Suggested Interview Questions
Before conducting an interview, it is important to have an idea of what qualities and skills you are looking for in a babynurse and what your specific position entails. Once you have a clear picture, you can tailor the below questions to your specific needs.
Below are some ideas and questions to assist you with your babynurse interviews. The interview techniques you ultimately use, along with your verification of their references, will ensure that you are hiring the best possible candidate. References will provide beneficial information about the candidate you are considering.
General
- How long have you been working with children?
- Why do you like working with children?
- How many babynurse positions have you had?
- What were the lengths of time for most of your positions?
- Do you have experience working with multiple children, twins, triplets?
- Do you have experience with first-time parents?
- If so, how did you help adjust the baby to its parents?
- What do you find most challenging or difficult about working with first-time parents?
- How comfortable are you giving us detailed reports about the baby and its day?
- Did you normally keep a journal for the baby?
- If not, will you keep a detailed journal if requested?
- How old should the baby be before you start with a sleep schedule?
- Bassinet versus the Crib?
- Have you worked on cases where the bassinet has been in the room with mom and dad?
- Do you have experience with baby monitors?
Entertaining the Baby
- What is your preferred method(s) of entertaining the baby?
- Do you read to the baby?
- Do you talk to the baby?
- Do you sing to the baby?
- Do you believe in letting the baby cry?
- If so, for how long?
If Breastfeeding
- Do you have experience assisting new mothers with breastfeeding?
- Do you have experience with pumping and supplemental feedings?
Special Needs
- Do you have experience with preemie babies?
- Do you have experience with colic?
- Do you have experience with sleep apnea?
- Do you have experience with reflux?
- Do you have experience with ear infections?
- Do you have experience with allergies?
Before the Baby Comes
- Do you have experience with baby proofing?
- Do you have experience setting up the nursery?
- Do you have a list of things you recommend for first-time parents?
Babynurses will take special care of your newborn and you! They will teach you techniques related to caring for your newborn, including, but not limited to:
- Bathing techniques
- Bedtime routine
- Feeding, diapering, dressing
- Washing the baby’s laundry
- Maintaining your baby’s room
- Lactation consultation
- Umbilical and circumcision care
- Dealing with colic, gas and excessive crying
Additionally, they will help get the baby on a schedule. This will aid in normalizing parents’ sleeping patterns once private Babynurse services are no longer in use.
The time spent with a Babynurse should be pleasant and gratifying – you will spend many hours together!
Is a Babynurse right for me?
- Will I need rest after giving birth?
- Will I need help with breastfeeding and/or pumping?
- Could I use some help establishing a schedule for my baby?
- Will an extra pair of hands make me feel more secure?
- Will having someone experienced in umbilical cord care and circumcision care be of value to me?
These are just some of the questions to ask yourself when deciding if you’ll need a Babynurse.
The length of a Babynurse stay is usually between 1 and 6 months but is negotiable depending upon the needs of the family.
Because you and your Babynurse will spend many hours together, we encourage a face-to-face interview of Babynurse candidates to ensure that their skills and personality are the right fit for you and your family. After all, you will be sharing some wonderful memories during some very intimate moments.
Interviewing a Babynurse is often as simple as having an initial phone conversation, followed by a face-to-face interview. Some families wish to have their Babynurse meet with the mother’s OB/GYN and/or the prospective pediatrician.
How far in advance should I book a Babynurse?
- Any time after the first trimester; the sooner the better.
When do Babynurses start?
- Some Babynurses go to the hospital and accompany the “family” home, or just welcome you at your home upon your return from the hospital.
- Some babynurses assist the family with preparations including nursery set up.
What are the costs of a Babynurse?
Babynurses base their rate on 22 hour days. Their average daily rate (net after taxes) is usually between:
- $350.00-$500.00 for Singleton
- $500.00-$700.00 for Twins
- $600.00-$800.00 for Triplets
If your family is looking to find and hire a qualified Babynurse consider working with a Babynurse agency like Household Staffing International LLC. Get started by filling out our application.
For qualified candidates looking for a Babynurse job, please visit our section For Applicants/Candidates to see how you can join our team.