Master 35 NICU Nurse interview questions covering critical care scenarios, family communication, and clinical judgment.
Question 7 of 35
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Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
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.

Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"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."

Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
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.

Jaymie Payne is passionate about talent acquistion and has nine years of experience in corporate and healthcare recruitment.
"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."

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Written by Ryan Brunner
35 Questions & Answers • NICU Nurse

By Ryan

By Ryan