Describe a recent issue you had with a doctor or colleague's decision. How did you handle it?
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.
"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."
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.
"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."
