MockQuestions

Pediatric Nurse Mock Interview

29 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Pediatric Nurse interview, here are 29 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

29 Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

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

How to Answer

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.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"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."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

2.   How do you respond to an emergency situation at work?

How to Answer

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.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"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."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

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

How to Answer

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.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"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."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"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."

Written by Darby Faubion

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

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. 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.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"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!"

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"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."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

5.   What fuels your passion for your work as a pediatric nurse?

How to Answer

This question is just as important for you as it is the interviewer. It is important to recognize what is important to you and how it affects your drive to perform a job well. The interviewer wants a look inside at what makes you passionate about this job.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"I think I could say more than one thing fuels my passion for pediatrics. There is just something about the feeling I get when I can help a child begin to recover and be back to his happy, playful self. It is a very rewarding feeling."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"Pediatrics is truly rewarding in that we have kids with illnesses of varying degrees. Sometimes they come to us with chronic, debilitating conditions. Still, they always find a way to smile and play no matter how tough it gets. Kids are so resilient."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"Sometimes patients will come into our unit on a gurney, and they're weak with multiple cognitive and functional deficits and at their worst. They're often with us for months. To see our patients progress and show measurable improvement is extremely rewarding. The bonds we form not only with our patients but with the families are very special."

Written by Darby Faubion

6.   If you were the person responsible for hiring new employees, what qualities would you look for in a candidate? Do you think you possess those qualities?

How to Answer

There is more than one reason for asking this question. First, the interviewer wants to know what qualities you think are important to perform this job. Second, and most importantly, your answer will tell the interviewer if you hold yourself to the same standard as you do others. If you want to see certain characteristics in your peers, you should be able to tell the interviewer with confidence that you possess those traits, as well. This question is one that interviewers often use to distinguish sincerity on the part of the candidate.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"If I were hiring someone, I would look for someone who is passionate about the job and about patient care. I also feel that being approachable and willing to learn is very important."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I believe that honesty is important no matter what job title a person holds. I have found that being honest with people creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Those qualities, I feel, are essential when building rapport with patients and co-workers."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"We all possess different qualities and that is what makes a great team. If I were responsible for interviewing and hiring new employees,I would look for someone who has a genuine interest in the job and a desire to grow and learn. None of us knows everything there is to know about each disease or treatment. Being willing to learn and share what we've learned with one another makes us a better team and benefits our patients and those who will need care in the future."

Written by Darby Faubion

7.   If you were offered a position that requires travel, would you accept it?

How to Answer

Some people jump at the chance to have a great job with the benefit of travel. If you are one of those people, a simple 'yes' answer is great. If you would prefer not to travel, say so, but offer a reason why that option is not appealing to you. Just remember, if you are not 100% sure you are willing to travel, don't say 'yes' just to try and land a job. Your resistance to travel later could be detrimental to continued employment.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"While I would not disagree to travel at times, I have small children and would prefer a position that offers more time at home."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I would definitely accept a position that requires travel. I enjoy going to new places and meeting new people. Having an opportunity to work in a field that I love while being able to experience new people and work at different facilities would be great!"

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"I love to travel and meet new people. At one time, I entertained the idea of becoming a flight attendant so I could travel from place to place. However, I knew I wanted to become a blood bank lab technician. So, yes, I would definitely accept an offer of employment that requires travel."

Written by Darby Faubion

8.   What are some things you would like for people to notice about your personality?

How to Answer

Personality and character are closely related. For instance, someone with an honest character or good work ethic will tend to be more open about his or her beliefs as well as personal and professional expectations. The interviewer is looking for cues as to what character you may bring to the table, so to speak. It is important to remember, body language speaks volume and eye contact is a big indicator of your self-esteem, and your self-esteem is reflected outwardly in your personality. Be confident when you answer and make eye contact with the interviewer.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"I would like for people to feel that I am genuine and easy to get along with. Life can be stressful, but we don't have to dwell on difficult things. I want to people to see that, no matter what may be going on whether at home or work, I have a positive attitude and a good work ethic."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I would describe my personality as approachable, light-hearted, and positive. I like to give more than I take and pride myself on being part of a team."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"I think we all hope that when people meet us they will consider us someone that they like. I always hope that when people meet me they think that I am easy to talk to and work with. I have a light-hearted approach to things and enjoy getting to know other people. I always try to make sure I present myself with an attitude of kindness."

Written by Darby Faubion

9.   Has there ever been a time that you had a disagreement with a coworker? If so, how was it resolved?

How to Answer

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"I am usually a very soft-spoken person and strive to be the 'peacekeeper.' I can't recall any specific incident of a disagreement.I would like to think if a disagreement should arise that I would be able to handle it professionally and resolve the issue without any long-term consequences."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others have involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."

Written by Darby Faubion

10.   In addition to providing care to seriously ill children, pediatric nurses must attend to stressed out family members. How do you approach offering support to family members?

How to Answer

It is natural for parents or other caregivers to be afraid and experience anxiety.. Communicating your compassion and knack for comforting others will show an interviewer how well-rounded you are as a nursing professional.

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Entry Level

"I know what it's like to be the family member who is worried about a loved one requiring care. I remember when my father was very ill. He had some nurses who were very kind and approachable. He had a few that were not so kind. I always try to remember how I felt when I was the one in need of support and to treat those family members with the same kind of respect and kindness that I wanted."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"Caring for family members often requires as much patients as caring for our patients. They are naturally afraid of a possible difficult outcome with regard to their loved ones. I always try to speak kindly and offer time to answer questions and give family members an opportunity to talk about what concerns them. While every day does not offer as much free time as others, a few minutes can often make a big difference to a concerned family member."

Written by Heather Douglass on November 21st, 2018

Experienced

"Each family has a different dynamic. A skilled nurse tries to recognize the specific personalities of those for whom she is caring, as well as those of the loved ones. When time allows, I try to visit with the family members of my patients so that they know who is caring for their loved one and begin to build rapport with them. Having a good relationship between care providers and family members usually has a positive effect on the patient."

Written by Darby Faubion

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