Peds interview question responses!

[blah_blah_blah]

I am a new grad I have an interview on friday with the only childrens hospital in my area.

I have no heathcare experience outside of clinical and I work at a grocery store.

It is a general interview with HR and if I do well she will pass my file along to hiring units.

I have been preparing for common interview questions and this is what I've come up with. Tell me if they sound boring or cliche!

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

I didn't know that I wanted to be a nurse until I was in college. I was accepted to my alma mater's biochemistry program right out of high school and I didn't like it, so on the spur of the moment I decided to apply to the nursing program. I have no idea what made me do it, but whatever it was I'm glad it happened because I haven't had a single regret about my choice. I really believe that this is what I was meant to do.

why peds?

In addition to the fact that I love kids in general, I love the diversity that working with the pediatric population allows. For example ,with adult patients a 5 year age gap might not change how you interact with them. A 5 year age gap in the pediatric population completely changes how you approach and speak to them. I wouldn't approach a 3 year old the same way I would an 8 year old. That kind of diversity keeps things interesting.

My personality also meshes really well with kids. I am a very patient person. I'm not going to say I never lose my patience because that would be a lie. Everyone loses their patience at some point but it takes a lot for me to lose my cool. Even then, I don't let it show to my clients.

How would you deal with demanding or rude parents?

Firstly, I would not take it personally. they might be demanding or rude as a reaction to the fear that they are experiencing because their child is sick. Maybe this is their first time having to bring their sick kid in. They are probably scared beyond belief. I would provide excellent care and keep them up to date on the health of their child. I would also include them in the care of their child as much as possible to help calm their nerves.

Tell me about yourself.

**I really don't know what to say here so some input would be great! I just have some ideas below**

I just graduated from -BSN School- In May with honors (Magna Cum Laude)

I was recently PALS certified

I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society

I have been working at my current job since I was 15 and I have a great work ethic. I am always on time and I can count on one hand the number if times I have called in during my 7+ year employment.

I started babysitting in high school and I liked it better than my actual job (although I do love my "actual" job!)

I volunteered every summer during high school at a vacation bible school as well as volunteering with kids at other church related activities

What is a weakness of yours?

I typically expect more from myself than I would others in my situation. For example, at my current job, there is a lot to do on Saturday mornings. The first person starts at 6 AM and their relief comes in around 10-10:30. In those 4-4.5 hours I expect myself to have all the morning tasks done. However, If someone else is working the 6 AM shift and I'm the one coming in at 10, I don't expect them to have all the work done even though I expect it from myself. But I will say that the high expectations I have for myself has really helped me develop my time management skills. At my current job I am able to complete all my tasks efficiently without sacrificing quality.

If they didn't consider that a negative I would say that I lack experience. I have no prior health care experience outside of clinical. I know that I still have a lot to learn, but I look forward to the opportunity gain some hands on experience in peds.

What should I change about my answers? what other questions can I expect?

Sorry this is so long! Thanks for reading!

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you can, highlight your experiences with babysitting and volunteering to work with kids at your choice. I work for a peds hospital -- and we like to know that people have experience working with "other people's kids" and not just their own family. This is relevant experience that you have, so be sure to bring that into the conversation if you can.

Also, I recommend beefing up the "why nursing" response a little by including a few specific things you like about nursing. I like that you are honest about not starting out in college as a nursing student. That would make me feel (as an interviewer) that you were being honest and I would like that. But simply saying that you have no regrets doesn't really answer the question as to what you like about nursing. So, include few examples there.

Other than those 2 suggestions ... I think you are on the right track.

Good luck!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I agree with llg about beefing up the "why nursing" question; what drew you into nursing? Highlight those aspects with clinical experiences; if you need to include your Peds rotation as examples if you can.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

I may be alone in this - but I was on the peer interview committee, and we always asked Why do you want to work here - (large children's hospital) - and collectively we scored the "I LOVE KIDS" answers the lowest. Pedophiles love kids, too. Doesn't mean they should work with them. LOL!!! Crude example, but it's true. Give me something else..... go with core values. :)

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

And GOOD LUCK!

[blah_blah_blah]

collectively we scored the "I LOVE KIDS" answers the lowest. Pedophiles love kids, too. Doesn't mean they should work with them. LOL!!! Crude example, but it's true. Give me something else..... go with core values. :)

BAHAHA! I legitimately laughed at this. I wanted to say how working with kids is a passion but that just sounded creepy so I scrapped it. Should I add some more to my "why peds?" Answer then? Thanks for the input!

I do agree though. It's one thing to like kids but you actually have to have the right personality for it.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I may be alone in this - but I was on the peer interview committee, and we always asked Why do you want to work here - (large children's hospital) - and collectively we scored the "I LOVE KIDS" answers the lowest. Pedophiles love kids, too. Doesn't mean they should work with them. LOL!!! Crude example, but it's true. Give me something else..... go with core values. :)

...but true...

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I may be alone in this - but I was on the peer interview committee, and we always asked Why do you want to work here - (large children's hospital) - and collectively we scored the "I LOVE KIDS" answers the lowest. Pedophiles love kids, too. Doesn't mean they should work with them. LOL!!! Crude example, but it's true. Give me something else..... go with core values. :)

I agree. A lot of people "love" kids but wouldn't be able to work with the kinds of kids we take care of. I don't think I'd throw in anything about "sometimes I lose my patience though". We all do, but you don't exactly want to bring that up in an interview.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

BAHAHA! I legitimately laughed at this. I wanted to say how working with kids is a passion but that just sounded creepy so I scrapped it. Should I add some more to my "why peds?" Answer then? Thanks for the input!

I do agree though. It's one thing to like kids but you actually have to have the right personality for it.

Instead of focusing on the kid aspect, how about focus on the family centered care that is required in peds. You will learn this quickly.... while your patient is the kiddo in the bed, you will be taking care of an entire room full of family.

[blah_blah_blah]

I agree. A lot of people "love" kids but wouldn't be able to work with the kinds of kids we take care of. I don't think I'd throw in anything about "sometimes I lose my patience though". We all do, but you don't exactly want to bring that up in an interview.

Haha you're right I'll just stop at the fact that I'm an extremely patient person and maybe add on some other personality traits that make me good with kids. I guess I took being honest and candid a little too far

[blah_blah_blah]

Instead of focusing on the kid aspect, how about focus on the family centered care that is required in peds. You will learn this quickly.... while your patient is the kiddo in the bed, you will be taking care of an entire room full of family.

How would something like I really enjoy working with families as well as the patients. I love seeing how an entire family comes together with one common goal at heart. It's always been interesting to me to observe family dynamics and how it affects patient care and outcomes. I obviously would elaborate more if needed but that's just the bare bones of it.