- Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. …
- Describe a time when your facility was undergoing some change. …
- Tell me about a time when you didn’t know the answer to something at work? …
- Give me an example of an awkward situation at work.
Interviewing may be the most intimidating portion of the employment process. This article is intended to give potential nurses tips for success in an interview setting. It will provide helpful information on common nursing interview questions and it will categorize these questions for efficient preparation. You’ll also learn how to craft your own responses to common nurse interview questions.
Nursing Interview Questions and Answers
Sample nurse interview questions on teamwork
Relying on your team is critical in any hospital or health facility. Employers want to know that you are a team player and work well with others, even in stressful situations.
Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?
With this question, make sure you don’t throw anybody under the bus. You want to include the resolution, and, if possible what you learned from the situation.
“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 time to talk with the nurse and asked them if switching shifts would help them arrive to work on time. My co-worker said it would help them since the particular hour they were scheduled was difficult for them. We switched, and that solved the problem. I learned that taking initiative goes a long way.”
Spot on! This shows an ability to adapt and problem-solve. Hiring managers want to find someone who can overcome a tough situation and find a resolution. Moreover, it shows character since you were willing to sacrifice for the team. Kudos.
Common themes for nursing interview questions
Because nurses care for patients, provide continuity of care, and interact with different members of a patient’s interdisciplinary team, a lot of nursing interview questions revolve around:
These types of nursing interview questions are considered behavioral interview questions. Using real-life examples and stories is a great way to answer behavioral-based interview questions. The interviewer is often attempting to see how you’d react in challenging situations and if you can adapt to life on the unit you’re applying to work at.
Why Did You Choose a Career in Nursing?
Healthcare hiring managers care about passion—for nursing, for patient care and safety (and quality patient care), and for making a positive impact on people’s lives.
“Passion is probably one of the most important things. 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,” says Musto. 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.
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 about taking care of patients resonates with you?
Don’t be afraid to tie it back to a personal anecdote, either, 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.
FAQ
How do you answer Tell me about a time questions in an interview?
How do you answer a Tell me about yourself question nursing?
- Situation: State the specific situation, as you understand it. …
- Task: Explain the steps that would need to be done, in order, so you come across as organized.
- Action: Describe how you’d implement the steps.
- Results: Share the results you would expect to happen.
How do you answer a difficult nursing interview question?
- Situation: State the specific situation, as you understand it. …
- Task: Explain the steps that would need to be done, in order, so you come across as organized.
- Action: Describe how you’d implement the steps.
- Results: Share the results you would expect to happen.
How do you answer a nursing scenario interview?
- Situation: State the specific situation, as you understand it. …
- Task: Explain the steps that would need to be done, in order, so you come across as organized.
- Action: Describe how you’d implement the steps.
- Results: Share the results you would expect to happen.
