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

Preparing for an OB nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your clinical expertise, critical thinking skills, and ability to provide compassionate care to expectant mothers and newborns. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital or private practice, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your previous experience as an OB nurse and why you chose this specialty?
  A: As a registered nurse, I have a strong passion for women's health and caring for newborns. From my previous positions in labor and delivery departments, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges of OB nursing. I am drawn to this specialty because it allows me to make a positive impact on the lives of mothers and babies during the crucial time of childbirth.
• 2. What motivated you to pursue a career in nursing?
  A: Since I was a child, I have always felt a strong desire to help people and make a difference in their lives. As I grew older, I became fascinated with the complex and diverse field of healthcare, and knew that nursing was the perfect career for me to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in medicine and science.
• 3. How do you handle difficult situations or challenging patients?
  A: In my experience as an OB nurse, I have encountered a wide range of challenging situations and personalities. I always approach these situations with empathy and patience, actively listening to the patient’s concerns and addressing them with kindness and understanding. I also make sure to communicate effectively with my team to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
• 4. Can you walk us through your experience with electronic medical records (EMRs) and other medical software?
  A: Throughout my nursing career, I have worked with various EMR systems, including [specific systems/programs]. I am highly proficient in documenting patient information, updating records, and generating reports using these tools. I am also comfortable learning new software and adapting to different systems.
• 5. How would you prioritize and manage your tasks during a busy shift?
  A: As an OB nurse, it is essential to prioritize tasks based on the level of urgency and the needs of the patients. I would begin by addressing any urgent or emergency situations, then move on to completing routine patient assessments and medications. I also communicate with my team to delegate tasks and ensure that all patients receive timely and quality care.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. How do you handle a delivery with complications?
  A: If I encounter a delivery with complications, I follow the protocols and procedures outlined by our department. I remain calm and focused, continuously monitoring the mother and baby's vitals and assessing the situation. I communicate effectively with the physician and other members of the medical team to ensure prompt and appropriate actions are taken to safeguard the health of both mother and baby.
• 7. How do you assess the fetal heart rate during labor? What do you do if you detect any abnormalities?
  A: To assess the fetal heart rate during labor, I use a fetal heart rate monitor and observe the changes and patterns in the rate. If I detect any abnormalities, I immediately notify the physician and take appropriate interventions, such as changing the mother's position or administering oxygen to the mother. If necessary, I also conduct further tests, such as ultrasound, to assess the baby's health and make a plan for delivery.
• 8. Can you explain your experience in managing postpartum care for new mothers and babies?
  A: As an experienced OB nurse, I have provided comprehensive postpartum care to numerous mothers and newborns. This includes conducting routine assessments, educating new mothers on breastfeeding and infant care, administering medications, and monitoring for any postpartum complications. I am also well-versed in the physiological and emotional changes that occur post-delivery and can address any concerns or questions from the patients.
• 9. How do you handle a situation where a pregnant patient refuses medical interventions recommended by the physician?
  A: As a nurse, it is my responsibility to advocate for the best interests of my patients. If a pregnant patient refuses medical interventions recommended by the physician, I utilize my communication and critical thinking skills to understand their concerns and educate them on the potential risks and benefits of the interventions. If necessary, I also involve other members of the care team, such as the patient's support person or the physician, to find a solution that prioritizes the patient's health and respects their autonomy.
• 10. Can you give an example of how you have addressed a conflict or difficult situation with a colleague?
  A: In one particular instance, a colleague and I had a disagreement on the appropriate course of treatment for a patient. We both had different perspectives, but both wanted the best outcome for the patient. I addressed the conflict by actively listening to my colleague's thoughts and calmly expressing mine. Together, we evaluated the situation and came to a compromise that ultimately resulted in a positive outcome for the patient.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell me about a time when you had to think outside of the box to solve a problem in your nursing practice?
  A: In my previous position, we had a patient with pregnancy-induced hypertension who could not tolerate any medication for her high blood pressure. After discussing with the physician and researching various alternative therapies, I suggested using relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and visualization, to lower her blood pressure. This approach proved to be effective and helped manage the patient's condition without medication.
• 12. How do you stay current with the latest developments and advancements in the OB nursing field?
  A: To stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of OB nursing, I regularly attend workshops and conferences, read relevant journals and publications, and participate in online discussions and webinars. I also make a point to discuss recent advancements and best practices with my colleagues and incorporate any new knowledge or techniques into my practice.
• 13. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient or family member and how you handled the situation.
  A: I had a patient who was in labor but refused to follow our recommended birthing plan. She became increasingly agitated and anxious, which made it challenging to provide her with the necessary care and support. I took the time to sit down and calmly talk to her, addressing her fears and concerns, and eventually gained her trust. We worked together to find a birthing plan that she was comfortable with and helped her deliver a healthy baby.
• 14. How do you handle a situation where you made a mistake or an error in your nursing practice?
  A: In case of an error or mistake, my first priority is to ensure that the patient's health and safety are not compromised. I immediately report the error to the appropriate individuals, such as my supervisor or physician, and follow the protocol for documenting and addressing the mistake. I then take time for self-reflection and learning, and use the experience to improve my practice and prevent future errors.
• 15. Can you give an example of a time when you had to deliver difficult news to a patient or family member?
  A: As an OB nurse, I have had to deliver difficult news to patients and their families on numerous occasions, such as a high-risk pregnancy or a fetal abnormality. In one instance, I had to inform a patient that her baby had a life-threatening condition and needed immediate surgery after birth. I approached the situation with compassion and sensitivity, making sure to provide clear and accurate information and offer support to the patient and her family during this difficult time.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a situation where a patient is refusing to breastfeed their newborn?
  A: If a patient is refusing to breastfeed their newborn, I would first assess the reason for their reluctance and address any concerns or misconceptions they may have. I would also offer alternative feeding methods, such as pumping and bottle-feeding, while educating the patient on the benefits of breastfeeding for both the mother and baby's health. If necessary, I would involve a lactation consultant for additional support and guidance.
• 17. How would you respond to a laboring patient who has a detailed birth plan and wants things to happen a certain way?
  A: I would first acknowledge and respect the patient's birth plan and make sure to communicate effectively with them about any changes or deviations from their plan. I would also provide education and evidence-based information to help the patient make informed decisions about their care. However, I would also prioritize the safety and well-being of both the patient and the baby and work with the patient to find a birthing plan that meets their needs while ensuring the best outcome.
• 18. If you noticed a colleague providing care that did not align with evidence-based practices, what would you do?
  A: As a healthcare professional, it is my responsibility to advocate for evidence-based care and patient safety. If I noticed a colleague providing care that did not align with evidence-based practices, I would first address the issue with them in a respectful and collaborative manner. If the issue persists, I would escalate it to our supervisor or risk manager, following the appropriate hospital policies and procedures.
• 19. How do you handle a situation where a patient or family member is dissatisfied with their care and wants to speak to someone about it?
  A: In the event that a patient or family member is dissatisfied with their care, I make it a priority to actively listen to their concerns and address them with empathy and understanding. If necessary, I involve the appropriate individuals, such as a patient advocate or a member of the management team, to find a resolution and ensure the patient's needs are met.
• 20. Can you give an example of a time when you had to handle a high-stress situation during a delivery?
  A: As an OB nurse, I have had to handle many high-stress situations during deliveries, such as fetal distress, maternal hemorrhage, and emergency c-sections. In one particular instance, a patient experienced a sudden heart attack during delivery. I immediately called for help, followed the resuscitation protocol, and effectively coordinated with the physician to stabilize and deliver the baby. Despite the stressful situation, we were able to save both the mother and the baby.