35 NICU Nurse Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NICU Nurse interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 10 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. What are some things you would like for people to notice about your personality as a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Personality and character are closely related and are extremely important for NICU nursing staff to portray to the families of the patients they care for. Your interviewer is looking for cues as to what character traits you may bring to the table as part of their NICU nursing team and this question allows you to personally reflect on your positive personality traits.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Prior to your NICU nurse interview, take some time to reflect on what you feel are your top personality traits that will lead to success in this role. Try to really think about the patients and families that you will be interacting with on a daily basis. NICU nurses really need to have perfected soft skills like empathy and emotional stability, so discussing traits that outline your soft skills will prove to be beneficial when you answer this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I'm very empathetic and compassionate towards others, which I think are musts for NICU nurses. NICU nurses are natural caregivers, as their patients are vulnerable and helpless, and often without their parents at some point. I am caring and nurturing and feel those are important personality traits to possess in the role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I always want the patients and families that I work closely with to notice my ability to be personable, emotionally stable, and empathetic to their needs. I know that I'll be working with parents that are fearful and confused and I need to help be their 'rock' on the care team at all times--I'm ready to take on that challenge with any family in your NICU."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Behavioral
2. What would you say is the greatest strength you would bring to our team as a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Understanding one's own strengths and weaknesses is critical as a NICU nurse. If a question like this gets asked during your interview, consider yourself lucky as your interviewer is allowing you the opportunity to give your best sales pitch for why you are the best candidate to join their team as their next NICU nurse.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
It is always a good idea to read over the NICU nurse job description for the organization that you are interviewing with. Try to compare your strengths to the required skills listed in the job overview when answering this question. If you feel that your strength is a little too common or generic, don't hesitate to think about a very unique strength that you can bring to this NICU team as long as it would greatly help you and your team in the role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I would say my greatest strength is adaptability. This means being able to pivot quickly to changing priorities, anticipating, responding, and managing patient needs. Being adaptable also means being able to think critically to assess situations and respond to emergencies and situations that are deteriorating rapidly. With many babies being in my care, it's important to be adaptable and able to meet changing needs and this is a strength I will bring to the team."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I know that you can be confident in all of my hands-on nursing skills in this position as a NICU nurse with your team. I would say that the greatest strength I would bring to your team is my patience. I have the ability to successfully handle the parents that are impatiently waiting for answers and I have the interpersonal skills to talk with them respectfully and empathetically. My patience would also prove to be very beneficial when working with patients who are on the long road to recovery and can't return home for some time.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Behavioral
3. What makes you the ideal candidate to become our next NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is often one of the final questions during your interview and your chance to sell yourself to the interviewer on why you are the best candidate to join their organization. They've been asking a lot of great questions to get to know your skills, your personality, and how you will fit with their neonatal care team and they're now allowing you the chance to give your best sales pitch to them.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
This is a great question to have a prepared--but not rehearsed--answer for. Talk in a way that highlights your skills and how they will benefit the NICU patients you will be working with. You can also discuss your personal traits that you feel put you above the competition for the position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, I'm eager to join a team and contribute, and I feel I would bring many strengths to the team. I'm passionate about serving others, and that's the mentality I would bring regarding patient care. I'm reliable, having only missed one day of class during my clinical rotation. I'm also open-minded, coachable, team-oriented, and I have a positive attitude. I'm knowledgeable but also desire to learn and grow, and my drive to succeed will add value to the team in the long run."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Throughout my career as a registered nurse, I have demonstrated that patient care is a top priority in any job that I have held. It has always been my dream to work in a NICU unit and I know that everything that I have worked for in my career has brought me here. My compassion and drive to succeed in this position make me the top person for this job, and you'll find that I will quickly be a top-contributing member of your nursing team."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Behavioral
4. How do you feel you've handled significant changes in your work as a nurse throughout your career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Innovation in neonatal intensive care continues to improve outcomes for patients on an almost day-to-day basis. Your interviewers need to be assured that you would join their team as a NICU nurse who can handle changes in patient care and do so with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Coming into this NICU nurse interview, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can navigate change with ease in the workplace. This question is your chance to talk in detail about a specific change you have dealt with in the workplace that had a positive outcome. In your answer, be sure to reiterate your ability to be flexible and open to change if you were to join this organization as a NICU nurse. To take your answer to the next level, discuss why innovation is vital to providing the best care possible to NICU patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, I have not had the experience of handling changes over the years of my career. I can imagine that with rapidly evolving technology and research breakthroughs, it's a constant effort to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable. I love to learn and am excited to be a part of a field that is constantly progressing for the betterment of patient and patient outcomes."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my current position, my organization went through a buyout. After the buyout, nearly everything about my job changed. We were working on a new EMR, our pay structure changed, our benefits changed, our leadership structure changed, and some of our work processes did, too. Knowing about the buyout ahead of time, I was able to prepare myself under the notion that I only can control what I can control. As I saw other coworkers complain, cry, and even look for new jobs, I took this as an opportunity to embrace change and better the organization. Learning a new EMR and learning new work processes did end up making me a better nurse in the end and for that, I am grateful for the opportunity."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Behavioral
5. How much supervision do you feel you would need in your initial months on the job as a NICU nurse here at our organization?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Prior to your interview to join a reputable neonatal intensive care unit as a registered nurse, it's important to know that a typical orientation period for new staff is around 12 weeks. This is due to the high level of acute specialized care that is required with newborn patients. In asking a question like this, your interviewers want to hear your thoughts on the orientation process and when you would ideally feel comfortable working solo on the patient floor after you are hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
This is a tricky question, so think it through ahead of your interview and be prepared to give an answer that illustrates that you are "coachable" without being too dependent or needy. You also want to project that you are confident and competent without being arrogant or trouble for the NICU leadership. Your interviewer wants the best of both worlds in looking for a new NICU Nurse to join their team, so be prepared to describe your competency, initiative, and willingness to both ask for and receive supervision and direction.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Since this is such a specialized area of nursing, I think it would depend on what level of care this NICU is considered. As a new grad, I know I have a lot to learn and be oriented and trained on at your facility. I would imagine I would need supervision for several weeks until I was acclimated and passed my skills checklist during onboarding and orientation. I'm a quick learner, so I feel confident I will not take long to get up to speed and ready to be on my own."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Given my experience working in inpatient care for my entire nursing career--with the last five being in a critical care setting--I would expect your standard orientation period to include getting comfortable with caring for newborn patients and learning to utilize equipment like the NICU ventilators, incubators, and OG tubes. I am confident that I bring a level of competency to the position with my past experience, but this work will be new to me. If I am fortunate enough to join your unit, I would take advantage of shadowing opportunities with staff to learn quickly and be up and running hopefully after just two or three months of training."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Behavioral
6. Why do you think NICU nurses often report experiencing "burn out" and what do you do to help try to prevent that?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Being a healthcare provider is a great responsibility. Unfortunately, because of the great responsibility, many nurses do report experiencing the need to take a break from work due to the high amount of stress and eventual burnout in the work. At some point during your time with them, your interviewer wants to know that you are capable of handling the high amount of stress that will come with this role as a NICU nurse and that you are cognizant of this danger of the job.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Your interviewer is fully aware that the increased stress levels of working as a NICU nurse can cause exhaustion, fatigue, increased levels of absenteeism, and low staff morale as they've likely seen this throughout their time as a NICU leader. As you answer this question, you'll first want to acknowledge that you are aware that you will be stepping into a highly stressful environment. As you do this, you can then talk about the ways that you will join this team that will help prevent you from becoming stressed and burnt out. In the end, stress to your interviewer that you won't let the common stressors in the NICU cause you to perform poorly on the job as a NICU nurse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Many say that the NICU is the hardest unit in the hospital with the sickest and most vulnerable patients; children. It's no surprise that this emotional burden can cause nurses to feel burnout over time. As a new nurse, I will prepare for each day as best I can by getting enough rest the night before, and by eating meals to keep my energy levels stable. Outside of that, it's important to acknowledge when you're feeling overwhelmed by the stresses that the job naturally brings and to seek out support when needed. That could be talking to a peer, a mentor, your manager or even a friend, family member or counselor outside of work. In my free time, I plan to keep up with my outdoor interests to help me clear my mind and decompress in my offtime."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Coming into this interview, I fully understand that the NICU setting is a whole new world, and providing care for newborns in intensive care can be highly stressful. Throughout my career, I've proven my ability to work successfully in high-stress environments like the emergency setting. For me, this ability really starts outside of work with a healthy diet, an exercise routine, and getting plenty of sleep on a daily basis. This enables me to be fully rested and physically ready to perform for 12 hours. When additional stress hits while on shift, I have a mental toughness that allows me to work through things at the moment and then shift gears when needed."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Behavioral
7. What motivates you to provide the best quality nursing care each and every day, and how will you bring this motivation to our NICU?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
No matter how many years of experience you have as a registered nurse, you must stay motivated in order to provide top-quality nursing care in the NICU setting. In the NICU, days can be exhausting and emotionally draining and it is important for nurses to be able to stay motivated and on their toes at all times. Your interviewer is proposing this question to determine what motivates and drives you internally and to determine if their environment would be a good fit for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
To successfully answer this question, you should describe what motivates you to be the best that you can be each day on the job. If possible, really try to hammer home why working with the unique patient base in the NICU really appeals to you and the type of nurse that you are to seal your answer for your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I'm motivated to give my best every day knowing that families are relying on us to care for their precious babies and to help them heal to be able to go home. I have such empathy for parents who have just celebrated the birth of a child but have quickly had to come to grips with their baby needing critical care. These babies' lives are in our hands and that means every day I must come to work prepared to give my very best effort."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"When I began nursing school, I knew that I was born to help people when they are at their most vulnerable. In any environment, whether it be outpatient, inpatient, or skilled nursing, making a positive difference for each of my patients is what has driven me to become a better nurse--it makes all the hard and emotional days worth it. Over the last two years working in a busy birth center, I've made the decision to refocus the remainder of my career in the NICU setting. Premature infants would be a career passion for me and I would never have a moment where I wasn't highly motivated to make a difference for them and their families."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Behavioral
8. Describe your typical relationship with the physicians you work with. What would your ideal physician relationship be in our NICU?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a registered nurse, you have had close working relationships with many physicians throughout your career. In the NICU setting, you will be working hand-in-hand with neonatologists and a variety of other subspecialist providers that are consulted for patient care. This question will enable you to showcase your relationship with the physicians that you have worked with and what your ideal communication style is with the physicians you will work with in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
As a nurse, building trust with physicians is important as well, so some examples of how you've built that trust can be beneficial. To really seal this answer for your interviewer, describe what an ideal relationship with a physician would look like if you were hired at their organization if you were fortunate enough to be offered this position as a NICU nurse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"While communication with physicians during clinicals was limited, I felt like the interactions I had were positive. Actually, the relationships with senior nurses, nurse leaders, and other hospital staff were all very positive. I understand that as a new nurse, I have a lot to learn, so I would approach the relationship building as a partnership of course, but also one of respect for their experience and skills. Communication is important, so I would make sure I was providing updates and information in a timely manner so that there were no gaps in the information-sharing process or treatment planning. I would demonstrate my willingness and ability to be a team player and to work together for the betterment of our patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my career, I've taken great pride in being able to communicate and relate to the physicians that I have worked with. Together, we ultimately work as a team to provide the best care that we can for each patient and our working relationship is key to accomplishing this goal. As a part of your NICU, my ideal relationship with the neonatologists and other physicians would involve open communication, friendliness, and mutual respect for the care we each provide to patients here at your organization."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Behavioral
9. What are some action steps you could take to alleviate stress for a patient's family in our NICU?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Families coping with a new loved one in NICU care are scared, stressed, and experiencing feelings they've never felt before. The NICU nursing team is often relied upon to help turn a very sad situation into a potentially positive one for both the patient and their family. In proposing a question like this during your interview, your interviewer needs to be assured that you are aware that some of your duties as a NICU nurse on their team include consoling and making the families of patients feel at home and at ease.
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
One of your main goals as you answer this question is to show how you can humanize the experience for families by letting them know that they are seen and valued. You want to reiterate that you would check in with them every so often and do little things like remind them where the cafeteria is. There really is nothing you can do to lessen their internal stress and grief, but you can encourage them to stick to a daily routine and take a walk away from the NICU while assuring them that their child is in the best care possible. For families that are on an extended stay, you can help encourage parents that going back to work is healthy.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Communication is incredibly important. Families are often apprehensive, nervous, or scared when their baby is in the hospital, so making sure I communicate with them regularly and give them time to ask questions goes a long way. I make sure they understand the issues at hand, the treatment plan, and potential outcomes both good and bad, and help them level set expectations. I also make sure they are comfortable, whether that is getting them something to drink or an extra pillow or blanket as they wait helps them feel cared for and helps them relax. Reassurance is also helpful in calming them and alleviating stress. I make sure they know their child is in good hands and we're going to do absolutely everything we can to help them get better."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"Having never experienced what the parents of your patients are feeling when their child is in neonatal intensive care, I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions that they are going through. I would see my role as being an extended part of their family that is the ultimate caregiver. I would encourage parents to take walks away from the unit to eat, get some fresh air, and call family members to update them. I would continually reiterate that their child is in the best care possible. I would always be there to answer questions they may have and wouldn't hesitate to connect a new family on the unit to one that has been there for some time to talk and connect."
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
Compatibility
10. What is your preferred role in working as part of a larger team of registered nurses on a unit?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
During your interview to become a NICU nurse, your interviewer will surely be looking to hear that you can be the ultimate team player if you were to be hired on their team. You know that registered nurses don't work alone and that the success of the greater good relies on a true team effort. In the NICU setting, you will be working closely with a team of neonatologists, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, nutritionists, and nurse colleagues and your interviewer needs to be assured that you can both take direction and take the lead when needed.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
While being open and honest about the type of role that you are most comfortable playing as part of a larger team, discuss how flexibility and cohesiveness are important in a true team effort. Also, don't hesitate to reiterate that you can function well in both a team setting and working alone. If you can, give an example of a time you took the lead on your team to prove your ability to do this as a NICU nurse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new graduate, I don't have any formal experience, but I know that in this role, I would work closely with other professional healthcare team members like physicians, specialists, nurses, nursing assistants, and other departmental healthcare staff. I enjoy working as part of a larger team where our goal is a common one; to treat and heal sick babies. On this team, my role is one of direct care where I'm responsible for hands-on treatment and communication between the other interdisciplinary team members to ensure the best possible outcome for patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm a firm believer that working as a team provides the best possible outcome for patients. Every staff member has their own unique experiences and knowledge and looking at problems from many points of view is the best. When working on a large team, I am comfortable stepping in and giving my thoughts on things and I also never hesitate to reach out to others for their advice. I have both the ability to lead others and the ability to take direction--the ability to do both of these with ease has helped me be a successful RN."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Compatibility
11. Our NICU is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. What is your overall availability to work varying shifts?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Heading into your interview for this NICU nurse role, you should have a pretty good idea of the scheduling expectations of the position through the job posting that you read or the advertisement you saw. Similar to other Critical Care and inpatient settings, shift nurses will staff the unit every hour of every day, and your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have the availability required for the position. They also want to know if their top candidate has any time commitments that they should work with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
In truthfulness to yourself and the potential future employer, you should be as honest as possible regarding what your availability is when it comes to nights, weekends, and holidays. While reiterating that you are open and flexible, make sure that your interviewer knows of any personal commitments that you have because it is important that these things are discussed during the interview process. Based on your research into the hours requirements for the position, make sure to reiterate that you can handle potential 12-hour shifts and even required overtime. If needed, you can always ask clarification questions to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I noticed this position was posted as 37.5 hours per week. Can you confirm if that's accurate or if overtime will be required? As a new grad, I'm eager to get started, and I know I will require additional onboarding, orientation, and training time, so I'm willing to flex my schedule to ensure I have adequate availability. My ultimate shift preference is during the day, but I'm willing to work evenings as needed. Unfortunately, I'm not able to work overnight shifts at this time. I also understand that nursing care isn't just Monday-Friday, so I'm willing to work rotating weekends and holidays as well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am open to working any shift on any day as long as the schedule for particular shifts is out at least two weeks ahead of time. With my husband also having a full-time job, I need to be able to plan ahead for childcare during the weekday hours should the need arise. We are very fortunate to have a great support system with family and friends if needed."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
12. Working as a NICU nurse requires a great deal of attention to detail and often multi-tasking. What do you do to help keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed on the job?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The rapidly changing circumstances for patients under neonatal care make the ability to prioritize and multitask as a NICU nurse essential. In asking this question, your interviewer needs to be reassured that you would come to their team with the ability to be very detail-oriented in the care you provide to each patient, while also having the ability to change pace at a moment's notice when needed. They'll also be looking to hear that you can do this with ease.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Managing patient care requires the ability to multitask and ensure all details are checked and double-checked. In a pediatric care nursing interview, discuss your understanding of the importance of maintaining detailed records, caregiver education, performing multiple assessments, and handling medications and procedures efficiently and accurately
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, it will be important for me to find a good rhythm and strategies to help me stay organized throughout the day. I'll learn from other team members to understand some of their best practices and incorporate those as I learn and get settled. I know that being a NICU nurse can be emotionally taxing and overwhelming, so I'll be sure that I have outlets in place in my personal time to help me decompress."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"Having worked for the last six years in a busy inpatient neuro/peds/trauma unit, I feel very confident in my skills in managing a highly acute patient load in your NICU. The skills I have developed include strong communication skills and organizational skills. In my current role, I can quickly be called to a patient's room that has an emergent situation. In these cases, communicating to my care team what is happening and what needs to be done with other patients is vital. Also, jotting a quick note down on things that I have to come back to helps keep me organized and stress free at the end of the day."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Competency
13. How do you prioritize your work when multiple patients and procedures demand your attention at once?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Working in any patient unit or clinic can be overwhelming for registered nurses due to high patient volumes. During these times, nurses are often the glue that holds everything together in the department to ensure that medical support runs smoothly. Your interviewer is asking this question to ultimately determine how you will manage situations like this as a NICU nurse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
To successfully answer this question, be able to talk about a particular situation where you had to prioritize multiple patients at once and describe how you handled the situation with a great outcome. Some things you ideally want to highlight that lead to success as a busy NICU nurse are your abilities to prioritize, stay organized, and communicate with the entire care team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I know that working on the NICU can be hectic and there are often shifting and changing priorities depending on the patient statuses and conditions. I would rely on my beginning shift report to understand the current condition of all patients, to better understand who may be more critical that day and who is at the greatest risk of complications at that moment. I would then work closely with the rest of the nursing staff and team to ensure we understood the responsibilities and tasks of that shift, and that we worked together to ensure we were keeping up with patient care needs, med passes, charting, etc. If there were competing urgent situations, I would notify my supervisor to ensure we had proper coverage for the patients to be treated promptly."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a current nurse in the emergency setting, there are times when the action is crazy with patients coming in. During these times, I always remember that the needs of the patients come first, so my triage skills come into use to prioritize which patients are the highest priority and which ones can wait. During these particular times, communication is extremely important for patients. If they are going to have a time period to wait, I communicate that to them and check in with them when I can. Also during these busy times, it is equally important for our team of nurses and physicians to stay in communication. With good communication established, I stay calm and handle patients with quality care one at a time."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
14. How will you help make seamless transitions on shift changes as our next NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In almost any nursing setting, handing off a unit at shift change time in a smooth fashion is important. Your interviewer is looking to see how you will handle the transition during shift changes to get a feel for how you will handle this task as a part of their NICU nursing team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
It is important for you to showcase your communication and listening skills and talk about how you take information and put it to work. Walking step-by-step through your previous employers' handoffs can be beneficial as well because it will reassure the interviewer that you are familiar with sound processes in these situations. The unique inpatient experience with infants in the NICU setting makes communication and handoff vitally important for the safety and well-being of all patients on the unit, so be sure to reiterate to your interviewer that you are aware of this fact.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation, we participated in shift changes by working with our instructors to give reports and then also with the next group of students or staff coming in. Our end-of-shift reporting consisted of patient status updates, notables like medication refusals, passing along family member requests, fall risk updates, food and drink intake, urinary output, etc. The method of this handoff was usually in person, but I do have experience recording my reports as well as transcribing them. I'm very thorough in ensuring the next person caring for my patient is fully equipped with the necessary knowledge."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"At my current position, we have a process for transitioning at shift change. To start, the RNs coming off shift and those coming on have a huddle that is led by the unit supervisor at each shift change. In the huddle, any significant issues with patients are discussed. Next, if any work remains to be done with a patient, we communicate with each other one-on-one to ensure that the needs of our patients are met. I would look to bring this same mindset to shift changes, both at my start and end of shift times, while also being flexible to work around your team's current process. I know that the NICU patients and families will be reliant on a smooth transition every day between their nursing staff."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
15. What patient education skills would you bring to our team as a registered nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Nurses in any setting have to become confident and skilled in their ability to provide patient education regarding their diagnosis and treatment. The NICU setting provides many unique challenges that the best nurses master and embrace. Your interviewer is asking this question to assess your overall ability and skill level in providing education to the families of the patients that you will be caring for in their NICU setting.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Providing education and/or discharge instructions in the NICU cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, as patients' families have varying capacities for comprehending information. To effectively answer this question, you should specifically explain how you have delivered instructions to patients. A stronger answer to this question would include a specific example of how you adjusted the delivery of educational information or discharge instructions to ensure the family of the patient understood what was being communicated.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I use a variety of education techniques depending on the learning style of my patients. I ensure that all information I present is organized and relevant, and I try to create real-life examples and scenarios that they will remember. During my educational sessions, I pay attention to the patient's attention span and body language, knowing when they are no longer engaged or listening or have checked out mentally. I'm often aware that I may need to adjust my education plan based on the patient's health status, environmental factors, and aptitude to learn."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a patient flow nurse, giving patients their discharge instructions is a big part of my job. Each time I am assisting with a patient's discharge at the hospital, I review the written discharge instructions with both the patient and any family members or other advocates they have present. In these situations, there have been times that the patients are unable to understand and comprehend their aftercare instructions. I check their understanding by having them explain back to me the instructions I just gave them. I know that in the NICU setting, the education comes down to successfully educating families of patients on the medical statuses of their children when on the unit and when patients are being discharged. I know that this piece of the job can be very emotional and I would come to your team with the emotional stability to handle this aspect of the job."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
16. What IV skills as a registered nurse would you bring to our NICU team? Will you be comfortable working on infants with this skill?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
One of the skills that NICU nurses will be expected to have is starting intravenous lines (IVs) in the infants they will be working with. Starting an IV can be very traumatizing and painful for infants and your interviewers need to be assured that any NICU Nurse they hire will be comfortable and skilled in working with their patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
To successfully answer this question, you should elaborate on your ability and experience in starting and managing IVs throughout your career. A more successful answer would include an example of when you successfully handled a difficult circumstance while starting and/or managing an IV. To cap your answer, highlight any experiences you have working IV lines into pediatric patients and emphasize that you are ready to learn and master the skill on the infants you will be working with in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, I have been trained and possess the skills to administer and monitor medications, insert, manage, and discontinue intravenous catheters. I feel comfortable performing these duties on infant patients, but if ever there was a situation where I felt unsure or uncomfortable, I would notify my supervisor immediately."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"The RN position I held before my current job in pediatrics was at an infusion center, and there I spent most of my days starting and managing patient IVs as they received their infusion medications. Because I worked in the infusion center for so long, starting them is almost second nature to me. Many times, I find that patients are anxious about getting IVs, even in an infusion center environment, where they come in every so many weeks to get their medication. The NICU environment will be quite different and helping to manage and minimize the pain in infants is super important. I would be very comfortable in applying my IV skills in the NICU, but would look into receiving some hands-on training with your experienced nurses if hired."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
17. What kinds of review questions do you ask yourself after dealing with a difficult and challenging patient situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
One fact that you need to come to terms with prior to applying for a position as a NICU nurse is that you will face some very difficult and challenging patient situations. As a nursing professional, reflecting, learning, and growing from these challenging situations is vital to future patient care success. Your interviewer poses this question to ensure that you will take the time to reflect and learn after you have handled a difficult situation in their NICU.
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
During your future career as a NICU Nurse, things will happen, situations will go awry, and it's important to reflect as an individual and a team and extract the lesson to learn how to be better. It's human nature to rationalize or justify and not face the difficult feelings or emotions of a situation gone bad, but this reflection is extremely important so that it doesn't happen again. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to reflect on a situation and learn from it moving forward. If you have an example of a time you did this during your career, don't hesitate to talk openly and honestly about the situation and what you learned.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"My dad was in the military and from a young age, he taught me about after-action reviews. I would apply the same evaluation methods in this situation. I would think about what I had expected to happen, what actually happened, and how I could couple improve future events. I would also put myself in the patient or family member's shoes and try to think through things from their perspective as well. If I felt like I could use input, I would consult with a peer or manager to discuss the situation and what could have been done differently as well. I value the experience of others and find that asking for their feedback is very valuable as a new nurse."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"I really like to go back and review with myself and the team what happened and ways to be better in any situation that doesn't go as planned. I think it's important to distance myself a little bit from the emotions and try to review the situation logically. I think that when emotions run high, intelligence can run low, and we need to talk about situations and responses for what they are without blame. Blame isn't helpful and impedes learning. As a NICU nurse on your unit, I want you to be assured that I would take any difficult situation and learn from it moving forward."
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
Competency
18. Are you able to handle the physical requirements of working as a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Being a successful NICU nurse has a unique blend of competing physical requirements. On one end of the spectrum, this includes being on your feet for typical 12-hour shifts with little time to sit because of the need to do rounds on patients. At the opposite end comes the need to have gentle hands for the tiny and fragile patients that you will be working with on a daily basis. Your interviewers need to know that you will be able to handle all of the physical demands of the job if they are going to seriously consider you for the role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Speak honestly and to the point about your ability to handle the long hours on your feet and the quick action of the NICU environment. If you have experience working in a similar environment, be sure to reiterate that to your interviewer. Then, talk about your ability to work carefully with NICU patients and how you will prioritize being a gentle and caring nurse if hired for this road. It can also be beneficial to discuss your self-care methods--being a NICU nurse is certainly helped by being in great physical shape.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation, I was able to experience the physical demands of shifts. I had no problem being on my feet all day, lifting patients, walking short or long distances, sustaining repetitive movements like CPR or compressions, and sitting as required to do charting."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my first four years as a registered nurse, I have spent many long hours on my feet and working shifts at non-traditional times. To be able to do this with ease, I have worked hard to be in the best physical shape that I can be by jogging on a regular basis, eating healthy, and getting an ample amount of sleep each and every night. I find that by taking care of myself both mentally and physically, I come to work prepared for any physical demands that are thrown my way and this certainly applies to this position as a NICU nurse. As a father myself to two wonderful children, I am very comfortable handling and working with newborn and even premature babies in this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Competency
19. How do you approach the documentation of patient records? Do you have specific strategies that you use?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Documentation of clinical encounters in patient records is extremely important as a NICU nurse. If clinical encounters, medications, procedures, vital signs, and other information are not documented properly, poor, or even fatal, patient outcomes could occur. Your interviewer is asking this question to determine how seriously you take accurate and timely documentation and to see if you use any methods to improve efficiencies for documentation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
To effectively answer this question, be prepared to talk about how you approach documentation from beginning to end and give examples of any strategies that you use to improve efficiency. If possible prior to your interview, do some research on common errors that occur in NICU patient documentation so you can assure your interviewer that you are aware of the importance of accurate documentation and assure them that you will take the necessary time, every time, to document patient notes.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I try to document in real time as much as possible, while things are fresh in my mind and I'm focused on that patient. I always ensure my charting is done before the end of my shift, and I never leave that for another person to do. I am very detail-oriented, so I'm diligent in making sure that everything in my charting is accurate. I also make sure I lock my computer station when I'm away from it, to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing charts."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"I approach patient documentation in the EHR very seriously. As an RN, my work needs to be documented so my colleagues remain updated at shift time and providers are updated on the care provided for patients. Even on the busiest of days in my current unit, I make the time to finish charting right away in the patient's room. I fully realize that there are extra precautions that need to take place in the NICU regarding patient documentation and that the misidentification of patients is a very real risk."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Discovery
20. What is one challenge you foresee in becoming a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every new nursing job has challenges, no matter where your prior experience and education come from. With your interviewer fully aware that coming to their team as a NICU nurse will provide challenges for any new hire, they're asking this question to allow you to talk about what you feel would be your biggest challenge from the start in this role and to hear what your plan would be for facing this challenge.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Prior to your NICU nurse interview, be sure to carefully read the job description and really reflect on what you foresee as a potential challenge from the day you would start on the unit. Answer openly and honestly, but be sure to talk about what you would see for a plan of attack in handling that challenge. Make sure your interviewer walks away knowing that you would still thrive, despite the initial challenge.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, I think a major challenge will be training and onboarding in such a specialized unit of nursing and getting settled into a new team. I'm really excited and am confident in my technical abilities as well as my ability to learn things quickly. I'm eager to be a part of a team and contribute to the work that you do every day in the lives of patients and their families."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"It's difficult to just be a nurse and not get attached and take things to heart--I'm still human. I know that this will be extremely difficult working with newborns in the neonatal intensive care setting. If things ever felt overwhelming to me in this role, I would take a quick breather, step aside, and get my feelings together. I would always try to remind myself that no matter what happens in a day, I am blessed to be able to be with people during some of the toughest times of their lives and I can make a difference, one child at a time."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Discovery
21. What professional nursing organizations do you belong to, and are there any you would look to join as a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Prioritizing professional development and learning opportunities as a registered nurse is a quality that any nurse manager will look for in a candidate to join their team. This is particularly true for working in the NICU, where staying up-to-date and educated on the latest and greatest procedures is vital to providing the best care possible. With this question, your interviewers will be looking to hear about the organizations you're a part of currently and that you've done your homework on the organizations that represent the neonatal nursing field.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
To start, simply talk about the organizations that you do belong to and discuss any benefits that you've received from your membership over the years. This can and should include any educational or training opportunities you have received. Then, make sure to do your homework on organizations like the National Association of Neonatal Nurse (NANN) and the Academy of Neonatal Nursing, and be sure to let your interviewers know that you are ready and willing to take advantage of being a member of those organizations.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a recent graduate, I'm currently part of the National Student Nurses' Association and plan to join the American Nurses Association in the near future. I'm passionate about pediatric care and my goal is to obtain a position as a NICU nurse. With that in mind, I plan to also join the National Association of Neonatal Nurses."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Since I graduated and hit the nursing workforce eight years ago, I have been a member of the ANA and I joined the AACN when I joined my current critical care unit three years ago. I've loved taking advantage of CME credits available through both organizations and last year I attended the AACN national conference and was able to network with many nurses throughout the country. I have a college classmate that is a NICU Nurse that I talk with regularly, she highly recommended joining the National Association of Neonatal Nurses if I were to be offered and accept this position, and I would look forward to doing so."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Discovery
22. What aspects of our organization drew you to apply here as a registered nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While you will discuss your passion for NICU Nursing throughout your interview, your interviewer also needs to hear that you are attracted to their organization and its values. This will help prove that you will be dedicated to your work as a NICU nurse and that you'll be able to carry out the mission and values of the organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
This question is allowing you to be direct in your approach to talking about what draws you to this organization. Prior to your interview, be sure to research the mission, values, and goals of the organization and make sure that you put some serious thought into what you feel hits close to home for you in working for them. As you answer, talk about the values of the organization that you hold near and dear to your heart to prove your long-term dedication when hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, I've spent a lot of time researching local hospitals that have a strong reputation in the community and that offer the training and development that new grad nurses need to be successful and grow in their careers. I have friends who did clinicals at your facility and they had nothing but positive things to say about your staff and unit. I also found employee reviews online and nearly all were positive and praised the culture as well as the opportunities for growth and development. I'm very excited to learn more about the position and share more information with you about my training and experience that I would bring to your team."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"As I began to search for my dream job in a NICU, it was important to find an organization that meets my personal values. As I researched your organization, I was glad to read about the patient-centered care that you provide on a daily basis because, in the end, this is what matters in the work that we do."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Experience
23. Have you ever worked in an environment where your colleagues and patients were from diverse backgrounds?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of the minds of all healthcare institutions, both large and small. If asked this question during your interview, you will likely be joining a very culturally diverse team and caring for a diverse patient base. Your interviewer wants to know that you are open to meeting and learning about new people and becoming an integral part of this team as a NICU nurse. They'll also be looking to hear about any diverse environments you have worked and thrived in during your career to this point.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
In an industry as large as healthcare, diversity among peers is inevitable. To be successful, it is crucial to learn how to work with a diverse group of people. Some people are intimidated when faced with learning new cultures and beliefs, but in the healthcare industry, it is crucial to provide effective care. Be positive with your response as you discuss culturally diverse environments you have been a part of. If you have been a part of any formal DE&I training or helped lead any efforts in this area, now is a great time to talk about those experiences.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"My nursing class was a very diverse group of individuals. I found many benefits to working with a group with such different and varying backgrounds, skills, experiences, religions, cultures, and interests. Some students were just out of high school, while others were older adults making a career change. The diversity of the group often brought innovation and creativity to our teams and varying perspectives to different situations. For example, many could view patient situations from a young adult's perspective, and others could view them from a parent's perspective, which was helpful in discussions."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I have throughout my career with my current organization. I currently work on a team of nurses who come from all over the country and world and I love being able to learn new things from my colleagues. We all bring a unique perspective and viewpoint to new challenges and this makes us better in the end. As I researched a move to becoming a NICU nurse, your organization jumped out to me because of the focused efforts you are taking in ensuring that your workforce is culturally diverse and inclusive."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Situational
24. How do you respond to an emergency situations at work as a registered nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
From respiratory distress to a quick onset of sepsis in patients, NICU nurses often have to handle emergency situations in their unit. Your interview asks this question to hear about emergency procedures you have been trained in and have handled throughout your career to get a better sense of how you will work in emergency settings as part of their unit.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
If possible, the best answer to this question will highlight how you've had to act quickly during your nursing career in emergency situations. To assure success in this role as a NICU nurse, you'll want to highlight your ability to respond quickly and make yourself available to assist provider staff in any way you can. Talking about how you were resourceful, quick thinking, and not hesitant in a high-pressure situation will also prove your ability to handle any situation you may face as their next NICU nurse.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"In an emergency situation, time is of the essence. It's important to be prepared for these types of situations, so I would be sure to know all procedures and where all equipment was in case of an emergency. When the situation arises, I will react immediately by calling for help and beginning to administer whatever interventions are necessary. Once senior nurses, doctors, or practitioners arrived, I would follow whatever orders they gave to me as part of the response team. I would remain calm and focused and would help keep patients calm as well. If I could be of help with communication on the unit, I would take charge of that task as well."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"If an emergency were to arise in the NICU, I would wait patiently for the doctor's orders and assist her or him in whatever she or he needs. If there is an immediate danger to a child in my care, I would act quickly to take measures to stabilize the patient to the best of my abilities until further direction is given. In moments like these, I wouldn't hesitate or let my emotions get the best of me while I dedicate my focus to the client.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Situational
25. You just finished preparing IV medications for a patient, and you thoroughly washed your hands before doing so. As you enter the patient's room with the medication, describe the first thing you do to prevent patient infection.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Due to their lack of immunity and the nature of their conditions, NICU patients are at significant risk of picking up an infection as a consequence of the care they are receiving. Although infection prevention measures in the healthcare industry have greatly improved over the years, the risk still exists and healthcare professionals must be vigilant in order to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. Your interview asks a simple question like this to ensure that you would always take the easy safety procedures seriously in your work as a NICU nurse.
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Although it may seem obvious, the simple task of handwashing is the first step in infection prevention. To effectively answer this question, you should explain that the first step they would take to prevent infection would be to wash your hands thoroughly. A more successful answer to this question would include an example of how you have helped train colleagues on handwashing in such situations and/or assisted in the development and implementation of handwashing policies for your nursing unit. You should also remind your interviewer that you would remain compliant with any gowning requirements with certain patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I would rewash my hands, and put on any PPE required for treating that patient. I would inspect the IV equipment to ensure everything was properly working and there were no signs of problems on the IV pole or with the patient's IV catheter."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"The first thing I would do to prevent the patient from getting an infection is to wash my hands. There are other actions I would need to take in preventing infection, but handwashing is primary. I have always been an advocate of handwashing, even when many of my colleagues were not. When I found out that my nursing and care partner colleagues on my unit were not following handwashing protocols last year, I worked with my supervisor to develop training on the importance of proper handwashing, handwashing technique, and infection prevention. After this training, handwashing compliance in my unit improved greatly, and the infection control nurse attributed it to a reduction in secondary infections. In your NICU, every infection prevention measure is vital in ensuring the health and safety of your patients and I would never let my guard down during my shift."
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
Situational
26. You are nearing the end of your 12-hour shift in our NICU and you are exhausted from caring for eight, high-acuity patients. As your colleague arrives to relieve you, tell me how you proceed.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Even after a long, grueling 12-hour shift in the NICU, a successful handoff to your colleagues is vital to the proper care of your patients. Your interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands the importance of completing handovers.
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
First and foremost, you want to reiterate to your interviewer that you will prioritize a proper shift handoff with all patient information because your NICU patients' health and safety depend on it. If you have an example of a time you successfully handed off at a shift's end to your colleagues when circumstances were difficult, talk about how you walked through that handoff. Now can also be a great time to confirm what process the unit you are interviewing with uses at shift change time.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I would strive to be as mentally focused as possible, to ensure I did my end-of-shift report and handoff accurately and effectively. Neonatal intensive care unit patients are at increased risk for handoff communication failures due to complexity and prolonged length of stay, so it's important to document thoroughly and provide appropriate information to the next nurse. I would be sure to do walking rounds if necessary and answer any and all questions the next shift nurse had about patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"In this situation, even though I am exhausted, I would complete handover templates for all my patients, if I haven't already. This is especially important because you said the eight patients are high-acuity, which means there is a lot the next nurse needs to know about them. I could never leave my patients without completing handovers, because not only could I not leave my coworker in a bad situation, but I also don't want to put my neonatal patients at risk. Last week, I was in a similar situation, where I had been so busy that I didn't have time to complete handovers until my coworker arrived to relieve me. So, I stayed late and completed the templates for all my patients despite the fact that I was tired and ready to go home."
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
Situational
27. You are talking with a patient's family during rounds and the parents tell you they do not understand what the doctors told them and they are unsure of what is going on with their child's health. Tell me how you respond to the parents.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Unfortunately, these types of situations are very common in the NICU setting for NICU nurses, as the families of patients are often confused or misinformed about their child's health. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if you would take initiative to help the family. They'll ideally be looking to hear that you would explain the medical situation to the family in layman's terms and follow up with the physician if any more information should be provided.
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
In this situation as a NICU nurse, you should describe how you would take time to help the family understand what is going on with their child's health and condition. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from your career where you helped clarify a diagnosis, procedure, or other medical-related situation when a patient or their family was confused. Make sure to reiterate that you would handle any follow-up necessary in a quick manner to ensure that the family's questions are answered.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I understand that when a family's baby is in the NICU, it can be overwhelming and scary, so it's natural that they aren't able to absorb all of the information they are given at once. Families likely don't have healthcare backgrounds, so I would try to avoid using acronyms and remember to speak in plain terms so that they understood the information. It's important to be patient, understanding, and willing to repeat information and answer questions. I would encourage families to take notes while we talked and I would give them resources I had to assist as well like handouts, website links, etc."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"This type of situation has to be so frightening for a NICU patient's family, and unfortunately, I can foresee that it happens often. I would take time to explain the patient's medical condition to them at a level they could understand and I would not leave until I was sure they understood. I have dealt with this many times in my nursing career, but one time in particular sticks out to me. I was caring for a patient who had been admitted after a car accident, and after she had a CT scan on her head, a mass was found on her pituitary gland. The doctors did not think the mass was cancerous, and the patient was told it was likely benign; but unfortunately, she didn't know the meaning of benign. Later, when I went to check on the patient, she was devastated and thought she had brain cancer. Luckily, I was able to help explain the situation to her, just like I would do in the situation with the patient's family you described to me."
Written by Kelly Burlison on May 8th, 2023
Situational
28. Say you had a colleague call you saying that they forgot to sign off that they gave medication to a patient before they left, and they ask you to initial that it was given so nobody gives it again. What do you do as a NICU Nurse in this situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While it may sound like the right thing to do because you don't want the patient to be given extra medication, you should never do this because it is forging the medical record. It's very unethical and risks your nursing license. While there are many scenarios that your interview can propose to get at your desire to be ethical when it comes to patient records, this question gives your the opportunity to prove that you would do the right thing in this situation.
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
In this real-life "what if" scenario, the correct thing to do is to write down the information about the dose and attach a sticky note to the unit in the patient's room so that there is a visual reminder for the person administering medications. This information should be reported to the shift nurse manager for additional guidance on how to manage the situation. Under no circumstances should you sign off on a medication that you did not administer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I understand things like this may happen from time to time, so first I would thank her for calling and let her know I would take care of the situation from there. I would then notify my supervisor and check with the patient to ensure they did actually receive the medication. If they did, my supervisor would likely handle covering the documentation part or I would see if they could approve me documenting the chart with a note that I was not the administering nurse. I would also confirm the count in the med cart to ensure it was accurate. If the patient said they did not receive the medication, I assume the supervisor would do additional investigating."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"First, I would let my colleague know that I was not comfortable noting the dose administered in the patient's MAR. I would certainly thank them for calling and letting me know and I would assure them that I would notify the supervisor on duty right away. My first action after the call would be to make a quick written note on the PC in the patient's room to ensure another nurse won't administer any further medication in the meantime. I would then take the issue to the supervisor for the next steps to be determined."
Written by Dianne Barnard on May 8th, 2023
Situational
29. Talk about a time you had to deal with a distraught or sad family member as a registered nurse. How did you handle this situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The work of a NICU nurse requires not only working hands-on with newborn babies in need of intensive care, but also with the family members who are responsible for the child. Your interviewer wants to know that you are capable of addressing the needs of the family members that will accompany your patients and that you understand why solid interpersonal skills are important for a NICU nurse to have to successfully console upset family members.
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
How to Answer
Being able to identify stressors that may affect a family member of a NICU patient is important in this role. You ideally want to stress to your interviewer that you will always have an empathetic and understanding approach while you educate the family members on all the steps of their loved ones' care
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation, there was a 23-week-old baby born prematurely that had been recently transferred to the NICU. Halfway through the shift, he began to desaturate and his heart rate dropped. I began to bag the patient until my preceptors and other RNs arrived in the room, at which point they took over trying to bring his heart rate back up. Unfortunately, despite their chest compressions, IV medications, and other invasive procedures, the baby did not survive. The physician delivered the news to the family, and the mother was inconsolable. After most of the other staff had left the bedside, with permission from my preceptor, I remained with the mother for the next hour providing support until her spouse could arrive. I felt such deep sadness and empathy for her and her family as it's hard to fathom the loss of a child. I sat and listened to her talk, I was compassionate and made sure she knew she was the most important thing to me in that moment. I did all that I could to be there for her until her support arrived as well as the grief counselor."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"One thing about NICU nursing is that the patient is not always the only 'patient,' so to speak. I have learned that being a good pediatric nurse also means being able to communicate with family members who are unsure of what to expect or who don't quite understand a diagnosis--this takes a great deal of stress off of them. Last year, I had a young patient who was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia, and his mother immediately broke down in tears. The child didn't understand what was happening at the age of three, and I took the time to console the mother and reassure her that her child would be in the best care possible with our pediatric oncology team. I helped lay out an initial care plan for her and left the rest in the hands of our oncology team. She gave me a great big hug at the end of the appointment and thanked me for consoling her."
Written by Heather Douglass on May 8th, 2023
Situational
30. Have you ever had a time where you were proud of your healthcare team? What role did you play in that effort?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the NICU, accomplishment typically comes in the smallest of forms. A simple blood transfusion that is less than two teaspoons can make a life-changing difference for a newborn in need. By asking this question, your interviewer is ideally looking to hear that you would join their NICU nursing team with a sense of pride in the work done by both you and the team you are on.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, think of a situation when you felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in a team effort during your time as a registered nurse. Try to paint a clear picture for your interviewer of what the situation was, who was involved in making it a great team effort, and what the ultimate outcome was. If you can relate your answer to a direct patient care situation, that is even better. In the end, make sure that your interviewer walks away knowing that you would take pride in what you do on the job as a NICU nurse on their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my clinicals, a neonatal patient coded. I was part of the team of nurses and doctors that rendered aid by performing CPR and administering medications for nearly 30 minutes. The baby ended up surviving! It was incredible to see the team work so flawlessly to save the baby's life. I felt honored and proud to be a part of such a skilled team of healthcare professionals and to be able to hand that baby back to his mother. The job is taxing at times, but it's moments like those that are beyond rewarding and fulfilling."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"Working on a large rehab unit currently, there have been many proud moments that we have enjoyed as a team. But the one that comes to mind first was this young patient who was in our unit following a car accident. With his original diagnosis being paralyzation from the waist down, our team of therapists, physicians, and doctors worked with him for over three months in our inpatient unit. I felt so grateful to be working the day he took his first steps unassisted after four months on our unit. Many tears were shed that day, both by his family and our staff."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Situational
31. If you noticed a colleague not taking proper safety precautions on the job here as a NICU nurse, how would you handle that situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Safety is of the utmost importance when providing direct patient care in the NICU setting. When it comes to patient safety, NICU nurses are at the frontline of providing a safe environment for both the infants they are caring for and the families that accompany them. By proposing this question during your interview, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you will be an advocate for safety at all times if you were to join their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Whether you notice a colleague not washing their hands before and after seeing a patient, or about to administer an improper dose of a medicine, reiterate to your interviewer that you wouldn't hesitate to intervene immediately. As you answer, make sure to stress that you understand why an increased focus on safety is so important in this role as a NICU nurse due to the patient base that you will be providing care for.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Patient safety is my top priority. If it was something minor, that did not put patients in immediate harm or jeopardy, I would try to coach and educate my peer. I would approach them gently, and make sure they were trained properly and understood the importance of why we have to do certain things or follow certain processes. If they were apologetic and accepted the feedback, I would not escalate it to our manager. If they disregarded the advice or repeated the mistake, I would notify my supervisor. If it were a situation where the patient was in immediate harm, I would notify my manager right away."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"In the healthcare field, the safety of everyone in a hospital really comes down to simple and easy actions on a consistent basis. When I see my coworkers not taking precautions seriously, I make sure to talk with them immediately and in a positive way, reminding them of the importance of safe work habits. If I notice a coworker skip handwashing, for example, I would talk to them in private and explain the importance that hand hygiene plays in keeping all patients and staff safe. If it came to continued blatant disregard, I would take the issue to my supervisor as quickly as possible. NICU patients are so susceptible to common viruses and infections that we as adults wouldn't bat an eye at, yet could prove to be fatal for them. Extra diligence in the routine safety precautions is something I would take seriously each and every day on the job here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Situational
32. Talk about a time where you had to handle an irate patient or their family member. How did you handle that situation and what were the results?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the NICU setting, nurses often deal with the family members of patients during some of the most stressful times of their lives. These stressful times can lead to emotional outbursts, like rage or sadness, directed at staff on the unit. Your interviewer needs to be assured that you would join their team as a nurse who will be able to handle the range of emotions that the families you work with will show.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, think of a situation you have been in where you can clearly demonstrate your ability to diffuse a high-conflict situation. In dealing with someone who was angry, it is important to demonstrate your listening skills, problem-solving skills, and your ability to remain calm and collected to not escalate the situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Prior to nursing school, I worked as a CNA in a setting with patients experiencing severe mental health crises. Because of this, I have experienced many times when a patient has been combative, and I have been slapped and even had my hair pulled. It's important that as a nurse associate, you don't take these types of behaviors personally, that you do everything possible to reduce the risk of this occurring, and you take precautions to protect yourself at all times. This includes being alert, never letting your guard down, and knowing the warning signs of an agitated patient, and knowing when to give them space or how to de-escalate the situation. Never put yourself in a situation where you're confined in close quarters with a patient who has these tendencies or put yourself in a situation where they have access to sharp items that could cause you harm. If it does occur, it's important to try to calm the patient and never raise your voice or be physical in return. Try to find another colleague who can assist you with providing care and alert your supervisor of the situation so it can be documented and so they can provide guidance."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my current role in a critical care setting, I communicate regularly with the close families of patients who are typically stressed and worried about their loved ones. A few months ago, I had the daughter of a patient become very upset with the staff because she didn't have answers for what caused her father to go into cardiac arrest. As the nurse in charge of her father that day, I took it upon myself to talk with her in one of our private family rooms. First, I heard her out and let her vent. Just being able to let loose really eased her and I was able to let her know that we didn't have all of the answers right now. I assured her that a team of the best professionals was conducting diagnostic tests and lab work and that she would be the first to know once more information was known."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Situational
33. Describe a recent issue you had with a doctor or colleague's decision. How did you handle it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the fast-paced world that a NICU nurse works in, you won't always agree with the decisions that are made by your co-workers or the physicians that you work with. In asking a question like this, your interviewer wants to know that you would be professional, respectful, and diplomatic in coming up with solutions as a team when disagreements happen.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
When a disagreement eventually happens as a NICU nurse, you first have to make a decision whether it is something to take issue with or leave alone. In the example that you discuss, show your interviewer that you trusted your final decision and the outcome of the situation was acceptable. Try to highlight your ability to communicate effectively while being respectful in making your professional opinion heard.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, I've not been in this situation before. I realize that I will likely be working with more senior staff that have been working on the NICU for longer periods of time. If a situation like this came up, I would keep an open mind and trust their decision-making. If there was a situation where I felt uncomfortable or like following a directive could harm a patient, I would speak to my supervisor to express my concerns. I would approach it in a professional manner and try to better understand the situation."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my time working at a skilled nursing facility, we were short-staffed one evening during medication passing. Our standard operating procedure was to pass medications to patients in teams of two to ensure that proper medications were being given to each resident. My co-worker told me to do two of the wings alone to save time and I immediately told her that I was uncomfortable going against policy as it wasn't safe for the patients. Another co-worker and I teamed up to complete the pass in the entire facility in a timely fashion with no incidents."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Situational
34. Tell me about a time you had to communicate bad news to a patient or family member. How did you effectively communicate that news?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a registered nurse in the neonatal ICU setting, the need to communicate effectively with the parents of your patients is vital. There may be times when you have to help deliver horrifying and life-altering news to the families of your patients, and your interviewer will be looking to see how you handled yourself in similar situations by showing empathy and composure.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Prior to your interview, think back to a time when you had to have a difficult conversation. Talk openly about what made the communication difficult and how you prepared and ultimately delivered the communication. To really sell yourself in your ability to handle delivering bad news to the families of NICU patients, talk about your ability to understand their perspective and that you are open and available for questions from the family.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"While I haven't had to do this yet in my career, I know the time will come. My communication style is compassionate but straightforward. I find that being direct is best, so patients can easily understand what to expect regarding treatment, care, and potential outcomes. When patients know what to expect, they tend to be calmer and have realistic expectations. I would provide opportunities for patients and families to ask questions and to provide education where possible and bring in additional support when needed."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 6th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a pediatric nurse early in my career, my physician received lab results from a young patient found to have a brain tumor. When the patient and family were called in for their consult, the physician and I were both in the room when the news was delivered. In that situation, it is hard not to break down in tears with the family but I knew that they were looking at me to be a person with strength and to have answers to their questions. The physician and I were able to walk them through their next steps and options moving forward with their child's diagnosis and they truly appreciated that."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Situational
35. Talk about the most stressful situation you've had to deal with in the workplace. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to our team as a NICU nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Registered nurses in the NICU setting can find themselves in very stressful working conditions from time to time due to a variety of reasons. Given the highly specialized nature of neonatal intensive care and the patient situations they deal with, the stress can be both physical and psychological. With this question, your interviewer is looking to see how you personally manage those stressful situations in the workplace to get a feel for how you will handle these times as a part of their unit.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
How to Answer
Think of a specific time you had to manage a stressful situation, describe how you handled it, talk about what tools or resources you used, and explain what the outcome was of the situation. If possible, talk about specific coping techniques you used to help you through that particular situation to prove your ability to handle the mental and physical toll that working as a NICU nurse will no doubt involve.
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my nurse training, we had a simulator where we practiced various emergency situations. It was high-pressure and stressful because we were still lacking some skills and experience and all of our peers and instructors were watching us. It was really valuable practice to help us prepare for real-life situations and we learned how to perform under pressure and scrutiny. While it was uncomfortable, I really learned a lot and it eased my nerves the more frequently we went through the practice exercises. By the end of clinicals, I was going through the simulations without any problems and was even able to mentor and help coach some of my peers who were struggling a bit."
Written by Jaymie Payne on May 7th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a nurse, the exhausting stress that comes with seeing patients in their most vulnerable state and witnessing things some people go their whole life without seeing is a necessary part of this rewarding career. Early in my career as an emergency nurse, I was working a night shift during the winter when a bus accident brought in 10 critically injured patients. When we received the call that the ambulances would be showing up, I went into immediate triage mode with our current patients. This mode continued when the accident victims arrived as well, and I prioritized those with the most traumatic injuries first and worked down the line. I try to remember that I am one person who can only truly focus on one task at a time. In these situations, this sage advice keeps me focused on the patient in front of me and not letting my mind wander to the other patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on April 29th, 2022