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

Are you dreaming of a career as a perinatal nurse? Look no further for the perfect guide to prepare for your upcoming interview. Below you will find a list of essential questions and answers to help you showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in caring for expectant mothers and their newborns. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital or clinic, these questions cover all key areas of perinatal nursing.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a perinatal nurse.
  I have been a perinatal nurse for the past five years, working in a variety of settings such as hospitals and birthing centers. I have experience in prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. I have also received additional training in neonatal resuscitation and breastfeeding support.
• 2. What inspired you to become a perinatal nurse?
  I have always been passionate about maternal and child health. I find the process of pregnancy and childbirth fascinating and feel honored to support women and families during this special time in their lives.
• 3. How do you stay current with the latest developments and best practices in perinatal nursing?
  I am an active member of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). I also regularly attend workshops, conferences, and webinars to stay updated on the latest developments and best practices in perinatal nursing.
• 4. How do you handle the emotional and physical demands of working as a perinatal nurse?
  I believe self-care is essential, and I make sure to take breaks when needed and engage in activities outside of work that bring me joy. I also have a supportive network of colleagues and friends who I can lean on for support.
• 5. What qualities do you think are important for a perinatal nurse to possess?
  Compassion, patience, attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are all essential qualities for a perinatal nurse. Being able to provide emotional support and build a trusting relationship with patients and their families is also crucial.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult patient during labor. How did you handle the situation?
  During my time as an intern, I had a patient who was experiencing a difficult labor and was becoming increasingly agitated and uncooperative. I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself to remain calm and patient. I then took the time to actively listen to her concerns and needs. By showing empathy and understanding, I was able to gain her trust and provide her with the support she needed during the delivery.
• 7. Can you share an experience where you had to advocate for a patient's wishes or needs?
  I had a patient who had expressed a desire for a natural birth with minimal interventions. However, during her labor, the fetal heart rate began to drop, and the doctor recommended a cesarean section. I consulted with the patient and her partner, explained the situation and the potential risks, and advocated for their wishes. Together, we were able to come up with a plan that allowed for a vaginal delivery while also ensuring the safety of the baby and mother.
• 8. How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with fellow nursing staff or members of the healthcare team?
  I believe in open and honest communication. If I have a disagreement or conflict with a fellow staff member, I first try to understand their perspective. Then I calmly express my own perspective and work towards finding a solution that is in the best interest of the patient.

Situational Questions

• 9. If you notice a colleague administering the wrong medication to a patient, what would you do?
  I would first double-check with the colleague to confirm the medication they were administering. If I found that it was indeed the wrong medication, I would immediately report it to the supervisor and ensure the patient was closely monitored for any adverse effects. Patient safety is my top priority, and I believe in following the appropriate protocol in such situations.
• 10. How would you handle a situation where a patient wants to refuse a recommended medical treatment?
  I would first listen to the patient's concerns and try to understand their reasons for refusing the treatment. Then, I would educate them about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment and answer any questions they may have. If the patient still refuses the treatment, I would document the conversation and bring it to the attention of the healthcare team to discuss further options.
• 11. How would you handle a patient who is experiencing a medical emergency in the middle of the night when there is no doctor available?
  As a trained perinatal nurse, I have the skills and knowledge to handle emergency situations. I would immediately assess the situation, perform necessary interventions based on my training and experience, and call for assistance from a doctor or a more specialized nurse, if needed. I also believe in keeping the patient and their family informed and providing reassurance during such situations.

Technical Questions

• 12. What do you know about fetal monitoring techniques?
  Fetal monitoring is used to track the heartbeat of the fetus during labor and delivery. There are two types of fetal monitoring: external and internal. External monitoring is done by placing a device called a fetoscope on the mother's abdomen, and internal monitoring is done by attaching a sensor to the baby's scalp. Fetal monitoring helps detect changes in the baby's heart rate, and if necessary, interventions can be taken to prevent any complications.
• 13. Can you explain the stages of labor and how you assist patients through each stage?
  The stages of labor are divided into three parts: early, active, and transition. During the early stage, I assist patients by ensuring they are comfortable, monitoring their vital signs, and providing support through breathing and relaxation techniques. In the active stage, I guide them through the pushing process, offer encouragement, and provide necessary interventions. In the transition stage, I continue to monitor the patient and make sure they are prepared for the delivery of their baby.
• 14. How do you assess a newborn immediately after delivery?
  As the baby is being delivered, I assess their color, muscle tone, respiratory rate, heart rate, and reflexes. I also check for any signs of distress or abnormalities. Once the baby is placed on the mother's chest, I ensure skin-to-skin contact and assist with breastfeeding if needed.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 15. Why did you choose to apply specifically to our hospital/clinic?
  I have researched your hospital/clinic and am impressed by your dedication to providing top-quality perinatal care. Your facility also places an emphasis on creating a warm and supportive environment for patients, which aligns with my own values and approach to care.
• 16. How do you ensure cultural competency and sensitivity in your nursing practice?
  I believe in continuously educating myself on different cultural practices and beliefs related to pregnancy and childbirth. I also make sure to listen to and respect the wishes of my patients and their families, regardless of their backgrounds.
• 17. How do you handle situations where a patient's cultural practices may conflict with medical recommendations?
  I believe in open communication and building trust with my patients. In such situations, I would first listen to and respect the patient's cultural practices and beliefs. Then, I would offer education and alternatives, providing the patient with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about their care.

Other Questions

• 18. How do you handle high-stress situations?
  When faced with a high-stress situation, I try to stay calm and collected and focus on the task at hand. I use deep breathing or other relaxation techniques, and I am always prepared with a contingency plan in case things do not go as expected.
• 19. Can you give an example of a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem on the job?
  During a particularly busy night shift, there was a sudden power outage in the labor and delivery unit. This caused a delay in the electronic fetal monitoring system, which was essential for monitoring the babies' heart rates. I quickly thought of using a traditional fetal stethoscope as an alternative, ensuring patient safety and continuous monitoring.
• 20. What are the most important qualities a perinatal nurse should possess?
  I believe compassion, critical thinking, adaptability, and effective communication are all essential qualities for a perinatal nurse. Being able to provide emotional support and build trusting relationships with patients and their families is also crucial.