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Neonatal Nurse Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Neonatal Nurse interview questions and answers.


  1. As a neonatal nurse, how do you stay up to date with the latest medical research and information in your field? See answer
  2. You have a parent who is distraught about their child’s condition and keeps breaking hospital regulations to try holding the baby. How do you respond? See answer
  3. Why did you choose to establish a career in the field of neonatology? See answer
  4. What certifications do you have that help you to provide excellent neonatal care? See answer
  5. What would you do if the neonatal intensive care unit is very busy and you notice that a co-worker is slacking on their duties? See answer
  6. How do you manage to stay calm during high-pressure or stressful workplace situations? See answer
  7. How do you prioritize and manage the many tasks you must complete on the job each day?
  8. What treatment would you recommend for a newborn who was experiencing breathing complications?
  9. Tell me about a time when you were administering a treatment that wasn’t working. How did you handle and resolve the problem?
  10. What type of medical equipment do you use when caring for premature infants?
  11. What’s your method for assisting mothers who are struggling to breastfeed their newborn?
  12. Have you ever disagreed with the treatment plan or diagnosis provided by a physician?
  13. What’s your process for comforting or responding to upset parents or family members of newborns?
  14. Why do you believe it’s important to be a strong team player when working in a medical facility?
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6 Neonatal Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

As a neonatal nurse, how do you stay up to date with the latest medical research and information in your field?

A:

Asking this question lets you get a more in-depth look at the neonatal nurse candidate’s education. Someone who takes the time to continue learning after gaining basic credentials can be a great asset to any health care facility. Their answer helps you see what their passions truly are, and it lets you find out if they are current on new regulations and treatment options. What to look for in an answer:

  • Interest in learning a lot about the field
  • Understanding of the importance of learning new guidelines
  • Enthusiasm about neonatology

Example:

“I make time to read medical journals, and being a member of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses helps me stay updated on the new developments in my field.”

Q:

You have a parent who is distraught about their child’s condition and keeps breaking hospital regulations to try holding the baby. How do you respond?

A:

You can use this question to evaluate how the neonatal nurse would react in an emotionally fraught situation. Their answer can tell you if the person has the right customer service skills and emotional stability for the job. This question also helps to identify whether or not the candidate puts enough value on following medical guidelines. What to look for in an answer:

  • Desire to comply with hospital policies
  • Understanding and empathy for parents
  • A focus on the well-being of the child

Example:

“I would explain that the regulations help the baby get the best possible care, and if they continue, I would need to politely ask them to leave.”

Q:

Why did you choose to establish a career in the field of neonatology?

A:

Being a neonatal nurse tends to be a job with a lot of pressure, so you need to learn as much as possible about the candidate’s personality and goals. This question gives them a chance to tell you what motivates them and explain how they got where they are today. Their answer can provide insight into the drive that could make them a great team member in your intensive care unit. What to look for in an answer:

  • Enthusiasm for neonatal care
  • Excitement at the idea of helping others
  • Interest in medical challenges of neonatal care

Example:

“I find it really uplifting to be in an environment where we are trying to help these unique patients grow.”

Q:

What certifications do you have that help you to provide excellent neonatal care?

A:

Not all neonatal nurses have the same certifications, so be sure to ask this question and make sure the applicant has everything your health care facility will need. Their answer to this question also lets you know if the candidate is educated in nursing requirements, and it can tell you whether they are interested in continuing to learn more helpful skills. What to look for in an answer:

  • Awareness of the necessary training a neonatal nurse needs
  • Desire to continue education
  • Proper certification required by your organization

Example:

“I’m certified in neonatal resuscitation along with ECG and BLS interpretation, and I plan to pursue an RNC-NIC certification once I have more on-the-job hours.”

Q:

What would you do if the neonatal intensive care unit is very busy and you notice that a co-worker is slacking on their duties?

A:

Using this question in an interview helps you to see how the candidate would interact with all of their co-workers. Asking about this scenario lets you see if they would be able to remain tactful while still encouraging co-workers to get more done. This question can also be useful because it helps you find out a little about the nurse’s ability to stay calm and manage time wisely. What to look for in an answer:

  • Diplomacy and politeness when dealing with co-workers
  • Ability to deal with a busy NICU
  • Strong time-management abilities

Example:

“I’d try to prioritize the most important tasks first while I politely suggest that the idle co-worker starts on one of the other tasks.”

Q:

How do you manage to stay calm during high-pressure or stressful workplace situations?

A:

Most neonatal nurses work in the emergency room or the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital. This means they must be ready to respond to high-risk medical issues that require immediate care. Look for a candidate who has experience working in fast-paced work environments, can remain calm at all times and will react quickly and logically to emergency situations.

The candidate's answer should emphasize:

  • Experience responding to and resolving emergency medical conditions
  • Strategy for remaining calm in a stressful environment
  • Quick-thinking and logical problem-solving abilities

Example:

"I actually adapt well to fast-paced environments. When an emergency situation occurs, I'll take three deep breaths, which can calm me down well enough to allow me to free my mind of other issues and think more clearly. As I respond to a particular emergency situation, I'll take each necessary step at a time and perform every action as needed until the infant is fully treated and has returned to stable health. Thinking positively also allows me to express a calming and relaxed energy to keep the infant's parents and family members from worrying or causing a scene."

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