7 Best Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions

Pediatric nurse interview questions

A pediatric nurse is a type of nursing that is focused on children from birth through 18 years old. They may work in various settings such as hospitals, private practice, schools, and more.

When interviewing for this position it is important to be prepared with knowledge of the field, experience, and how you will contribute to the job.

Any hiring institution must come up with pediatric nurse interview questions for applicants.

These questions are meant to help identify the best nurses for the position.

Therefore to stand out among the rest, it is important to answer them carefully, thoughtfully, and confidently.

Scope of Pediatric Questions

Pediatric nurse interview questions are typically designed to measure three main areas.

These are clinical experience, customer service skills, and self-awareness.

All of these qualities are vital for an effective pediatric nurse.

For example, one question may ask what kind of nursing you enjoy most.

This will give them insight into your interests allowing them to make an informed decision about your fit for the job.

A good answer would be that you are passionate about working with children because pediatric nursing is unique and specific to this age group of patients.

Other questions may ask how you handle difficult patients or what type of nurse you are.

This will provide them with a sense of transparency which makes for a good hiring decision.

What to Expect in an Interview?

It may be beneficial to practice common questions that are typically asked in a pediatric nurse interview. This will help to ensure that you are ready for whatever comes your way.

Some questions may be difficult to answer on the spot so it is important to have a general idea of what you want to say before going into the interview.

Try not to be defensive and remain open-minded.

The interviewer wants to get to know you as a nurse and how you would potentially fit into their workplace.

Be prepared to talk about your experience, what you enjoy most about pediatric nursing, and how you handle difficult situations.

Try to have specific examples ready to go in case they ask for them.

The more information you can provide, the better.

So, what pediatric nurse interview questions can you expect? That’s coming up next.

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Interview questions for pediatric nurses

The Most Common Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

If you have been to several interviews, you can attest that there are so many types of questions that can be asked.

However, there are some that are more common than others.

Let’s take a look at the 7 most common pediatric nurse interview questions:

1. Tell us about yourself

This question is usually the opener and is meant to get to know you as a person.

You can talk about your background, education, experience, and why you are interested in the pediatric nursing field.

This is your opportunity to shine so make sure to highlight your strengths.

Example answer:

I am originally from California, but the hospital I worked at during my nurse internship is in Virginia.

After 2 years there as a pediatric RN, I decided to move back home and take some time off to recharge.

Now I’m looking for a new opportunity and think this job sounds perfect!

The pediatric nursing field has allowed me to work with such unique patients and I am passionate about helping kids feel better faster.

2. What is your greatest strength?

If this question is asked, make sure to emphasize a strength that would be beneficial in a pediatric nursing position.

It is important here not to just say work ethic but to show that you enjoy what you do and have a passion for it.

Example answer:

I am extremely detail-oriented which allows me to work efficiently.

I don’t let distractions get in the way and I always put the patient’s safety first.

This is especially important when working with kids because even the slightest mistake can have a big impact.

See also: PICU RN Interview Questions

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is meant to get a sense of your career goals.

Do you see yourself continuing to work as a pediatric nurse or do you have other aspirations?

When hiring members are looking to hire a new professional, they want to make sure that you are invested in the company and will be with them for the long haul.

Example answer:

I see myself continuing to work as a pediatric nurse.

I really enjoy working with kids and I think it’s a very rewarding career.

I am also interested in pursuing additional education so that I can become a certified pediatric nurse practitioner.

I’m certain this institution will be a great place to continue my growth as a nurse.

See also: Diabetes Specialist Nurse Interview Questions

4.What do you enjoy most about pediatric nursing?

When an interviewer asks this question, they are trying to get a sense of if you would be happy in the position and with their organization.

It is important to not just say that you enjoy working with kids but to really mention why you love pediatric nursing and what sparks your interest.

Example answer:

I have always been interested in pediatrics because I love seeing patients who are much younger than I am.

The innocence of children is something that really motivates me to do my best each day.

They always have the biggest smiles on their faces and love to play around, even if they’re in pain or feeling sick.

See also: Nursing Interview Questions

5. Why would you want to work here?

When interviewers ask this question, they want to know that you have done your research on the company and that you are genuinely interested in joining them.

It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the organization’s mission statement and core values so you can mention them in your answer.

Example answer:

I was impressed when I read about your hospital and its commitment to patient and family-centered care.

I really admire how you put the patients first and always work together as a team so that all of your patients can be at their best.

See also: Breast Care Nurse Interview Questions

6. Assume a pediatric patient’s parents are upset and demanding. How do you handle the situation?

This question is meant to see how you deal with difficult patients and their families.

It is important to remain calm and professional even when things are tough.

When responding, be sure to mention how you would go about providing the best care possible and what kind of support system you would have.

Example answer:

I would first make sure that we were doing everything we could for the patient.

If we had exhausted all options and they still wanted more, I would do my best to explain why we couldn’t provide anymore care.

I would try to answer all of their questions and be there for them so they felt supported.

See also: Charge Nurse Interview Questions

7. Tell me about a time when you didn’t follow the rules or protocol. What happened?

An interview is a great opportunity to share your professional experiences with the organization, but it’s important not to mention mistakes you have made in the past.

When answering this question, explain what went wrong and how you handled it without revealing any confidential information.

Example answer:

I once received a very short notice request for an assignment that was outside of my regular work hours.

I asked my manager if this would be okay and she said no but I didn’t have any other options.

I ended up working the extra shift and I was exhausted the next day.

In the future, if I’m ever in a similar situation, I’ll be sure to communicate with my manager earlier.

See also: Do Nurses Get Paid Overtime?

How to Prepare for the Pediatric Nurse Interview?

Now that you have an idea of what to expect and how to answer common interview questions, you’re ready for your pediatric nurse interview.

Here’s a list of things that will help you prepare:

1. Research the organization

Before going to the pediatric nurse interview, it is important to learn as much as you can about the hospital or organization.

This includes reading their website, mission statement, and core values.

It’s also a good idea to know their history and what they are working on currently.

2. Prepare examples

When interviewers ask questions like “Tell me about a time when”, it’s important to have a few examples ready to go.

This could be a time when you went above and beyond your duties, dealt with a difficult patient or family, or showed exceptional teamwork.

3. Dress professionally

Even if the pediatric nurse interview is not a formal event, it’s important to dress in professional attire.

This shows that you take the interview seriously and are respectful of the organization.

See also: Can Nurses Wear Nose Rings?

4. Arrive on time

This may seem like common sense, but arriving late to an interview is a major faux pas.

Make sure you allow plenty of time to get to the interview location and plan for any potential traffic delays.

5. Review and bring a copy of your resume

It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of your resume to an interview.

This way, the interviewer can reference it if they have any questions.

You may also want to bring a portfolio with additional information about your experience and education.

Make sure that your resume is up-to-date and that the information is accurate.

6. Practice various pediatric nurse interview questions

The best way to prepare for an interview is to practice answering various questions.

This will help you feel more confident when you’re in the interview.

Use the 7 most common pediatric nurse interview questions from this article as a starting point. Find someone to practice with and ask them to give you feedback on your answers.

7. Take notes during the interview

It is possible that some of the pediatric nurse interview questions or topics will be difficult to remember after the fact.

It’s a good idea to bring a notepad and take notes while you’re answering questions.

This way, you can reference your notes later and take a mental break from the interview.

8. Ask questions at the end of the interview

At the end of your pediatric nurse interview, you should have some common questions prepared to ask about benefits, duties, growth opportunities, and more.

When thinking about potential questions, it can also be helpful to think about what you would want to know if you were on the other side of the interview.

Conclusion: Interview Questions for Pediatric Nurses

Interviewing for a pediatric nurse position can be intimidating, but if you prepare ahead of time and go in with confidence, you’ll have a great chance of landing the job.

Remember to do your research on the organization, practice answering common questions, and take notes during the interview.

Finally, don’t forget to ask your own questions at the end.

Good luck with your pediatric nursing interview!

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About Ida Koivisto, BSN, RN, PHN

Ida is both a registered nurse and public health nurse. Her passion is to provide as much valuable information about nursing to the world as possible. In her spare time from work and blogging, Ida loves to work out at the gym and spend time with relatives.