Pediatric Nurse Interview
Questions

29 Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions

By: Heather Douglass

Question 1 of 29

If you could choose a specific schedule or shift, what would it be?

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Many people work more than one job or have a one parent home which requires them to have a flexible schedule. Others simply prefer to work one shift rather than another. Being upfront with the interviewer about what schedule suits your preference could help prevent conflict later on. It is easier to plan a schedule you can agree on than it is to fix problems that arise due to fear of being rejected. Be honest and direct.

Example Answer

"I am not married and have no children at this time. So, I am pretty flexible with my schedule. If I had a choice, I would prefer the late shift, as I am a bit of a night owl. However, I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of this team and am willing to work where I'm needed."

Entry Level Example

"I really don't have a preferred schedule. I know that, as a new employee, I may be asked to work different shifts, and I am ok with that."

Experienced Example

"I can't think of a shift that would be out of my comfort zone. I have often been the employee who takes the late shift so that those with children or evening/night responsibilities can have that time off. I am interested in becoming an asset to the neuro team and look forward to hearing where you think I will be the best fit."

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Question 2 of 29

Why do you think nurses often report experiencing 'burn out' and what do you do to help try to prevent that?

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Being a healthcare provider is a great responsibility. Unfortunately, because of the great responsibility, many providers do report experiencing the need to take a break. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of handling stress and that you know when to ask for help.

Example Answer

"I understand how some healthcare providers can experience burn out. It has nothing to do with wanting to change professions or leave a job. Sometimes it's just hard to lose patients or to feel like we can't save them all. I try to schedule myself some personal time, whether its a few days away when I am off work or going hiking. Anything to help create some balance in my life."

Entry Level Example

"I had a great mentor when I was in nursing school. She told me if I didn't remember anything else she told me, that I should always remember to take care of myself. I have grown to understand what she meant. If we are bogged down physically and emotionally, it is easy to become overwhelmed and experience feeling burned out."

Experienced Example

"Unfortunately, I can speak from experience about burn out. When I was a new nurse, I thought I could work all the time and that I was invincible. I lost several patients within a short period of time and the toll of the loss was very overwhelming to me. Since then, I have learned how to work hard, but to also work hard at caring for myself as well."

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Question 3 of 29

How do you respond to an emergency situation at work?

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Depending on the situation, you will want to respond quickly and make yourself available to assist the doctor in any way you can. Be aware of the surroundings and also observe the patient. Your best response will be one where you are sensitive to the situation by listening closely to the doctor and nurses involved. There may not be anything you can do to help, but if you get in the way, you could definitely create more problems. Ask what you can do and pay attention. If you need to step aside, be respectful and understanding.

Example Answer

"If an emergency were to arise, I would wait patiently for the doctors orders and assist her or him in whatever she or he needs. If there is an immediate danger to a patient or someone in my care, I would make sure to offer assistance to get them to safety."

Entry Level Example

"That really depends on the situation. I always try to remember to remain as calm as possible and report to my designated area as quickly as possible and follow emergency protocol."

Experienced Example

"There can be any number of emergency situations in a healthcare facility, so how I would respond would be dependent upon what type of emergency it is. First and foremost is the safety of patients and employees. I would make sure no one is in immediate danger and follow any emergency protocol, per facility instructions."

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Question 4 of 29

Is there a particular story about a pediatric patient that was personally moving for you?

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Nursing, although rewarding, can be very stressful at times. It is important to recognize the things that make you feel stressed, but it is just as important to be able to remember events that brought you satisfaction or happiness within the job. These are the things that keep a nurse motivated. The interviewer wants to see that you are able to balance the negatives with positives.

Example Answer

"I once had a patient with a seizure disorder come onto our unit. This child had a service dog, and we were able to draft new regulations allowing service animals to be accommodated. The presence of her dog made the child much more relaxed while receiving care on the medical unit. A comfortable patient heals faster. It was very moving to see how she interacted with her pet and what a difference it made for her having him there."

Entry Level Example

"I remember a patient who had leukemia and whose wish was to live through the Christmas holiday season. We were able to arrange a private room for her and we brought in decorations and a tree. She was able to have Christmas in her room with her family. I will never forget her."

Experienced Example

"There are so many children whose stories are moving to me, even after it has been a while since I've cared for them. One of the most moving, I can say without a doubt, was when I cared for a boy who was a twin. He was terminally ill. His brother stayed at his side night and day. He slept in his bed as much as possible. It was heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time, if that makes sense. It renewed my faith in people and in what love and care for others can really do. That child didn't survive, but his memory will live on forever."

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Question 5 of 29

Have you ever worked in an environment where your co-workers were from diverse backgrounds?

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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. The interviewer wants to know that you are open to meeting and learning about new people and becoming an integral part of the team. Be positive with your response.

Example Answer

"The diversity of specialty areas is something I love about the healthcare field. I like the idea of being in a career that challenges me to learn and grow. I believe we all have something that we can contribute to others and I like to embrace the diversity among those that I work with."

Entry Level Example

"The largest diverse group I worked with was probably when I did my clinical rotation at University Medical Center. I was afforded the opportunity to meet people from different cultures, religions, and professional backgrounds. It gave me an eye-opening experience of how many wonderful people there are!"

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Writers for Pediatric Nurse Answers and Questions

Heather Douglass

Heather Douglass has over 20 years experience recruiting and hiring candidates. She has a knack for resume writing. You can find her on twitter at @heatherinidaho.

Darby Faubion

Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over twenty years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice. She has assisted in developing curriculum for nursing programs and has instructed nursing students at both the community college and university levels. Darby's passion is nursing education. She has used that passion as her driving force to become a test-taking strategist and prep coach. She has coached nursing graduates across the United States as they have prepared to take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In addition to her role as a healthcare educator, Darby also authors a blog that is devoted to helping victims of domestic violence learn how to recover and live a life free from abuse. She is also a contributing author to online sources of continuing education for nurses and healthcare associates.

First written on: 02/09/2017
Last modified on: 11/21/2018

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About Pediatric Nurse

November 21st, 2018

Pediatric Nurses devote their knowledge and skills to caring for children from infancy through the late teen years. Pediatric nurses perform physical examinations, measure vital statistics, take blood and urine samples and order diagnostic tests. In addition to clinical duties, Pediatric Nurses educate parents about how to care for their children. Prevention and health education is a big part of pediatric nursing. Pediatric nurses work in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, surgical centers. Pediatric nurses also work in schools, private practice, community groups and other organizations that provide outpatient and preventive health care services for children.

If you've always liked animal stethoscope covers, finger puppets for cranial nerve tests and you find missing quarters in children's ears you're a Pediatric Nurse with wild imagination and a passion for helping children. Your Critical-Thinking Skills are top notch as a Pediatric nurse. The candidates ability to assess the patient's health, detect changes in symptoms, health or pain, and know when action is necessary are vital in this role. As a Pediatric Nurse you've earned your bachelor's in nursing.

Being a Pediatric Nurse is all about compassion, patience and being calm under pressure. Have a few brief situational stories in your back pocket to share with the interviewer. The interviewer will see you're good on paper, they will want to hear about situations you excelled in as well as struggled with. How is your mental endurance? Do you thrive in a fast paced environment? Show the interviewer that you can think on your feet and make good decisions.