Hi Nicola, first of all a massive good luck! I'm doing adult nursing at the moment and just thought of a few things that might help. They want to know that YOU know what a nurse really does, (not just cuddling poorly kids like some people think!), that it's hard work and that you could handle any conflicts with parents while respecting the fact that it's their choice about their child at the end of the day. (Say you've spoken to someone to get a better understanding like your practice nurse or something)
Check out Dept of Health website and have a quick look at any particular policies relating to children, throw them in the interview somehow if you can, everything is backed by policies nowadays and shapes everything we do (that would impress them and make u stand out!)
Also say you would be good at working with other members of the multi disciplinary team (physio's, play therapists, OT's etc), really really important that one. Also that you understand that they are NOT mini adults, children have their own needs when in hospital (play v.important) and have different concerns and see things very differently to adults (obviously you know this being a mum!)
Patient confidentiality, attention to detail and maybe that you wouldn't be happy just being a HCA cos you want to see the job through to the end instead of passing it onto someone else.
Have you got any experience in care work? You could always say you are going to or already have joined an agency to do some healthcare shifts on childrens wards to get some more experience. They must already be interested in you or they wouldn't have offered you an interview, there are sooooo many applicants for childrens nursing they can afford to be choosy so you're halfway there! Also, they seem to prefer slightly older students who've matured and can really handle juggling a full time course with motherhood (bloody nightmare it is sometimes!)
Which uni is it for and when is your interview? Do let us know how you get on
Luv Loopy x
