common interview questions for nursing jobs

30 Top Nursing Interview Questions & Answers | 2024

• Types of Interview Questions
• Question Themes
• How to Answer
• Common Interview Questions & Answers

Questions to Ask the Employer

Things to do before leaving the interview.

• Interview Prep

Wondering which nursing interview questions you might be asked at your next job interview? You've come to the right place. Read on for the top nursing interview questions and answers to help you nail that next interview. 

Types of Nursing Interview Questions

Healthcare employers tend to lean towards asking behavioral-based interview questions.

Behavioral-based questions are about how you acted in a specific situation. The goal is to gauge how you react under different circumstances. It is best to answer these questions with real-life stories and examples.

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Enrollment: Nationwide

• BSN-to-MSN - Family NP
• BSN-to-MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health NP
• BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics
• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Informatics
• BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Education
• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Education
• RN-to-MSN - Nursing Leadership & Management
• BSN-to-MSN - Nursing Leadership & Management

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals. GCU offers a full spectrum of nursing degrees, from a pre-licensure BSN degree to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.

• MSN - Family NP
• MSN - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP
• MSN - Nursing Education
• MSN - Health Informatics
• MSN - Public Health Nursing
• MSN - Health Care Quality & Patient Safety
• MBA & MSN - Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems
• See more GCU nursing programs

As a working RN, you need a flexible, transfer-friendly program to help you save time and money as you take the next step in your nursing career. In our CCNE-accredited4 RN to BSN program, you can transfer in up to 134 credits—which is nearly 75% of program requirements. Your transfer credits can be reviewed in one business day (on average).

Enrollment: FL

• MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
• MSN - Adult-Gerontology NP - Primary Care
• MSN - Pediatric NP - Primary Care
• MSN - Nursing Leadership & Admin
• See more Rasmussen nursing programs

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding NY and WA.

• MSN - Women's Health NP
• MSN - Nurse-Midwifery/Women's Health NP

Nursing Interview Question Themes

Most behavioral interview questions asked of nurses are based on the following themes: 

• Patient-care
• Adaptability
• Time management
• Communication style
• Motivation and core values

How to Answer Behavioral-Based Questions

When telling stories during interviews, we suggest using the S-T-A-R format - this will ensure your story is direct, concise and to the point. So, what does the acronym  S-T-A-R  stand for?

A ction-steps

You can learn more about answering interview questions by using the  S-T-A-R format  by reading our complete guide to nursing interviews. 

30 Common Nursing Interview Questions & Answers

• Teamwork questions
• Patient care questions
• Adaptability questions
• Time management questions
• Communication style questions
• Motivation and core values questions

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Teamwork

Interviewers want to envision how you will fit in with their team and how you work well with various personalities. We suggest telling a story about a time you dealt with a co-worker who had a conflicting personality, a disagreement within your healthcare team, or a challenging patient case involving your team. Always remember to talk about what you learned from the situation and if anything positive came from it. 

1. Describe a situation when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to build a relationship with this person?

Never talk badly about anyone during an interview. Explain the situation and why the individual was difficult. Share how you handled the situation. Try to turn anything negative into a positive. What did you learn from the situation? What might you do differently now? What was the “silver lining”? Were you able to talk through your differences? Did you become friends? 

Sample answer:

Working closely with difficult coworkers can be challenging, but it is important to remember the patient, their care, and their family is most important. Putting aside differences is essential for all nurses because not everyone is the same. Sometimes this means not discussing specific topics such as religion or politics at work. With that being said, not everyone will become friends in the workplace but working together is key for the successful care of patients.

2. Talk about a conflict within your healthcare team. What was the conflict, and how did you handle it?

Explain the conflict surrounding the situation. Who was involved? What was your role? Did anything positive come from this? What did you learn? 

Conflict often occurs in the hospital setting, particularly between new nurses and more seasoned staff, as well as doctors and nurses. At one specific time, there was concern from a parent that a newer nurse was not monitoring a patient’s breathing postoperatively as closely as she would have liked.

I was covering the nurse for lunch and the mother brought her concerns to me. I discussed and validated her concerns. Once the nurse was back from lunch, I spoke with her regarding the mother’s concerns. The nurse was very upset and felt it was not my place to say anything to her regarding this. A parent or patient’s concerns should never be dismissed. I spoke to the nurse educator on the unit to use the opportunity as a teaching moment.

3. Describe a time when you were particularly proud of your healthcare team. What was your role in this situation? 

Describe the circumstances and actions step-by-step. What happened to make you feel proud? What was your role? Who was involved? What was the result? 

Working in the ICU setting, there are countless moments that make me proud to be a nurse and proud to be part of this amazing community. Watching a patient survive a code, take their first steps on prosthetic legs, or be in the room when a patient I tell is receiving a new heart is the moment we all want to be a part of. Even if I am not delivering the news or caring personally, the information my patient receives directly affects me.

4. Tell me about a time you stepped into a leadership role.

This doesn’t need to be anything official. Think about a time when you stepped up to the plate and took charge of a situation. What was the circumstance? What made you take the lead? Who was involved? Did any opportunities arise from this situation? 

I have acted as a charge nurse numerous times in my career. I have had to lead code teams, respond to rapid responses, and make difficult staffing decisions. As a charge nurse I have determined patient assignments to ensure that assignments are fair and equal. Furthermore, I have to ensure that the nurses’ skill set is sufficient for the assignment.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Patient Care 

Healthcare hiring professionals want to hire nurses who provide excellent patient care. Education is of utmost importance to healthcare employers. We suggest telling stories about times you provided top-notch patient care or went out of your way to educate patients and/or their families. 

1. Tell me about a time when a patient’s family was dissatisfied with your care. How did you handle that situation?

Make sure to explain the situation in detail, including both perspectives (the patient’s family and yours). Never talk badly about patients or their families. Take ownership if you indeed did something wrong. Share any positives that came from this - what did you learn? What would you do differently now? How did you turn this into a positive? 

I once was floated to a unit that I had never worked in and wasn’t sure where supplies were located. The patient's mother did not recognize me as a regular floor nurse on the unit, which already made the family leery of me from the start of the shift. I continually had to prove myself throughout the day because, as nurses, we all do things slightly differently.

There is not always a wrong way or a right way to do things but in this case, there was a policy to be followed. I followed it, and apparently, my dressing change was slightly different than the previous ones. I communicated regularly with the charge nurse, and she came to check in with the family to address any issues in real time.

2. What approach do you take in communicating with people who do not know medical jargon? Give an example of a time you explained medical terminology to someone who is not medically trained.

Explain step-by-step how you’ve performed in a similar situation. What specific words and terminology did you use? How did you know that the individual understood your explanation? 

It is imperative that we use simple words for our patients and families who are not medically trained and utilize a teach-back method to ensure they understand the information that is communicated to them. I once had to explain post-operative care to a family whose child had tonsil surgery. I had to use words such as poop instead of bowel movement. I used Tylenol instead of acetaminophen.

3. Describe a time you provided effective patient or family education.

Tell a story about a time when you knew your patient or family retained your teachings. How did you know that you effectively communicated the piece of education? 

After teaching families, I ask them to repeat the information in their own words. Using a teach-back method allows nurses to know if families truly understood the information that was given to them. It is also important to provide the family with written educational material and use other forms of education, such as videos or hands-on, when possible.

I taught a family post-operative spine care after a posterior spinal fusion. The parents were able to properly demonstrate how to transfer their child from the bed to the chair. In doing so, I was able to determine that they had retained the information.

4. Talk about a time a patient or their family was particularly pleased and appreciative of your care.

Tell a story about a family who was happy with your care. What did you do in particular that they were pleased with? How did you know they were happy? What were the results of this situation?

Working in pediatrics can be challenging but also very rewarding. There are times when parents are unable to stay at the bedside 24/7 because of work, other children, or previous commitments.

I was taking care of a 6-month-old twin during a specific shift. The family was unable to be at the bedside because the father had to work, and the mother was at home with the twin sister and the other children. I spent my shift playing with the infant with age-appropriate toys, and when the mother called to check in – I put the phone next to the infant. The mother was able to hear her baby laughing while singing to her. This brought them closer together and the mother to tears. She stated that no other nurse had done that during the hospitalization, and she was eternally grateful.

5. Give an example of a time you had to interact with a hostile patient. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome? 

Tell a story about a hostile patient and your step-by-step actions. What was the patient doing that was hostile? How did you react? How did you feel? What procedures did you follow to interact with the patient? What was the result of your actions? 

Unfortunately, hostile patients often are part of the job. It’s important to remember some of the patients are being hostile because they are in pain, away from family, and in the hospital setting.

T here was a time when a patient refused to take her medication. I tried everything, but she would spit them out at me when she tried to take them. Because of this behavior, I involved my charge nurse, the physician in charge of her care, and the social worker.

After many conversations and phone calls, it was determined the patient was spitting the medication out because she liked it mixed in chocolate pudding. The woman was elderly and suffered from dementia. It was only after speaking with the social worker that we learned of her medication preference. She was not able to communicate with us her wants and needs and this led to hostility.

6. Describe a time you were faced with a patient who chose not to communicate or disclose important information. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome? 

Tell a story about a patient you worked with in a similar situation. What step-by-step actions did you take to obtain the information from the patient? What were the results of your actions? 

A parent once didn’t disclose that the father of the child was not her current boyfriend. This was important as the patient was going to need consent forms signed, and legally, this boyfriend was not able to sign the consent forms. Additionally, there was a man calling the unit, claiming to be the father of the child. Social work and the nurse manager were notified.

Through an open conversation, the mother disclosed the correct identity of the father. While I personally did not discover the information, it is essential to know the resources that are available to you and utilize them to the best of your ability.

Interviewing isn’t easy—for anyone! It’s important to be overly prepared to put your best foot forward during every stage of the process. Nurse.org put together this super helpful workbook packed full of exercises, sample questions, and checklists to help you ace your next interview.

By clicking download, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

Your request has been received. Thanks!

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Adaptability

The nursing profession is one of constant urgency, crisis, and uncertainty. Tell stories of challenges and follow up with key takeaways and learned lessons. 

1. Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it? 

Tell a story about a time you were stressed and under pressure to perform. Explain the situation and why you felt pressured. Describe step-by-step the actions you took to make it through the situation. What was the result? What did you learn? What might you do differently now? 

I was the most senior nurse in the unit by over a decade. I had to handle my patient assignments and act as a resource to the other newer nurses on the unit. I had to make sure my time management was great, as well as my ability to drop everything and help someone else. I had to stay organized; otherwise, I would not have been able to assist others.

2. Describe a time when your facility was undergoing some change. How did that impact you, and how did you adapt? 

Talk about a time your facility changed. Maybe they were acquired by another facility. Perhaps they transitioned to a new computer system. Describe the change and the steps you took to adapt to such change. 

One healthcare system I worked for switched from paper charting to electronic medical records and computerized charting. This transition was confusing and often overwhelming. I was able to adapt quickly, but unfortunately, some of my coworkers were not able to.

3. Tell me about a time when you didn’t know the answer to something at work. How did you go about finding the information? 

Tell a story about a time when you did not know the answer. Explain step-by-step the action you took to find the information. Talk about the result of your actions. 

As nurses, there is no way that we can possibly know everything. Knowing where to go for help is the first step. At the beginning of every shift, I identify a nurse that I can use as a resource, such as the charge nurse, nurse educator, or unit resource nurse. This individual is generally someone who is more senior with an advanced skill set.

If I am unable to get the answer from them or they are busy I look at the healthcare systems policy and procedure manager. If there is a concern regarding a medication dosage or interaction, I look to Lexi-Comp.

4. Give me an example of an awkward situation at work. How did you remove yourself from the situation?  

Tell a story about an uncomfortable situation. What was the situation, and why did it feel awkward? Explain the steps you took to leave the situation. What were the results of your actions? What did you learn? 

I once had a teenage male patient make very inappropriate sexual comments towards me. At first, I ignored them, thinking it was a one-time thing. The second time, I told him that the comments were inappropriate and I did not want him to say those things to me. The third time, I left the patient’s room and went directly to the charge nurse.

I explained the situation and how uncomfortable I was in caring for the patient. She gathered a team to speak to the patient. My assignment was switched for the remainder of the shift.

5. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?

Share a story about when you experience failure. Talk about your feelings and why you felt that you failed. Discuss anything positive that came from this failure. What did you learn from failing? What might you do differently now? 

Failing is one of the worst feelings in the world, either professionally or personally. Working in the ICU setting, patients die. We fail them when this happens. I fail them when this happens.

After every death, there is a debriefing to discuss what went well and what could have been done differently. I took that time to reflect on my participation in the event and if there was something I could have done differently. Failure doesn’t equal weakness. It simply is something that we must improve upon.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Time Management 

Nurses are masters at multitasking - for example, managing multiple patients and administering medication on time while maintaining detailed notes. Tell stories about your punctuality, ability to meet deadlines, and how you remain organized through it all. 

1. Talk about a time you worked in a fast-paced setting. How do you prioritize tasks while maintaining excellent patient care? 

Give an example of a time you had to prioritize your tasks quickly. Explain your thought process in detail and why you chose to complete the duties in such an order. 

Working in an ICU setting is extremely fast-paced, and it is essential to prioritize your tasks for the day. At the beginning of the shift, I make a to-do list with everything that needs to be accomplished. I put the must-do things at the top of the list and the things I would like to do at the bottom.

Administering medications is placed at the top of the list, and washing a patient’s hair is further down. While I would love to accomplish everything, it just isn’t possible.

2. Describe your experience with a very ill patient who required a lot of your time. How did you manage this patient’s care while ensuring your other patients were adequately cared for? 

Talk about the patient’s care and why they needed much of your time. What was the illness, trauma or injury? How did you ensure that this patient received quality care? How did you manage your other patients? 

Delegation is key here. Knowing when to ask for help is important. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

3. Talk about a time when you felt overwhelmed with your work or patient load. What did you do? 

Give a specific example of a time you were overwhelmed. Explain step-by-step the actions you took to overcome this feeling and to focus on the task at hand. 

I asked for help during these situations. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

4. Give an example of an important goal you set for yourself. Did you accomplish that goal? How did you ensure that you accomplished it? 

Make sure the goal you share is related to your career. Explain the steps you took to accomplish your goal. What challenges did you face? How did you feel once you accomplished your goal? 

I set the goal of earning my pediatric certification and made a list of things that I must do to achieve that. I signed up for the exam and paid the fee, so I had to take it. There was no backing out.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Communication Style

It is important to convey your particular communication style and techniques. Tell stories about specific times you either had difficulty communicating or times you communicated well. If you can, walk through your step-by-step thought process and give examples. 

1. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade a patient to agree to something. How did you persuade this person? 

Tell a story about a specific time when you had a difficult time getting a patient to agree to something at work. What was the situation, and what did they need to agree to? What specific actions did you take to get them to agree? What was the result? 

Ideally, we never want to persuade a patient to do something. We would like the patient to agree to it freely. However, I did bargain with a child that if he ate his breakfast, I would play video games with him afterward. Using a bargaining system worked well to ensure the patient was well nourished.

2. Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to explain yourself to your team or to a patient. 

Talk about a time when you successfully relied on written (or typed) communication. What were the circumstances? What was being discussed? How did you ensure success? 

Most hospitals utilize a text feature to communicate quickly with the medical team. It is important to be concise and provide all of the important information so that the medical team can determine the best course of action.

3. Talk about a time when you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation? 

No one is perfect; we all have flaws. Discuss a time when you experienced miscommunication at work. What were the circumstances? How did you know you did not communicate well? What did you learn? What were the results? 

This often happens when there is a language barrier. I learned that it is always better to ask for an in-person interpreter or utilize computer translation software. This ensures there is no miscommunication of information. Unfortunately, hand gestures and speaking louder don’t always work.

4. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive. 

Discuss a time at work when you received negative feedback. What was the feedback and circumstances surrounding the feedback? Who gave you the negative feedback? How did it make you feel? What did you do as a result of the feedback? 

I was once told that I needed to be more social at work and try and bond with my work colleagues. I disagreed with my manager because I felt that we were there to work and take care of our patients, not to make friends. Becoming close friends with coworkers is an added bonus.

While I didn’t become best friends with anyone from the unit, I was able to spend downtime reading and studying to earn additional certifications, which helped me secure better jobs and opportunities in nursing.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Motivation and Core Values

These questions are designed to help interviewers understand your motivation and personal values. When answering such questions, you should share motivational stories from your life that convey your core values. 

1. What is one professional accomplishment that you are most proud of and why? 

Tell a story about one of your most noteworthy accomplishments at work. What was the accomplishment? What steps did you take to achieve it? Who else was involved in this accomplishment? What happened as a result of the accomplishment? 

Earning my advanced pediatric certification is something I worked very hard for, and it validates the years I have spent at the bedside.

2. Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your work as a Nurse? What could have been done to make it better? 

Most nurses encounter difficulties while working. Talk about a time when you felt dissatisfied with your work. What were the circumstances, and what happened? What was your role? Why did you feel dissatisfied? What would you do differently now? What did you learn? 

I once became extremely dissatisfied because I was consistently being given easier assignments and not being given the ICU level of patients. It became frustrating, and while I understood that others needed to learn and gain experience, it quickly left me annoyed with my position, the unit, and the healthcare system.

I sat down and spoke to my nurse manager about my concerns and inquired why it was happening. The nurse manager was not aware of the situation and it was later determined that a few of the charge nurses were giving the sicker patients to their friends and not spreading them out amongst the nurses.  

3. Describe a time when you went over and above your job requirements. What motivated you to put forth the extra effort? 

Talk about a specific instance when you went out of your way for your job or for a patient. What were the circumstances? Why did you choose to take the action? What did you do? What were the results? 

I personally feel like I give 110% to all of my patients every shift, but there was one that I grew especially close with. For some reason, the patient had been dropped off by a family member, and no one had come to see the child for months. It was obvious the patient was missing key developmental milestones and was becoming increasingly lonely and depressed.

I asked to become the primary nurse for the patient, which meant every time I worked, he would be assigned to me. I worked with him over several months to get him potty trained and to improve his vocabulary. I don’t know exactly why I was extra motivated, but at that time in our lives, the patient and I needed each other.

4. Give an example of a mistake you’ve made. How did you handle it? 

It is important to admit that you make mistakes and to own up to them. Talk about the specific mistake and why it happened. What was your role in the mistake? How did you know that you made a mistake? Who was involved? What did you learn? What have you done to improve? What were the results? 

Mistakes are part of nursing, whether we like to admit to it or not. It’s important to learn from those mistakes and become a better nurse. One mistake that I will never forget is leaving the gastronomy tube unclamped with medication administration.

Because it was unclamped when I opened the port to give the next medication, the last medication, as well as formula, came out. I was unable to clamp it quickly enough, and the medications I had already given were leaking onto the bed. 

I had to speak with the medical team and pharmacy to discuss replacing them. I have never forgotten to clamp the gastronomy tube again.

5. What do you find most difficult about being a Nurse? How do you overcome this difficulty? 

Be honest and talk about the most difficult component of nursing. Maybe it’s working with a specific patient population. Or acting in a leadership role. Whatever it is to you, always make sure to talk about the steps and actions you’ve taken to cope with the difficulty.

The most difficult aspect of being a nurse is watching a patient die, especially one that I have cared for when they were healthy. Watching the family lose a loved one is heartbreaking. Sometimes I sit in the bathroom and take a moment for myself to cry, to reflect, and to pause to remember the patient. Death is part of our everyday world, and sometimes that is hard to remember.

Interviewing is a two-way street. Often, nurses are so excited and nervous about answering questions well during their interviews that they forget to ask questions to their potential future employers.

After all, how do you know if the job is an excellent fit unless you ask about the details that are important to you?

Most of the time, when you reach the end of your interview, employers will ask interviewees if they have any questions about the position. This is a great opportunity to show that you have done your research on their facility and expected job duties and demonstrate how excited you are about the position. 

Depending on time, you may want to consider limiting your questions to two or three questions. Most nursing administrators set aside an allotted amount of time to interview each potential new hire, and you don’t want to be disrespectful of their time. 

Many of these questions may also be great to ask after you have the job and work 1:1 with a preceptor or other helpful nurses. Experienced nurses are great resources for questions once you get the job!

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Onboarding

• How long is the training period, and what does it entail?
• How will my training success be measured?
• Will I have orientation days, and what will they entail?
• What advice would you give to a nurse who is just starting on the unit?
• How quickly are you looking to hire someone?
• Who will I be reporting to?
• What shifts are you hiring for: night, day, mid-shift, or alternating?
• Will I be required to work on-call shifts?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Mentoring

• Will I be assigned a preceptor?
• How will my success as a new hire be measured?
• What is your training process for new hires?
• What advice do you have for a new hire who wants to succeed in this unit?
• How frequently do you perform performance reviews?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Culture

• Can you explain what the nursing culture is like here?
• Does the nursing staff face any ongoing challenges on the unit? What are the most critical challenges?
• What is the management style of this unit?
• What does an ideal candidate look like for this role?
• How does this nursing environment facilitate collaboration and unity?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Professional Development

• Are there any professional development opportunities?
• How long do nurses work at the bedside before taking on a charge nurse role?
• Do you offer tuition reimbursement for nurses advancing their education to take on higher-level nursing roles?
• Are nurses encouraged to become certified in their specialties?
• Will I be expected to float to other units? How often will that occur?

Sample Questions for New Nursing Graduates

• Do you offer a new nursing graduate program, how long is it, and what does it entail?
• How are new graduates measured on performance and competency?
• Do new graduates have a mentor? How long do they provide supervision and nursing support?
• What are the most common challenges new grads experience in this unit?
• When will I be eligible to become involved on unit committees? 

Other Important Questions You May Want to Ask

You will not have enough time to ask all of these questions during your interview, but you may want to pick one or two to ask if there is any remaining time left. 

Otherwise, keep these questions handy for when you have an opportunity to ask them in the future. They may help provide essential information to help you exceed expectations in your new job!

• What electronic medical record (EMR) system does this facility use?
• Describe the patient population on the unit and how many patients will we have at capacity?
• Do you have overtime policies for nurses who want to work extra shifts?
• What are staffing ratios here?
• How does the scheduling process work?
• What are your protocols for dealing with challenging or difficult patients?

Remember to ask what the next steps in the interview process are and express your interest in the position. 

Top 10 Cheap, Fast, Online MSN Programs

For example, if the hiring manager says something like, “I am not sure that you have enough critical care experience to take on this position,” you can respond and assure them that you are perfect for the role.

You may want to say something like, “I have always wanted to work in a high-acuity environment. I am extremely dedicated and eager to learn new skills necessary to succeed in this role. I am like a sponge and ready to learn!”

Remember to close the interview on a high note before walking away.

How to Prepare for Your Nursing Interview 

1. dress for success.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! In fact, many hiring managers say they know if they are interested in hiring someone within the first five minutes. 

It is essential to look professional and air on the more conservative side of style versus wearing bright and flashy clothing. Keep jewelry simple and understated. If it is appropriate to wear a suit, stick to neutral colors such as black, navy, or dark brown shades.

Your goal is to look as professional as possible so the person you are speaking with can focus on the essential skills you will bring to their organization.

2. Practice answering as many interview questions as you can out loud

Many interviewees review interview questions by reading them alone. But that may not help prepare you as well as speaking your answers out loud. In fact, you may find that you aren’t as clear on many of your answers as you thought you were.

Consider enlisting a friend or family member to act as the interviewer and ask you sample questions. Practice answering your questions and focus on ways you can communicate more effectively. Be assertive and don’t ramble. You will know if you are ready if you can answer questions clearly and constantly.

3. Research the institution thoroughly

LinkedIn is a great resource for learning about healthcare facilities and the types of employees who work there. Employers usually appreciate it when candidates show they have basic knowledge about an organization's goals. 

The last thing you want is to be asked something about the organization and not have an answer for it. 

4. Arrive at least 20 minutes or more before your interview starts

Arrive early enough that you can use the restroom if needed, straighten yourself up, and not feel rushed walking into the interview.

5. Bring a great attitude

Make sure you get plenty of shut-eye the night before your interview and eat a good breakfast. Drink coffee if it helps you perform at your best, but avoid it as it can make you jittery.

But most importantly, smile and bring a positive vibe. You are going to do great!

Phone Interviews

Many employers do an initial phone interview before bringing candidates in to meet face-to-face. This often helps recruiters weed out candidates who aren’t serious about a position and offer additional information to candidates to make sure they really want the job. 

Bu phone interviews are just as important as in-person or online interviews. 

Here are a few tips to remember:

• Prepare for a phone interview the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. You have no way of predicting what questions will be asked, and it's better to be overly prepared than under-prepared.
• Stand up while you are talking. Standing during a phone interview may help you project your answers more clearly than if you are sitting down.
• Keep your resume and cover letter within reach in case you are asked about them.
• Don’t eat or drink during the phone interview, even though they can’t see you. 
• Shower and get ready as if it were a face-to-face interview. You will feel more confident and professional, and it may help you perform better.

Zoom Interview Tips

Ever since the start of the pandemic, Zoom interviews have become exceedingly common. Employers continue to utilize online interviewing because it is often more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

Preparing for a Zoom interview is similar to preparing for an in-person or phone interview. However, there are several tips you should keep in mind:

1. Dress professionally as if you were going to a face-to-face interview 

If you would have worn a suit to an in-person interview, consider wearing it for your Zoom interview. Remember that even though employers usually don’t see your lower half on Zoom, there is a slight chance you may have to stand up or grab something. So no pajama pants!

2. Make sure your background is set up nicely

The interviewer will see your surroundings, so make sure your background is clean and organized. Consider a blank wall so nothing distracts your interviewer from your amazing skills. Also, never have a window behind you because the light can drown you out. 

3. Keep it quiet

If you have roommates, let them know you will be on a Zoom interview, and they must stay quiet. If you have pets that have the potential to interrupt your interview, make arrangements for them beforehand. The last thing you want is for your cat to walk right in front of your screen!

4. Set up your Zoom space and practice the day before

If you are new to Zoom, don’t fret! It is a fairly simple platform to use. But it may be a good idea to set yourself up beforehand and practice so there are no surprises.

5. Ensure a good internet connection

No connection, no interview! Ensure that a quality connection is set up early so you don’t have to scramble when you should be starting your interview.

6. Practice with a friend

If you are new to Zoom, you may not be aware of your body language or how you present over video. Consider making a few Zoom calls with friends and family to get comfortable with it and ensure that you have an excellent video presence.

Nursing Behavioral Interview Flash Cards With Answers 

Healthcare employers are increasingly asking behavioral questions - this means they want to know exactly how you will perform during different circumstances. They will be asking for you to provide examples of specific scenarios. Sound overwhelming? Don’t fret; Nurse.org has over 50 behavioral interview questions to help you practice. We’ve even included sample answers! 

What questions are asked in a nursing interview?

• Healthcare hiring managers usually ask behavioral-based interview questions. These questions help provide information about how you may handle specific situations in the workplace and allow you to show your critical thinking skills. 

How do I prepare for a nursing interview?

• Preparing for your interview starts well in advance of your actual interview date. Here are a few essential tips to prepare for your nursing interview: Practice as many interview questions as you can, dress professionally, research the institution thoroughly, show up early, bring a great attitude, and relax. You will do great!

What are the four skills of a nursing interview? 

• Listening actively and taking notes when appropriate. Asking important questions. Good non-verbal communication - ways to do this include leaning forward slightly, smiling, making good eye contact, and head nodding when appropriate. Answer behavioral questions with examples from your own work experience.

How do you introduce yourself in a nursing interview?

• Start with your name and a brief history of your education and work history. You may want to explain why you chose this career and are so passionate about it. It is also important to talk about why you make a good fit for the position and what your career goals are in the future.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

Interview Questions

Comprehensive Interview Guide: 60+ Professions Explored in Detail

22 Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

By Biron Clark

Published: December 5, 2023

If you’re going on a nursing job interview, there are some frequently asked questions that you need to be ready for. Employers ask these questions often and early, and the wrong answers can cost you the job.

So we’ll go through the most common nursing interview questions you can expect to hear, how to give the best possible answers, and mistakes to avoid if you want to get the job.

Let’s get started…

Frequently Asked Nursing Interview Questions

1. why did you choose a career in nursing.

Employers want to hire someone motivated and passionate to be in Nursing, not someone who is doing it only for the paycheck.

So be prepared to explain why you choose a career in Nursing, why you enjoy it, what motivates you , etc.

They may also ask, “What do you enjoy about this career?”

Try to share specific, tangible reasons when answering why you chose this career or why you enjoy it. It can be a personal reason, like a family member that you cared for at a younger age, and how that experience made you passionate about caregiving.

Or it can something else! That’s just one example answer. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s true. You’ll sound a lot more genuine/convincing if you’re telling true stories in your interview answers , so I do not recommend lying!

2. What interested you in this job?

Next, the interviewer is going to want to know why you want their particular position or why you chose to apply.

Employers want to hire somebody who is targeting specific things in their job search and knows what they want. This makes them less worried that you’ll dislike the job, quit soon after joining, etc.

To prepare for questions like this, make sure you’ve studied the job description. Then, talk about one or two things you saw that excite you. Explain how the work you’ll be doing in this position fits with your goals and interests.

For example, you could say:

“I’ve always enjoyed working in oncology. It’s what I’m most passionate about and most interested in. I saw your job description mentions that this role is focused entirely on oncology. In my past role, I split my time 50/50 between oncology and cardiovascular, and while I enjoy both, I’d be very excited to have that one single focus in this role, and I think it would allow me to continue learning and growing in my career as a Nurse.”

The answer above is detailed and directly answers their question. Better yet – it explains why you’re qualified and why you’ll succeed in this position. Employers ALWAYS want to know that you’re ready to step into their job and succeed. So by mentioning relevant experience, you’re convincing them that you will do well in their role.

Another example answer:

“After five years in Nursing, I’m looking for an opportunity to become a Nursing Supervisor, Manager, or Shift Leader. When I saw your job mentioned the chance to lead a small team in clinical areas that I already have experience with, like oncology, I thought it sounded like a great fit and I knew I should apply.”

3. Tell me about yourself

This isn’t just one of the most common nursing interview questions, it’s one of the most common questions in any interview. And it’s important to have an impressive answer because it’s asked VERY early usually, and sets the tone for the whole interview.

I recommend keeping your answer professional and just walking them through the highlights of your recent career.

For example, when they ask this question, you could say:

“I graduated three years ago with my degree in Nursing , and have been working at XYZ hospital since then. I’ve been promoted once and enjoy my work, but I’m now looking to gain exposure to new clinical areas to broaden my experience. Our hospital doesn’t have any openings outside of my current floor, so I’m beginning to look elsewhere to try to find a career-advancing position that will allow me to continue growing as a Nurse.”

More info and examples of answering “tell me about yourself.”

4. Tell me about your educational background

This is another one of the most common interview questions for nurses. Employers will typically want to know where and when you got your Nursing degree .

So be familiar with this before your job interview, and give a brief, concise answer. There’s no need to talk for long, but tell them your degree, where it’s from, and consider highlighting one or two key projects you completed during your academic work.

Here’s a sample answer:

“I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing two years ago from the University of New Hampshire. I did my clinicals at XYZ hospital and focused mainly on respiratory and cardiovascular care. Is there anything else you wanted to know?”

5. What type of work environment do you prefer?

There are many different types of Nursing jobs, from large hospitals doing surgeries and emergency care to small clinics specializing in skin care, cosmetic procedures, and more.

And in the interview, the employer is going to want to know that you will enjoy their particular environment.

They never want to hire someone who’s going to hate the job or lose motivation and leave soon after joining… because it costs a lot of time/money to hire and train someone.

So that’s why they ask what work environments you prefer.

When answering, try to show them that you’d succeed in an environment like theirs, but be honest, too. It’s okay to say you do well in a variety of workplaces. It’s best to give an example as well.

Keep your answer positive, too. Don’t say, “I hate large, fast-paced environments.”

Instead, say:

“I do well in a range of work environments, but I think the environments I’ve enjoyed most in my career are smaller organizations where I can focus on giving great care to each patient that comes in, without feeling rushed.”

The example answer above would be great for a small, high-end organization like a skin clinic. Their clients are paying a lot and expect great care.

If you’re applying to be an ER nurse in a high-volume trauma center, your answer should focus much more on being able to handle a fast environment, and enjoying being busy and helping many patients.

6. What clinical areas have you worked in?

Next, the hiring manager or interviewer will want to know which clinical areas you’ve worked in, and possibly how much time you’ve spent in each.

While you don’t need to have every piece of experience that their job description mentions, it does help to name the similarities between your background and the work you’d be doing in this next role.

So be confident, and just highlight the most relevant experience that you do have.

They clearly liked your resume and your background if they invited you to the interview, so don’t worry – just give a clear, concise answer explaining the areas you’ve worked previously.

And be clear about whether an area was academic research, patient care, etc.

7. What do you find most rewarding about being a Nurse?

This next nursing interview question isn’t about your technical expertise – it’s all about finding out more about your personality to make sure you’re a good cultural fit for the team.

Prepare an answer to this question ahead of time. Be ready to mention one or two specific things that you find rewarding. Think about what makes you smile at the end of the day, or what gets you excited to tell friends and family about after a shift.

It can be something about your patients. It can be handling tough situations and seeing a great outcome. Or it can be getting through challenges as part of a team. I recommend choosing something that focuses on your interaction with patients, though.

8. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

This is one of the trickier interviewing questions for nurses because it requires you to know what type of work you’ll be doing in this role.

Most likely, you’ll be working on a team, so it’s important to show you can work well with others.

If you’re unsure what type of work situation this job involves, you can give an answer that shows them you’re versatile.

Example interview answer:

“I enjoy working as part of a team. However, I’m also able to handle things independently. Sometimes you’re the only Nurse available to help a patient in the moment, and you need to deliver great patient care on your own. So I enjoy working as part of a team, but I feel capable of accomplishing tasks on my own, too. I suppose I prefer a mix of both.”

That example answer is a way to “cover your bases” if you’re unsure of their work environment.

Also, you can wrap up your answer by asking them a question. This is a great tactic to turn the interview into a more relaxed, back-and-forth conversation.

For example, at the end of your answer, you could say:

“…How would you describe the work environment here for the typical Nurse? Is it very team-oriented?”

9. How do you deal with stress at work?

Most Nursing jobs involve some stress (okay, a LOT of stress), so employers want to know you’re prepared to handle this type of situation.

Ideally, you want to show them that you’re “battle-tested” and have been through stressful situations and have a method for getting through it.

This can involve reminding yourself why you do this work and why you’re passionate about helping patients. Or it can be more of a tactic, like taking five minutes to do breathing exercises and gather your composure during your break.

Try to share something that’s true/honest in your answer. You’ll sound a lot more convincing this way.

10. What do you feel is the most difficult part of working as a Nurse?

This is one of the trickier nursing interview questions, because you want to share something genuine/true, but without sounding like it’s a major weakness. You don’t want to make it sound like you’ll struggle in their role!

So I recommend naming something that’s challenging about nursing, but then explaining how you’ve learned to handle it.

Example answer:

“When I took my first Nursing job, it was a challenge to learn to communicate with so many different personality types, both on my team, and with the wide range of patients I interacted with each day. However, I quickly learned how to communicate well with all sorts of people, and this has become one of my strengths now. I’ve become a better listener, I’ve become more patient and better at communicating. I enjoy making sure patients feel understood and comfortable. I also enjoy the teamwork aspect of my role with my fellow Nurses.”

Related interview question to be ready for: “What is your greatest weakness?”

11. Why are you looking to leave your current job?

If you’re currently employed, then you should expect an interview question about why you are looking to leave your current job.

Don’t ever badmouth your current employer, though. Instead, talk about what you’re hoping to gain by making a move.

This could be experience in new clinical areas, experience in a different type of work environment (e.g. large hospital vs. small clinic), or something else that your current job cannot offer you.

Or, you can simply say, “I’ve been in my current role for X years, and I’ve learned a lot, but I feel it’s time for a change to keep learning and developing as a Nurse.”

That example answer above is best if you’ve been in your current company for a few years, though. And if you do answer like that, it’s best to also explain what you’re looking for next and why their job caught your interest.

So you could end by saying:

“I was interested in applying for this job because I saw the job posting mentions an opportunity to work with ____.”

Also, if you’re not currently employed, they may ask why you left your most recent job. This article has 20 good reasons for leaving a job.

12. What are your greatest strengths as a Nurse?

When they ask interview questions about your strengths in Nursing, don’t be timid or say, “I’m not sure.”

This is your chance to brag about yourself and be confident/bold. So be ready to name a few things you excel at, and how those would help you succeed in this position.

Think about what sets you apart from other Nursing candidates they’re interviewing. What helps you deliver excellent care to patients? What will you do that will help them grow their business, strengthen their reputation, etc.?

This is a question to think about and practice before your interview, because you do not want to hesitate or say, “I don’t know,” here.

This is also true if they ask, “Why should I hire you?” as well. Be confident and be ready to explain why you deserve the position!

13. Why are you the best person for this position?

This is similar to the question above and involves the same answer strategy.

Try to think of something unique that you bring to the position, or a strength that other candidates might not have. What are you best at? What can you do better than other Nurses who they are interviewing? Now is your chance to brag and show that off!

And always explain how your strengths will help you in this particular job. Don’t just talk about your skills in general – make it about them. How will your skills allow you to be successful in their position?

The more you can show that you’re ready to step into their job and succeed right away, the better. That’s what they’re looking for in the interview.

That’s why it’s so important to study the job description and research the company before your interview , so you can make your answers about their needs.

For more info on this, we have a job interview preparation checklist here.

14. How did you hear about this job?

This is one of the least tricky nursing interview questions you’ll hear, and the worst thing you can do is overthink it! Just give an honest answer about how you first came across their position.

This can be a friend or colleague, an online job posting, their company website, an advertisement you saw, etc.

Then, to cap off your answer, name one thing that caught your interest in the position. Explain why you decided to apply.

This extra step will show them that you’re excited about their position and that you did some research and thinking before you applied. A lot of candidates will apply to many jobs without really looking or thinking much about them, and employers prefer to hire someone who’s being more careful/thoughtful in their job search. So this will impress them!

15. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you handle it?

Nobody’s perfect, and everyone fails. When they ask about a time you failed , talk about a specific situation where you failed to accomplish your goal, and most importantly – how you corrected it, learned from it, and used the experience to make sure it doesn’t happen again!

Never sound like you laid the blame on others or refused to take responsibility. It’s much better to sound humble and show you can admit a mistake.

However, you don’t want to name a catastrophic mistake that led to disaster. Try to name a real mistake, but nothing too critical. If you sound mistake-prone or careless in general, they’re not going to hire you.

16. Tell me about a time you had to communicate with a difficult patient. How did you handle it?

You’re unlikely to get through a nursing interview without hearing a question or two about handling difficult patients.

Every Nurse has dealt with them! And the interviewer wants to make sure you’re able to stay calm and handle the situation appropriately.

So share a story about how you handled a difficult patient by listening, communicating clearly, trying to understand their perspective, and addressing their concerns.

However, don’t be afraid to show that you were firm in explaining your organization’s policies and why they must be followed. Sometimes a patient wants something that’s not possible, and part of a Nurse’s job is to explain this.

A similar question you might hear: “How do you handle conflict?”

17. How would you deal with a patient who is not satisfied with the care they received?

This is another behavioral interview question that you can expect to hear as a Nurse. (Like the question above).

In this case, they’re not asking for a past example, but you can give one if you want.

To answer, start by explaining your overall approach. I recommend talking about how you’d stay calm and quiet.

Discuss how you focus on listening and asking questions to understand their point of view, and then respond.

Also, explain that you do everything possible to make sure the patient feels like they were given excellent care.

If you do want to share an example, you can say, “For example, in my last job, I…” and tell a real story of how you dealt with this situation. That’s a great way to end your response to this question.

18. Do you have ___ certification?

Along with asking about your educational background (mentioned earlier), the interviewer may also ask an interview question about a particular nursing certification.

So review your certifications before the interview, and review the job description to see if any certifications are mentioned there, too.

Be ready to answer clearly and directly when asked. This is NOT one of the interview questions for nurses where they’re looking for a long-winded answer. Try to keep it brief.

19. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Employers often ask questions about your long-term goals, for a few reasons. First, they want to see if you sound motivated/energetic in general… about your work, your career, and your life.

They’d rather hire someone who sounds positive and enthusiastic about their career.

(Tip: This article explains how to show enthusiasm in an interview ).

The second reason they ask is: They want to make sure their job fits your general goals and career direction. The last thing they want to do is hire and train someone who’s going to quit after six months because the job isn’t satisfying them.

So you need to demonstrate two things:

A) You’ve thought about where you want to be in a few years

B) Their job fits your goals and helps you get where you want to be

If you do that, they’ll be a lot more comfortable offering you the job. For more help and example answers to this question, read this article .

20. Nursing can be stressful. How do you handle stress in your life?

Earlier, we looked at the question, “How do you handle stress at work?” but they may also ask a more general question about how you handle it in your life overall.

Because Nursing exposes you to stressful situations often, it’s a topic that many employers want to talk about in the interview.

Try to show that you stay level-headed and maintain your composure and that you do relaxing, healthy activities outside of work to maintain a balance.

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve been practicing breathing exercises and meditation. Both have been very effective in reducing stress while on the job, and after a shift. I also like to exercise regularly by going to the gym and doing yoga. Finally, I spend time in nature when I’m not working. I’ve found that’s a great stress reducer.”

That’s how to effectively answer interview questions about how you cope with this stressful career, or how you take care of yourself personally.

Another variation of this question that you might hear is: “How do you practice self care?”

These are all frequently-asked nurse interview questions, because it’s a career that often comes with stress.

21. How do you make decisions?

Before offering you a Nursing job, employers want to know they can trust you to make calm, calculated decisions that are best for the patient and the organization.

They don’t want to hire someone who’s going to be reacting in the heat of the moment, making knee-jerk decisions without thinking things through, and committing errors along the way.

So try to show you have a logical, methodical approach and that you stay calm under pressure. Describe how you look at the pros and cons of each choice, the possible risks and likely outcomes, etc. You can also discuss how you speak with a supervisor if you’re unsure how to proceed.

And if they ask for an example, walk them through a recent situation where you had to make a decision under pressure and where you made the right choice and got a great outcome!

For answer examples and more tips on this question, read our full article on explaining how you make decisions.

22. Do you have any questions for me?

After going through the interview questions and answers above, you’ll likely have a chance to ask questions of your own.

You can ask questions throughout your Nursing interview, but if you haven’t, you should ask some at the end. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in their job and that you care about your job search and career.

Employers don’t want to hire a Nurse who will take the first job they can get. They want to hire someone who’s looking for the right fit and targeting certain things. (A type of work environment, an opportunity to learn something specific, etc.)

And you show them this by asking questions!

For ideas of what to ask, here are 26 creative questions to ask employers.

Conclusion (And What To Do Next):

If you study the nursing interview questions above, you’ll be better-prepared and make a better impression.

Make sure to practice your answers before the big moment, too, though.

Reading once through these common nurse interview questions is great, but you’re going to perform even better if you practice giving answers before your interview. You can do this by recording yourself on your phone or doing a mock interview with a friend.

You don’t need to memorize everything word-for-word, but you should know what general ideas you want to talk about for each question and topic! The point of doing a practice session is to make sure you’re able to communicate these ideas clearly.

I like to practice by recording myself talking on my smartphone (every modern phone has a sound recorder app). Then, I play back the recording to make sure I sound natural and am hitting the key points I wanted to mention.

If you prefer to do this with a real person, pull aside a friend or family member and ask them for help.

The more you get familiar with these interview questions for nursing jobs, the better you’ll perform and the more job offers you’ll get!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Continue Reading

12 Expert-Approved Responses to ‘What Makes You Unique?’ in Job Interviews

15 most common pharmacist interview questions and answers, 15 most common paralegal interview questions and answers, top 30+ funny interview questions and answers, 60 hardest interview questions and answers, 100+ best ice breaker questions to ask candidates, top 20 situational interview questions (& sample answers), 15 most common physical therapist interview questions and answers, 1 thought on “22 common nursing interview questions and answers”.

Very good guide indeed.

Comments are closed.

• General Nursing
• Nursing Specialties
• Nursing Students
• United States Nursing
• World Nursing
• Boards of Nursing
• Breakroom / Clubs
• Nurse Q&A
• Student Q&A
• Fastest BSN
• Most Affordable BSN
• Fastest MSN
• Most Affordable MSN
• Best RN to BSN
• Fastest RN to BSN
• Most Affordable RN to BSN
• Best LPN/LVN
• Fastest LPN/LVN
• Most Affordable LPN/LVN
• Fastest DNP
• Most Affordable DNP
• Medical Assistant
• Best Online Medical Assistant
• Best Accelerated Medical Assistant
• Most Affordable Medical Assistant
• Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric NP
• Neonatal NP
• Oncology NP
• Acute Care NP
• Aesthetic NP
• Women's Health NP
• Adult-Gerontology NP
• Emergency NP
• Best RN to NP
• Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
• RN Specialties
• Best RN Jobs and Salaries
• Aesthetic Nurse
• Nursing Informatics
• Nurse Case Manager
• Forensic Nurse
• Labor and Delivery Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Travel Nurse
• Telemetry Nurse
• Dermatology Nurse
• Best NP Jobs and Salaries
• Family NP (FNP)
• Orthopedic NP
• Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Best Free Online NCLEX-RN Study Guide
• The Nursing Process
• Question Leveling
• NCLEX-RN Question Identification
• Expert NCLEX-RN Test-Taking Strategies
• Best Scrubs for Nurses
• Best Shoes for Nurses
• Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
• Best Gifts for Nurses
• Undergraduate
• How to Become an LPN/LVN
• How to Earn an ADN
• Differences Between ADN, ASN, AAS
• How to Earn a BSN
• Best MSN Concentrations
• Is an MSN Worth It?
• How to Earn a DNP
• MSN vs. DNP

Most Common Nursing Job Interview Questions, Best Answers, and Tips

Discover everything you need to know to crush your nursing job interview, from the most common questions to what to wear to top tips for success. Resources

• Job Interviews
• Table of Contents:
• Tips for Success
• Common Interview Questions
• Questions to Ask the Interviewer
• How to Prepare for a Nursing Interview
• What to Wear
• Researching the Nursing Facility
• After Your Interview

Nursing job interviews can be nerve-wracking. You might be nervous about your lack of experience in the specialty, answering questions on the fly, or dislike talking to people in an intense environment. No matter your anxieties about sitting across from a hiring manager and other interviewers, we have the information you need to make a great first impression.

New grads, LPNs, registered nurses (RNs) , and nurse practitioners (NPs) alike can use these nursing job interview questions and sample answers to prepare during the Job Search . Change the example answers to fit within your nursing experiences and scope of practice, and you've got the start of a great response to some of the most common nursing job interview questions.

Nursing Interview Success and 5 General Tips

Having a successful nursing interview takes practice and planning. While it's important to consider what types of questions the interviewer will ask and the sample answers you'll provide, preparation is critical.

Below are some nursing interview tips you can use so you'll be ready for the big day and can begin living your career goals now.

Tip 1: Practice Your Interview Answers

No two interviews are alike. Interviewers use different questions, making it a little challenging to practice. However, there are a few questions that most interviewers ask that you can practice your answer to so that you'll feel confident when asked. A few of these questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Where do you see yourself in five/ten years?
• Why are you interested in this role with this company?

Tip 2: Use the STAR Method

The STAR method is an excellent strategy you can use anytime you're asked to provide real-life examples of how you handled a specific situation. You can do this by remembering the acronym STAR and laying out each detail following the prompts below:

• S - Situation Describe the situation.
• T - Task Explain the task or challenge you faced.
• A - Action Explain your action and why you chose it.
• R - Result Talk about the outcome you achieved.

Tip 3: Review the Job Description

Read the job description just before you go to the interview. This will help you keep key responsibilities on your mind when answering questions.

Tip 4: Bring Your Best Attitude and Biggest Smile

How you treat others is the first sign of the type of team player you'll be on the new team. Always smile and speak respectfully to the receptionist and other staff you encounter. The nurse manager may return to anyone you interacted with and ask how they felt about you. So, treating others with respect and kindness is essential.

Tip 5: Be Yourself

Some of the best career advice anyone can give is to always be yourself. Acting with authenticity, genuineness, and positivity helps the interviewer to see the real you and imagine how you might fit into the team culture.

Most Common Interview Questions & Best Answers

Knowing the types of interview questions you might encounter and sample answers is essential. Common types of questions during nursing interviews include:

• Skills-based interview questions seek to understand your proficiency in specific nursing skills, specialties, or practices.
• Traditional interview questions help the interviewer get to know you better and learn basic information about why you're looking for a new job or how you might describe yourself to others.
• Situational interview questions ask, "What would you do?” in a specific work-related scenario.
• Behavioral interview questions are used to identify the "soft skills" you might use on the job. Soft skills are things like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.

You may also notice that interview questions have similar topics. We've rounded up some of the most common questions and answers below by subject. Remember to personalize the response to yourself and your nursing experiences and skill sets.

Teamwork Questions

The following questions focus on how you work within the nursing team.

Can you describe a time when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker? How did you handle the situation?

This question assesses your ability to navigate a challenging interpersonal situation. Highlight how you handled the situation while maintaining a productive working relationship with your coworker. Avoid discussing the coworker's lack of professionalism or specific negative traits because the interviewer may perceive this poorly.

Your answer might sound something like this:

I once worked with a coworker I never meshed well with. One night, we were the only RNs on shift and had a code, and it didn't go too well. Afterward, I asked our manager and the coworker if we could talk about the situation and how we might handle it better. The three of us spoke of the problem and our general strengths and weaknesses so we knew how to work better together in the future.

Tell us about a time when you contributed to a team achieving a specific goal.

This question concerns teamwork and how you work together to achieve team goals. Think of a time when you helped to improve a process, policy, or situation and share a specific example.

Try to tell about a situation when you used leadership qualities within the team and turned a challenging problem into a victory. This will help the interviewer see how you implement problem-solving skills and remain positive even during tough times.

How do you handle disagreements within your team, especially regarding patient care?

This question evaluates your conflict resolution skills and ability to advocate for patient care while maintaining a positive team dynamic. It also assesses your leadership skills and ability to resolve issues and remain a good team player.

Your answer might sound like this:

I feel that the best way to handle disagreements within the team is head-on. For example, suppose I disagree with a colleague about handling a difficult patient or family member. In that case, the first thing I do is have an open conversation about it and try to understand their point of view. I always keep the patient's care at the forefront of my mind because that almost always unites us as nurses, and we can quickly come to a resolution.

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to rely on your team to solve a problem or handle a difficult situation?

Nursing is all about collaboration. So, this question assesses your ability to trust and rely on your team members. It might also allow you to talk about how you depend on those in leadership roles, especially during challenging times or working with complex patients or families.

Always end this type of question by telling the interviewer about the outcome. If your story involves patient care, you might also try to discuss critical nursing topics such as patient safety or the importance of charting.

Patient Care Questions

If you're interviewing for a clinical role , you'll likely get asked about patient care. Here are a few of the most common questions.

Can you recall a time when a patient's family was unhappy with the care you provided? How did you respond to that situation?

This question assesses your ability to handle criticism, communicate effectively with patients' families, and take steps to improve the situation.

A sample answer might go something like this:

I made a medication error while caring for a pediatric patient. I took full responsibility for the mistake as soon as I realized I made it. I spoke to the family and let them know too. They asked that I no longer care for their child. I respected their wishes. However, we were able to chat about it later and move past the situation. I think about this error often and learned a lot from it. It has impacted how I conduct med passes and provide patient care even today.

Describe a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional care for a patient.

This question is all about your dedication to the job and patient care. It's also looking to see how you feel about exceeding the patient's, family members, and your leader's expectations to ensure patient satisfaction. You can use the STAR method to guide how you develop your answer. It might sound like the following:

I cared for a terminally ill patient who was very dear to me. He was actively dying at shift change, so I talked to the unit manager and asked if I could stay for a few hours so that the patient and family didn't have a different nurse. The manager agreed, and the family appreciated that I could sit with them and give my undivided attention to them during that challenging time.

How do you handle a situation where a patient is not following the care plan ?

This question can be a little tricky. It's evaluating your problem-solving skills, ability to motivate your patients, and strategies you use to ensure patients follow their care plans . However, you must also demonstrate your understanding and ability to advocate for your patient's rights, a crucial nursing responsibility.

You might say something like the following:

Education is key when it comes to patients not following care plans. I always make sure the patient is part of the care plan process and that they agree to the interventions. This helps ensure buy-in and increases the chances for compliance. However, if they don't follow the care plan, I educate them on the consequences while supporting their rights and ability to choose what's best for them.

Tell us about a time you had to advocate for a patient. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?

Here is another question where you can showcase your ability to advocate for your patient's needs and rights. You might share a story about a time you advocated for the patient's right to be in charge of their care or one about a conflict with a difficult patient or family member.

A sample answer might be something like this:

I cared for a 20-something quadriplegic patient after a car accident. He required around-the-clock care. His lifestyle didn't mesh well with the traditional long-term care facility schedules. So, I advocated changing his meal schedule because he didn't like to get up early and stayed awake late into the night. I worked with the food services department to create a meal schedule that worked for him that wasn't disruptive to their team or nursing. It worked very well for everyone and helped him maintain decision-making power over his schedule.

Personality and Background Questions

The interviewer wants to get to know you. So, they'll probably ask one to two questions like the following to better understand who you are as a person and a nurse.

How would you describe your communication style?

Communication is a critical skill every nurse must have. This question provides an opportunity to share how you interact and use communication skills with patients, their families, and your colleagues. Your answer should also reveal your strength in adapting your communication style to different situations or people.

A sample answer might sound like this:

I'm a direct communicator. However, I always try to change my communication style to meet the person and situation. For example, how I communicate with a 90-year-old versus a 20-year-old patient often looks different. And how I speak with patients versus colleagues is also different. Meeting the person where they are and how they learn, and process information is critical.

Can you describe a situation where you had to demonstrate empathy towards a patient or their family?

The interviewer wants to see how you use empathy on the job, handle emotionally charged situations, and your capacity to provide comfort and understanding.

To answer this question, think of a time you cared for a patient or family member by showing compassion and empathy for their situation. Your answer might include how you used communication, active listening, or specific actions to develop cultural competence or show genuine interest in the patient's care.

How do you handle stress and high-pressure situations at work?

This question aims to understand how you manage stress, maintain composure, and provide high-quality patient care during challenging circumstances. You might answer like this:

I handle stress well during the situation. However, I've found that times of high stress wear on me. So, I practice meditation and deep breathing daily. I also find much comfort in talking about things with my colleagues.

What motivates you in your nursing career?

Almost all nurses have a reason for becoming a nurse. You can show vulnerability by telling a bit of your "why" or the personal story that led you to a career in nursing . It might be a story about a personal healthcare situation with yourself or a family member. This story can showcase your passion for nursing and your ability to be vulnerable with others.

Adaptability Questions

Nurses must be agile and adaptable. Here are several questions you might encounter.

Can you share an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change at work?

Change is an inevitable occurrence in nursing. So, let the interviewer know how well you handle it and showcase your critical thinking skills and on-the-job resilience.

Use the STAR method to keep this answer short and specific. It might sound like this:

Our admission policies and procedures recently changed. I had to learn the new processes and be able to implement the policy in about seven days.

I reviewed the policies independently and attended an in-person training session. I took notes and made a cheat sheet that I kept in my pocket during each shift until I got comfortable with the new policies and procedures.

I had a few questions about the first admission I completed after the changes. However, once I got answers to my questions, I could complete admissions without problems. Those admissions have been through quality assurance checks, and I scored between 96 and 100% on each.

Describe a situation where you had to make a quick decision in a high-pressure environment.

If you've been a nurse for a while, you'll probably have several situations you can use here. However, if you're a new grad, you might need to consider your time as a nursing student.

Patient care scenarios make excellent answers to this question. Be sure to link your story to patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care.

Tell us about a time when you had to learn a new procedure or technology quickly. How did you ensure you became proficient?

This question provides an opportunity to talk about your agility and how you quickly learn new skills. Your answer might be something like the following:

How do you handle unexpected situations or emergencies? Can you provide an example?

This question assesses your ability to stay calm during emergencies and continue using practical critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You might talk about a code or other urgent patient care situation where you had to resolve an emergency quickly.

Questions To Ask the Interviewer

Interviews aren't only for the interviewers to learn more about you and your nursing abilities. It's also an excellent opportunity to learn about the facility, the role, and the people who may soon become your teammates.

Check out a few types of questions you can use to find out more about your new possible employer.

Company and Culture Questions

Understanding the company's culture before your first day on the job is vital. Here are a few questions you can ask.

Can you describe the company culture here and how it supports the work of nurses?

Reason: This question can help you understand the organization's values, mission, and vision and how they translate into the everyday work environment for nurses. Discovering how each person you come in contact with during the interview process describes the culture can help you understand what it might be like if you take this new job.

What is the patient-to-nurse ratio in this facility?

Reason: This question can give you an idea about the workload you can expect and how the organization prioritizes patient care.

How does the organization promote work-life balance for its nursing staff?

Reason: You'll learn much about how the organization supports its nurses' well-being and provides for work-life balance. You should be able to discover how the company puts its nurses in control of their schedule and any programs they offer that help you adjust to work.

Can you share some examples of how this organization has responded to the feedback of its nursing staff?

Reason: Listen for specific examples that can help you understand how the company values input from staff and if the administration acts proactively when making improvements based on feedback.

Training Questions

You should ask about new hire training, orientation, and what kinds of training and career advancement opportunities the company offers. A few sample questions are below.

What opportunities for professional development or continuing education do you offer?

Reason: Life-long learning is key for all nurses. This question will help you understand what to expect from the facility in terms of ongoing learning, continuing education, and other opportunities for growth.

Can you describe the orientation or onboarding process for new nurses?

Reason: Orientation shouldn't be a one-size fits all solution. Hopefully, the answer to this question will help you understand how they approach training and what happens if you need more or less of it. Ensure that the approach they take to orientation supports the transition into the new job.

Does the organization support specialty certifications for its nurses? If so, how?

Reason: Certifications are an excellent way to upskill, gain more knowledge in a specialty, and advance your career. Find out if they pay for training courses, any required exams, and ongoing certification fees.

How does the organization stay updated and implement the latest best practices in nursing care?

Reason: Best practices are imperative in nursing. Be sure the education or training department ensures that best practices are included in all policies and procedures so that you can always provide the best patient care.

Policy Questions

Here are a few critical policy-related questions you can ask.

Can you explain your policies on nurse scheduling and patient assignments?

Reason: Loving your schedule goes a long way toward overall happiness on the job. So, be sure to ask for as many details as possible about how work schedules and patient assignments are managed, and find out how tenure weighs into these processes since you'll be new to the team.

What is your policy on handling workplace conflicts or disagreements among the nursing staff?

Reason: Not only does this question provide insight into policies, but it also helps you understand how involved leadership is with any conflicts that arise. This question also gives you an idea about how positive or negative the work environment might be before you accept the job.

Can you describe your policies regarding safety and infection control?

Reason: Safety and infection control policies protect patients and workers alike. Be sure to ask for specifics about these policies to help you understand the facility's priorities.

What is your attendance policy, including holidays, weekends, and vacations?

Reason: Nurses must work weekends and holidays. However, it's crucial to understand the expectations to ensure you agree to the employer's requirements before you take the job.

Management Questions

You must always ask questions about how nursing leadership interacts with the staff. Below are a few questions that work well.

How does management support the nursing staff in their daily duties?

Reason: Supportive nursing leadership is crucial to a successful nursing team. This question should help you understand how much support, resources, and guidance you can expect from all levels of the nursing leadership team, from shift leads to unit managers to nursing directors and administrators.

Can you describe the leadership style of the nursing management team? 

Reason: Nursing leaders use various types of management styles. It's critical to learn how leadership approaches the team and if it aligns with the type of leader you need on the job.

How does management handle feedback and suggestions from the nursing staff?

Reason: It's imperative that nursing leadership is willing to give and receive feedback. This question should help you understand if leadership is open to input and what they do with it once received.

What is the process for performance reviews and promotions within the nursing team?

Reason: Knowing what to expect regarding your performance and any issues you might have is essential. Be sure to find out if the company offers career ladders or other programs that can help you advance in your nursing career.

Preparing for Your Nursing Interview

Preparation is key when looking for a new job. Below are some tips you can use to crush your next nursing interview.

In-Person Interviews

Preparing for in-person interviews is critical. A few ways to ensure you're ready include:

• Map out your route the night before.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the interview begins.
• Bring a water bottle so you don't struggle with dry mouth.

Video Call Interviews

Interviewing from home can reduce worries about traffic and parking. However, they still come up with worries and the need to prepare. Here are a few things you should do to be ready for your next video interview:

• Check the link the night before to ensure it works.
• Let your family know when you'll be in the interview and that you can't be interrupted.
• Schedule a family member or babysitter to care for babies and other young children.
• Dress as if you're interviewing in person.
• Find a location with adequate lighting and one that is clean and tidy.
• Use a virtual background if you don't have a background you like.

Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are often more relaxed than remote or in-person interviews. However, it's still crucial to schedule it when you can focus on the interview. Be sure young children are tended by another adult. You must also make sure your phone is fully charged and that you can talk in a quiet environment.

What to Wear and Bring to a Nursing Interview

Your appearance is likely the first thing the interviewer will notice about you. So, be sure to follow these quick five tips to ensure you make a great first impression.

• Be sure your clothes fit well, are wrinkle and stain free, and are professional.
• Wear business attire and refrain from wearing scrubs.
• Choose comfortable, stylish shoes that match your outfit.
• Wear your hair away from your face and go light on make-up.
• Keep jewelry to a minimum so it's not distracting during the interview.

Flex Your Research of the Facility

The more you know about the healthcare system, the better prepared you'll feel during your interview. Below are a few key areas you should research.

History of the Nursing Facility

Research the history of the nursing facility. This might include knowing who owns the facility and if they've recently acquired or merged with any other facilities. You should also know if the facility has any associations with other companies, organizations, or non-profit organizations.

Goal and Mission of the Facility

Knowing the facility's mission, vision, and values will help you answer questions during your interview. You can also discuss this during the interview if the mission or values align well with what you believe or how you act as a nurse.

Statistics of the Facility

Find out basic information such as how many beds it has, the types of professionals on the healthcare team, and what types of units the facility offers. Be sure to investigate if they have any specialty units you might want to advance to in the future so you can talk about future goals.

What to Do After Your Nursing Interview

You can take a nice deep breath once the interview is over. However, you're not finished.

It's critical to send an email within 24 hours of the interview to thank the interviewer for their time and hospitality. This also affords you an excellent opportunity to let them know how much you're truly interested in the job and that you'd love to join the team.

About Melissa Mills, BSN

Melissa Mills has 26 years experience as a BSN and specializes in Workforce Development, Education, Advancement.

More Like This

Top 20 Nursing Interview Questions And Answers

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

UPDATED 5/20/2022

Being a nurse takes a special kind of person. Oftentimes, you see people in the middle of what can easily be the worst day of their lives.

You need patience , resilience , a sense of humor , attention to detail , and a thick skin .

But it can also be one of the most rewarding careers, full of excitement and drama and the kind of rush you can only get when you’re helping others.

For many, becoming a nurse is truly a calling. However, landing that dream nursing job can be tricky, even among the truly dedicated. That’s why reviewing the top nursing interview questions is essential.

Types of Interview Questions For Nurses

First off, let’s discuss the different types of interview questions for nurses.

Being a nurse is a unique position, and the questions you’ll be asked in your interview are just as unique. Yes, it’s true; you’re going to inevitably end up being asked some of the same questions you’d come across in any other job interview situation, like “ Tell me about yourself ” and “ What is your greatest strength/weakness ?” but you’re also going to get asked some very specific nursing questions, and knowing how to properly answer those is going to help set you apart.

Let’s start with what makes nursing so unique in the job world.

Unlike most other careers and industries where your interactions with the public would be more along the lines of a “client” or “customer,” your interaction with the public is as a caregiver to a patient. That requires a set of finely honed and carefully crafted interpersonal skills .

As a result, a lot of your interview questions will revolve around patient care and satisfaction and how you meet their unique needs in incredibly varied situations and circumstances. Those questions fall under the category of behavioral questions and are asked so that an interviewer can learn quickly and easily how you’d react to different situations based on your past experiences and behavior.

Be prepared to answer questions about why you chose nursing and what it is about the career that interests you. You’ll also be asked questions about how you work in a team as well as your ability to self-motivate and work alone . It’s also wise to prep for questions about how you handle a crisis or deal with stress.

Feeling a little feverish with all these potential nursing interview questions and answers? Don’t worry! All it takes is a little prep beforehand.

Pro Tips For Answering Nurse Interview Questions

The first thing you need to do when preparing for an interview is to go over the job description with a fine-toothed comb.

Make a list of everything the employer is looking for in their Perfect Candidate.

Now, sit down and look back over all your experiences and see exactly how you’ve met all those requirements before.

It doesn’t matter if the experiences you have aren’t 100% related to the job description you’re applying to. Basically, what you want to do is give your potential future employer tailored examples of how you’ve handled situations in the past so they can extrapolate how you’d most likely react in future situations…and in some cases, examples outside of work show how you’re adept at thinking on your feet and handling yourself beyond just your job. Just make sure that no matter what, you’re answering their questions with personal examples that highlight your skills and abilities.

While you’re doing your prep and looking over the job description, it’s a good idea to also do a little research into where you’re applying. Having specifics on their techniques or their way of doing things and relating that to how you do things will not only show them you’re already in tune with their style, but it will also help to reinforce the idea that you’re the Perfect Candidate!

In most situations, being a nurse means working on a team and as a result, your interview might consist of members of that potential future team. Be prepared to meet with the hiring manager , other nurses , doctors , technicians and members of the hospital administrative staff and try to know a little about each person before you go in (just don’t make it creepy.)

Now that we’ve covered some basic tips, let’s take a look at 20 of the most commonly asked nursing interview questions.

In fact we we wanted to let you know that we created an amazing free cheat sheet that will give you word-for-word answers for some of the toughest interview questions you are going to face in your upcoming interview. After all, hiring managers will often ask you more generalized interview questions!

Click below to get your free PDF now:

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET

Top 20 Commonly Asked Nursing Interview Questions

1. “why did you decide on a career as a nurse”.

This is one of the classic nurse interview questions. Because this is such a hands-on, specialized field, employers need to know what it is that makes you want to be a part of it.

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

“I come from a long line of nurses. Both my grandmother and my mother are nurses. Growing up in that environment and seeing how much they love what they do every day is both inspiring and motivating. I love the challenges, and thinking outside the box to come up with solutions keeps me excited and engaged. I’m proud to continue the tradition of nursing in my family. Above all, knowing that I’m truly making a difference in people’s lives is what truly makes it all worthwhile.”

2. “What do you find rewarding about this job?”

There are lots of rewards that come with a good job; the paycheck, proximity to where you live, the retirement benefits…but remember, when you’re in an interview, it’s not actually about you…it’s about them.

“I truly love helping people, and when those people are children, there’s no better feeling in the world. I remember having one little boy as a patient who had a long-term issue resulting in the loss of one of his legs. During the course of his treatments, we discovered we had a mutual love for robot movies. I stayed with him all through his amputation surgery, and when he was fitted with his prosthetic, I was there to cheer him on. We celebrated his first step with his new leg by throwing a robot movie marathon in the common room. His dad pulled me aside that afternoon and told me how grateful the whole family was for all our help and support. It wasn’t an easy time for that boy or for his family, but knowing that it was a little easier because I was there and had made a genuine personal connection with them all was humbling and inspiring.”

3. How do you deal with someone who isn’t satisfied with your patient care?

Here is a great example of one of the behavioral interview questions for nurses. As we discussed above, give your interviewer an example from your past, so they can get a feel for how you would behave in a similar situation in the future.

“While I constantly strive to do everything I can for a patient, I had a situation once with a patient who complained to my supervisor about me, telling them I was denying them specific care for an issue. The first thing I have to do in that situation is to step back and really assess what’s going on, specifically whether I had acted appropriately. Since I had followed the doctor’s orders, I spoke with my supervisor and the attending physician about the situation. It turns out that the patient had misunderstood something the doctor had told her, leading her to assume I was neglecting a step in her care process. Once the confusion was cleared up, we were able to work with the patient to come up with a satisfactory solution.”

4. “Tell me what you feel your greatest skill as a nurse is.”

This is your opportunity to really showcase what it is that makes you unique from all the other applicants! Really reflect on this ahead of time and come up with solid examples that highlight this skill.

“I’m very proud of my ability to really listen to what a patient is telling me. Nothing frustrates them more than feeling as though they’re not being heard. Having spent the past five years in the medical field working directly with patients has shown me just how far actively listening can go in helping make someone comfortable. During my time working in admissions in my last position, I learned that addressing patient concerns and making sure they felt we were genuinely listened to was just as important as receiving quality care. As a result, I helped to establish a patient advocacy program to help teach other nurses those same listening skills.

5. “How do you handle the stress of the job?”

Let’s be honest; nursing can be incredibly high stress. An employer needs to know how you handle that stress and whether or not you work well under pressure.

“I find the best way to handle the stress of the job is through meticulous organization and attention to detail. By making lists and prioritizing what needs to get done throughout my day, I find that tasks which might seem overwhelming all at once are much more manageable. This also makes it possible for me to stay calm and remain focused on what needs to get done when unexpected situations arise.”

6. “Are you comfortable working with other doctors and nurses?”

Nurses work with a wide variety of individuals in the medical field, including doctors, technicians, other nurses, and the friends and families of your patients, just to name a few. While you’re core answer is likely “yes,” you need to go the extra mile for a quality response.

“I find I work well under a variety of conditions and circumstances, and I take pride in my flexibility. I really enjoy working in a team because I often find that different viewpoints can help me find solutions to a problem I might not think of on my own. I also enjoy self-motivating and am equally comfortable working alone.”

7. “What do you find is the hardest part about being a nurse?”

This is a trick question. No, the hiring manager isn’t actually asking you to tell him how much you hate the early morning shifts because you’re just not a morning person, and you hate getting up before the sun does. Remember, they’re there to find a person to fill a job position.

“I think the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with is feeling helpless. While it’s my job to provide as much care and comfort as medically possible, there are times when you just can’t do more. Seeing someone in pain or feeling miserable and knowing there’s nothing you can do to help is the most difficult thing I deal with. I am a nurse because I genuinely care about people and want to help, and when I can’t, that’s hard.”

8. “Why are you the best nursing candidate for this position?”

This question is actually one of the best nurse interview questions you could hope to be asked. Why? Because this is your opportunity to really sell the hiring manager on why you’re the Perfect Candidate.

“I’ve been working as a Registered Nurse for the past eight years and loved every day of it. This is more than a job, it’s a passion, and I’ve used that passion to drive me forward. I make sure to stay abreast of all the current advancements in my field, am continuing to further my education, and am constantly striving to make sure that I stay on top of emerging trends and technology. I enjoy the challenges that come with this job and take every opportunity to learn and grow.”

9.“Tell me about yourself.”

This is one of those important questions to answer properly, regardless of your field. Remember that they’re not asking you for your life story. Instead, they’re asking you this question to find out from you what you think is important and how well that matches up with what they’re looking for.

“I’m a motivated self-starter who really enjoys the hands-on and human aspect of our industry. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than helping people out when they need it the most. Having spent the past five years in the medical field working directly with patients has shown me just how far actively listening to a patient can go in helping make someone comfortable. My most recent position included working with patients directly in admissions which meant I was often the first face they’d see when they came in and the last on their way out, as well as everything in-between. During that time, I learned that addressing their concerns and making sure they felt their voices were being heard was just as important to them as receiving quality care. As a result, I helped to establish a patient advocacy program to help teach other nurses those same skills.”

10. “Why are you leaving your current position?”

This question is a potential land-mine. Do NOT use it as an opportunity to badmouth your current or former position. Future employers don’t need to know you hate where you worked or that your old boss was a tyrant. Rather, focus on the positive aspects and how you’re leveraging those in your new job.

“While my last job was an opportunity for me to learn and grow at a comfortable pace in a smaller clinical environment, I’m looking for new challenges and opportunities to continue to expand my knowledge in a larger, hospital-based environment. I am eager to try new things and learn skill-sets that come from working in a faster-paced environment like this one here.”

11. “Why do you want to work here?”

Here, you need to be strategic. Don’t discuss salary opportunities. Instead, talk about your career goals and your vision for your future in your industry and how those directly relate to what you will be doing if hired.

“I’m fascinated by the new and emerging technology involved in ongoing patient care, especially in the field of pediatrics. Your hospital has been ranked in the top five hospitals in the nation for the past seven years running in new innovations, and I’m excited by the possibility of being a part of that and learning from your experts.”

12. “Would you say you’re a team player?”

As a member of the medical field, your first answer had better be yes. Of course, what you say after that is what is going to make or break you in your interview.

13. “Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient and how you handled that.”

Tough patients are going to be a regular part of your daily routine, and no employer wants to hire a nurse who is going to be unable to handle these types of characters.

“Working with elderly patients always presents unique challenges as you’re dealing with people who are used to being independent and who are now totally reliant on strangers. I remember one gentleman who had a reputation for being extremely difficult. He was angry and argumentative and would often fight with the other nurses over things as little as the temperature of his room. I admit, I wasn’t excited when I found out I was going to be working with him, so to prepare, I looked over his charts. I discovered that his wife had died a number of years ago and that he had no friends or family in the area and hadn’t had a visitor in ages. Rather than treating him just as a patient, I did my best to connect with him as a human. I would talk to him, not just at him. It took a little, but eventually, he came around and ended up being one of my favorite people to visit with every day.”

14. “Why should we hire you?”

Here’s another question that really gives you a chance to showcase the best of what you’ve got. Take advantage of it1

“For me, nursing it’s just a career; it’s a passion. As a result, I spend time seizing opportunities to learn and grow, prioritize patient care at every step, and embrace advances that can lead to higher quality outcomes. Additionally, I know the value of teamwork and agility and also enjoy the challenges that come with this job. Overall, I can’t imagine doing anything else and will always go the extra mile for both patients and my employers.”

15. If you disagree with a physician’s approach to treating a patient, how do you handle it?

In some cases, nurses and physicians don’t see eye to eye. That’s why hiring managers are going to ask how you handle situations of that nature.

“My typical approach is multifold. First, I consider what about the recommended course doesn’t seem like a fit to me. Second, I determine why I believe another option is a better match. Finally, I reflect on why the physician may have chosen that direction. That allows me to factor in their point of view, as well as present my perspective effectively to the physician. Once I’ve made my recommendation, I listen to the physician’s response and, ultimately, follow the approach they select. The only exception is situations where I believe a prescribed treatment puts the patient in legitimate danger, at which point I follow internal processes regarding who to inform and how to approach the matter.”

16. How do you explain complex medical terms and procedures to patients who don’t have a healthcare background?

Overall, the world of medicine is complicated, particularly for those who haven’t studied or worked in the field. Since ensuring patients understand conditions, test results, treatments, and procedures is essential, hiring managers ask this question to see how you approach the situation.

“Since patients have different levels of understanding regarding medical terminology, I use a combination approach when speaking to them. Usually, I’ll lead off with a formal term and couple it with an informal term or description, depending on the situation. For example, I may tell a patient that a medication is used to treat ‘hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.’ That introduces the phrases physicians may use when speaking with the patient while using terms that feel familiar to ensure understanding.”

17. How do you ensure you remain up to date on advances in nursing?

Advances in the healthcare field are a regular occurrence. While medical facilities often provide training opportunities, they typically favor candidates who go the extra mile on their own time to remain current.

“I use several approaches to remain up to date. Along with continuing education courses, I subscribe to several industry publications to learn more about what’s on the horizon. I also follow thought leaders on social media, giving me additional insights, and converse with my network regularly to find out about their discoveries.”

18. When you don’t have an answer to a patient’s question, what do you do?

Even the most experienced and educated nurses won’t have every answer. The hiring manager wants to know you’ll use an appropriate approach in situations where you aren’t certain about a topic.

“If I don’t know the answer, my first step is to let the patient know I need time to get the information they need. Then, I’ll use a combination approach, conducting research on my own while also conferring with colleagues with expertise in that arena. Along with ensuring I have a thorough understanding of the answer, this allows me to develop a sound way to relay it to the patient, increasing overall accuracy and understanding.”

19. Describe a time when you were in conflict with a fellow nurse. How did you handle the situation?

This is another question that showcases how you navigate the workplace, making it a favorite among hiring managers. Generally, you’ll want to outline a typical strategy, using an example along the way.

“My preferred approach always focuses on communication and empathy. For example, in one of my last positions, a fellow nurse was regularly late for their shift start. This harmed the transition, causing the team to fall behind. Instead of filing complaints or berating them, I took them aside and asked if they were having challenges getting to work on time. It turned out that there was a childcare challenge, one that would be solved with a different shift. I helped them arrange for a schedule change, and the problem was solved, something that wouldn’t have happened without communication and empathy.”

20. “Do you have any questions for us?”

Yes. Yes, you do. Having something to ask makes you seem engaged and passionate about the opportunity, so you need a few questions to toss out there. You could ask about the length of new hire orientation and what you’d be doing exactly if you were hired. You might ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio or how a typical day is structured. We have written a dedicated article on this: Questions To Ask In A Nursing Interview .

Regardless of what you ask, it’s important that you do ask. The point is that by not asking questions, you’ll appear uninterested and unmotivated, and we know that’s not possible!

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve gone over the types of questions you might be asked, given you a few nursing interview tips, brushed up on some practice questions and some sample answers, and gotten you thinking about your own questions, I think it’s safe to say you’ve got the perfect prescription for nailing that interview. (Groan!)

P.S. Now that you’re an expert on the nursing interview questions you are going to be asked, don’t forget that there are hundreds of non-nursing interview questions that you could be asked in your interview! Thankfully we’ve outlined the most common questions AND given you word-for-word answers in our free PDF below:

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Here's what you're getting:

• Word-for-word sample answers to the most common interview questions
• Tell me about yourself, why should we hire you?, What's your greatest weakness and more!
• Free Access to our VIP resources area

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

Copyright © 2024 · TheInterviewguys.com · All Rights Reserved

• Our Products
• Case Studies
• Interview Questions
• Jobs Articles
• Members Login

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Incredible Health

Empowering healthcare professionals to find and do their best work.

Most Common Nursing Interview Questions, Best Answers, and Tips

Dec 01 2023

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Interview Questions

There are few things more intimidating than preparing for a nursing job interview. No matter how much experience you have or how strong your skills, it’s scary to put yourself out there.

The best way to free yourself of interview anxiety is to walk in feeling confident and well prepared. We can’t help you with your nursing knowledge or years of practice, but we can definitely provide a heads up about the questions you can expect to be asked. Take a look at the 18 nursing interview questions and answers we’ve put together for you below. If you familiarize yourself with each of these, you can walk in to any interview with confidence.

(Looking for interview questions for specific nursing roles? Read here for common ER nursing interview questions to help you ace your next interview.)

In this guide, we’ll cover

• Teamwork questions
• Patient care questions
• Background and personality questions
• Adaptability questions
• General nurse interview tips

Research the facility where you’re interviewing

• Questions to ask the employer

Additional nursing interview questions to expect

How to prepare for a phone interview.

What to wear

What to bring

Introducing Resume Wizard

AI-powered resume builder for nurses.

Common nursing interview questions and answers

The twenty interview questions below are among the most frequently asked by nursing interviewers. Reviewing them, and the sample answers we’ve provided is one of the best ways for you to prepare yourself.

• Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?
• Tell us about a time when you were unexpectedly put into a leadership position. What happened, and were you pleased with how you responded?
• Describe a situation where you were especially proud of your healthcare team. What role did you play in your team’s success?
• How do you like working with a team?
• Describe a time there was a miscommunication between you and a teammate. How did you handle it?
• Describe a problematic patient you had in the past. How did you handle that situation?
• How do you manage questions from a patient’s family and friends?
• Can you explain situations without using a lot of medical jargon? Give an example.
• What is your idea of effective patient and family education?
• Have you ever had a family member or patient who was unhappy with your care? How did you handle it?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why did you decide to be a nurse?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here (at this hospital/health system)? What interests you the most?
• How do you deal with cultural differences?
• What are your professional goals?
• Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it? What methods worked well for you?
• What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work—whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on teamwork

Working collaboratively and being a team player is critical to high-level patient care, whether you’re working in a hospital or any other type of health facility. Employers want to know that you’re a team player who works well with others, especially in stressful situations.

1. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?

The key to answering this nursing interview question is to talk about the solution you provided rather than badmouthing a colleague. Demonstrate understanding, empathy, and a positive approach. You’ll get extra points for mentioning what you learned from the situation.

Sample answer:

“I worked the night shift with a nurse who consistently showed up late for their shift. This would impact the whole team and put us behind. I took the nurse aside to speak with her, and asked if switching shifts would help her get to work on time. My co-worker expressed tremendous relief, and said it would definitely help: she explained why her assigned hours were a problem. With that information, we switched her to a different shift and the problem was solved. That experience showed me the benefits of taking initiative, as well as being open to making a change for the good of the team.”

Great answer! This shows empathy, a high level of communication, and problem-solving skills. Hiring managers want to hire nurses who can overcome a challenge and find a resolution.

2. Tell us about a time when you were unexpectedly put into a leadership position. What happened, and were you pleased with how you responded?

Hiring managers want nurses who they can rely upon, and promote. They want to find someone who not only has experience as a leader, but who takes pride in their accomplishments. Even if you’re a recent graduate, you can point to leadership experience you had while volunteering or working with your cohort on an academic project.

“Ever since I became a licensed RN, I’ve gravitated toward situations that required leadership and responsibility. I was once asked to lead a group of LVN’s. In working with the team, I emphasized patient-centered care and efficiency. We made a point of engaging with patient families, educating them on the care required for each individual patient’s needs. Each team member really became dedicated to high quality care, and one of my proudest moments was seeing one of them go on to earn their RN certification. I really felt that I had made a difference, and it inspired me to go on to mentor other nurses.”

Solid. You gave a great example of how you managed your leadership role, included care standards in your answer, and spoke to your desire to take on more responsibility in the future.

3. Describe a situation where you were especially proud of your healthcare team. What role did you play in your team’s success?

Every nursing unit experiences success in one way or another. It may be around a particular patient’s care or a challenging situation within the larger organization. Being able to describe the situation and how you and your colleagues handled it will be very helpful to the recruiting manager. Make sure you’re as detailed as possible and explain the particular role you played in the successful outcome .

“Working on a med-surg nursing team , we often see a lot of successes, but one time, one of our patients started to fail. We worked together and realized that he had infected feeding tubes. We were able to work together quickly to thoroughly clean the tubes, helping prevent further injury to the patient.”

4. How do you like working with a team?

Teamwork is essential to nursing care, and cooperation and flexibility are important. You want to make sure that the interviewer knows that you enjoy being part of a team, and work to improve collaboration and collegiality.

“I thrive while working as a part of a team. I have a strong ability to adapt and am guided by knowing that a healthy and cooperative team provides the best outcomes for patients . Everyone has a different way of looking at a problem, and I believe that we should be open to multiple perspectives . One of my favorite parts about being on a team is celebrating our successes , whether individual or together. Though I feel confident in my abilities to work alone, working with a team always teaches me something new.”

Great! You explained how comfortable you are while working on a team, and also made sure that the interviewer knows you can work alone. You killed two birds with one stone. Excellent.

5. Describe a time there was a miscommunication between you and a teammate. How did you handle it?

Miscommunications are not a problem in and of themselves, but failure to work through them can be. You want the interviewer to know that you are able to work through conflict . Again, focus on your solution and the leadership you showed in finding it rather than on describing a colleague’s bad behavior. You want your answers to be positive.

“One of my co-workers struggled to communicate during the hand-off period to begin her shift. The partial, incomplete information she provided about our patient’s status led to confusion and ran the risk of sub-quality care. After repeated issues, I approached her politely and told her that I needed proper information at the shift change. I did it directly and without criticizing her, and she immediately apologized and corrected her ways. She even began jotting down some notes for the hand-off. I learned the importance of speaking up and being direct without being confrontational or critical.”

Perfect. You took initiative by speaking up, both for yourself and for your patient. You also demonstrated your ability to provide honest, considerate feedback without putting your colleague down.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on patient care

Patient care is a central focal point for nurse candidates. Interviewers (and your future supervisors and teammates) want to know that you’re dedicated to having a good relationship with every patient, regardless of challenging circumstances.

6. Describe a problematic patient you had in the past. How did you handle that situation?

Difficult patients are a reality of nursing practice. Your answer should acknowledge this and demonstrate that you know how to respond in a way that is constructive and doesn’t interfere with care.

“As a pediatric nurse, getting children to take their meds can be challenging. I had one child who cried and became nearly hysterical every time we needed to give him medication. One day I asked him a simple question: “What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?” When he said chocolate, I grabbed some chocolate pudding and offered it for him to take with his medication. It sounds simple, but it did the trick. He stopped screaming and crying at medication time, and I had made a friend.”

Wow. Great answer. You described being creative in the face of a challenge, as well as your willingness to go above and beyond. This response may seem simple, but it sets you up as a problem-solver who is able to adjust on the fly.

7. How do you manage questions from a patient’s family and friends?

Patients’ family and friends are typically concerned, and that leads to them asking a lot of questions that you may not be able to answer quickly. Being able to balance their questions with taking care of the patient is crucial.

“I always remember to be empathetic: I know that if it was my loved one, I’d have questions too! I try to make sure I’m answering them kindly and with patience . I know I can’t answer all of their questions, so I try to make that clear within my answer. That way I’ve set boundaries .”

Perfection. You displayed an earnest attempt to meet the patient where they are. You also talked about setting boundaries, which is key.

8. Can you explain situations without using a lot of medical jargon? Give an example.

Medical information can feel like a foreign language to patients. Nurses have to be able to effectively translate what the doctor says to a patient. When answering this nursing interview question, emphasize what you do to make sure that the  patient understands .

“Patients come from different educational backgrounds. They’re different ages and have different levels of familiarity with medical terminology, so I always work to break medical jargon down into language that is understandable . For example, if a doctor says he is ordering diagnostic imaging, I make sure that to explain that this means the patient is getting an X-ray. I also ask the patient to repeat what they think they heard so I’m sure that they’re working with the right information.”

You explained the effort you put into describing medical jargon, and even mentioned having the patient repeat back what they heard. Great job!

9. What is your idea of effective patient and family education?

Every patient has their own learning style . Emphasizing that you can work with a variety of patients to provide quality patient and family education is important.

“Patient education is most effective when it is centered around the patient and family’s needs. I work hard to understand each group’s learning style and adapt accordingly. I know some patients prefer reading medical instructions and others do better if they can watch a video. Some want detailed information and others just want the basics. Including the family in the treatment process is so important: They often end up serving as primary caretakers for the patient. When you emphasize how important they are to the process, it elevates their interest and participation. “

Excellent. You demonstrated your flexibility, your attention to cues from your patients and their family, and your understanding of expressing the importance of family involvement in patient’s needs.

10. Have you ever had a family member or patient who was unhappy with your care? How did you handle it?

Unfortunately, not everybody will be satisfied with your care. Your answer should demonstrate that you worked to find a solution rather than that you took it personally.

“I work to provide high-quality care to every patient, but the reality is that some patients or their families won’t agree with my methods. I once had a patient who complained about how I administered his insulin. He told my administrator that I stuck the needle in too quickly and hadn’t been gentle enough. I decided to go especially slowly with that patient to accommodate their needs and provide patient-centered care .”

This is a great example of adjusting to a patient’s needs rather than focusing on having been the subject of a complaint. Rather than suggesting that the patient was wrong, you demonstrated that you can respond positively to criticism.

If you’re just beginning your  nursing career , you may be concerned about how to answer these questions in light of your lack of patient experience. Address this by answering in hypotheticals, or give an example of a time when you had to work with difficult individuals in another part of your life.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on background and personality

Your personality plays a huge role in how you fit into a healthcare environment. The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate how you will fit into an existing team. Questions about you, your personality, and your career path are fairly common.

11. Tell me about yourself.

This may feel like a very open-ended question, but it gives you the opportunity to share. As tempting as it is to answer this nursing interview question with your life story, instead work to demonstrate that you will fit in their team. Talking about your job qualifications and your ability to work as part of a team and you’re golden.

“I’m a dedicated nurse. I enjoy providing patient-centered care , and have spent eight years working as a pediatrics nurse. Helping my patients recover and regain health motivates me every day. One of the most important things I’ve learned, that’s become my mantra, is that quality care involves empathy first, and helps you determine treatment. Every patient is different and deserves personalized attention. Of all the things that I’ve learned over my nursing career, I’m most proud of my ability to juggle different patient loads . Your company’s mission of ensuring patient-centered, quality care fits my skill set and goals as a nurse.”

Great job! You provided a great synopsis of your skills and passion and demonstrated that you’ve done your homework about them too.

12. Why did you decide to be a nurse?

This may sound like they want to know more about you and your background, but what the employer wants out of this nursing interview question is to know that your ambitions match their facility’s principles.

“My family has always been involved in medicine. My grandfather and uncle were both doctors, and many of my aunts and cousins are nurses, so it seemed like a natural fit. Helping people in practical yet compassionate ways comes naturally to me.”

You’ve provided information on something essential about your character: care and compassion . Having an urge to care for others rooted in your family’s values expresses a lot about your drive to be a nurse.

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Honesty is important when answering this question. Every nurse has unique strengths and weaknesses, but you also want to be careful that when you’re describing a weakness, you don’t do so in a way that makes you seem incompetent.

“My greatest strength is communication. I have a strong ability to educate and empathize with patients , speaking in their terms and helping them understand what’s going on. I guess empathy is a strength too, because I strive to walk a mile in their shoes and treat them as people first. I once worked with an older patient who dearly missed her garden. I brought her a small potted garden. She loved it, and it seemed to make her more accepting of the treatments she had to endure. My greatest weakness is over-committing. I love my job and I try and do too much at times. I need to slow down and trust my team .”

Wow! Touching. You showed how much your patients mean to you and confessed your weakness by showing your passion, without painting yourself in a negative light.

14. Why do you want to work here (at this hospital/health system)? What interests you the most?

This is not an invitation to say you want to make more money or that they have great benefits. Instead, describe the features of the facility and what you feel drawn toward. Prepare for this question by studying their website to see what they promote about themselves.

“I’ve always wanted to work in a facility that makes a point of  championing patient-centered care.  Your facility has received countless awards for its care, including the Vizient 2019 Bernard A. Birnbaum, M.D., Quality Leadership Award for high-quality patient care. I’m excited to work for this type of institution. I also saw that U.S. News & World Reports ranked you as one of the top hospitals. I’d feel tremendous pride working at such a well-regarded hospital. “

Well done. You did your research about the facility. And your goals align with the aims of the company.

15. How do you deal with cultural differences?

Nurses are trained to handle cultural differences, but doing so well often requires both experience and respect for others. Specific stories and methods are especially helpful when answering this question. Give an example of a time when you were faced with this, and talk about what you learned.

16. What are your professional goals?

Hiring managers want to hire nurses who are ambitious and have a clear sense of their  professional goals . Be ready for this question: Have a  detailed and attainable list of things you want to accomplish immediately, as well as five and ten years into the future. While ambition is good, you also need to give a realistic answer. It’s probably unwise to tell a hiring manager that you’re planning on becoming the hospital president when you’re applying for a role as a first-year registered nurse. 

“My professional goals are to earn my MSN, join the Emergency Nurses Association, and become an emergency room nurse practitioner. I hope to mentor nurses and share what I’ve learned. I’m excited about this opportunity, as I think it will help me to fulfill my long-term goals. Eventually, I hope to advance into a management role where I can oversee and train nurses. I feel drawn toward helping others grow and learn.”

Having well-thought-out responses to these questions show that you’ve put thought into your self-development and your career, which is very appealing for any employer.

Always be prepared to be questioned on anything on your  cover letter ,  resume , and reference letters.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on adaptability and flexibility

Life as a nurse is often about adjusting quickly to changing environments. Demonstrating that you can be agile when necessary is a great way to get your foot in the door. 

17. Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it? What methods worked well for you?

Nursing is a stressful position . Sometimes  nurses burn out . Hiring managers want to know that you can handle stress in a healthy and practical way.

“I experience pressure every day as an  ICU nurse.  On one occasion, I had to cover more patients than usual because a co-worker called out sick. I managed the situation by  creating a patient and task list and prioritizing care . By triaging in this way, I was able to manage my increased workload successfully, caring for patients and giving myself a sense of control despite the challenges.  More generally speaking, I often  practice yoga  after work so I don’t carry stress into my outside-the-hospital life. “

Bravo. You showed an ability to prioritize and you also made clear that you’re proactive about taking care of yourself.

18. What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work—whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?

The hiring manager wants to hear that you’re confident in knowing how to resolve this common issue.

“When I don’t understand something at work or have the answer to a question, I look for help . I don’t let my pride get in the way of quality patient care. I’m honest in saying that I don’t know the answer but I will get it, then quickly ask someone who has more experience or knowledge .”

Superb. You showed humility, honesty, and a need to help the patient first.

Keeping these answers focused on how well you responded to point out your willingness to adapt to get things done can be very helpful in an interview. 

When in doubt, remember the “STAR” method for your answers: A  S ituation or  T ask similar to what they’re asking about,  A ctions you took, and  R esults you achieved.

Going into your interview, you should have a clear sense of its characteristics, including the demographic it serves, its statistics and awards, goals and mission, history, and the programs that it provides. 

• Magnet status refers to an award presented by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals that meet a benchmark that measures the quality of their nursing.
• Where do they rank in the U.S. News & World Reports for hospitals ? (This ranks the best hospitals by specialty)

Goals and Mission

• What are some of the goals or missions of the hospital? You can find these on their website.
• Does the hospital have a religious undercurrent?
• What is the mission and how does the hospital want to serve its population?

Demographics

• Does the hospital cater to a specific population type? For example, does the facility serve an older demographic of people?
• What about the general socioeconomic status of the patients?
• When did the facility open?
• What major things have happened since it’s been opened?
• Has it recently undergone a renovation?
• What kind of programs does the facility have? For example, does it have a renowned cancer unit or a great pediatric program?
• What’s the patient-to-staff ratio? 

Get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions

Let's get started

What's your current role?

Questions to ask the potential employer

Now that we’ve provided examples of common nursing interview questions and answers, it’s time to go over the questions you can ask your interviewer . Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position and the facility, and helps you gain a greater sense of what the job will be like.

What is your company’s culture?

This question is important for any position. A company’s culture impacts every decision that is made , so you want to make sure that your values and the company’s values align. Some companies may over-emphasize efficiency and lose sight of developing healthy interactions between nurses on and off the job.

What type of orientation or training do you provide?

This is a great question: The answer will help you understand the level of support you’ll receive upon starting the job, and is also an indication of the facility’s overall attitude towards its staff. Knowing that there will be a detailed and thorough training process might ease your mind about taking the job.

How would you describe your management style?

Knowing what to expect from your future boss is a huge help, and can even inform you as to whether you should accept the job if it is offered to you. Every boss has their own managing style. Some bosses prefer a more hands-on approach while others allow their employees more freedom .

What policies or practices do you have for self-care?

The answer to this question will tell you a lot about the facility’s culture. Nurse burnout is real, and being in an environment that doesn’t allow for self-care can be toxic.

Be prepared to answer more personal questions as the interviewer goes through your resume and asks about your experience!

How to prepare for your nursing interview

Here are some key steps for making a great impression during your job interviews:

• Prepare in advance for questions  your prospective employer may ask, especially those that test your critical thinking, prioritization, and skills.
• Practice your answers out loud.  It may feel silly, but it’s the easiest way to know if an answer feels right or not. You can even record yourself speaking and listen to your responses.
• For phone interviews, select a quiet place  where you won’t be distracted during the call.
• Keep some water handy  to combat dry mouth
• Smile as you speak , even over the phone,  so they can hear your positivity  on the other end of the line.
• For in-person interviews, make sure you dress with polish  — no jeans or scrubs — and avoid overpowering scents/perfume.
• Bring a notebook and pen  along with a clean folder and copies of your resume, as well as documentation of any certifications you have (ACLS, NCLEX, etc.) 
• Make sure you read the job description carefully! The key qualifications and traits employers are looking for will be included, and you should use the same words in describing yourself.
• Prepare your own questions for the employer – Don’t just leap into asking about salary. Ask about a typical day in the position, patient and staff numbers, and how the organization gathers patient input/feedback
• Write and send a thank you note to the interviewer . Thank them for the time they spent with you and reiterate your interest in working for their organization. Be specific about why. An authentic thank you note makes a difference, especially if they’re considering other nurses for the role.
• Stay positive!
• Be ready 10 minutes early so you don’t sound rushed.
• Eliminate background noise and distractions from children, pets, and others.
• Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged, and use headphones/earphones for optimal sound.
• If you’ll be using your landline, turn your mobile phone off.
• Have some water handy. If your mouth is dry, you’ll sound nervous.
• Use paper and pen for note-taking to avoid the noisy clicking of computer keys.
• Do some voice exercises before the call, especially if you haven’t spoken in several hours.
• Posture has an impact on your voice, so stand or make sure you sit up very straight during the call.
• Smile as you speak — it really makes a difference! A good time to smile is when you talk about the work you’ve done, ask questions, or express your enthusiasm about the company.

How to prepare for an in-person nurse interview

Looking professional is important. Your interviewer will be looking at how you dress, how you present yourself, eye contact , positive attitude, and a firm handshake . Remember, psychologists say you only have seven seconds to make a first impression !

Can you wear scrubs to a nursing interview? Despite the saying, “dress for the job you want,” the simple answer is: no. Your image is your first impression , even before you shake the interviewer’s hand. Dress professionally – this means a suit or business separates – no scrubs or denim. 

4 tips for what to wear

• Don’t wear jeans, denim, or scrubs.
• Wear a suit or business separates that fit well. You should feel like the superhero you are! Avoid clothes that are either too tight or oversized.
• Avoid strong scents, which may include perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, and hair products.
• If possible, wear a watch to show that you understand the importance of timing and detail.
• A pen or pencil
• Small notepad or notebook in good shape
• Several copies of your resume
• Any letters of reference you might have
• Nursing License/proof you have passed NCLEX (mainly for new nursing graduates)
• Pertinent certifications

Preparation is key for any interview

Adequate prep time will help you feel confident and comfortable heading into the interview room. Make sure to review all the tips above before your interview, practice your answers to common questions, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

Top nursing jobs on Incredible Health

Get matched with these and thousands more permanent jobs on Incredible Health.

• Browse jobs
• Nursing CEUs
• Interview questions
• Job search guides
• New nurse graduates
• Nurse advice Q&A
• Nurse specialty quiz
• Nurses blog
• Nursing degree guides
• Personal finance
• Resume Wizard
• Resume guide

BROWSE JOBS

• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Washington, DC
• Schedule a demo
• Why Incredible Health
• Customer case studies
• Inside Incredible Health
• Contact & support

16 Nursing Interview Questions You Might Get Asked (and How to Answer Them)

You just got called into an interview for a nursing job—congrats! You’re probably thrilled, but also feeling a bit panicked, wondering “What are they going to ask me?” or “How will I handle a question I don’t know how to answer ?” Not to worry— we’ve got inside information on common nursing interview questions so you’ll be prepped for anything that comes your way.

First, you’re going to get a lot of general interview questions such as “Tell me about yourself” , “Why is there a gap in your employment history?” , or “Why do you want this job?” . Be sure you know how to answer those basics with ease. Second, while you want to present yourself in the best light possible, you don’t want to lie about your past experience.

“Every hospital, every healthcare company wants nurses that are ethical and have integrity,” says Greg Musto, Chief Executive Officer at The Roman Healthcare Group , who’s spent over eight years recruiting candidates for roles in healthcare. So if they see an inconsistency in your employment history or on your resume, “it draws red flags immediately.”

“I always tell our candidates, be 100% honest,” Musto says. “Don’t hide a job that didn’t go well, because it’s going to come back up and it’s going to look like you’re being dishonest.”

Overall, hiring managers are looking for several things in candidates, says Raymond Dacillo, Director of Operations at C-Care Health Services : “Professionalism, attention to detail, critical thinking, time management, and communication. Our questions usually revolve around these attributes.”

10 common nursing interview questions—and how to answer them

Here are some common interview questions for nurses you may be asked during your job-seeking journey, as well as some advice for how you can answer them (and pass the test with flying colors!).

The more interviews you get, the better your chances of getting hired—apply now to these amazing nurse jobs on The Muse »

1. Why did you pursue nursing?

Healthcare hiring managers care about passion—for nursing, for quality patient care and safety, and for making a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Passion is probably one of the most important things,” says Musto. “There are so many times where it comes down to two candidates, both equally qualified, and they will always take the candidate with more passion about why they’re doing what they’re doing.”

If a nurse isn’t in love with their field, Musto points out, they won’t work well with others, and they also won’t work well with patients.

How to answer it

Explain what drew you to nursing from a mission standpoint. What do you love most about it? What gets you excited about the field? What is it about taking care of patients that resonates with you? Don’t be afraid to tie it back to a personal anecdote, such as a childhood experience or a relative who was a nurse.

(These three women’s stories about why they choose a career path in medicine might inspire your own pitch.)

2. How do you handle workplace stress?

Nursing can be a physically and emotionally taxing career, so it’s important for interviewers to see that you know how to balance work and life. And that you’ll be able to take care of yourself—no matter how grueling the work gets—so that you can come back the next day ready to continue to perform.

“Every day you’re opening the obituaries and seeing a patient that you treated for 10 years, or you’re seeing that mom who had three small kids who died of breast cancer,” says Emily Hershey, BSN, RN, Executive Search Consultant of Clinical Nursing at The Roman Healthcare Group. So when she’s interviewing candidates, she wants to know how they deal with and overcome “compassion fatigue.”

Underneath this question, she says, she really wants to know: “How do you handle your emotions changing in a matter of 30 seconds, and be able to go from room to room? And then be able to go home to be with your spouse and children?” Overall, good nurses have strong emotional intelligence—about their patients, sure, but also about themselves.

There’s no right or wrong answer to this: Just explain how you’ve learned to cope with the stresses and exhaustion of the job. Do you exercise? Bake? Unplug with a good movie and some quality family time?

Bonus: Adding a couple specific examples of times you’ve had to overcome an especially emotional situation or day can make your answer even stronger.

3. How would you handle a crisis?

As Musto says, dealing with crises in other industries may be an exception to the rule, but in healthcare, “it’s the norm.”

This is especially the case for emergency nurses, who have to work speedily to get patients in and out of the ER and be able to change course at the drop of a hat, while also maintaining steady compassion and quality of care.

Questions like this one, as well as many of the other questions on this list, are asked because interviewers don’t just want to hear that you can handle stress—but that you’ve handled it before and came out the other side unscathed.

“You need to be prepared to give examples of your work,” Musto says. Think of a time when a crisis developed in a past job. How did you react? “I panicked and left” or “I hate stress so I just avoid it” or “I let my staff take care of it” won’t cut it. You want to come across as someone who can handle anything calmly, strategically, and proactively.

Hint: Try using the STAR method —Situation, Task, Action, Result—to outline your answer. It’s the best way to structure a response to just about any behavioral question you’re asked, such as “Tell me about a time when...” or “Give me an example of….”

4. How would you deal with someone who’s not satisfied with their patient care?

This often has to do with patient satisfaction scores. Hospitals and healthcare centers can lose millions of dollars on a poor rating, so they want to hire nurses who will guarantee their patients continue to be pleased with their overall experience.

Of course, it’s not just about money—compassion plays a key role in this question, too.

Finally, Dacillo says, “We ask these questions to find out how their problem-solving skills are and how they can address confrontation.”

You want to show that you can maintain stellar patient care (and a level head) in even the most difficult of situations. Building off a past experience can help answer this question, or you can choose a hypothetical situation and explain step-by-step what you would do to solve the issue.

“Usually what I like to hear is they’re actively listening to what the patient or family member is saying, and can explain to them that they understand their frustration and they’re going to review their case and speak with other colleagues,” Dacillo says.

5. How do you handle working with other nurses, doctors, and staff?

Nursing can be a highly collaborative field, and hiring managers want to see that you can get along well with the rest of the team no matter what’s thrown your way.

Very important: Don’t just say “I’m a huge team player.” Show how you’ve been one by giving concrete examples of ways you’ve positively worked with and contributed to a team.

Also, make it clear you actually like working with doctors and other nurses. Talking badly about old colleagues or emphasizing how you’re always right and everyone else is wrong probably won’t go over well with the interviewer.

6. How would you handle a disease outbreak?

This isn’t just a behavioral question to test how you’d deal with this scenario—it’s also a skills-based question. Yes, your resume may show you’re qualified in certain areas. But your interview is just as important a place to flex your expertise—especially if it’s not clear on your application you can do the work.

“Outbreaks are huge these days, because antibiotics resistance is huge,” Musto says. “More and more things are coming into our country that antibiotics can’t cure or have a hard time curing.” A qualified nurse is expected to be trained to notice the signs when something unusual is happening in a patient and to know how to proceed with care.

Walk them through a hypothetical situation (or a real one if you have experience dealing with an outbreak before) and what steps and precautions you’d take, leaning on your training to explain what is and isn’t procedure, why you’re taking each step, and how you’d work with others to solve the problem.

7. If you saw someone administering improper medicine, what would you do?

What they really want to know is if you’d do something. Because it all comes down to a patient’s safety. Someone who’s willing to confront or report another colleague—no matter what their level—to protect a patient has the integrity that makes for a great nurse.

“What they’re looking for is collaborative skills, so not just coming down on somebody but really winning them over with the right personality in order to change behavior,” Musto says.

Being a standout nurse isn’t just about doing the right thing on a small scale, but about being able to influence and create positive change on a larger scale. Plus, knowing how to successfully give feedback to others shows you know how to work with and lead a team.

Draw from past personal experience—whether dealing with this direct issue or a similar one where you had to confront a coworker. Using the STAR method, outline what the situation was, what your role was in it, what action you took (and why), and the result of that action.

The goal? To show that A. you’d take action and B. you’d do it in a way that would encourage the person to listen to you, change their behavior, and be more thoughtful going forward.

8. Do you have [skill/certification]/Do you have experience doing [procedure]?

Again, not everything is completely clear on an application, so many interviewers like to check your hard skills , whether that’s your experience working with certain healthcare record software, inserting IVs, or performing CPR. They also want to ensure you have the proper licensing needed to jump in and get started right away (versus needing to take extra courses or get extra training).

Hopefully this should be pretty straightforward to answer, yes-or-no style. But don’t just stop at saying “yes”—prove you actually know how to do it (and do it well) by giving examples of when you put this skill into practice on the job.

“Whatever’s on paper is easy to write down, but to explain it and provide examples is a different story,” Dacillo says. And if the answer is no, don’t lie. Instead, admit to what you don’t know and focus on what skills you do bring to the table.

Hint: Use the job description to prepare for the kinds of skills and certifications they might ask about. (Here's how to read a job description the right way .)

9. How have you dealt with conflict?

In the nursing career, conflicts can arise at any time. Whether it involves a dissatisfied family member, a difficult patient, or disagreements with colleagues or doctors, stressful situations are quite common. That's why interviewers may want to hear about a time you dealt with conflict to assess your problem-solving skills.

Now isn't the time to dwell on your weaknesses . Rather, showcase your capability to handle conflict calmly and logically. Think about a specific situation where you effectively resolved a conflict, and use an anecdote to strengthen your response—again, employing the STAR method would come in handy.

10. How would your peers describe you?

No matter where you work as a nurse, it's crucial to get along with the healthcare team. Hiring managers may ask what your peers think of you to see if you're a team player or pleasant to work with.

Of course, you should paint yourself in a good light. Think of strong work-related adjectives, such as leader, team player, dynamic, and thoughtful. (Here are 125+ words to describe yourself in a job interview, resume, and more .)

Keep your answer concise but include an example to back it up—after all, your former colleagues and bosses aren't there to confirm what you're saying. For example, “My coworkers often say I am a proactive person, because during [situation], I quickly [action] to [conclusion/result].”

11. Are you a good leader?

Leadership skills are key in virtually every role in every industry—including in a nursing career. In patient care, there are times when you must act quickly and take charge. So hiring managers need to know if you're up to the task.

Like most behavioral questions, this one requires you to share an anecdote to illustrate your leadership skills. It doesn't have to be strictly from a professional context—you could mention a college or community project you led—but a work-related situation would be ideal.

12. Tell me about yourself

This is one of the most common job interview questions. Typically asked at the very beginning of the interview, it gives you the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to the interviewer. Even though it's a simple question, your answer can show a lot: if you have effective communication skills, if you're self aware, and how prepared you are for the interview.

Needless to say, you shouldn't share random facts about yourself. Instead, provide a brief summary of who you are as a professional, highlighting your experience, skills, and accomplishments.

For instance, you could say, “I'm a registered nurse with [years of experience] working in hospitals with [type of patients]. I graduated from [college] in [year]. My first nursing job was at [hospital/facility], and my last role was at [hospital/facility], where I developed [skills] and achieved [accomplishments].”

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

That's another broad and common question an interviewer might bring up in a nursing job interview. Like the one above, this question also tests your self-awareness and ability to communicate.

Answering these questions can be tricky because you might mention a weakness that's important for the job, or a strength that's not necessarily relevant—which isn't ideal. So, prepare an honest answer that doesn't jeopardize your chances of getting hired.

Good strengths for a nurse include handling stress well, being an effective communicator, being a problem solver, or being proactive. When it comes to weaknesses, think about a skill or ability that isn't crucial for a nurse's job performance, like public speaking or struggling with self-criticism, for example.

14. Why did you apply to us?

We all know that the biggest motivation to apply for a job is usually money—we all have bills to pay, after all. However, the interviewer wants to know what else, besides the salary and benefits package, caught your eye.

This is the moment to show that you've researched the company. Mention relevant aspects of their culture, values, or mission that attracted you to them. Whenever you can, link these aspects of their business with your professional aspirations.

15. Do you have future career plans/What are your professional goals?

Hiring managers often like to assess a candidate's ambitions and expectations to see if they align with the company's long-term mission and goals. These questions can sometimes replace the traditional “ Where do you see yourself in five years ?” depending on your career level or stage of life, for example.

Your answer doesn't need to be super detailed unless the interviewer asks for more information. Briefly mention a career goal and tie it to the company or job posting. For instance, you could mention your intention to specialize in different types of nursing or a specific nursing field that the hospital or facility is known for.

16. What motivates you?

As a nurse, you bear partial responsibility for patients' health and lives. Your daily routine involves dealing with difficult cases, caring for severely ill people of all ages and backgrounds, and, at times, experiencing loss. Given this, you might get asked about what motivates you to come to work every day.

Focus on why you choose to be a nurse or what professional and emotional rewards you get from your job. Do you enjoy helping people? Do you feel fulfilled when you improve someone's life? Are you motivated by contributing to a patient's recovery?

Questions to ask in a nursing interview

Be sure to bring some questions of your own —and not just “How much does this job pay?” You should be interviewing them to see if it’s a good fit, too! Here are some examples of questions to ask in a nursing interview:

1. How do you like working here?

2. What medical record systems would I be using?

3. Do you provide training? What type?

4. How long is the training period?

5. What are some challenges nurses currently face here?

6. How would you describe the management style of this unit?

7. What are the staffing ratios here?

8. Who would I report to?

9. What is your overtime policy?

10. How is the nurses' success measured in performance reviews?

11. Do you have protocols for dealing with difficult patients?

12. What's the next step in the interview process?

Other notes about nursing interview questions and answers

Hershey notes that while being prepared and having well thought-out, confident answers are crucial to passing your nursing interview, it’s also important not to forget the basics, such as showing up on time, dressing appropriately (no, you don’t have to wear scrubs), and sending a thank you note afterward.

“Appearance is huge for us. In fact, our interview actually starts in the waiting room,” Dacillo says. First impressions mean everything, so you’ll want to nail yours.

If you need more tips, read our guide to everything to know about nursing interviews . And lean on your network for support. If you know of people who’ve encountered nursing interviews before, they can provide you with some questions they’ve faced or help you prepare appropriate answers or stories.

And remember: No matter how you choose to phrase your answers, Musto emphasizes that being a nurse is “not just a numbers game” in terms of treating patients and getting them out the door. Even if your job is to sit in an office and not interact with anyone, compassion still matters:

“A nurse is truly an integral part of the healing process, so having nurses [who] understand that and how to relate to patients and the people around them and be compassionate is crucial.” If you weave that thread into everything you talk about, you’re likely to hit the right note.

Amanda Cardoso contributed to the latest version of this article.

• Visit Nurse.com on Facebook
• Visit Nurse.com on YouTube
• Visit Nurse.com on Instagram
• Visit Nurse.com on LinkedIn

Nurse.com by Relias . © Relias LLC 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Registered Nurse RN

Registered Nurse, Free Care Plans, Free NCLEX Review, Nurse Salary, and much more. Join the nursing revolution.

Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Sitting for a nursing job interview can be a nerve-racking experience. Not only will you have to face a barrage of uncomfortable questions, but you will also have to deal with the anxiety of knowing that your response to those questions could make or break your chances of getting the job.

Common Nursing Job Interview Questions (with answers)

While nursing interview questions can vary depending on the employer or manager’s needs, the questions below are common, and you stand a good chance of being asked some of them during the interview.

What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make recently (in nursing school or on the job)?

When employers ask this question, they are trying to see how you will react when put on the spot. They are also trying to gauge what you perceive to be a difficult situation.

Therefore, try to think of a situation from a previous job that you found difficult, but then talk about how your decision was right. If you have never worked at a job before, think back to a time in clinicals when you and/or a preceptor faced a difficult decision.

• For example, perhaps there was a time when a patient wasn’t doing well, and your nursing intuition told you that something wasn’t right. You had mixed feelings about calling the doctor to report it, but you went with your gut, and it turned out you were right.

What are your future career goals, and how will this position allow you to achieve them?

If you haven’t noticed, nursing is a very goal-driven profession. When we create care plans, we’re thinking about patient goals. We have goals for our units, too. Therefore, it’s only natural that some employers are going to ask you about your career goals.

Here’s the big thing: Avoid acting like the job for which you are applying is just a temporary thing and that you hope to move on to something bigger and better soon. It costs a lot of time and money for a company to hire and train a new nurse, so they don’t want to hear that you’re not going to be committed to the job.

Instead, focus on the career goals that will align with that particular organization. For example, say that you’d like to obtain additional certification in that specific area of nursing and possibly advance to a leadership position within that organization in the future.

Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide

Check out our job guide called “ Nursing Resume Templates and Job Guide by Nurse Sarah “. Nurse Sarah’s updated eBook guide & template bundle will walk you step-by-step through the entire job process. You’ll learn how to….

• Create a stunning resume and matching cover letter (16 professionally designed templates included with download)
• Ace your nursing job interview with the most common job interview questions (includes sample answers)
• Getting letters of recommendation & putting together your nurse portfolio
• Tips for finding your first nursing job and getting hired fast
• Tips to transition from nursing student to new nurse (talking to doctors, common struggles, etc.)
• Advancing in your career
• And more (see table of contents below)

Resume Templates and Matching Cover Letters Included

You can get an eBook version here or physical copy ( affiliate ad ) here.

How do you define great patient care?

It’s important for you to know that great patient care is major focus for most healthcare organizations, especially since The Affordable Care Act instituted a system that financially rewards hospitals based on patient satisfaction surveys. Therefore, it’s important to emphasize that as a nurse, you’re going to be ALL ABOUT THE PATIENT !

You might want to say, “I believe great patient care means that you are patient-centered, which means that you address their concerns and respond as quickly as you can to their needs. It means that you take time to educate them so that when they leave, they felt as if you took good care of them and would recommend your facility to others.”

You might want to add personal anecdotes of how you’ve gone above and beyond for a patient in the past.

Describe a mistake you made on the job (or in clinicals), and how you handled it.

No one likes to re-live his or her nursing mistakes , but you really need to go into the interview with an example of an honest mistake that you’ve made in the past. However, avoid mistakes that make you look incompetent or that would cause potential legal issues.

For example, mention a time you made a simple charting error that you were able to correct. Alternatively, perhaps there was a time when you collected a lab specimen, and the specimen became contaminated.

Be sure to include the details of the steps you had to take to correct the mistake, and how you learned how to avoid it in the future.

Describe a time when a coworker or manager made you upset.

If you are asked a question like this, keep two things in mind:

• You don’t want to come across as a petty drama queen (or king), a gossip, or a troublemaker.
• Don’t talk trash about your former coworkers or boss.

Instead, try to keep it as professional as possible, and think of something that affected patient care or the nursing team, such as a time when a coworker obstructed workflow for the team, or arrived late, or didn’t give proper report.

Be ready to address how you handled the situation, too.

Describe the most valuable constructive criticism a former manager or charge nurse has given you.

This question might be phrased like this, “What’s your biggest fault as a nurse?”

Think of something that you can improve on, but again, avoid saying something that makes you appear incompetent.

Try to include a personal anecdote or story, but stick with a theme that…

• You’re a perfectionist
• You push yourself too hard
• You sometimes get emotional when a patient suffers

Finish your answer by saying that it is something that you have been improving as a nurse.

What attracted you to our organization?

If you are asked why you want to work for that particular organization, you’ll want to give a good, researched answer. So make sure that you do your homework and research the organization a bit.

Each organization will have its own focus or motto. Look into the company’s history, and incorporate that into your answer.

For example, if a company really advertises patient care, you could say something like this: “One thing I love about this organization is that you are really focused on patient care, and I love that; it’s one of my strengths.”

Here are some other things you can mention, if relevant:

• The company has a great reputation in the community, and you’ve heard great things from both patients and other nurses
• Perhaps the company has won any recent awards or received positive publicity
• Perhaps the facility has Magnet status
• Perhaps the facility has a great training/teaching system in place
• Perhaps the company has many opportunities for advancement

What’s the most important quality a nurse can have?

When asked this question, think about what it is that really drives you as a nurse, whether it’s a hard work ethic, attention to detail, a love for helping people, etc. You might even want to think back to your grueling semesters in nursing school, and try to think about what it was that motivated you to get through so that you could work as a nurse.

For me, it’s helping people. So, I would probably answer this question by saying that, of course I think it is important to have competence in your nursing clinical skills, but the most important skill that a nurse can have is to genuinely want to help people, to want to see patients get well.

How would you handle a rude physician or supervisor?

Here’s how I would answer this question: “I would try to remember that you never know what is going on in a person’s life that could be causing them to be rude. They could be going through a personal issue or having a bad day.

So, I’d try to maintain a professional attitude and overlook it. As the Bible says, “A soft word turneth away wrath.” However, if someone has a consistent problem with being rude, then I’d confront them in a professional way, and if that didn’t work, I’d talk to a supervisor or manager.”

Why are you a good candidate for this job?

This is always a tough question, and you’ll want to speak from the heart, but here are some things you might to incorporate into your answer:

• Your credentials if you have any
• Your passion or interest in that specific specialty or industry of nursing
• Your love for people
• Team player
• Strive for hard work and professional attitude
• Love learning new things and growing
• Experience and knowledge
• It can help me grow

In addition, a good tip is to study up on the relevant information for the specialty for which you’re applying, just in case you are asked a question about it. This includes information such as:

• Proper skills procedures
• Relevant lab values
• Nursing interventions

Final Tips on Nursing Job Interviews

Nursing interview questions can be nerve-racking, but you can shine during the interview by going into it with a prepared mindset. I highly recommend doing a mock interview with someone to practice common interview questions.

Allow the person to throw you off by asking some random questions and follow-up questions, too. This will help ease your anxiety and condition your mind so that you can respond in a confident, professional manner.

Also, it’s good to have a nursing resume prepared to hand the manager as you begin the interview, and learn some other nursing job tips .

Please Share:

• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Important links, follow us on social media.

• Facebook Nursing
• Instagram Nursing
• TikTok Nurse
• Twitter Nursing
• YouTube Nursing

Copyright Notice

ANA Nursing Resources Hub

Search Resources Hub

Nurse Interview Tips: How to Prepare & Common Questions

5 min read • May, 19 2023

Whether you're a veteran nurse seeking a job change or advancement, or a new graduate pursuing your first nursing job, interviews can be intimidating — but they don't have to be. The key to standing out and making an excellent first impression is understanding how to prepare for a nursing interview.

Use Your Nursing Skills to Nail the Interview

When preparing for your dream nursing job, put your best foot forward by applying the critical skills health care administrators seek. Quality nursing skills include attention to detail, communication skills, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. Show prospective employers you possess these traits and have what it takes to get the job done.

Nursing Interview Tips to Get You Ready

• Research the organization's mission and history . To better understand their culture and values, review their social media presence, patient ratings, comments from patients and employees, and how they respond and interact. Speak to colleagues who have worked at the organization or visit online nursing forums for information.
• Read the job description . Compare it to your nursing qualifications and achievements. Nursing interviews often use situational questions, so this evaluation helps you prepare to show you have a sound grasp of the role and necessary skills.
• Prepare potential questions . Employers prefer candidates who are engaged in the conversation. Ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio, onboarding, performance evaluations, nurse retention , flexibility with schedules, why the organization is an excellent place to work, and the potential for advancement.
• Be aware of your body language, and the body language of your interviewer.
• Virtual interviews have grown in popularity, so make sure your camera is on and turn off or silence your phone.
• Phone interviews are often conducted to narrow down potential candidates, so ask about the next steps before hanging up.
• Practice nursing interview questions . Be sure to take notes as you think of possible scenarios or responses. There are also countless resources available to assist you with mock interviews.
• Develop a professional resume and a well-written cover letter . Print an extra copy (or two) with references from prior nurse managers or nursing instructors to leave behind. Find tips from ANA on how to craft your nursing resume ahead of your interview.
• Clean up your social media . Check your online content and photos for unprofessional material. It's wise to make all accounts private except for your LinkedIn account, which should include a professional photo and current work information.
• Be on time . Virtual interviews may have technical delays, and you could hit traffic on the way to an in-person interview. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your interview to show you're prompt and reliable.
• Send a follow-up email . These emails can be brief, but they're crucial to solidifying an excellent first impression. Use this opportunity to thank them for their time and provide a short statement on why you're the best candidate for the position. Pro tip: Wait twenty-four hours after your interview to send a follow-up note.

How to Answer Nursing Interview Questions

Solid communication is the cornerstone of admirable nursing skills, so draw upon your interactive abilities to shine during your interview.

• Apply your communication skills to respond to nursing interview questions. Incorporate vital nursing characteristics into your responses. These may include reflecting on your ability to prioritize patient care, being an effective part of a team, and adapting to stressful situations.
• Use hypothetical true to life nursing situations in your responses to avoid sounding robotic or insincere.
• Remember to utilize your active listening skills and observe nonverbal cues such as the interviewer's body language and your own.
• Incorporate storytelling tactics to answer questions. Use a STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) by addressing a specific situation, the task involved, your actions, and the outcome. Always include what you learned from the experience.

Prepare for Common Nursing Interview Questions

Most health care organizations lean on behavior-based interview questions for nurses to determine how candidates might respond in certain situations or with various personality types.

Typical Interview Questions for Nurses

• What are your nursing strengths and weaknesses?
• Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle it? Pro tip: Discuss how you worked with difficult patients and colleagues or coped in a stressful health care environment.
• Share a time you disagreed with a decision made by a provider. How did you respond, and what was the result?
• Explain a situation where a patient or family member was unhappy with your care. How was the situation handled?
• Describe a circumstance where you were asked to disclose personal, private information by a patient's loved one. How did you respond? Pro tip: Summarize how you maintained patient confidentiality and HIPPA laws while supporting the family member.
• How do you manage stress in the workplace?
• Explain a specific incident where you failed.
• Tell us about an occasion when you were involved in a miscommunication with a coworker. How was the situation handled? Pro tip: Provide an example of how you took ownership and uncovered the source of the issue.
• Describe when you felt a patient declined, and a provider wouldn't listen to your concerns.
• Why do you want to work for us? Pro tip: Discuss how the organization's culture, mission, and goals fit yours.

Determine if the Position Is the Right Fit

Remember that the interview isn't just for the organization to decide if they want to hire you. You should also evaluate them to determine if they're the correct fit for your career and long-term goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a change, don't let the interview process intimidate you. When you're properly prepared and confident, it will show in your interaction with prospective employers.

In the market for a new job? Visit the ANA Career Center to find open nursing positions from thousands of employers.

Images sourced from Getty Images

Related Resources

Item(s) added to cart

Starting July 11 at 8am, the url to access Handshake on the IU Bloomington campus is: https://iubloomington.joinhandshake.com . Please update your bookmarks!

• What is a Career Community?
• Community Health & Human Services
• Health & Life Sciences
• Healthcare & Wellness
• Sports, Events, Tourism, & Recreation
• Meet with a Career Coach
• Appointments
• School of Public Health Career Courses
• Career Kickstart
• Application Materials
• Career Planning
• Diversity Resources
• Graduate School
• International & Global
• Internships & Experiences
• Interviews & Offers
• Networking & Professionalism
• Video Resources
• All Resources
• News & Articles
• Student Experiences
• Organizations
• Featured Classes
• Internships
• Recruit with SPH
• Employer Resources

30 Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers – General And Behavioral

• Share This: Share 30 Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers – General And Behavioral on Facebook Share 30 Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers – General And Behavioral on LinkedIn Share 30 Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers – General And Behavioral on X

30 Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers was originally published on careercrawlers.com/

If you are a current or future nurse and applying for work in the medical profession, then this guide will help you prepare. We have gathered the MOST common nursing interview questions and answers . The interviewer will typically ask two types of questions during your interview: General, for example, your work history, key strengths, relationships with co-workers, etc. You will also be asked Behavioral type questions, which are situational based to determine what actions or processes you would take in a given scenario. So, how did we gather these questions? We used what we believe are the two MOST effective strategies. First, we teamed up with the leading nursing recruiting agencies who have firsthand knowledge of the type of questions asked by interviewers. Secondly, we’ve spoken to nurses and received valuable information on how to prepare for nursing interviews. Who better to ask since they have gone through the process and succeeded?

Before we go into our questions and answers, we would like you to do an exercise that we believe will ease your preparation for everything else to come. In other words, it will help you HIT a home run while preparing for your interview.

We recommend browsing over the job description because it does hold clues into what strengths the interviewer would be more interested in. For example, let’s explore the following posting in Denver, CO – RN – Registered Nurse – Home Health – Flexible Hours.

After browsing the job description, we’ve listed a few responsibilities from the job description below. For example,

“Instructs participants and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.”

“Performs general nursing care on participants, including administering prescribed medications and treatments.”

“Assesses and re-assesses participants to determine individual needs and to ensure the least restrictive environment. Assesses participants to determine the change in condition that necessitates a change in the level of care and coordinates the plan of care with Home Care resources.”

So, now your task is to highlight next to each responsibility what you think are the necessary skills required to carry out each of these responsibilities. Before reading our answers, take 5 minutes to jot down your thoughts.

Here are our answers in blue:

“Instructs participants and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.” (SKILL SET REQUIRED: communication, ability to pay attention, empathy)

“Performs general nursing care on participants, including administering prescribed medications and treatments.” (SKILL SET REQUIRED: patience, communication, following instructions, reporting)

“Assesses and re-assesses participants to determine individual needs and to ensure the least restrictive environment. Assesses participants to determine the change in condition that necessitates a change in the level of care and coordinates the plan of care with Home Care resources.” (SKILL SET REQUIRED: problem-solving, reporting, teamwork, independent thinking, analytical thinking)

Before your interview, you should have received a job description. We highly recommend you use this approach when preparing for your interview since this will enable you to incorporate the critical skill set into your answers.

Common Nursing Interview Questions And Answers

These questions are commonly asked by the interviewer to understand more about you, your work experience, your key skill set, and why you feel you’ll be an excellent choice for this job. We’ve done our BEST to provide questions and answers for both nurses with previous work experience and those being interviewed for their first job.

We have listed 20 questions in total with “Sample Answers,” where applicable.

1) Why Do You Want to Work In The Industry?

When answering this question, MOST applicants will say the same thing as everyone else. For example, ever since they were a child, they wanted to be a nurse or how much they enjoyed reading through medical journals while growing up. These are answers interviewers have heard countless times, over and over again. The entire purpose of the interviewing process is not only to find someone qualified for the position but to find someone who stands out (in a positive way).

There’s nothing wrong with starting off the answer by saying you have always had a love for nursing. Still, it needs to go in deeper, focusing on your work as a volunteer at a senior citizen center in high school or when helping an ailing parent (if this applies to you, obviously). Both these examples will put more of a personal stamp on it, and it shows compassion at the same time. Being a nurse is not just about the job but also showing compassion to patients and demonstrating this when being interviewed by a recruiter.

In our experience, this is a common nursing interview question, so let’s get you a bit more prepared. We have provided a sample answer to help you get started. However, we want to give you a great tip on how you can create several excellent answers on your own, depending on the job your applying for.

First, start by skimming through the job posting again, looking at the specific job requirements. Several clues within the posting can help CRAFT the perfect answer. Here is a sample posting for a Registered Nurse – Women’s Health Float – Full-Time Nights

In the “ Roles & Responsibilities, ” you can determine what qualities the job is looking for in a candidate. We’ve listed the following –

• Assess and evaluates patients
• Manage and coordinates patient care activities
• Reporting and research

Sample Answer

“I find it very gratifying and motivating, helping others in providing them care. Becoming a nurse will give me the unique opportunity to help others work towards achieving a healthy state of being. I believe your health is one of the essential factors in enjoying a FULL life. I’ve always found it very easy to connect with people throughout my life and build strong relationships with them. Hopefully, as a nurse, I will be able to build influential relationships with my patients to inspire them positively.

I’m proud of my ability to work in a team environment, and this has been something I’ve been doing since high school. Being able to work in a team will NOT only allow me to learn more on the job but will also allow me to use the skills I’m most proud of. For example, creating reports, researching, and hopefully managing a team in the future.

With that said, this career is extremely rewarding in nature. It can provide stable work opportunities, and the industry itself has enormous mobility for progressive roles. I want to work in an industry that will allow me to grow personally and professionally. And that’s why I have chosen the nursing industry.”

2) Why Should We Hire You? Or, Why Should We Choose You For This Position?

During the interview process, far too many applicants are going to say, “I’m the best candidate.” The fact of the matter is there is no way for the employer to know that. They don’t know who else is applying for the job, so this kind of comment comes off as pretentious. Instead, this is where pointing out your past experience and education is a plus. It’s also helpful to point out how you have gone outside of the box to improve yourself throughout the years within the industry (such as obtaining certifications outside of work). This allows the applicant to say they are willing to go the extra mile over what other candidates might offer (without actually saying other candidates won’t do it). With that said, you will be required to answer this question in detail and provide examples of why you’ll be the ideal choice. So,

We recommend being very specific about the skills you’ll bring to the job. Employers are looking for someone (an applicant) who meets the job specifications. Read through the job description because it will provide several clues about how you should answer these questions. For example, check out this RECENT posting for a Clinical Nurse – Leukemia Office Practice, Outpatient, NYC.

Under the “ You Are ” section, you’ll notice several keywords like creative decision-maker, approachable, effective communicator, flexibility, customer relationships, ability to align with shifting demands, high energy, etc.

When asked this question by the recruiter, implement some of these critical skills into your answer. For example, “I work well in a team and understand how being an effective communicator can help streamline the care process. I can build strong relationships with patients and their families, so they feel comfortable approaching me whenever they have a concern?”

3) Tell Us About Yourself?

In terms of common nursing interview questions and answers , this is as basic as they come. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t think of some relevant answers. What we mean by relevant is to CRAFT an answer that keeps some of the job specifications in mind. For example, when applying for a nursing position, there is no point in emphasizing your love for cooking. It’s a great idea to mention you love to cook but don’t go into too much detail about it. Instead, focus on your love for reading or learning new things because both can be transferable skills in a nursing job. Other possible attributes you can mention are your love for networking or working at finding solutions for everyday problems.

Another great tip is NOT just to give a bullet-point rundown of your work history. Your “Work History” is information the recruiter can already see on the resume. Instead, focus on your strengths , especially those that can be an asset on the job. For example, talk about your strong communication skills and how working in a previous position has helped build confidence and work ethic. Mention your solid track record of success when faced with difficult situations or how different types of jobs have helped give you a broader perspective on life. Keep in mind; the interviewer already knows what school you graduated from and what qualifications you hold. However, they may not realize that you worked three jobs while in high school or college. Talking about this shows perseverance, determination, and dedication.

“First of all, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed today! From the start, I’ve always been passionate about wanting to help others, and that’s why I decided very early on that I wanted to be in the healthcare industry. I graduated from ABC college with a degree in nursing. I believe my previous experience working as a nurse has provided me with the knowledge and skills I need to excel in this position. I have worked hands-on with a team of nurses caring for patients while conducting assessments on a daily basis. Not only that, but I enjoyed working in a team environment sharing knowledge and improving our skills collectively. Some other of my major responsibilities there were stabilizing incoming patients, communicating with doctors providing up-to-date information, administering medication, and maintaining patient records. Even though my job was quite intense, working in a fast-paced environment, I loved the challenge as I thrive under pressure; it brings out the best in me.

I’m now looking to continue to grow and excel therefore looking for a more senior role with greater responsibilities, which is why I am here today. I believe I have a lot to offer, not only through my skill set but the values I believe in. As you know, in this line of work, not only do you have to display high levels of integrity and perfection, but you also have to be compassionate.”

4) Why Are You Leaving Your Current Position?

In our experience with common nursing interview questions and answers , this is another one that is almost always going to come up. Recruiters want to know the reason why you have left your current position and if you’ll be transparent about your decision. Recruiters also want to ensure your reason for leaving and whether this current position aligns with your career plans. This way, you DON’T simply abandon ship and move on to the next job quickly. Employers want someone who will grow into the position since they will invest time and effort into your growth within the organization. With that said,

This is a crucial question, and many applicants have made a mistake in saying they are leaving (or left) because they don’t like their current boss or what they are doing for work. To the recruiter, this is an indication of an applicant who may be hard to get along with or is NOT willing to work at resolving issues within the workplace. So, we recommend taking a different route by saying something more along the lines of how you have learned a great deal from your current job; however, your growth is now limited. You are now at a stage in your life where you want to push forward and bring on new challenges. Go into more detail on how you want to learn new skills by taking on unique challenges where you can flourish professionally.

“Let me start by saying I was (or am) very fortunate to have the opportunity to work at (company name). During my time there, I learned a great deal. I was able to work with exceptional people who taught me a lot about research, patient assessment, reporting, etc. However, it came to a point where my growth was limited, and I wanted to grow professionally. I’ve always seen myself heading a team or working on complex problems to solve issues that affect people all over the world. I want to be more hands-on with patients working with them and their families to come up with long-term treatment plans. I feel this position will be an amazing fit for me and allow me to excel at what I know I’m capable of doing.”

Anything in blue, please change to be more specific to the job you are applying for.

5) What Do You Think of Your Last Job/Boss?

When looking at general nursing interview questions , this is a bit of a bait-and-hook question (but it will MOST certainly be asked during your interview). The interviewer doesn’t want to know dirt about your previous boss and your other job. They are NOT looking to gather any kind of gossip, either. In fact, when the interviewer asks about your current or former boss, they want to understand more about your character and how well you respect the character of others you are working with. For example, stating your previous boss was hard to work with or that they didn’t listen can reflect poorly on you too. Avoid answering this question in any way that can backfire on you making your character look bad. Another thing to keep in mind is that the interviewer can end up being your boss either now or in the near future and wants to ensure the applicant can be trusted to withhold the ethics of the workplace. With that said,

When answering such a question, it’s essential to focus on the positive attributes of your previous boss. Focusing on the positive attributes should even apply if you are NOT happy with your current boss because your answer is a reflection of your character. So, when approaching this question, focus on the positives, perhaps how your previous boss helped you understand the importance of teamwork. Or, they played a critical role in helping you learn more effective research techniques. You can even say that your boss was a no-nonsense individual who required extremely hard work from those around him or her. This attitude taught you how hard work could pay off when it comes to solving problems and meeting deadlines. In the end, you DON’T need to paint them in a glowing light. That just comes off as fake. Merely pointing out how they helped make you a better job candidate should suffice with this answer.

6) If I Contacted Your Previous Boss, What Would They Tell Me About You?

You’ll notice this is similar to the “What Would Your Friends Say About You” line of questions. However, this question is meant to bring out a much more accurate and trustworthy response from you. It’s important to note that you may or may not be asked this question. Either way, we are here to ensure you are prepared by providing possible ways you can answer this type of question. You should be well aware the interviewer can always double-check your honesty through a simple phone call to your previous boss. So, when approaching this type of question, it’s crucial, to be honest, yet not contrary to the previous questions regarding your last job and boss. For example, you’ll be asked several similar types of questions throughout your interview, and you MUST ensure your answers are all aligned together.

So, what are some possible ways to answer such a question? Approach this question by first examining your relationship with your previous or current boss.

a) If you are on excellent terms with your boss, you can be honest with the interviewer about your relationship with him or her. Many times when you have an excellent working relationship with your boss, they are willing to provide feedback to you directly about your character that you can pass on to the recruiter. You can even let your previous or current boss know they might receive a phone call for a reference.

However, you may be in a position where your relationship was or isn’t the best with your boss. If this is the case, you should take the following approach.

b) Be completely honest about your relationship with your previous boss because the interviewer can find out through a phone call if you’re honest. If you DON’T/DIDN’T have a proper working relationship with your boss, then be honest about it; however, provide examples as to how you tried to bridge the gap or improve communication with your boss. Demonstrating problem-solving skills is always a beneficial trait. After all, not everyone will get along together, which is why problem-solving and co-existing is so essential.

As mentioned previously, the interviewer may or may not decide to contact your previous boss. However, this typically depends on the position itself and if additional background checks are required due to the sensitivity of the job.

7) What Did You Not Like (or Like Least) About Your Position?

Another common nursing interview question. The interviewer is NOT looking for disgruntled employee talk, gossip or negativity (even though the question itself may come off as one). The interviewer is trying to determine how well you will align with the responsibilities of this job. For example, if you answer stating you didn’t enjoy working with a team at your previous job, and this new position requires teamwork, then you obviously won’t be a good fit. So, before answering this question, it’s essential to study and know the functions or responsibilities of this new position. You want to know what this new position will cover and then formulate an answer that avoids speaking negatively about specific responsibilities that you will be performing at this new job that you are being interviewed for.

We recommend uniquely approaching this question. For example, say there wasn’t anything you disliked about your last job, but then point out non-medical related work, such as having to travel a good deal of the time, which interfered with your life as a newlywed or parent (just make sure travelling isn’t part of the new position). You can even refer to how your previous job was or is limiting your growth, and you wanted new challenges. This answer needs to avoid any conflict with the job description for the new role you are being interviewed for.

8) Tell Me About One Of Your Greatest Accomplishments In Your Previous Role?

When answering this question, it’s important NOT to give a general, vague answer here. You want to draw on a RECENT accomplishment where you can quantify or relate the benefits of your actions or outcomes. One can be that you formulated bespoke care plans for individual patients, which led to quicker recovery time for patients and improved their satisfaction by 35%. Or, as a nurse, you trained and mentored ten new nurses, which led to an overall improvement in patient assessment and increased team dynamics/morale. These are just two examples you can use in your answer; however, each one should be customized to fit your previous roles.

When answering this type of question, there’s no right or wrong answer, and it can be as simple as spending time and interacting with patients, making them feel comfortable while putting a smile on their faces. Deliver your answer with confidence backing up what you say with examples.

Helping a family member through a difficult time in the hospital or assisting a child so they are not as afraid of a particular operation.

Communicated essential information to patients, managers, colleagues, and physicians, which subsequentially improved the communication gap by 30%

Managed team of nurses to meet service support levels every month and RECENTLY performed above target by 10%.

9) What is Your Greatest Weakness?

A standard nursing interview question can be tricky to answer; however, there are some strategic ways of answering this question that puts you in a WIN-WIN situation. First, When asked this question, do NOT deny that you have weaknesses . We are sure many of you are fortunate enough not to have any weaknesses; however, do NOT say this during your nursing interview. We also firmly recommend NOT giving the typical answers like “I work too hard” because interviewers have heard this several times before. This answer is way too generic and won’t make you stand out as a candidate for the position. With that said, we advise you to take the following two approaches when answering the question. First, you can present weaknesses which are potential ‘strengths’ in nature, for example, your passion for perfection. When applying this to nursing, you can say when working in a team, you expect perfection from everyone, even the new nurses, which may be an unrealistic demand since they are not fully equipped with the experience necessary yet.

The second approach is you can highlight those weaknesses which are not in direct conflict with the nursing job requirements. For instance, public speaking may be one of your weaknesses. It may be unlikely that this will be a requirement for a potential new nursing job. Therefore stating public speaking as your weakness should not adversely impact your job chances.

In the end, you must finish off your answer by describing the steps you are taking to overcome your weaknesses. By stating these steps, it shows you understand your shortcomings and how you pride yourself in making improvements to better yourself.

“ One of the things I struggle with is my tendency to want perfection out of everyone I’m managing. Perfection stems from my passion for wanting to deliver excellent patient care no matter what the obstacles. Therefore, I want everyone on my team to be aligned with this shared objective. Perfection at all times, in turn, may, however, put pressure on others to perform, especially those who are new to the team. To improve this weakness, I’ve learned to delegate more tasks and even taken some management courses offered online. And I have taken one on one meetings with all my team members so we can voice concerns with each other and help each other in achieving a common objective.

10) What is Your Greatest Failure, And What (If Anything) Did You Learn From It?

Another common nursing interview question, so you MUST be prepared with a unique answer. You don’t want to choose a failure that will hurt your chances of a successful interview. So, it is essential to choose something from earlier on in your career or something that won’t reflect poorly on this current job you are applying for. With that said, we recommend answering this question concerning education somehow. Or how a minor working incident has changed the way you carry out processes to perform at work better.

“When I was in College and faced with a tough semester, I decided to take two years off to work; however, the downside of this choice was limited career opportunities. I was also working in an industry not aligned with my passion. However, what I learned after my time off was no matter how difficult or challenging you find something, you should never give up. With hard work and perseverance, anything complicated can be overcome. And this is true because I went on to earn my (mention degree) however, it took me longer to achieve it because of my time off. I now appreciate the value of time and the value of NOT giving up through hard work.”

“When working at my first hospital job, I made an error in recording information on the patient’s chart. It wasn’t crucial information, but nonetheless, it was a mistake that should not have been made. It was only when a doctor was viewing the patient’s chart that she noticed there was an irregularity in the information. This error caused me to be very embarrassed; however, it was an eye-opener for me, and now I double or even triple-check my work before finalizing it. This incident has made me more vigilant in my professional and even personal life.”

11) Why Is There a Gap In Your Employment History? Can You Explain?

It is essential to know that employment gaps happen for several reasons throughout a person’s life. For example, as a nurse, you may decide to transition from a Certified Nursing Assistant to a Registered Nurse, so you have taken time out to study for the NCLEX examination . The key is in how you answer such a question when asked by the interviewer. Believe it or not, we have heard applicants say that they were “tired of working,” so they decided to take time off. Stating you were tired of working can hurt your chances of getting hired since the interviewer can assume the same outcome if you get tired of this position. In the end, companies are looking to hire someone dedicated and passionate about their job. They want someone who will persevere no matter what kind of adversity they are faced with at work. With that said,

In most instances, an applicant would have taken time away from work to travel or study to further their education. Both are GREAT answers to this question if you can show how they taught some valuable life lessons. We’ll demonstrate this in the “Sample Answer” below. Now, if there is a gap in your work history because you were searching for work, then stating the following can work very well – “ you didn’t want to rush and take a job that would leave your desire to work in the industry unfulfilled.” This type of answer shows determination and motivation to find the right job.

“After my last job, I decided to take time off to study part-time and pursue my passion for travelling. After graduating from college, I started working right away because I could not afford to travel at that time. However, now that I was able to gain some experience in my field and with a solid financial foundation, I decided to travel. Travelling was one of the best decisions I’ve made because it broadened my perspective on life. Through travelling, I was able to connect with many people from different walks of life, cultures, and professions. I have become more confident in the way I communicate with others. My ability to communicate more thoroughly is a skill I knew I would be able to utilize in nursing. Especially inpatient care, which is all about rapport building. Oh, and while travelling, I was studying in the most beautiful places ever. The ability to study on my own time gave me a greater appreciation for the material that was covered in the books. Subsequently, it renewed my passion for knowledge and my career choice.”

12) In Your Opinion, What Makes a Good Leader?

For any nursing role, it is essential that you are equipped with leadership skills to carry out your job effectively. Having leadership skills are important because nurses in a medical facility, whether it’s a doctor’s office, nursing home, or a hospital, are usually at the front line since they are more accessible than doctors. Therefore, there is more onus on nurses to take charge and ownership of patient care initially. Since such a huge responsibility is placed on nurses in this way, interviewers will ask this question to gauge if the applicant understands the necessary skill set required to make a good nurse leader.

Hence, what skills, attributes, and values make a good leader? A good leader will be a visionary in that they will be creative, confident, dynamic, and will be proactive in taking the initiative for their patients and staff. They will not be deterred by stressful situations or difficult patients but rather will relish the challenges faced. Therefore, they will possess excellent problem-solving/analytical skills to help them thrive in such demanding situations. They will also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, so they can bring out the best in their team members (to motivate them towards the common team goal), and also help in establishing a rapport with their patients. Additionally, they will be adaptable in that they can adjust to different circumstances since the nursing industry is fast-paced, with no two same patients necessarily receiving the same type of care plan. And finally, they will be perfectionists in that they strive for complete and continued success, whereby failing or underperforming is not even an option.

13) How Would Your Friends Describe You?

Your friends are an extension of you, especially those that have been with you since junior grade. When answering this type of question, as an applicant, you need to dig deep and think about your relationship with your friends. I’m sure throughout your friendship with them, many have provided clues into your GREATEST assets and qualities. So, it’s time to flatter yourself a little bit when answering this question. First, it’s important to be prepared because this is a common nursing interview question . This question provides the interviewer insight into your character from those that are NOT part of a working relationship. We recommend avoiding the usual answers like “They’d say I’m a good listener ” or ”They’d say I’ve always been there for them.” Interviewers have heard all this nonsense before, so avoid it. Instead, choose an answer more unique and where the positives of the quality outweigh the negatives. For example, “They’d say I’m very stubborn and WON’T take no for an answer. I will continue to try and try until I succeed”. The key is to be unique and think outside of the box to leave a lasting impression. After all, you want to set yourself apart from all the other candidates.

Here’s another example where a negative in one’s eyes will be positive in another: Bill Gates is credited for saying – “I will always choose a lazy person to do a difficult job because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.”

We are not suggesting you literally say that you are lazy – but you get our drift on leaving a lasting impression and how manipulating specific qualities can work in your favour.

14) Which Values Are You Most Proud Of?

This nursing interview question is NOT as complicated as others since it’s not situational-based, nor is it asking directly about your previous employment. So, by asking this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how well the applicant’s values coincide with the position or how well the applicant’s values will correlate with the medical profession. Keep in mind that the medical profession prides itself on ethics, values, confidentiality, and more. Before constructing your answer, it’s essential to know the definition of the word “Values” because this will help guide your answer.

“Your values are the things that you believe are important in the way you live and work.”

With that said,

With each “VALUE,” be as detailed as possible. For example, “I believe in the power of loyalty because, through loyalty, you build trust. When working in the medical profession, a lot of trusts is placed in you because of your duty to provide health care. When you have a team where everyone trusts each other, you can provide the best patient care. For example, you feel more comfortable communicating with other team members, voicing concerns, etc.”

15) What Drives You? What Motivates You?

This question is giving you an opportunity to make an impression, so make it count. It is commonly used by interviewers to gauge an applicant’s passion and is a gateway to assess what positive traits you, as an individual, will bring to the job. The nursing industry is unique since it is a profession that is immensely rewarding due to the emphasis it places on providing a duty of care to society. Having said this, helping others is perhaps one of the main reasons why people choose the nursing profession in the first instance. Therefore, relaying driving or motivating factors shouldn’t be too difficult. For example, getting children in the cancer ward to laugh, or working with patients who are difficult to be around, may drive or motivate you. Alternatively, easing a patient’s pain and suffering through appropriate care and comfort may motivate you also. These are just some examples you can incorporate into your answer.

16) How Do You Motivate Others? Or How Do You Bring Out The Best In Your Staff/Team?

This question is more or less asking what your strengths are and how you can be an asset working in a team with other staff. It’s an opportunity for the applicant to talk about their unique strengths, and it’s imperative to mention ONLY those strengths that will help you strive in the workplace. Staying focused on an answer in relation to work will help shorten it, making it more precise and targeted. We’ve heard stories about candidates talking about their strengths for 45 minutes, going off-topic without mentioning how their strengths can help the team or staff at work. It’s vital for you NOT to make the same mistake.

Some examples of how you can motivate others and bring out the BEST in your co-workers can be seen in the reference below:

a) Understand team members’ strengths and level of experience: When referring to this, mention how one of your strengths is understanding the value another team member brings to the table. At the same time, you also appreciate their level of experience and how to apply that to the common objective/goal of the team. Through identification and appreciation, you will motivate them by utilizing them at what they do BEST, which in turn will translate into better performance.

b) Give clear directions: Every team member may have a different level of understanding, so it’s essential to give clear instructions. When answering this question, you can say: “I pride myself on my ability to communicate clearly because I understand how, in the medical profession, every second counts. Through clear directions/instructions, every team member is on the same page leaving little room for error or confusion. When every team member is clear about their responsibilities, they will be more motivated to be productive.”

c) Your ability to inspire your team: Say you lead by example, and that’s how you feel is the BEST way to inspire your team to perform to their fullest potential. Not to mention, by leading through example, you can educate your team to find new and efficient ways to complete the tasks at hand. When other team members see colleagues or managers working on the same project together, it builds a greater sense of unity and comradery.

d) Praise and reward when possible: Sometimes, others just need to be appreciated to bring out the best in them. Saying that “I’ve found appreciating both the smaller achievements and bigger achievements can have a positive effect on working relationships and performance. For example, acknowledgment of a job well done will motivate the person to continue to strive during stressful times because they are aware of how their effort is truly making a difference to the team.”

e) Give them more autonomy: By delegating tasks and giving them more responsibility, you are empowering them in the workplace. By delegating tasks, you are giving them a sense of self-worth since you are trusting them with a responsibility that is vital to the dynamics of the team. This level of trust has two critical benefits for the person. First, it makes them feel appreciated as an essential link within the team. Secondly, it improves performance because that sense of trust makes them work harder, so they don’t let the team down. In the long run, it will even improve their skills, knowledge, and performance at whatever responsibility they find themselves doing at the time.

17) Being A Nurse Can Be Overwhelming. What Do You Think Is The Hardest Part About Being A Nurse?

When asked this question, the interviewer is trying to determine what you consider difficult and whether this will impact your performance on the job. For example, if you say that working long hours or cleaning up after patients is the MOST challenging part, this will potentially hurt your chances of a successful interview. As you can imagine, these two are essential duties of a nurse. Naturally, when answering this question, try to highlight those things which are NOT directly assigned to you or are in your control. So, in the sample answer, you will notice how we describe a scenario that we have NO control over, i.e., loss of life or a young child who is diagnosed with an illness that has no cure.

“For me, the hardest part of being a nurse is having to deal with the loss of life and the IMPACT it leaves on immediate family. Loss of life is NOT only heartbreaking for the family members but also for us nurses, too, since we have built up relationships with our patients. A patient is brought to us to seek help and recover. I feel as a nurse; I am personally responsible for their well-being. When a patient’s illness is so aggressive, and you are NOT able to help any further, you still feel burdened with the fact that you let them down (even though this isn’t the case). These situations are very sensitive and can impact us, nurses, emotionally.”

18) Where Do You See Yourself Within The Next Five Years?

There is no real right answer to this question, and your response should be totally dependent upon what your career vision and goals are. However, what is certain when answering this question is to show ambition, motivation, and a desire to want to grow and develop professionally. Additionally, employers also want to determine your loyalty by assessing your commitment levels to the industry/company (or hospital) itself. After all, the company does not want to see you leave them as soon as a better opportunity comes along your way. So be sure you make a reference to wanting to continue to work for them in some way.

Also, while it is not always necessary to have a specific job title in mind, you do need to focus your answer on progressive positions within the nursing industry. On this note, in the nursing industry, there is ample opportunity for growth and movement. Examples of progressive nursing roles that you can perhaps draw upon in your answer can be seen with reference to becoming a unit manager or supervisor for an entire wing, becoming a nurse director, or transitioning into a different nursing specialty.

Alternatively, when answering this question, you can also take on a different approach which doesn’t necessarily tie you to a specific job title. For example, you may want to demonstrate your commitment to growing within the industry by dedicating yourself to acquiring an increased level of knowledge. Meaning you can perhaps point out to wanting to gain additional certifications or degrees, which will then put you in good stead for other superior roles. By answering in this way, it shows a continued drive within the medical industry without specifically pointing out a particular job title or position.

Whichever route you use, both will be equally effective in answering the question demonstrating a commitment toward professional growth on your part

“Ideally, I would like to transition into a supervisory or management role within the hospital in charge of a sizeable team. I feel that I am a very people-orientated and approachable individual. This quality of mine should hopefully put me in good stead towards nurturing and mentoring others to excel to their full potential, especially those colleagues who are starting their careers. I feel this increase in professional responsibility will not only increase my commitment towards delivering more excellent patient care but will also help me as a person to perform better. This is because teamwork, team dynamics, and team comradery motivate me to work harder since I fear letting people down or underperforming. Hence management responsibility will push me to strive for ultimate success continuously.”

19) What Kind of Salary Are You Looking For?

This is sometimes a tricky question to answer; hence you need to tread carefully. If you have applied for the job through an agency, then it is wise to let the agencies carry out the salary negotiations on your behalf. Hopefully, the agencies would have relayed to the recruiter your salary expectations in advance, or alternatively, you can suggest to the employer that they can speak to your agency concerning this matter. However, in instances where this is not the case or is not possible, it is fair for you to state that you would expect to be paid in line with what the industry standard is for the level of experience you have to offer to the role. Hence do your research beforehand so that if you need to give an average salary range, you can put this forward.

20) Do You Have Any Questions For Us?

This question typically closes out most interviews. It also offers a major stumbling block for applicants who do not ask questions because it can show a lack of interest in their part. It is essential to ask the interviewer(s) questions about the company. It demonstrates that the applicant has taken a genuine interest in taking time out to think about the position. You should keep the questions relevant to the team or culture of the company because these are two things you can’t research. For example, how the nursing staff works together, how many patients are seen during a shift, who will you be reporting to, the team dynamics, and even the chance of your progression throughout the company.

Behavioural Nursing Interview Questions And Answers

During your nursing interview, you will be asked behavioural-type questions. These types of questions are situational based, and the interviewer is trying to determine what steps you would take when faced with unique challenges on the job. We have researched the MOST common nursing behavioural interview questions and answers by asking nurses who have already been through the interview process successfully. With that said, we have found that the BEST approach to answering these types of questions is by utilizing the STAR method.

The STAR method is one that uses a specific structure when answering a behavioural-based interview question. For example, STAR is defined as

(S) Situation – Describe the situation or scenario you were in.

(T) Task – Explain the task you had to do at work. If possible, describe some of the challenges faced.

(A) Action – Describe what actions you took to resolve the situation and the tasks at hand.

(R) Results – What was the outcome of your actions?

1) How Do You Deal With A Difficult Patient?

As a nurse, you will be confronted with frustrated patients every single day. Your success at work will depend on the way you handle such situations. An interviewer wants to engage in how well you handle stress and what actions you take during these challenging situations. So, the key when answering such a question is to highlight that one needs to remain calm and display a professional temperament. With that said, in such a situation, the critical skills which will come into play for any nurse will be excellent communication (in being persuasive) and interpersonal skills, excellent listening skills, problem-solving, or critical thinking skills. We didn’t mention teamwork because, as you can understand that “teamwork” in this particular scenario will NOT be applicable. So, the key here is only to mention those skills which apply to the scenario.

“As a nurse, I am well aware that I will be dealing with challenging patients every single day. These patients are going through a difficult time in their lives, and this is not only giving them a physical burden but an emotional one too. The key here is to remain calm and professional while reassuring them that we are here to try and make them better.

For example, during my previous job, there was an elderly patient that was verbally and physically abusive toward me every day. This patient had no visitors coming to see him and had very little communication throughout the day. I understood this could be very lonely, and it can take a toll on someone’s mental being. My solution was to offer him friendship and companionship. I took it upon myself to change his routine by getting him more involved in activities. For example, I would take him outside for fresh air, read to him, or even play games with him, which he enjoyed. These activities are what he needed because I saw a positive change in his mood. He became more talkative and friendly. Ultimately, the abuse completely stopped! ”

Again, this is a sample answer, so hopefully, you can construct an answer using this template for your interview.

2) How Do You Prioritize Tasks To Meet Deadlines While Upholding Excellent Patient Care?

This question is all about multi-tasking while maintaining the highest standards at work. In this scenario, the essential skills the nurse will need to display are excellent time management skills, organizational skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking. Each one of these skills will allow you to meet your deadlines while enabling you to maintain excellent patient care. So, what we have decided to do is use the COVID-19 crisis as a framework for our sample answer.

NOTE: In this scenario, our deadline/target is to achieve faster patient recovery so you can free up beds to attend to other patients.

“During this COVID-19 pandemic, we are overwhelmed with the number of patients coming into our hospital. So, this has increased the number of tasks and protocols we have to follow. Through identification, we understood that our ability to provide excellent patient care was dependent upon prioritizing our safety. Therefore, I got organized for my team and implemented different safety strategies that we had to follow before coming to work and at work before dealing with patients. For example, a checklist posted on our wall at work that each one must complete before attending to patients. This checklist consists of things like showering, dressing, gloves, laundry, disposal, sanitizing, fever checks, etc.

By taking the precautions we have, we have limited the amount of nursing staff that has been effective by COVID-19. With less affected staff, we can continue to attend to more patients quicker and help with their faster recovery.”

The sample answer above shows that by prioritizing through critical thinking, you were able to be organized, which in turn led to achieving your deadlines in this scenario (faster recovery of patients).

3) A Patient Has Continuing Pain, How Do Help Alleviate Their Pain?

As a nurse, your primary objective is to find the root cause of the pain. Finding the cause of the pain is accomplished by doing the necessary physical examinations and asking all the RIGHT questions. This will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are following the correct, thorough process. This scenario requires these skills and traits to be displayed. Problem-solving, critical thinking, communication skills, and a level of empathy need to be displayed.

“I did have a patient that had severe pain that wasn’t going away even after the initial treatment provided. I decided to go back and look over everything that had been done so far to ensure that nothing was missed. After my second check, the patient was still experiencing enormous pain, and I determined more action was necessary. So, I got a second opinion from the managing nurse to determine if anything was missed or could be done further. I also asked if it would be possible to escalate to the doctor assigned to the ward at the time. The nursing manager deemed that all the steps I had taken were correct; however, now the patient had to be looked by the doctor for further tests. I did take it upon myself to communicate everything openly with the patient. I reassured her that she would be fine.”

4) How Do You Go About Delivering Bad News To A Patient Or Family Members? What Did You Say?

As part of a nurse’s role, delivering bad news MAY NOT be part of your responsibilities. However, an interviewer may ask this question to understand if you have the right thought process and skill set to carry out these tasks. The primary skill required for this scenario would be communication and interpersonal skills. When answering this question, highlight to the interviewer that such a process needs to start with an empathetic tone while also being completely objective and transparent with the patient or family members. In nursing school, you will be trained for such scenarios because this is such a sensitive matter.

“ I always try to put myself in the patient’s or family member’s shoes before approaching the situation. Allowing myself to take the patient’s place will help me be more empathetic and prepared. I realize that receiving bad news can be life-altering, so tread carefully with my tone and the words I choose.

Once, I had to deliver news to the family members in the waiting room that their grandmother had passed away. I got them to sit down and sit next to them before breaking the news. Then in a soft-spoken tone, I was open with them as to what happened and how she went. I ended on a positive note by letting them know she went peacefully and reassured them we were there to help in any way we could. I highlighted some support groups available in the hospital to help them through the grieving process. Before leaving, I gave them a chance to ask any questions they had and answered them as thoroughly as possible.”

5) Explain a Time You Did Not Get Along With Other Nurses/Co-Workers?

Let’s face it; there are some people you will get along with more than others, while there are some that you will not get along with at all. It is not uncommon to have personality clashes within the workplace. However, what is not acceptable is for such differences to interfere with one’s duties and performance, especially when you have to work in close proximity with such colleagues.

When you are asked about potential conflict with co-workers, remember the interviewer wants to determine if you are a team player, if you can function well under stress and determine if you are a problem solver. Hence, you need to demonstrate these qualities in your answer.

Remember, when describing the incident, you must avoid criticizing your former colleagues as this can reflect poorly on your personality and your ability to work in a team. Hence, ensure your tone is positive and constructive.

“Once, there was an incident with myself and my colleague when we disagreed on the appropriate care plans for the patients in our wing. I strongly felt that even though I did not have as much experience as her, my care plans were far more suited to helping the patients recover faster. Hence I felt it necessary to voice my concerns in a way that would not undermine her nor come across as confrontational.

Subsequently, I invited her to have lunch with me. Our lunch made our meeting informal and relaxed and helped me build a rapport with her. By having lunch, we were both able to exchange our ideas constructively, which led to revised care plans incorporating both of our expertise. It also helped me to better understand her methods, which initially I did not agree with. In the end, we both were aligned to our common goal of providing excellent patient care, and indeed we delivered on that through our combined efforts.”

6) How Would You Communicate Medical Jargon To A Patient or Family Member Who Is Having Difficulty Understanding The Issue? Can You Provide An Example Too?

As a nurse, communication is a crucial strength that is imperative for the job. For example, communicating with colleagues, senior colleagues, patients, and their families will be part of your everyday responsibility. However, the way you would communicate with your team will be significantly different from the way you communicate with a patient or their family members since they will NOT have the same medical expertise. So, when asked this type of question by a job interviewer, it’s essential to acknowledge that you are aware of the difference. You can mention that when speaking to non-medical individuals, different strategies can be employed. For example, the use of simplified language by avoiding the overuse of medical terminology or illustrating a point visually to help get the point across. You can also mention the importance of practicing these situations on friends or coming up with creative analogies to help communicate with a non-medical audience.

NOTE: If this is your first job interview for a nurse role, you may not have come across such a situation before. However, you can still describe the essential strategies that would be used in this scenario.

“I understand patients do not have the medical expertise to understand medical conditions, and therefore you need to adopt a more straightforward approach. At my previous job, there was an elderly patient who was in a coma, and I was in constant communication with her family. The family was not well-versed in English and did not understand what a coma was. Through shorter sentences and hand gestures, I was able to describe effectively that she was in a deep sleep. I also had to explain the procedures the doctors we going to use to bring her back to consciousness. I did this by illustrating on a piece of paper through drawing what tools and what areas we were going to focus on. I also had the family repeat back to me what I had just explained to them. When they repeated everything correctly, it gave me confidence and reassurance that they understood me and the issue at hand.”

7) What Would You Do If You Don’t Know The Answer To A Question Or Concern The Patient Has?

Let’s face it; we won’t always have the answers to everything. Not knowing the answer is NOT a weakness on your part, and this is something the interviewer recognizes. However, the interviewer is more concerned with what you would do in such cases and what steps you would take to find the correct solution. In such a situation, first and foremost, admit that you DON’T have the answer to the patient. Mention how it’s important that you DON’T give the patient misleading information as to what you think the answer would be. So, you would like to validate any response you give them. With that said, you will let the patient know that you will get back to them. It is also your responsibility to follow up with the patient once you have the correct information. So, how do you go about finding the correct information? There is a protocol you should follow:

First, let the interviewer know how you would take the time to conduct the research yourself. Secondly, after doing the research, you would talk to a colleague or senior colleague to validate whatever information you have found. If you have not found the answer yourself, again, you would still ask someone superior to help you out.

“When I first started as a nurse, one of my patients asked me something technical about the medication they were taking. I had a vague idea about the answer but wasn’t entirely sure about it. Obviously, I could have told them to speak to the pharmacist in the hospital about their medication, but I did not want to shy away from the responsibility or give them any misleading answers. Instead, I told the patient that I wasn’t too sure and assured them that I would find the answer and let them know. I did some research myself to gather information and spoke to our pharmacist to get their expert opinion. They were able to validate the information I researched, and I was confident enough to relay the answer back to the patient. Before leaving, I asked if the patient had any further questions for me.”

8) Can You Describe A Time When You Had To Adapt to A Change In Working Practices? How Did You Handle These Changes?

As a nurse, you will need to be flexible, versatile, and adaptable due to the fast-paced environment you are working in. The interviewer will ask this type of question to assess your ability to make changes as required. So, during your preparation, think about potential changes that you may experience as a nurse. For example, the introduction of new technologies, working with a new management team, new medical equipment, and new communication infrastructure. As a nurse, you have to be open to change because this is part of your job, especially when, in the medical profession, changes are being made quickly, where seconds can result in lives ultimately being saved.

“Throughout my career as a nurse, I have experienced several changes in the way we work and had to find ways to adapt to several of them quickly. An example would be just recently, in my last job, we were given new x-ray equipment that required training. Although we were given training, my colleagues and I felt that we were not adequately trained due to the limitation of time. So, I took it upon myself to become more comfortable with the x-ray equipment. I would practice using the machinery after my shift while reading through the user manual. I also made simplified notes with diagrams to make it easier to understand complicated instructions in the user manual. My process notes were used by my colleagues because they were much easier to follow and understand.”

NOTE: Another great example would be how tablets and phone applications are being used to communicate amongst staff. You can use this in your answer, illustrating how you adapted to modern communication technologies.

9) What Would You Do If You See A Senior Colleague Breaking The Rules or Misbehaving With Patients?

In the workplace, you may be confronted with situations where you see a senior colleague mistreating a patient or being negligent towards patient care. Although you have a responsibility to your team and co-workers, you MUST not forget why you became a nurse. Over time, you may develop strong friendships with your co-workers and superiors; this should not interfere with your professional integrity. These types of questions are often asked in an interview to understand one’s moral obligation better. So, make sure your answer reflects your moral obligation toward patient care being your number one priority, no matter at what expense.

“I’ve always prided myself on excellent relationships with my co-workers, even seniors. But, I did encounter a situation where a senior doctor who was also a good friend of mine was intoxicated on the job. I knew I had no choice but to report this matter to the correct management, even though I knew this would destroy our relationship and strip him of his license. I did confront him, and he said to give him a second chance, but I knew there was no second in such a matter. I knew if I didn’t report him, and he made an error in judgment with one of the patients, this could have been potentially devastating. My moral obligation has and always will be taking care of the patient’s best interests first.”

10) What Would You Do If You Needed Information From A Colleague And They Were Slow To Respond? How Would You Manage The Situation?

In the nursing profession, you will be working in collaboration with many departments, i.e., lab techs, doctors, consultants, etc. There will be many scenarios where their work or information will impact your job or duties. Naturally, each department will be working towards its own deadlines and priorities, which will NOT necessarily coincide with yours. So, you need to demonstrate to the interviewer how you will overcome such a situation. So, when answering such a question, it is essential to demonstrate your ability to be proactive and take the initiative without compromising the other department’s deadlines. In such situations, it will also help if you can demonstrate creative strategies to utilize your time more efficiently.

“In my previous nursing job, I was left in charge of updating the code of conduct for the hospital. My responsibility included working with different department heads to ensure that we were all on the same page in agreeing upon moral and ethical guidelines to be used as a final framework. To accurately create a new hospital guideline manual, I scheduled meetings with each of the department heads to get updates and feedback on essential areas of the document. However, there was one department head that was extremely hard to get a hold. Every time I would schedule a meeting, it always got postponed from their end due to critical deadlines they had to meet. Naturally, I understood the importance of them having to meet deadlines, so I took matters into my own hands to come up with ways to get the information without interfering with the completion of their deadlines. I decided to get creative with the ways we would have meetings. For example, instead of having that 1-hour formal meeting, I would schedule 15-minute meetings during his coffee breaks. This way, I was able to get the information I needed to complete my project while NOT interfering with his deadline.”

NOTE: There may be scenarios sometimes where you may have to escalate the situation to senior management to get the information required. Escalating to management will only be done in situations where you have exhausted all possible avenues and whereby the worker is being sheer lazy.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you prepare for your upcoming interview. Remember that preparation is vital, so familiarize yourself with the job specification and perhaps practice or rehearse these questions as much as you can. In closing, we want to give you some quick tips:

Always walk in with confidence, give a firm handshake, keep adequate eye contact with the interviewer, and don’t forget to ask questions before ending your interview (if given the opportunity).

30 Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Common Nurse interview questions, how to answer them, and example answers from a certified career coach.

As a nursing professional, you know that every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. You’ve honed your skills through years of education, training, and hands-on experience, and now you’re ready to take the next step in your career by landing that dream nursing job. But before you can don your scrubs and head into the hospital or clinic, there’s one more hurdle to clear: the dreaded nurse interview.

Fear not, for we have curated a list of common nursing interview questions designed to help you showcase your expertise, compassion, and dedication to this noble profession.

1. What inspired you to become a nurse?

Interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your motivation and passion for the nursing profession. They want to understand what drives you to provide care to patients, work in a demanding environment, and remain dedicated to the field. Your answer can reveal your personal values, commitment, and empathy, which are essential qualities for a nurse.

Example: “My inspiration to become a nurse came from witnessing the compassionate care my grandmother received during her battle with cancer. The nurses who attended to her not only provided exceptional medical care, but also offered emotional support and comfort to our family during a difficult time. Their dedication and empathy left a lasting impression on me.

This experience made me realize that nursing is more than just treating illnesses; it’s about connecting with patients on a personal level and making a positive impact in their lives. I decided to pursue a career in nursing to combine my passion for helping others with my interest in healthcare, ultimately striving to provide the same level of care and compassion that was shown to my grandmother and our family.”

2. Can you discuss your experience with patient assessments and creating care plans?

Assessing patients and creating care plans are essential skills for a nurse, as they directly impact the quality of care provided. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to accurately evaluate a patient’s condition, identify their needs, and develop appropriate care plans that ensure their well-being and recovery. This also demonstrates your critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in conducting patient assessments and creating individualized care plans. During the assessment process, I focus on gathering comprehensive information about the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, vital signs, and any psychosocial factors that may impact their health. I also prioritize effective communication with patients to ensure they feel comfortable sharing their concerns and needs.

Based on the gathered information, I develop a tailored care plan that addresses the patient’s specific requirements and aligns with established clinical guidelines. This involves setting achievable goals, determining appropriate interventions, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide well-rounded care. Regularly evaluating and updating the care plan is essential to accommodate any changes in the patient’s condition or response to treatment. My commitment to thorough assessments and personalized care planning has consistently contributed to positive patient outcomes and high levels of satisfaction.”

3. How do you handle working in high-stress situations, such as emergencies or critical care settings?

Dealing with high-stress situations is an integral part of nursing, and hiring managers want to know that you’re capable of remaining calm and composed under pressure. Your ability to manage stress and make critical decisions in emergencies or critical care settings not only reflects your adaptability and resilience but also directly impacts patient outcomes and the overall work environment for your colleagues.

Example: “Working in high-stress situations, such as emergencies or critical care settings, requires a combination of mental preparedness and effective coping strategies. First and foremost, I rely on my training and experience to guide me through the necessary steps and protocols for each situation. This helps me maintain focus and ensures that I provide the best possible care to my patients.

To cope with stress during these challenging moments, I practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, which help me stay calm and centered. Additionally, I prioritize teamwork and communication with my colleagues, as this fosters a supportive environment where we can efficiently address any issues that arise. Ultimately, focusing on the task at hand and working collaboratively allows me to navigate high-stress situations effectively while providing optimal patient care.”

4. Describe your experience administering medications and monitoring for side effects.

Administering medications and monitoring for side effects is a fundamental responsibility of a nurse. By asking this question, interviewers want to ensure that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to safely and correctly administer medications to patients. They also want to gauge your ability to recognize potential side effects and take appropriate action, as this is critical in providing safe and effective patient care.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in administering various types of medications, including oral, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes. I always follow the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. This ensures that patients receive their medications safely and effectively.

Monitoring for side effects is a critical aspect of medication administration. I pay close attention to any changes in the patient’s condition after administering medications, such as alterations in vital signs, physical symptoms, or emotional well-being. If I notice any potential side effects, I promptly document them in the patient’s chart and communicate with the healthcare team to determine if further intervention is necessary. This vigilance helps ensure patient safety and allows us to address any adverse reactions quickly and efficiently.”

5. Have you ever had to deal with a difficult patient or family member? If so, how did you handle the situation?

Empathy, communication, and conflict resolution are key elements in nursing. Dealing with difficult patients or their family members is a common occurrence in healthcare settings, and employers want to know how you approach these challenges. By sharing your experience and approach, you demonstrate your ability to remain calm, professional, and focused on providing quality care even in the face of adversity.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered difficult patients and family members during my nursing career. In one particular instance, a patient’s family member was very anxious about the patient’s condition and became confrontational with the medical staff. To handle the situation, I first made sure to remain calm and empathetic, acknowledging their concerns and validating their emotions.

I then provided clear information about the patient’s condition, treatment plan, and progress, ensuring that the family member understood what was happening. By maintaining open communication and actively listening to their concerns, I was able to build trust and alleviate some of their anxiety. This approach ultimately helped diffuse the tension and allowed us to focus on providing the best possible care for the patient.”

6. What steps do you take to ensure proper infection control practices are followed?

Patient safety is paramount in the nursing profession, and infection control is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Interviewers want to know that you are knowledgeable about infection control practices, and more importantly, that you understand the importance of consistently applying these practices to protect patients, yourself, and your colleagues from the spread of infection. Demonstrating your commitment to infection control will assure them that you are a responsible and conscientious nurse.

Example: “As a nurse, adhering to proper infection control practices is essential for the safety of both patients and healthcare professionals. One of the primary steps I take is following the standard precautions recommended by the CDC, which include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of potentially contaminated equipment or surfaces.

Hand hygiene is the most critical aspect of infection control, so I make sure to wash my hands thoroughly before and after patient contact, as well as when changing gloves or performing any procedure. Additionally, I ensure that I wear appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection, depending on the situation and potential exposure risks.

Another important step is maintaining a clean environment by properly disinfecting equipment and surfaces, especially in high-touch areas. This includes regularly cleaning medical instruments, disposing of waste materials safely, and ensuring that linens are changed and laundered appropriately. Lastly, I stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines and recommendations from health authorities to continuously improve my knowledge and practice of infection control measures.”

7. Can you provide an example of when you had to advocate for a patient’s needs?

Advocacy is a vital component of nursing, and interviewers want to know that you’re capable of standing up for your patients’ best interests. They’re seeking assurance that you’ll go above and beyond to ensure patients receive the care they need, whether it involves speaking up about a treatment plan, addressing concerns with a doctor, or coordinating resources for a patient’s ongoing care. This question helps them gauge your communication skills, compassion, and dedication to patient-centered care.

Example: “Certainly, I recall a situation where one of my patients was experiencing severe pain after surgery. The prescribed pain medication wasn’t providing adequate relief, and the patient was becoming increasingly distressed. Recognizing their discomfort, I took it upon myself to advocate for their needs.

I approached the attending physician and presented my observations, emphasizing the importance of addressing the patient’s pain management more effectively. After discussing potential alternatives, we agreed on adjusting the medication plan to include a different analgesic with a higher potency. As a result, the patient experienced significant improvement in pain control, which allowed them to rest and recover more comfortably. This experience reinforced the importance of advocating for patients’ needs and ensuring their well-being is always prioritized.”

8. How do you stay current on new nursing practices and medical advancements?

Keeping up-to-date with the latest nursing practices and medical advancements is essential in the healthcare field. As a nurse, you play a critical role in patient care, and your knowledge and skills should be up-to-date to ensure the best possible outcomes. Interviewers ask this question to assess your commitment to professional development, your willingness to adapt to new practices, and your ability to provide the highest level of care to patients.

Example: “To stay current on new nursing practices and medical advancements, I actively engage in continuous learning through various channels. First, I subscribe to reputable nursing journals and online publications that provide updates on the latest research findings, best practices, and emerging trends in healthcare. This helps me stay informed about any significant changes or innovations in my field.

Furthermore, I participate in professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, which allow me to learn from experts and network with other professionals. These events often cover a wide range of topics, including new techniques, technologies, and evidence-based practices. Additionally, I maintain an active membership in relevant nursing organizations, which offer valuable resources and educational materials for their members. Through these efforts, I ensure that my knowledge and skills remain up-to-date, enabling me to provide the highest quality care to my patients.”

9. Describe your experience with electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Electronic health records (EHR) systems play a vital role in modern healthcare settings, streamlining patient care and improving overall efficiency. Interviewers want to know that you have experience using these systems and can adapt to new or different EHR platforms. Your ability to navigate EHR systems not only demonstrates your technical skills but also your capacity to provide timely and accurate care to patients.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience with various electronic health record (EHR) systems. In my previous role at a large hospital, we used Epic as our primary EHR system. I became proficient in navigating the platform to access patient information, document care provided, and update medication administration records.

When I transitioned to a smaller clinic, they utilized Cerner for their EHR needs. Although it was a different system, my prior experience with Epic allowed me to quickly adapt to the new interface. I also participated in training sessions to ensure that I fully understood the features and functionalities of Cerner. My familiarity with multiple EHR systems has enabled me to efficiently manage patient data while maintaining accuracy and compliance with privacy regulations.”

10. What strategies do you use to manage time effectively during your shift?

Time management is a critical skill for a nurse, as they are frequently juggling multiple patients, tasks, and priorities. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to handle this aspect of the job, ensuring that you can provide quality care to patients while staying organized and efficient throughout your shift. Sharing your strategies demonstrates your experience and adaptability in a fast-paced, demanding healthcare environment.

Example: “To manage time effectively during my shift, I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. At the beginning of each shift, I review patient information, assess their needs, and create a plan for the day that includes routine care, medication administration, and any scheduled tests or procedures. This helps me allocate appropriate time for each task and ensures that critical activities are not overlooked.

Another strategy I use is to group similar tasks together, which allows me to complete them more efficiently. For example, if multiple patients require medication at the same time, I prepare and administer those medications in one round. Additionally, I maintain open communication with my colleagues and collaborate with them to share workload when necessary. This teamwork approach not only helps us manage our time better but also fosters a supportive work environment.”

11. How do you maintain confidentiality while discussing patients’ conditions and treatments with other healthcare professionals?

Confidentiality is one of the key principles in healthcare, and maintaining it is essential to protect patients’ privacy and trust in the system. By asking this question, interviewers want to ensure that you’re aware of the importance of confidentiality and have the necessary strategies in place to safeguard sensitive patient information while collaborating with other professionals. This demonstrates your commitment to ethical practices and a high standard of patient care.

Example: “Maintaining patient confidentiality is of utmost importance in the nursing profession. When discussing patients’ conditions and treatments with other healthcare professionals, I ensure that these conversations take place in a secure and private setting, away from public areas or unauthorized personnel. This helps prevent any accidental disclosure of sensitive information to those not directly involved in the patient’s care.

Additionally, when sharing information electronically, I adhere to the organization’s policies regarding data protection and use secure communication channels such as encrypted emails or designated messaging platforms.”

12. Can you describe your experience working with interdisciplinary teams, including physicians, therapists, and social workers?

A nurse’s role goes beyond just providing medical care; it involves collaborating with a diverse group of healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. This question is designed to assess your ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams, communicate with professionals from various backgrounds, and contribute to a holistic approach to patient care. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of the importance of teamwork and your ability to collaborate with others in a healthcare setting.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to work closely with interdisciplinary teams in various healthcare settings. This collaboration is essential for providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. In my current role at a rehabilitation center, I regularly interact with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers.

During daily rounds, we discuss each patient’s progress, address any concerns, and develop or modify their individualized care plans. Open communication and active listening are key components of our teamwork, as they ensure that everyone’s expertise is considered when making decisions about patient care. Additionally, we hold weekly case conferences where we review more complex cases and strategize on how best to support patients and their families during the recovery process.

This collaborative approach has not only improved patient outcomes but also fostered a supportive work environment where all team members feel valued and respected for their contributions. Working with interdisciplinary teams has taught me the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives and skills to provide the highest quality care possible.”

13. What is your approach to educating patients and their families about their condition and treatment plan?

Empathy and communication are key to being a successful nurse, and your ability to educate patients and their families is a significant part of your job. Interviewers want to know how you approach these delicate situations with compassion and understanding while ensuring that the information is clear and actionable. They’re looking for your ability to adapt your communication style to meet the unique needs of each patient and family, demonstrating your commitment to patient-centered care.

Example: “My approach to educating patients and their families involves breaking down complex medical information into simpler terms that are easy to understand. I start by assessing the patient’s and family’s current knowledge about the condition, which helps me tailor my explanations accordingly. It is essential to be empathetic and patient while addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have.

I also believe in using visual aids, such as diagrams or pamphlets, to help explain concepts more effectively. Additionally, I encourage open communication and invite questions from both the patient and their family members to ensure they fully comprehend the treatment plan. This collaborative approach not only empowers them to make informed decisions but also fosters trust and confidence in the healthcare team.”

14. Have you ever encountered an ethical dilemma in your nursing practice? If so, how did you resolve it?

Nursing is a profession that frequently involves making critical decisions, often under pressure. Sometimes, these decisions involve ethical dilemmas where the right course of action may not be immediately clear. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to navigate complex situations, maintain professional integrity, and prioritize the well-being of your patients—all essential qualities of a competent and compassionate nurse.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered an ethical dilemma in my nursing practice. One situation that stands out involved a terminally ill patient who was experiencing severe pain and requested increased doses of pain medication. The attending physician was hesitant to increase the dosage due to concerns about potential side effects and addiction.

To resolve this dilemma, I first approached the physician to discuss the patient’s request and share my observations regarding their level of discomfort. We then consulted with the hospital’s palliative care team to explore alternative pain management options. This collaborative approach allowed us to develop a more comprehensive pain management plan for the patient, which included both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Through open communication and teamwork, we were able to address the ethical dilemma while prioritizing the patient’s comfort and well-being.”

15. Describe your experience caring for patients with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions.

The ability to care for patients with chronic or complex medical conditions is a vital skill for nurses in many healthcare settings. When interviewers ask this question, they want to gauge your experience and expertise in managing these situations. They are looking for insight into your ability to provide compassionate care, navigate complex treatment plans, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for your patients.

Example: “During my time as a nurse, I have had the opportunity to care for patients with various chronic illnesses and complex medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, and cancer. My experience has taught me the importance of providing comprehensive care that addresses not only their physical needs but also their emotional well-being.

One example is when I worked in an oncology unit where I cared for patients undergoing chemotherapy. In this setting, I closely monitored their vital signs, administered medications, and managed side effects while ensuring they were comfortable and informed about their treatment plan. Additionally, I provided emotional support by actively listening to their concerns and fears, offering encouragement, and connecting them with resources like support groups or counseling services.

This holistic approach to patient care allowed me to build strong relationships with my patients and their families, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for those living with chronic illnesses or complex medical conditions.”

16. How do you handle end-of-life care and supporting patients and their families through this process?

Caring for patients at the end of their lives is a delicate and challenging aspect of nursing. Interviewers want to understand your ability to navigate these situations with compassion, empathy, and professionalism. Your response to this question will demonstrate your emotional intelligence, communication skills, and ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances while providing support to both the patient and their family.

Example: “End-of-life care is a delicate and emotionally charged aspect of nursing, but it’s also an essential part of providing comprehensive patient care. My approach to end-of-life care involves empathy, open communication, and respect for the wishes of both the patient and their family.

I make sure to actively listen to patients’ concerns and preferences while ensuring that they are as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. I collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and social workers, to develop a holistic care plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Supporting families through this process is equally important. I maintain clear and compassionate communication with them, keeping them informed about their loved one’s condition and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. Additionally, I provide emotional support and resources to help them cope with grief and loss. Ultimately, my goal is to create a supportive environment where patients and their families feel cared for and respected throughout the end-of-life journey.”

17. What techniques do you use to manage pain in your patients?

As a nurse, you play a vital role in the care and comfort of your patients. Managing pain effectively is essential to improving their overall well-being and their recovery. Interviewers ask this question to assess your knowledge and experience in pain management, as well as your ability to empathize with patients and provide compassionate care. They want to know that you have the skills and understanding to address patients’ pain and help them feel as comfortable as possible during their treatment.

Example: “To manage pain in my patients, I first assess their level of discomfort using a standardized pain scale and take into account any non-verbal cues they may exhibit. This helps me determine the severity of their pain and identify appropriate interventions.

I employ both pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques to alleviate pain. For pharmacological methods, I administer medications as prescribed by the physician, ensuring proper dosage and timing while monitoring for potential side effects. In terms of non-pharmacological approaches, I utilize techniques such as deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, and distraction methods like engaging patients in conversation or providing them with calming music or videos. Additionally, I encourage patients to communicate openly about their pain levels so that adjustments can be made to their treatment plan if necessary.

Collaborating closely with the healthcare team is essential in managing patient pain effectively. I maintain open communication with physicians, physical therapists, and other specialists to ensure we are all working together towards the common goal of alleviating our patients’ discomfort and promoting their overall well-being.”

18. Can you discuss your experience with wound care and dressing changes?

Nursing work often involves treating and managing patients’ wounds, so your interviewer wants to gauge your understanding and experience with wound care and dressing changes. Your response will provide insight into your clinical skills, ability to follow protocols, and adaptability to various wound types and patient needs. Ultimately, this question aims to ensure that you have the necessary expertise to provide high-quality care in a nursing role.

Example: “During my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience in wound care and dressing changes across various settings, including acute care units and long-term care facilities. I have managed a wide range of wounds, such as surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and burns.

My approach to wound care involves assessing the wound thoroughly, considering factors like size, depth, exudate levels, and signs of infection. Based on this assessment, I select appropriate dressings and treatment methods, ensuring they align with established protocols and physician orders. Additionally, I prioritize patient education and comfort during dressing changes, explaining each step and addressing any concerns or questions they may have. This comprehensive approach has allowed me to effectively manage wound healing while maintaining patient satisfaction and comfort throughout the process.”

19. Describe your experience assisting with diagnostic tests and procedures.

Your potential employer wants to ensure that you’re familiar with various diagnostic tests and procedures and are comfortable assisting with them. As a nurse, you’ll play a critical role in the healthcare team by facilitating the diagnostic process and ensuring patient safety and comfort. Showcasing your experience and competence in this area demonstrates your ability to contribute effectively to the team and provide high-quality care to patients.

Example: “During my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to assist with various diagnostic tests and procedures across different departments. In the emergency department, for instance, I frequently assisted with EKGs, blood draws, and IV insertions. My role involved preparing patients for these tests by explaining the procedure, ensuring their comfort, and obtaining informed consent.

While working in the outpatient clinic, I gained experience assisting with more specialized tests such as spirometry, stress tests, and wound cultures. This required me to collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure accurate results and maintain a high standard of patient care. Throughout these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of clear communication, attention to detail, and empathy when supporting patients during diagnostic tests and procedures.”

20. How do you prioritize tasks when multiple patients require immediate attention?

Multitasking and prioritization are essential skills for nurses, as healthcare environments can be unpredictable and fast-paced. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your ability to manage competing demands, make sound decisions under pressure, and ensure the best possible care for patients in critical situations. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to stay calm, organized, and efficient even when faced with multiple urgent tasks.

Example: “When faced with multiple patients requiring immediate attention, my first step is to quickly assess the severity of each patient’s condition. I prioritize tasks based on the urgency of their needs and potential risks to their health. This often involves using the triage system, which helps me categorize patients according to the level of care they require.

Once I have determined the priority order, I communicate effectively with my colleagues and delegate tasks when necessary to ensure that all patients receive timely care. In high-pressure situations like these, teamwork and clear communication are essential for providing efficient and safe patient care.”

21. What measures do you take to prevent medication errors?

Ensuring patient safety is paramount in the nursing profession, and medication errors can have serious consequences. By asking this question, interviewers want to learn how knowledgeable and diligent you are when it comes to medication administration, your understanding of best practices, and your ability to follow protocols designed to prevent errors. Your response should highlight your commitment to patient care and showcase your attention to detail.

Example: “To prevent medication errors, I adhere to the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Before administering any medication, I carefully verify the patient’s identity using at least two identifiers, such as their name and date of birth. I also cross-check the medication order with the patient’s medical record and ensure that it aligns with the prescribed treatment plan.

Furthermore, I stay updated on potential drug interactions and contraindications by regularly consulting reliable resources and collaborating with pharmacists when necessary. If I have any concerns or uncertainties about a medication, I don’t hesitate to clarify with the prescribing physician before proceeding. Additionally, I educate patients about their medications, including proper usage and potential side effects, to promote adherence and minimize the risk of adverse events. Through these measures, I prioritize patient safety and contribute to effective healthcare delivery.”

22. Can you discuss your experience with IV therapy, including insertion, maintenance, and removal?

Demonstrating your experience with IV therapy is important because intravenous procedures are a fundamental part of nursing care. Interviewers want to ensure that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out these tasks safely and effectively. Your ability to manage IV therapy is a reflection of your overall competence as a nurse and your capability to provide quality care to patients.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have gained extensive experience with IV therapy. During the insertion process, I prioritize patient comfort and safety by selecting an appropriate vein, using aseptic techniques, and ensuring proper catheter size. I always explain the procedure to patients beforehand to alleviate any anxiety they may have.

For maintenance, I closely monitor the IV site for signs of infection or infiltration and ensure that the infusion rate is accurate according to the prescribed medication or fluid. Additionally, I educate patients on how to care for their IV site and encourage them to report any discomfort or changes in appearance. When it’s time for removal, I follow strict protocols to minimize the risk of complications, such as applying pressure to the site after removing the catheter and properly disposing of all used materials.

My experience with IV therapy has allowed me to provide safe and effective care to patients while minimizing potential risks associated with intravenous treatments.”

23. How do you handle giving bad news to a patient or their family?

The ability to deliver difficult news with empathy and professionalism is a critical skill for nurses. Interviewers want to know that you can strike the right balance between being compassionate and informative, while also providing support and guidance to patients and their families during emotionally challenging times. This question helps gauge your communication and interpersonal skills, as well as your ability to navigate sensitive situations in a healthcare setting.

Example: “Delivering bad news to a patient or their family is always challenging, but it’s an essential part of being a nurse. When faced with this situation, I first ensure that the environment is appropriate for such a conversation – private and quiet, without distractions. This helps create a safe space where the patient or family can process the information.

When delivering the news, I use clear and empathetic language, avoiding medical jargon that might be confusing. I make sure to give them time to absorb the information and encourage them to ask questions. By actively listening and addressing their concerns, I aim to provide emotional support while also ensuring they have a thorough understanding of the situation. It’s important to strike a balance between being honest about the prognosis and offering hope when discussing treatment options or next steps. Ultimately, my goal is to help patients and families feel supported during these difficult moments.”

24. Describe your experience working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Cultural competence is essential in nursing, as it can impact the way patients perceive and respond to care. By asking this question, interviewers want to gauge your understanding of the importance of respecting and acknowledging patients’ cultural differences, as well as your ability to adapt and provide personalized care that meets the diverse needs of patients in a compassionate manner. This demonstrates your commitment to providing inclusive, patient-centered care.

Example: “Throughout my nursing career, I have had the opportunity to work with patients from various cultural backgrounds. This has taught me the importance of being sensitive to their unique needs and preferences while providing care. For instance, when working in a community health clinic, I encountered patients who held strong beliefs about traditional medicine or had specific dietary restrictions due to their culture.

To effectively address these diverse needs, I made it a priority to educate myself on different cultural practices and beliefs related to healthcare. Additionally, I actively engaged in open communication with patients and their families, asking questions to better understand their perspectives and preferences. This approach allowed me to provide personalized care that respected each patient’s cultural background while ensuring they received the best possible medical treatment.”

25. What steps do you take to ensure patient safety during transfers and ambulation?

Patient safety is a top priority for nurses, and ensuring smooth transfers and ambulation is a key aspect of this. Interviewers want to know that you have a thorough understanding of the proper techniques and precautions to take during these processes. Your response should demonstrate your commitment to patient safety, your knowledge of best practices, and your ability to apply these skills in real-life situations.

Example: “To ensure patient safety during transfers and ambulation, I first assess the patient’s physical condition, mobility level, and any specific needs or limitations they may have. This helps me determine the appropriate transfer method and whether additional assistance or equipment is required.

Before initiating the transfer, I communicate clearly with the patient about the process and their role in it to make sure they understand what to expect. During the transfer, I maintain proper body mechanics and use techniques such as gait belts or slide boards if necessary. Additionally, I closely monitor the patient for signs of discomfort or instability and adjust my approach accordingly to minimize risk.

For ambulation, I ensure that the environment is free from obstacles and hazards, such as wet floors or clutter. If needed, I provide support through assistive devices like walkers or canes, and continuously evaluate the patient’s tolerance and response throughout the activity. In all cases, clear communication and teamwork with other healthcare professionals are essential to guarantee a safe and successful transfer or ambulation experience for the patient.”

26. Can you discuss your experience with tracheostomy care and suctioning?

Medical facilities want to ensure they are hiring highly skilled and experienced nurses who can handle a wide variety of medical procedures. Tracheostomy care and suctioning are important skills in the nursing profession, as they involve maintaining a patient’s airway and ensuring their safety. By asking about your experience with these procedures, interviewers gauge your competency, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and your overall capacity to provide high-quality patient care.

Example: “During my time working in the intensive care unit, I frequently cared for patients with tracheostomies. I am well-versed in performing routine tracheostomy care, which includes cleaning and changing the inner cannula, maintaining proper cuff pressure, and ensuring that the stoma site remains clean and free from infection.

When it comes to suctioning, I understand the importance of adhering to strict aseptic techniques to minimize the risk of introducing infections. Before suctioning, I always assess the patient’s vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and overall comfort. During the procedure, I carefully monitor the patient’s response and ensure they are tolerating the process well. Afterward, I reassess their condition and document any relevant findings or changes. My experience has taught me the significance of providing thorough tracheostomy care and suctioning while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.”

27. How do you handle a situation where a patient refuses treatment or medication?

Empathy and understanding are key components of a nurse’s role, and sometimes patients may be resistant to certain treatments or medications. Interviewers want to know how you approach these situations, demonstrating your ability to respect patient autonomy while still advocating for their best interests and ensuring their safety. This question helps them gauge your communication skills and your ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in a compassionate and professional manner.

Example: “When a patient refuses treatment or medication, my first step is to ensure that they fully understand the consequences of their decision. I calmly and empathetically explain the purpose of the recommended treatment, its benefits, and potential risks associated with not following through with it. It’s important to address any concerns or misconceptions they may have while respecting their autonomy.

If the patient still refuses after being well-informed, I document the situation in their medical record and inform the attending physician or nurse practitioner about the refusal. Ultimately, it’s essential to respect the patient’s right to make decisions about their own care, even if we believe it’s not in their best interest. Maintaining open communication and trust between the healthcare team and the patient can sometimes lead to reconsideration and acceptance of the proposed treatment plan later on.”

28. Have you ever had to report a coworker for unsafe or unprofessional behavior? If so, how did you handle it?

Patient safety and the well-being of your colleagues are top priorities in nursing. This question aims to understand your ability to navigate complex ethical situations and your commitment to maintaining a safe and professional work environment. Interviewers want to see that you can recognize problematic behavior and take appropriate action, even when it involves a coworker or a difficult situation.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered a situation where I had to report a coworker for unsafe behavior. It was a difficult decision, but patient safety is always the top priority. In this particular case, I noticed that my coworker was administering medication without properly verifying the patient’s identity and cross-checking it with their medical records.

I first approached my coworker privately and expressed my concerns about the potential risks associated with their actions. They acknowledged the issue but did not seem to take it seriously. As a result, I felt compelled to escalate the matter to our supervisor to ensure patient safety and maintain professional standards within our team.

My supervisor appreciated my diligence in reporting the incident and took appropriate action to address the situation. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication and adhering to established protocols to provide the best possible care for our patients.”

29. What is your approach to self-care and managing stress in the nursing profession?

Nursing can be both physically and emotionally demanding, with long hours, high stakes, and a never-ending stream of patients in need. Interviewers want to ensure that you have a plan in place for managing stress and prioritizing self-care, so you can continue to provide excellent care for your patients while maintaining your own well-being. They’re looking for candidates who understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and have strategies for coping with the challenges of the nursing profession.

Common Nursing Interview Questions - And How to Answer Them

Ensure you’re ready to land the nursing job you really want by discovering common nursing interview questions you may encounter and how to provide answers that will show potential employers who you really are.

It’s true that there is a nationwide shortage of nurses, and the need for qualified nurses continues to grow. However, you will still need to bring your A-game to an interview to land the role you want. You will likely be competing against other nurses who want the same coveted positions, and it’s important to be prepared for nursing interview questions. 

Nursing Shortage

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs for registered nurses will grow by 6% per year through 2032 as a result of an aging baby-boomer population and the rise of chronic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. This growth is faster than the average for all jobs in the United States and will result in the need for an additional 177,400 nurses. 

The nursing shortage will further expand as nurses leave the profession to retire or move into other roles such as administration or leadership. The BLS predicts there will be 193,100 job openings for registered nurses each year during a 10 year period. 

Landing a Good Nursing Job 

In order to qualify for nursing positions, you will first need to ensure that you have the right education , training, and licensure. Whether that means moving from LPN to RN , CNA to RN , RN to BSN or completing other higher education programs, it’s important to have the right credentials for the job. 

> Learn more about nursing bridge programs

You’ll also want to be sure that you have a tight (1-2 page max) resume that showcases your skills and experience and gives the potential employer a good idea of who you are as a person. Once you land that interview, you want to be sure that you are prepared to answer any nursing interview questions the interviewer might throw your way. 

Nursing Interview Questions 

Most nursing interview questions will be behavioral-based questions. These questions are designed to help an interviewer understand how you reacted in specific situations to better gauge how you will react in the future. Remember that it’s best to answer these questions with real-life examples and stories. If you don’t have any on-the-job nursing experience, don’t worry. You can use examples from situations you encountered in school or in your personal life to help you answer the questions as well. The goal is to give the interviewer a good glimpse of who you are as a person and what you can bring to their team.  

Behavioral-based nursing interview questions can often be categorized in the following themes: 

• Adaptability
• Time management
• Patient care
• Communication 
• Core values

Example Teamwork Nursing Interview Questions

• Tell me about a time you had to work closely with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle the situation, and were you able to improve the relationship? 
• Describe a time when you were in a leadership role. What are some of the challenges you faced? 
• What is a conflict you encountered with your healthcare team and how did you handle it? 

Example Adaptability Nursing Interview Questions

• Describe a time when you did not know the answer to a question or problem at work. How did you handle the situation and how did you find the information you needed? 
• Tell me about a time your facility was in the midst of changes. How did these changes impact your job and how did they make you feel? 
• Give an example of a high pressure situation you found yourself in and how you handled yourself to get through it. 

Example Time Management Nursing Interview Questions

• Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed with the amount of tasks to be completed in your nursing job. How did you prioritize your workload? 
• Tell me about a time you had a patient that required a lot of your time and attention. How did you handle this situation while ensuring that your other patients also received the appropriate amount of care? 
• What is a goal that you set and worked to accomplish? What steps did you take to ensure your success? 

Example Patient Care Nursing Interview Questions

• What is your approach to conversations with patients and family members who do not understand medical terminology? 
• How do you handle times when a patient’s family is dissatisfied with the care you provide?
• Tell me about a time you formed a particular bond with a patient. How did this relationship affect you and the care you provide? 
• Describe a time when a patient did not disclose or communicate important information. How did you handle this, and what was the outcome? 

Example Communication Nursing Interview Questions

•  Describe a time when you did not communicate effectively. How could you have done better and what steps have you taken to improve communication? 
• Give an example of a time you had to rely on written communication versus verbal to explain yourself in your nursing job. 
• How have you worked to persuade others to cooperate with you in the past whether teammates or patients? 

Example Core Value Nursing Interview Questions

• Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your job duties. What motivated you to give more? 
• What are you most proud of related to your career? 
• Describe a mistake you’ve made and how this impacted you. 
• In your opinion, what is the most difficult thing about being a nurse? What can you do to overcome this? 

How to relay an answer with a personal story

When answering questions, telling a personal story is the best way to ensure that you are a memorable candidate. It provides evidence of your experience and helps the interviewer see the type of person you are and how you might fit within their team. 

Start by briefly describing a situation that relates to the nursing interview questions being asked of you. Then describe the role you played and action steps you took to resolve the situation. Finish your story with the results that you were able to achieve as a result of your actions. Tell the interviewer how these results made you feel and if applicable, how this influenced who you are today or who you hope to be in the role. 

Don’t forget to ask your own questions

An interview isn’t just about an employer getting to know you. It’s also about you getting to know your potential employer and determining if the nursing job you are applying for is indeed the right fit. Before going into your interview, take some time to think about what is most important to you. List out a few questions you have that will help you determine whether it is a place you want to work. 

Asking questions of your interviewer is also a great time to show that you’ve done your homework. Show that you have a good knowledge of the facility, you understand what will be expected of you in this nursing job, and how excited you are to begin in the role. 

To land a great nursing job, get the education and training you need to qualify for the role and prepare for your interview by coming up with answers to common nursing interview questions and having some questions of your own ready.

Take the first step

Move towards your education and career goals in less time with a more supportive, flexible program built for busy, working nurses.

Related Articles

Having difficulties setting boundaries as a nurse? Learn 5 direct and kind ways to say no as a nurse to better your self-care, patient care and professional relationships.

Read Achieve Test Prep reviews and see how Rachel is working toward an RN in online LPN to RN bridge programs as a single, working mom.

Understand your nursing job options, what education (such as an LPN to RN Bridge program) you’ll need, and the salary and career outlook you can expect.

Find out how to use innovative learning solutions to finish your degree requirements faster. Why not take the next step and see if you’re a good candidate for our credit by exam program.

25 Most Common New Grad Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Are you a new nurse or preparing to graduate from nursing school? Does the idea of scheduling your first nursing interview sound exciting? Maybe you are ready for that next step, but don’t know what to expect in a new nurse interview. Perhaps you have asked yourself, “What are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers?” If that sounds like you, this article is for you. As you continue reading, you will find information about what prospective employers are looking for in new nurses, how to prepare for an interview, and what questions you should ask before the interview ends. Additionally, I will share 25 most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for and ace your interview.

Why is it Important to Ace Your New Grad Nurse Interview?

What are the top 5 things employers look for when interviewing new grad nurses, 1. good communication skills:, 2. compassionate personality:, 3. someone who is willing to be a team player:, 4. a willingness to learn:, 5. computer skills:, what are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers, 1. interview question: what made you want to become a nurse, what the interviewer really wants to know:, sample answer:, 2. interview question: do you have a preferred shift you would like to work, 3. interview question: what are some of your best qualities, 4. interview question: how do you keep personal problems from interfering with work, 5. interview question: do you have a preference of nursing specialties, 6. interview question: do you have children.

• In this example, the candidate addresses the fact that she needs a babysitter to accommodate work and makes it clear she has already made arrangements. This lets the interviewer know the candidate understands the importance of being reliable at work, as demonstrated by taking the initiative to establish caregivers for children, as needed.

7. Interview Question: If Hired, Will This Be Your Only Job?

Sample answer option #1:, sample answer option #2:, 8. interview question: do you have experience working in the healthcare field before becoming a nurse, 9. interview question: what are some things you would like to improve about yourself, 10. interview question: tell me about yourself., 11. interview question: how did you hear about this job, 12. interview question: what interests you about our company/facility, 13. interview question: where do you see yourself in five years, 14. interview question: can you tell me about a time you demonstrated teamwork on the job, 15. interview question: what do you do if you do not know how to answer a patient's question, 16. interview question: how well do you handle changes to your schedule, assignments, or work environment, 17. interview question: what do you do to regroup when under pressure and overwhelmed, 18. interview question: what do you think will be the most challenging thing about being a nurse, 19. interview question: what do you like to do in your free time, 20. interview question: tell me something others find interesting about you., additional sample answer:, 21. interview question: why do you feel you are the best person for this job, 22. interview question: what would you do if your replacement did not show up for work, 23. interview question: how would you handle a situation when a patient needs to be persuaded to comply with a treatment, 24. interview question: are you willing to work nights and weekends, 25. interview question: what is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse, 10 tips to prepare for a new grad nurse interview, 1. find your way around the facility before your new grad nurse interview., 2. update your resume with all your work and education experiences., 3. get professional letters of recommendation., 4. pick out a nice outfit and iron it the night before your interview., 5. be sure to eat breakfast., 6. read the job description and familiarize yourself with it., 7. be prepared to take notes during the interview., 8. make copies of any certifications such as iv certification, cpr certification, etc., 9. create a list of possible questions you want to ask the interviewer., 10. rehearse interview questions and answers., 5 good questions to ask at the end of your new grad nursing interview, 1. what do other nurses like about working here, 2. which emr system does your facility use, 3. what is your nurse-to-patient staffing ratio, 4. do you offer a retirement plan, 5. what qualities are you looking for in a nurse, bonus 6 things you should never do in a new grad nurse interview, 1. never answer your phone., 2. do not talk badly about your previous employer or coworkers., 3. wearing inappropriate attire:, 4. do not show up late., 5. not bringing necessary documents, resume, etc., 6. demonstrating poor body language:, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what are some of the most difficult interview questions asked to new grad nurses, 2. how do i deal with a difficult question in a new grad nurse interview, 3. how do i handle the stress before a new grad nurse interview, 4. what to bring to a new grad nurse interview, 5. how long do new grad nurse interviews last, 6. how to answer new grad nurse interview questions online, 7. how to prepare for a new grad nurse phone interview.

50 Most Asked Nursing Interview Questions with Answers

A nursing job interview is challenging whether you are a new nurse or have a long nursing career. The interview process presents unique nurse interview questions that need the correct nursing-specific answers to impress the hiring manager and assure the prospective employer that you’re a good fit.

We will review the best way to answer behavioral interview questions, list the 50 most common nursing interview questions, and provide a great sample answer for each.

How to Answer: STAR Format

The STAR method is a structured way to deliver an answer when responding to a behavioral question. Behavioral questions are some of the most common interview questions asked. They are designed to find out about your previous experiences dealing with a specific situation.

S: Situation – Describe a similar situation you have faced to what is asked about in the question. T: Task – Explain what task must be completed to resolve the situation. A: Action – Briefly state what action(s) you took to complete the tasks. R: Results – State the outcome if you did the right thing, and what you learned.

Your Background and Driving Forces

Example #1: Tell me about yourself. Why do you think you will make a good nurse?

Important Points to Address:  Explain what traits you possess that are desirable in a nursing role.

Sample Answer: I am empathetic, genuinely caring, hard-working, good at following instructions and rules, and enjoy working as a team. When faced with a difficult situation, I can also think on my feet.

I know how to apply my experience and professional judgment to find safe and compliant solutions.

Example #2: What do you know about the role of a nurse?

Important Points to Address:  Any potential employer wants to know that you understand the commitments and requirements of your role, especially if you have just completed your nursing degree.

Sample Answer: Nurses are healthcare professionals whose primary job is to support the provision of quality medical care as directed by doctors. This includes observations, medication administration, blood drawing and collection of fluids, and provisions of general care.

When you provide general care, you assist patients with personal hygiene and daily activities when their condition or capacity requires.

Example #3: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Important Points to Address:  A great way to answer this question is to discuss how you plan to grow and develop in the new role long-term.

Sample Answer: As a new grad, this is a career path that I am committed to for the long term. The first thing I am focused on is quickly becoming proficient in the new role and proving myself as a valuable team player.

In 5 years, I would like to have developed considerable work experience and additional certifications. At that time, I would like to be well on my way to progressing in seniority.

Example #4: Why are you leaving your previous nursing role?

Important Points to Address:  Never say anything negative about a previous employer. Instead, explain how the new job is a step forward.

Sample Answer: I have enjoyed my current position. It is a great work environment, and I have learned a lot and developed myself professionally. However, this job was such a great opportunity I couldn’t pass it up. It is the obvious next step in my career.

Example #5: Do you work well under pressure?

Important Points to Address:  Most healthcare facilities are high-pressure environments, so knowing you can handle stressful situations is important.

Sample Answer: I not only work well under pressure, but I also do some of my best work under pressure. I find the speed of a fast-paced environment keeps me on my toes. A high-pressure environment ensures there is always something to do and new challenges to face.

Example #6: What is your biggest weakness?

Important Points to Address:  A great answer to this question is to present a weakness that could also be viewed as a strength.

Sample Answer: I enjoy being at work and providing excellent quality care. I will usually do overtime or cover other’s shifts when asked and often stay late without being asked. This can mean I spend a lot of time at work and often need more time to work. So one of my biggest challenges is maintaining a good work-life balance.

Example #7: What is your strongest professional attribute?

Important Points to Address:  Choose a skill that is listed in the job description. It is an excellent time to discuss your best qualities that are hard to include in other answers.

Sample Answer: One of my strongest professional attributes is my interpersonal skills. I am a strong communicator and active listener who can de-escalate conflicts, such as with uncooperative patients.

I can also deliver sensitive information in a way that is easier for patients and their family members to hear and understand.

Example #8: What do you like most about being a nurse?

Important Points to Address:  Be sure to deliver this answer with optimism and confidence. You need to sound like you want to be a nurse.

Sample Answer: What I like most is the sense of fulfillment I get from helping people and knowing I can make a real difference. Every day is different. The range of situations allows me to develop new skills.

Example #9: Why did you apply for a role with this hospital (or clinic)?

Important Points to Address:  It is important to show that you have researched the employer and that you actively chose this employer.

Sample Answer: When I was looking for a job, I carefully selected the places where I wanted to work. I looked for places with good reputations for the quality of care and work environment.

This healthcare institution is widely considered a great place to work. It has a reputation for valuing and helping its staff to develop and maintain their skills at a high level. It also has a reputation for providing excellent quality care.

Example #10: Why are you applying for this specific position?

Important Points to Address:  Explain that you deliberately chose this role because it matches your skills. If possible, also state that you plan to be there for a long time.

Sample Answer: As a new nursing graduate, I chose the types of roles that I would apply for based on the areas I enjoyed most in my studies and clinical experience. This role and your organization are a great fit for my attributes and nursing skills.

I believe it is where I can provide value and grow from a student nurse to a senior role or leadership position. In time, I would like to become a nurse manager.

Example #11: What questions do you have for us?

Important Points to Address:  Ask questions that show you have thought about the role, want to grow with the company, and are genuinely interested in the role.

Sample Answer: It is important to me to keep my skills current and develop my skills. Can you tell me about your professional development and/or study support options?

Is there any mandatory or facilitated training throughout the year?

Integrity and Values

Example #12: What would you do if a friend or colleague broke the procedure?

Important Points to Address:  Any question about how you would respond to a breach in policy or procedure should always be addressed relating to the policies and procedures.

Sample Answer: First, I would alert them to the issue and suggest we complete the action correctly. Then, I would report it according to the relevant policy. I would note the context, intent, and if it was a repeat event, but the decision to respond would belong to the supervisor.

Example #13: How would you handle a disagreement with your supervisor?

Important Points to Address:  Always state that you would follow instructions unless they were a breach of safety and that disagreements would be brought up later.

Sample Answer: Unless a supervisor directed me to do something that risked a patient’s immediate health or safety, I would always follow their instructions.

I would wait until an appropriate time to talk about it privately and suggest the approach I thought could produce a better result, explaining the benefits for the manager and the company.

Example #14: What is the most important attribute of a good nurse?

Important Points to Address:  There are several core attributes for nurses. Ideally, try to list two or three to cover more key areas.

Sample Answer: I think two attributes are equally important, compassion and attention to detail. Attention to detail ensures that the quality of care is high and medications are administered correctly and safely. Compassion ensures that care is delivered in an empathetic, sensitive way.

Example #15: How do you protect patient confidentiality?

Important Points to Address:  Privacy is of utmost importance in almost all jobs. The three rules in the below sample answer will always apply.

Sample Answer: First, never discuss patient details with visitors or third parties unless the patient has provided explicit permission according to the organization’s policies.

Second, never leave records, digital or paper copies, unattended or unsecured.

Third, don’t discuss matters with other staff unless work-related. This includes preventing others from breaching confidentiality.

Example #16: How would you respond if you had concerns about the competence or safety of care provided by a coworker?

Important Points to Address:  If a coworker needs more training, raising this with a supervisor is the only way to address their shortcomings.

Sample Answer: If my concerns were directly about competence or safety, I would take special note of their actions that created concerns and assess what it was about them that concerned me.

If the concerns were objectively valid, I would confidently approach their supervisor and outline my concerns so they could address them.

Example #17: How do you respond to criticism and correction?

Important Points to Address:  Everyone makes mistakes. An employer wants to know that you are open to learning from them.

Sample Answer: I remember that criticism is only sometimes negative. It can be constructive, helpful, and even positive. I step back and listen carefully to what the person has to say. I consider their feedback and ask questions if there’s something I don’t understand or need clarification on.

Example #18: Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond?

Important Points to Address:  Even when providing a star-method response, try to keep responses concise.

Sample Answer: S: I was providing care for a patient with a history of diabetes. T: They often had unstable blood sugar and were highly insulin dependent. A: I taught them how their diet and exercise habits could effectively minimize their insulin dependence. R: They reduced their need for in-care and reliance on insulin by adopting lifestyle adjustments.

Example #19: What is your least preferred aspect of providing nursing care?

Important Points to Address:  Similar to discussing a weakness, the aspect you dislike about nursing should be relatable and show how you are connected to the job personally.

Sample Answer: The hardest thing I find is the emotional toll the job can take when you see someone in pain. When a patient you have grown close to passes away, you just can’t help it. However, there are also many positive aspects, and helping just one person makes the job worth it.

Patient Care

Example #20: What do you know about providing _______ nursing care?

Important Points to Address:  Take note of the unit or specialty you are applying to and refresh your knowledge about the specifics of providing this type of care.

Sample Answer: I am very experienced with this type of care and have had a passion for it since I first encountered it during my clinical experience. I have an intellectual fascination with it and read many medical journals and publications, so I am aware of the latest developments and standards of care.

Example #21: What is the hardest aspect of meeting a patient’s needs?

Important Points to Address:  Questions like this are asked to ensure you understand the job’s challenges before hiring you.

Sample Answer: Balancing the quality of care, you provide to each patient with the available time and resources is the hardest part of the job. Spending more time with one patient means you have less time for the remaining patients.

Judging which patients need more care and which do not is a big challenge.

Example #22: How would you respond if you could not read a doctor’s or prescriber’s instructions for a patient’s medication or dosage?

Important Points to Address:  It is important that any actions you take are reasonable and would be permitted within standard policies and procedures.

Sample Answer: I would review the electronic medication system to review if the medication had already been administered and if the previous dosage was noted. If not, I would find another nurse to ask if they could read the instructions.

If we couldn’t agree on the instructions, I would contact the supervisor on duty and ask them. If policy permits, I would strongly suggest contacting the prescriber to confirm what medication and dosage they wrote.

Example #23: Are you familiar with electronic medication administration and barcoding?

Important Points to Address:  The best way to answer this type of question is to reassure that you are a competent and fast learner who will be able to learn their systems.

Sample Answer: Yes, I have experience working with electronic medication systems. I am highly competent with computers and digital technology. If I still need to become familiar with the system you have in place, I am confident that I will be able to learn it quickly and use it correctly.

Example #24: If we asked your last team, how would your coworkers describe you?

Important Points to Address:  When asked, this question is a good opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you are the best candidate.

Sample Answer: If you asked my last manager or coworkers about me, they would tell you that I am a team player who puts the team’s success ahead of my priorities. I am always looking out for others and am happy to learn from them and share my knowledge to ensure everyone is always performing at their best.

Example #25: What is the most important part of being a team player?

Important Points to Address:  To stand out, try and pick teamwork attributes often overlooked in most answers, such as reliability and accountability.

Sample Answer: A team is only as strong as its weakest link. Teams are successful because each person can help to overcome each other’s weaknesses. I think being reliable is a key part of being a team player. This means being on time and doing what you say you will do.

Example #26: If we asked your previous manager what was your worst mistake, what would they tell us?

Important Points to Address:  If this question is asked, be honest. They will likely ask your previous supervisor this question during the reference-checking process.

Sample Answer: They would tell you about a time when I was a new nursing graduate. I didn’t want to ask how to use the lifting aids to move an immobile patient.

It resulted in the patient being stuck out of bed and could have injured the patient or me if I were unlucky. A senior nurse came to my aid and, after helping me, showed me how to use the lifting aids correctly.

I am humble now and always ask if I have any doubts about how to do anything.

Example #27: Do you prefer to work in a team or individually?

Important Points to Address:  In most roles, you must be both a team player and capable of working independently.

Sample Answer: I enjoy both. I like that in a team. You can all work together, make up for each other’s shortcomings, and achieve more than any of you could. But I am also a motivated and dependable self-starter who can be relied on to work alone when necessary.

Example #28: What do you do when the entire team is stressed?

Important Points to Address:  This question is about showing that you can be mindful of the team’s needs, and is not necessarily about what you do in the situation.

Sample Answer: Sometimes the environment is stressful, and everyone must push through. However, I always try to volunteer to take jobs of other team members I know they particularly dislike or that I am better at than others. I also try always to have a positive attitude and keep others upbeat if they get too stressed.

Example #29: How do you respond to coworkers who are constantly arriving late, leaving early, or taking long breaks?

Important Points to Address:  This question can be difficult to answer. Some managers want you to show initiative, while others want to see that you would report it to a manager.

Sample Answer: If I notice a team member is unreliable, I would first check to see if they are burnt out or going through something at home that they need support with.

I’d then politely explain to them that the entire team relies on each other and that when they are late, it creates extra work and stress for the entire team.

Adapting to Changing Situations and Problem-Solving

Example #30: Have you ever had a patient have a negative reaction to doctor-prescribed medication? What did you do?

Important Points to Address:  It is not uncommon for patients to sometimes have negative reactions to medication. It generally does not end too poorly, provided the medical staff responds quickly and appropriately.

Sample Answer: S: Yes, I once had a patient have a sudden change in condition shortly after administering their first dose of new meds. T: The patient had serious complications and had to be stabilized quickly. A: I pressed the call button and immediately declared the emergency while assisting. Once support arrived, we worked through immediate options while someone contacted the treating doctor. R: We stabilized the patient and worked with the doctor to find a better course of medications that wouldn’t have the same complications.

Example #31: What would you do if you were caring for a patient who had a sudden negative change?

Important Points to Address:  You need to show that you have situational awareness and can think on your feet to respond to changes quickly.

Sample Answer: If a patient I cared for had a sudden change, such as going from alert to becoming confused or disoriented, I would alert my supervisor while noting their symptoms and assessing what sudden onset conditions may have arisen.

I would run through the relevant indicator checklist (such as the stroke checklist for a patient who was showing confusion and disorientation), notify their treating doctor, and follow both their and my supervisor’s instructions.

Example #32: How would you respond to an emergency while providing care?

Important Points to Address:  Questions like this are designed to determine if you have a process and can think rationally through an emergency.

Sample Answer: First, I would raise the alarm by hitting the call button to ensure that assistance was on its way. I would then immediately render assistance as required while awaiting help to arrive. If applicable, I would then write a report and notify the nurse in charge of the event.

Example #33: Describe a time when you made a decision using your clinical judgment. What happened?

Important Points to Address:  Try to choose an example where you exercised judgment but where you didn’t make too big of a decision, as this could scare a potential employer.

Sample Answer: S: I was working as an ICU nurse when a patient came in with a severe case of pneumonia and was put on a ventilator. After she had been in the hospital for about two weeks, her condition was worsening daily. T: She was constantly getting worse, and we needed to try something to stabilize her. A: I consulted with the doctor, and we decided to take her off the ventilator to see if she would stabilize without it. R: She did not stabilize, so we put her back on the ventilator, and she stabilized after that. It turned out that it wasn’t just pneumonia but also sepsis.

Example #34: How do you respond to changes in care standards or policies and procedures?

Important Points to Address:  Policy and regulation are constantly changing, so you need to show that you understand how to adapt.

Sample Answer: The first step is to understand the change, why it was made, and its meaning. Then I ask how I will be affected by this change.

What new skills or tools will I need? And how will this affect my duties?

From here, I can take the necessary steps to implement the changes in my work.

Example #35: How do you stay up to date in your qualifications and skills?

Important Points to Address:  You must show that you work to stay up-to-date and relevant in your field, as nursing practices are constantly changing.

Sample Answer: I follow my favorite nursing associations on social media. I also subscribe to several nursing magazines, so I am kept up to date on changes as they happen. When I see something that interests me, I will try to find training or conferences in my area to gain first-hand knowledge.

Example #36: How do you respond to a patient when you don’t have an answer?

Important Points to Address:  As important as empathy is, being able to have discretion and tact.

Sample Answer: I try to always be honest with patients. If they’ve had a change in their condition, I will just say we don’t know, and we are waiting for the doctor.

If the doctor has already seen them, I will sometimes say, “your doctor said they’ve talked to you about your condition. I’m not qualified enough to add anything to what they have said.”

Example #37: Describe a time you had to change your caregiving practices. What did you do?

Important Points to Address:  A change to caregiving doesn’t need to be a major change. It can be a simple adaption to the circumstances of just one patient.

Sample Answer: S: I was assigned to a patient who had a history of falls. T: I had to give this patient extra supervision as they couldn’t be trusted to stay still or follow prior instructions when unsupervised. A: I made sure that they were in the room with me at all times. I also ensured that my coworkers and supervisors were aware of this change in their care. R: While it slowed down my other duties, I was able to keep the patient safe and, at one time, managed to arrest a fall before they injured themselves.

Conflict Resolution

Example #38: Can you describe a time you had to interact with a difficult family member?

Important Points to Address:  Difficult families and patients are common in nursing, and being able to respond calmly but with authority is an important skill to demonstrate.

Sample Answer: S: I remember when I was working at a hospital when a very angry older man came in. T: He approached the nurses’ station demanding to see his family member, who was currently in the ER. A: I sternly explained to him that non-medical personnel could not be in the ER and that there was no viewing area. The doctors were doing their best and would notify him as soon as there was news. I explained if he continued to be aggressive to staff, security or the police would be called to remove him. R: He reluctantly calmed down and agreed to take a seat until a doctor could give him an update.

Example #39: What would you do if you were assigned to work with a coworker you didn’t like?

Important Points to Address:  Conflict management is a highly valued skill for nurses. Being able to show how you work with someone you don’t like is critical to landing the job.

Sample Answer: I have a process for working with coworkers that I don’t like. First, I try to find some common ground, something we agree on, even if it is just a love of coffee or a favorite sports team.

Second, I use clear and open communication to make sure we both know what the other is doing and responsible for so that we can reduce the opportunity for misunderstandings or conflict.

Example #40: How do you provide care for difficult patients?

Important Points to Address:  You need to show a potential employer that you have what it takes to handle patients who are uncooperative with the care being provided.

Sample Answer: While I always try to be compassionate, if a patient is difficult, I will clarify my authority as the caregiver. To provide them with the maximum chance of a positive outcome from their treatment, it is of utmost importance that they follow all instructions given by doctors and nursing staff.

Example #41: Have you ever had to work with a doctor who was rude or unprofessional?

Important Points to Address:  Many nurses experience doctors who do not treat them with respect. You need a way to address these issues without escalating or creating conflict.

Sample Answer: I have never had to work with a doctor who was rude or unprofessional. However, if I were ever to have that experience, I would address the issue directly with the doctor. I would explain my concern and ask them to be mindful of their behavior and/or tone.

Example #42: How do you address questions from a patient’s family or friends?

Important Points to Address:  Liaising with third parties will happen a lot as a nurse. Employers will expect you to be able to answer inquiries appropriately.

Sample Answer: If a patient’s visitors ask me general questions about the facility, the care provided or visiting hours, etc. I will answer them directly as best I can. If they ask questions that breach patient confidentiality or that I can’t help with, I direct them to ask the patient’s doctor.

Time Management and Organization

Example #43: How do you make sure that all of your tasks are completed reliably and on time?

Important Points to Address:  The unexpected will always happen, but there will also be critical duties that need to be done reliably. It is important to have a reliable system in place to ensure you don’t lose track of your day.

Sample Answer: I ensure that I always work from my to-do list of duties I am responsible for each shift. I work through them in a prioritized order, starting with things that cannot be delayed at all, then things that cannot be delayed to another shift, and leaving anything that could be left to another day till last.

This makes sure that if an emergency arises, I have as much time as possible available without impacting other critical duties.

Example #44: How do you stay organized?

Important Points to Address:  Staying organized is critical for nurses, especially in the ER, ICU, or other fast-paced environments.

Sample Answer: The two ways I stay organized are routines and checklists. As much as possible, I do the same things at the same time each shift. This helps patients know what to expect but also reduces additional planning or thinking on my part.

I also work through a prioritized to-do list of my duties so that if anything comes up or I get called away, I can keep track of where I am up to and return to it.

Example #45: What do you do if something unexpected interrupts your rounds?

Important Points to Address:  It is important to juggle competing demands and events when they arise while reliably doing your rounds.

Sample Answer: I stay calm and assess the situation if something unexpected interrupts my rounds. Then I ask the patient or their family if they need anything and if there is anything I can do to help. I make sure everyone knows where we are. Then I continue with my rounds.

Example #46: How do you regain control if a situation gets hectic or out of hand?

Important Points to Address:  A good nurse has to be able to keep their head on during stressful times and make sure that they do everything possible to help those in their care.

Sample Answer: I try to always remain calm and collected. If a situation gets out of hand, I take a deep breath and focus on how to respond and what factors I can control. This helps me stay on track and return to taking care of my patients.

Communication Skills and Style

Example #47: How do you communicate with a team across language and cultural barriers?

Important Points to Address:  While all staff will be able to speak English, staff from foreign backgrounds may have language difficulties, and effectively working around these is important.

Sample Answer: I have worked with many different people from various backgrounds and have never had an issue communicating. I try to be culturally sensitive and mindful of what might be offensive to other cultures.

As for language barriers, I simply try to keep to short, simple words and clear sentences with a single idea. When necessary, I will also write down what I am saying to ensure that important information isn’t missed.

Example #48: How do you ensure reliable communication of safety-critical information?

Important Points to Address:  You need to show that you can communicate critical information, where a misunderstanding could result in injury or death reliably and effectively.

Sample Answer: I communicate safety-critical information by being clear and concise, and I ensure the recipient understands that what I’m saying is important. I will always stop and ask them to confirm that they understand and repeat it back to me, or if it’s a situation where they can’t talk to me, I’ll write down what it is they need to know.

Example #49: Are you a good communicator?

Important Points to Address:  This question is more about your ability to confidently deliver a strong answer than the content of your answer.

Sample Answer: Yes, I am a good communicator. I have always been very good at communicating my ideas and feelings to others. I feel that communicating effectively is essential to being a nurse, and I am confident that I can excel at it.

Example #50: Can you tell me about a time you effectively educated a patient or their family?

Important Points to Address:  This question is asked to understand your commitment to nursing and making a difference in the lives of your patients.

Sample Answer: S: In a previous role, I was nursing a patient with chronic high blood pressure. T: They did not know how to manage it properly. They had been on medication for a while, but it wasn’t working. A: I talked to them about why they weren’t responding well to their medication, and I explained how high blood pressure could lead to serious health problems if it isn’t managed properly. R: They asked a lot of questions, and we worked together so that we could make an action plan for how they would work with their specialist and implement lifestyle changes.

While the right answers can help land a job, a big part of success in a job interview is avoiding giving the wrong answers or raising red flags. By studying the job description before your interview, you can have a good idea of the types of questions that will be asked and practice your answers beforehand.

If you follow this advice and use these example answers as a starting point for your answers, you will be successful in finding your next nursing job.