Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Maternity Nurse Roles – 2025

Preparing for a maternity nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, experience, and skills in caring for mothers and newborns. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, clinic, or private home, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. What inspired you to become a maternity nurse?
  My passion for helping mothers and newborns, along with my desire to support families during a crucial time in their lives, led me to pursue a career in maternity nursing.
• 2. What experience do you have in working with mothers and newborns?
  I have over five years of experience working as a maternity nurse in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private homes. I have also completed specialized training in neonatal care and postpartum support.
• 3. How do you ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and baby during your shifts?
  I follow strict protocols and guidelines for postpartum care and newborn health. I also stay vigilant and address any concerns or unexpected issues immediately.
• 4. How do you handle difficult or stressful situations in the maternity ward?
  I remain calm and focused, communicate effectively with the medical team, and prioritize the safety and comfort of the mother and baby. I also seek support and guidance from my supervisors and colleagues if needed.
• 5. Why do you think cultural sensitivity is important in a maternity nursing role?
  Every family and culture has unique beliefs and practices surrounding childbirth and postpartum care. As a maternity nurse, it is crucial to respect and incorporate these cultural values into your care to provide the best possible support for the mother and baby.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult or uncooperative patient?
  In one instance, a mother struggled with postpartum depression, making it challenging for her to bond with her newborn. I focused on building a strong rapport with her, providing emotional support, and collaborating with the medical team to provide the best care possible. Eventually, she was able to form a bond with her baby and began to show improvement in her condition.
• 7. How do you prioritize and manage your tasks as a maternity nurse?
  I organize my tasks based on their urgency and importance, communicating with my team and delegating when necessary. I also remain flexible and adapt to any unexpected changes in patient needs or emergencies.
• 8. Can you give an example of a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs?
  In one case, a mother requested a specific pain management technique during labor that the hospital did not offer. I researched and presented evidence to support her request, ultimately advocating for her to receive the alternative pain management method she felt most comfortable with.

Situational Questions

• 9. How would you handle a situation where a new mother is experiencing breastfeeding difficulties?
  I would assess the root cause of the issue, provide support and resources to improve the mother's technique, and involve lactation consultants or other specialists as needed. I would also educate and reassure the mother about her options and the importance of seeking help if problems persist.
• 10. What would you do if you found a newborn in distress while the mother was asleep?
  I would first assess the newborn's condition and follow emergency protocols, if necessary. Then, I would try to gently wake the mother and involve the medical team to address the issue promptly.
• 11. How would you handle a situation where a family member is hesitant to allow regular newborn check-ups?
  I would explain the importance of these check-ups for the baby's health and development, using evidence-based information and resources to address the family member's concerns. If needed, I would also involve the medical team to educate and reassure the family.
• 12. What would you do if you noticed a mother showing signs of postpartum depression?
  I would provide emotional support, encourage the mother to seek help from mental health professionals, and communicate with the medical team to ensure proper care and support for the mother and baby. I would also collaborate with the family to create a safe and nurturing environment for the mother to heal.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 13. What knowledge do you have in neonatal care and newborn health?
  I have completed specialized training in neonatal care and have experience in providing basic newborn care, including feeding, bathing, and monitoring for potential health issues.
• 14. What experience do you have in assisting with breastfeeding?
  I have assisted numerous mothers in establishing and maintaining successful breastfeeding routines, providing support, education, and resources to improve their experience.
• 15. How do you ensure proper sanitation in the maternity ward?
  I follow all hospital protocols and guidelines for infection control and sanitize all equipment and surfaces before and after use. I also educate mothers and their families on proper hygiene practices to prevent potential infections.
• 16. Can you explain the process of monitoring and assessing a newborn's vital signs?
  I regularly check the newborn's heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature using appropriate equipment and techniques. I also observe for any changes in these vital signs and report any abnormalities to the medical team.
• 17. What measures do you take to ensure the safety of newborns during discharge?
  I educate parents on ways to ensure their baby's safety at home and provide resources and support for common concerns, such as safe sleep practices and addressing potential hazards in the home.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 18. How do you incorporate cultural values into your care for mothers and newborns?
  I respect and incorporate cultural beliefs and practices into my care, communicating with the family and medical team to ensure the best possible outcomes for the mother and baby. I also continuously educate myself on different cultures to provide culturally sensitive care.
• 19. Why do you want to work for our hospital/clinic/private home?
  I admire your hospital/clinic/private home's reputation for providing high-quality care and support for families during the crucial time of childbirth. I am also attracted to your values and commitment to cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care.
• 20. What motivates you to continue learning and improving as a maternity nurse?
  I am passionate about providing the best possible care for mothers and newborns and am committed to continuously expanding my knowledge and skills in the field. I am also inspired by the positive impact I can have on families during such a special and important time in their lives.