Working with kids can be just as demanding as it is exciting. That’s why it’s important to figure out if a candidate is fit to be a pediatric nurse right from the start. While clinical skills do matter a lot, finding someone who genuinely enjoys working with children is just as important. That’s where interviews come in. Recruiters usually aim to better understand a candidate’s personality and their suitability through these interviews.

So, now that you know what the recruiters are looking for, you know how to plan your answers effectively. And to help you prepare, we’ve made a list of questions to help you ace the interview!

Types of nurse interview questions

You can be asked different types of questions to help the interviewer gain a well-rounded perspective of you. So, before we get into the questions let’s understand the different types so you can prepare better answers by highlighting your skills and experiences accordingly. These questions can be categorized into:

1. General questions

These questions help the interviewer understand how your personal stance ties in with your professional one. The recruiter aims to understand your values and deem if you’d be a cultural fit for the facility. These questions can give you a great opportunity to discuss why this position is important to you, what motivated your interest and highlight experiences that will make you a better fit for this role. These questions are also a great way to set yourself apart from the other candidates, as well.

1.1 Tell me about yourself.

This is a seemingly straightforward question. But by answering it in certain ways, say by incorporating details relevant to your present context you can actually present yourself as a unique candidate who is dedicated to this role. Consider this answer:

“When I was a kid, I used to get sick a lot. I had practically made friends with the nurses at the local hospital. Once, during a particularly difficult blood draw, I was very scared when one of the nurses approached me and explained the process in a very child-friendly way. And by the time she was done, I realized they’d already done it, and I didn’t feel a thing. I think that was a defining moment for me to choose pediatric nursing. That experience showed me the incredible impact a caring and skilled pediatric nurse can have on a child’s experience in a healthcare setting, and I knew that one day, I wanted to become a nurse just like her.

Now, as a registered nurse with 5 years of experience, I’ve developed strong skills in communication, patience, and creating a positive environment for young patients. I’m confident that I can use these skills, along with my genuine love for kids, to make a positive difference in their lives.”

2. Skill-based questions

While answering these questions, you can highlight your real-world knowledge, which can help you portray yourself as a proficient nurse. Interviewers are mainly looking to assess your clinical judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with questions like these.

2.1 What would be your course of action if you had two patients experiencing different emergencies simultaneously?

This is a fairly common question and a scenario that a nurse would come across sooner or later. Answering questions like these in a well-thought-out manner can significantly increase your chances of standing out to the interviewer. Here’s a sample answer:

“My first step would be to assess and then prioritize. Say, for instance, there’s a 5-year-old with a severe allergic reaction experiencing active anaphylaxis and another 10-year-old who is experiencing a high fever and difficulty breathing. In that situation, I would quickly assess both children’s conditions. The child experiencing anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency, so I would immediately notify the emergency response team, and while waiting, I would initiate basic life support. If authorized, I would potentially administer a dose of epinephrine as well. And for the child with fever and breathing difficulty, I would take their vital signs and provide oxygen if needed. Once the responding teams arrive, I would update them about both patients’ conditions and let them know of any actions I’ve taken.”

Also read: 5 Commonly Asked Behavioral Nursing Interview Questions (With Answers)

3. Specialty based questions

With these questions, interviews aim to assess your hands-on knowledge in your chosen specialty. These questions become more prominent when interviewing for positions in specialized units like:

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Pediatric Oncology
• Pediatric Emergency Department

3.1 How would you manage a child experiencing a febrile seizure?

This is a scenario-based question, so answering it by emphasizing your critical thinking abilities and adaptability will definitely earn you some brownie points! Here’s a sample answer:

“I have actually dealt with a similar situation previously. Back when I was working at my previous facility, a 3-year-old was brought in with a high fever and experiencing a seizure. I prioritized the child’s safety and did my best to stabilize their condition. After clearing the airway, I applied a cooling blanket for the fever. I carefully monitored their vitals as their temperature gradually went down. I also communicated consistently with the parents, explaining the situation and reassuring them.”

4. Behavioral questions

Interviewers can ask you behavioral questions to further understand your temperament to determine your suitability. These questions delve into your past experiences and actions to assess your soft skills and personality traits. They can be based on communication, collaborative skills, patience, empathy, and adaptability.

4.1 Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation involving a child or their family.

This question is also pretty clear-cut and doesn’t require much planning to provide a satisfactory answer. However, do emphasize your skills, as that is what the interviewer is primarily looking for. Here’s an example:

“Back in my nursing school days, during clinical rotations, I came across a 3-year-old who needed stitches but was terrified of needles. I acknowledged their fear and explained the procedure by describing it as how their favorite stuffed toy would need stiches if they were hurt. I also used distractions like bubbles and rhymes to help with their anxiety. And while doing this, I also involved their parents in the process by constantly communicating with them and encouraging them to interact with the child as well. As a result, the child’s anxiety significantly reduced, allowing for a smooth procedure. When it was done, the parents expressed appreciation for my patient and understanding approach.

Final thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned RN or a nurse fresh out of school, interviews can be nerve-wrecking as is. But by understanding different types of questions, you can prepare confident and insightful answers. Keeping in mind the interviewer’s goals for each category, you can craft well-structured and impactful answers that showcase your suitability for the role.