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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

Anonymous Answer

"I have not yet worked with a pediatric patient, but do have a story of an adult patient who was personally moving for me. He had a major fall and traumatic brain injury; his doctors thought he would never walk or talk again. A couple of months later he was non-verbally responding with smiles and actions, then he was sitting in his chair, then taking his first steps and going to rehab. I got to see that patient walk out of the hospital. It was so touching."

Rachelle's Feedback

What an amazing example! A story like this will make you a memorable candidate that stands out. Nicely done.

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Anonymous Answer

"I had a family that would come in for a visit as a group. It was a mother and a father and three siblings. The youngest was only a month old. His mother passed unexpectedly at the age of 22. The next visit that we saw them it was only dad and the youngest sibling. The other two have been taken from dad because they were not biological. Between my doctor and me, we pulled together to get them as many resources as we could; gave them free samples of everything. By the end of the visit you could see the dad's mood change to relief."

Lauren's Feedback

This is a deeply moving response (that the interviewer will appreciate). You demonstrated empathy and professionalism with the family. I encourage you to create a more well-rounded response by explaining what the experience did for you; the interviewer will get to know you even more by doing so.

"I once worked with a family who always attended visits as a group. The family was comprised of a mother, father, and three children. Tragically, the mother passed away unexpectedly at the age of 22. As a result, the two older children were removed and placed with the biological family. Consequently, the father and youngest child (who was one month old), came in for a visit. The doctor and I collaborated to connect and refer them to as many resources as we could as well as free samples. By the end of the visit, we could visually see the relief on the father's face. Patients like this will remain in my heart and memory. There is no better feeling than helping patients, and I cannot imagine myself in any other field or industry."

Anonymous Answer

"During my pediatric clinical rotation, I cared for a 4-year-old child that had been involved in a train accident with her family. This patient sustained a traumatic brain injury and spent a significant amount of time in the ICU. Despite everything that child had been through she had a laugh and smile that could light up an entire room. She was getting inpatient rehab and she had a drive, unlike any kid I have ever seen. I was able to assist the child to get up into her wheelchair and push her around the unit. Even at 4 years old she pushed herself so hard and she was so proud when she accomplished something. I will always remember that sweet child's positivity even with all the trials she faced at such a young age. That patient is what inspires me every day to have a positive outlook and keep a smile on my face despite what I'm going through."