Preparation is key when it comes to interviewing for a nursing job. Knowing how to answer certain questions and what questions to ask will set you apart from other candidates.
In this blog, we will cover common nursing interview questions, as well as how to answer them, tips and even questions you can ask the interviewer. The interview process can feel overwhelming and daunting at first, but with these tips and tricks to help you prepare, you’ll be able to land a job in no time.
Each section in overview:
- Common themes for nursing interview questions
- How to answer nurse interview questions
- 15 nursing interview questions and answers
- Top tips to help you prepare for your nursing interview
- Questions to ask in your nursing interview
Common interview question themes
Before thinking about the types of questions you’ll be asked, it’s important to understand the themes of these questions. For instance, many interviewers will want to know about your personality, your teamwork skills, your patient care skills and so on. Let’s dive into each of the themes and why the interviewer finds these types of questions to be of importance.
- Personality: It’s no secret that most employers want to make sure you have displayed the right personal characteristics when dealing with patients. Most employers search for caring, compassionate, empathetic and patient employees in healthcare.
- Teamwork: Possibly one of the more important skills to have as an employee is teamwork. If you can’t work well in team settings, this could risk the quality of care a patient receives.
- Problem-solving: An employee who is good at problem solving is extremely sought after in any field, but especially in healthcare settings. In the field of nursing, problems that arise could quite literally mean life or death, so it’s important to be able to effectively problem-solve.
- Patient care: An obvious yet important skill that employers need to know about is the quality of patient care you provide. Do you try to treat patients as quickly as possible, or do you take time and listen to their needs or concerns?
- Adaptability: When choosing between a candidate who responds well to change versus a candidate who does not respond well to change, the more adaptable candidate will always have a better chance at landing the job. Employers often need nurses who can adapt to new circumstances as needed.
- Time management: This skill is essential when it comes to the field of nursing. With so much to do in a day, it’s imperative that you manage your tasks and time appropriately so that the quality of patient care isn’t overlooked.
- Values and goals: A person’s values and goals can tell you a lot about who they are as an individual and as a worker. Employers find it beneficial to know what you have planned for your future, what you prioritize most in life, and so on.
How to answer nurse interview questions
When answering nursing interview questions, it is best to use the STAR method. The STAR method is great for when you need to tell a captivating and easy to follow story to answer a nursing interview question. First, you’ll want to know what S-T-A-R even stands for:
- Situation
- Task
- Action-steps
- Results
When you use the STAR method, you ensure that your answer will be straight forward. The last thing you want in an interview is to start nervously rambling about a past scenario that doesn’t end up making sense. Try practicing telling some stories using the STAR method so you can get used to the order they fall in.
15 nursing interview questions and answers
1. Why did you become a nurse?
This question is asked to understand a candidate's motivation for becoming a nurse, which can reveal their passion, commitment, and alignment with the organization's values.
Sample answer: I became a nurse because I had a family member who was hospitalized, and I saw firsthand the impact that compassionate and skilled nurses had on their recovery. I wanted to be that person for others.
2. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your nursing career? How did you overcome it?
This question might come up in your nursing interview because the employer wants to know more about your problem-solving skills. This is a great opportunity to showcase your adaptability and resilience as a nurse.
Sample answer: One of the biggest challenges I faced was during a particularly busy shift when we were short-staffed. It was overwhelming, but I prioritized patient care by focusing on the most critical needs first and communicating effectively with my team. I also leaned on my colleagues for support, which helped us manage the situation better.
3. Tell me about a time you experienced conflict among your team. How did you handle the situation?
This nursing interview question will likely be asked so that the interviewer can get a better idea of your conflict resolution skills and communication skills. You’ll want to answer this nursing interview question in a way that shows that you know how to maintain a productive team environment when conflict arises.
Sample answer: In one instance, there was a disagreement between team members about the best approach to a patient's care plan. I facilitated a meeting where everyone could express their concerns and ideas. By encouraging open communication and focusing on our shared goal of providing the best care for the patient, we were able to reach a consensus and improve our teamwork moving forward.
4. Tell me about a time when you had to advocate for your patient.
This question assesses a candidate's commitment to patient care and their ability to act as a patient advocate. It reveals whether the candidate can identify when the patients' needs are not being met or if the course of care needs to be reevaluated.
Sample answer: I once cared for a patient who was complaining of pain that was not relieved with medication. I reviewed her chart and discussed options with the doctor. I ended up ordering a heating pad that took her pain level down to a manageable level.
5. In the past, how have you dealt with a patient’s family who was not satisfied with your care?
Many interviewers will ask healthcare professionals this question because this issue is bound to happen at some point, even if you think you’ve done everything correctly. The key to answering this question is to ensure you’re coming off as compassionate, empathetic and professional.
Sample answer: When I encountered a family that was not satisfied with the care provided, I made it a priority to listen to their concerns. I empathized with their feelings and provided clear explanations about the care plan and the rationale behind our decisions. By maintaining open communication and involving them in the process, I was able to rebuild trust and ensure they felt heard and supported.
6. Tell me about a time a patient or their family were particularly pleased with your care.
You might come across this question in a nursing interview because the employer wants to know about the quality of care you provide. Do you do the bare minimum, or do you go above and beyond?
Sample answer: One memorable instance was when I cared for a patient recovering from surgery. I took the time to explain each step of their recovery process and addressed their concerns with empathy. After their discharge, the family expressed their gratitude for the personalized attention and support, which made a significant difference in their experience.
7. How do you handle difficult patients who do not want to receive care?
When answering this nursing interview question, you want to make sure your answer reflects that you’re a patient, professional and empathetic nurse who is focused on delivering the best outcome for their patients.
Sample answer: When faced with difficult patients who resist care, I first try to understand their concerns. I listen actively to their reasons for reluctance and provide clear, compassionate explanations about the importance of the treatment. By respecting their autonomy and involving them in decision-making, I aim to create a collaborative environment that encourages them to reconsider their choices.
8. Name a time when your facility had undergone change. How did you cope with that?
Again, an interviewer might ask this question to get a better idea of your problem-solving and adaptability skills. With this question, you can also demonstrate other keys skills, such as teamwork and communication.
Sample answer: When our facility implemented a new electronic health record system, it was a significant change for everyone. To adjust to the change, I actively participated in training sessions and collaborated with colleagues to share tips and best practices. By staying positive and supporting each other, we adapted more quickly and improved our workflow, ultimately enhancing patient care.
9. Talk about a time when you experienced a stressful scenario in the workplace. How did you deal with it?
In healthcare settings, stressful situations will arise rather frequently. Employers need nurses who respond to stressful situations in a well thought out and rational way when providing care to patients.
Sample answer: I once managed a stressful situation with multiple trauma patients from a car accident. With the department at full capacity, I prioritized tasks based on patient severity, communicated effectively and delegated efficiently. By staying calm and relying on teamwork, we provided necessary care and stabilized the situation.
10. Where do you see yourself in your nursing career in five years?
This question can tell you a lot about a person based on how they answer it. Employers will know how motivated you are, as well as how well you will align with the organization.
Sample answer: As a nurse, some of my goals include continually improving my clinical skills to provide the best patient care possible, pursuing advanced certifications to specialize in my field, and fostering strong relationships with my patients and their families.
11. How do you manage a heavy patient assignment when short staffed?
This question often comes up in nursing interviews because employers want to know how well you can manage your time and stress levels. When working in a fast-paced environment such as nursing, these are important skills to factor in when hiring new nurses.
Sample answer: When I feel overwhelmed with my workload, I take a moment to prioritize my tasks and focus on the most urgent ones first. I also communicate with my team for support and delegate when possible.
12. Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you correct your mistake?
The most important part of answering this question is to show the employer that you take accountability for your actions and that you are committed to making sure that mistake does not happen again.
Sample answer: Early in my career, I administered a medication at the wrong time and immediately informed my supervisor. We assessed the patient for any adverse reactions and monitored them closely. I took full responsibility, documented the error, reviewed protocols and participated in additional training. This experience taught me the importance of double-checking orders and reinforced my commitment to patient safety.
13. Why do you want to work for our organization?
Interviewers will ask this question so that they can gauge your enthusiasm for the position, as well as how likely you are to stay with the organization long-term. Employers are more likely to hire candidates who will be in it for the long run.
Sample answer: I want to work with you because I admire your commitment to patient-centered care and your focus on continuous improvement. Your values align with my passion for providing high-quality care, and I believe I can positively contribute to your team while growing professionally in such a supportive environment.
14. What sets you apart from other nurses?
By sharing what sets you apart from other nurses, you can explain the unique value that you could bring to the organization. This question also gives the interviewer insight into your confidence when it comes to the position.
Sample answer: What sets me apart from other nurses is my unwavering commitment to patient care and my proactive approach to continuous learning. I consistently seek out opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge, whether that be through advanced certifications, workshops or staying updated with the latest healthcare practices.
15. How do you handle feedback?
This nursing interview question gives you the perfect opportunity to show that you are open to self-improvement and constructive feedback, which is something that employers are always looking for in a good nurse.
Sample answer: I view feedback as an essential part of my professional growth. I listen carefully, reflect on the suggestions and take actionable steps to improve my practice. Constructive feedback helps me enhance my skills and ultimately provide better care for my patients.
Top tips to help you prepare for your nursing interview
- Do in-depth research about the facility: Show the interviewer you came prepared by doing research about their organization.
- Make sure you know what the job entails: Before applying for a job, familiarize yourself with the job description and candidate requirements. Don’t apply to jobs that won’t work with your schedule or skills.
- Dress to impress: When in doubt, it’s always better to overdress when it comes to interviews. A nice outfit and put together appearance will no doubt give your interviewer a good impression.
- Ensure your resume is professional and up to date: Since most resumes will probably only be looked at for 30 seconds tops, make sure it is updated and easy to read.
- Show up early: It’s wise to be at your interview 15 minutes early in case of any unexpected traffic or delays.
- Send a follow up email thanking your interviewer: Many people overlook this step, but it could very well be the reason you get hired. Sending a follow-up email will help you stand out from your peers.
- If your interview is virtual, make sure you are in a quiet place with no distractions: If you do not have immediate access to a clean and quiet room, your local library may have rooms you can reserve for a period of time.
Questions to ask in your nursing interview
Asking questions in an interview is essential. It shows you care, you’re curious, prepared and that you want to learn more about the interviewer’s organization. Remember, don’t ask questions just to ask them. Have a list of questions that you genuinely want the answers to. Below are some examples of good questions you can ask in your nursing interview.
- What opportunities does your organization offer for career development and continuing education?
- What is the biggest challenge someone in this role would face?
- How would you describe the work environment and culture of your organization?
- Can you describe what a typical day or week would look like for someone in this role?
- How does the organization measure success for this role?
- What does your orientation period entail?
Explore nursing opportunities with Favorite
Preparing for an interview is a crucial step in securing your desired position and advancing your nursing career. By familiarizing yourself with common nursing interview questions and focusing on key themes such as personality, teamwork, problem-solving, patient care and adaptability, you can present yourself as a well-rounded and competent candidate. We hope this blog helps people who are new to the profession and have recently become nurses as well as experienced nurses in their job search and during the interview process.
Don’t forget to search our open nursing positions today to gain valuable experience, advance your career, and explore different locations with Favorite!
