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Registered Nurse, NICU - Nights

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $34.45–$51.68 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 11, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had to speak up about a concern with a baby's care.

What they are checking: Whether they escalate through the chain of command when something doesn't seem right.

This is a night position. How do you handle a long night with a baby who is unstable?

What they are checking: Whether they stay focused and organized and use their team when a patient needs constant attention.

What would you do

How do you support parents who are seeing their baby in the NICU for the first time?

What they are checking: Whether they can comfort and teach families during one of the hardest moments of their lives.

How do you support a mother who wants to breastfeed a premature baby?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to help with pumping, feeding and bonding in the NICU.

A parent is angry and says the staff isn't telling them anything. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they listen and help families get clear information from the care team.

About the work

A premature baby has a sudden drop in heart rate and oxygen saturation. Walk me through what you do.

What they are checking: Whether they respond quickly with stimulation, airway checks and escalation using neonatal resuscitation steps.

How do you calculate and double-check medication doses for a 900-gram baby?

What they are checking: Whether they are careful with weight-based dosing, since small errors can be deadly in neonates.

What signs would make you worry about infection in a newborn?

What they are checking: Whether they know subtle signs like temperature instability and feeding changes and report them early.

How do you keep a fragile baby's environment calm and protect their development?

What they are checking: Whether they understand developmental care like light, noise and clustering care.

What NICU experience do you have, and what would you need to learn here?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about their skills so the right orientation can be planned.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Provides comprehensive nursing care through patient assessment, care planning, medication and treatment administration, education, and ongoing evaluation in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Uses clinical judgment to promote patient safety and quality outcomes while participating in performance improvement, shared governance, and professional nursing activities. SCHEDULE: 36-hours per week SHIFT: Nights ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Utilizes the nursing process and collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in caring for patients. • Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques, policies and procedures, standards of care, and State laws practice act. • Documents according to standards of care. • Performs assessments, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care. • Develops, initiates, and executes a patient plan of care according to the individualized needs of the patient, as prescribed by Physician and or clinic policy including patient and family instruction. • Participates in department or unit performance improvement activities, may include shared governance. • Utilizes clinical expertise and guidance to other units’ departments in support of the patient’s longitudinal plan of care. • Utilizes critical thinking regarding patient safety and patient experience and appropriately escalates to the appropriate chain of command. • Participates in the professional nursing continuum process, unit practice activities and decisions and peer review process. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • Graduate of an accredited nursing program. • ADN required upon hire, BSN preferred. • May require specific years of applicable experience to qualify (per department guidelines) CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE Licensed as an RN in state of practice Approved CPR/BLS certification required within 90 days Other certification(s) per unit requirements. For example : ACLS, PALS, PEARS, and NRP OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES May include color blind test (per department guidelines) LEVEL OF SUPERVISION N/A PAY RANGE: $34.45 - $51.68 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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