, etc., and/or child life specialist if you have them available. Distraction and also sometimes med/surg teaching through play can be very helpful for children. Also, probably won't be in the actual interview but very key is to give the child choices/control whenever possible, even little ones, e.g.,'Do you want to watch the Dora or the Spongebob movie?', 'What color popsicle would you like, red, purple, orange, yellow?' Actually, that can be a really big choice for a little kid, can't it? Aww, to be a kid. :heartbeat