Nurses Job Interview Questions and Answers
Nurses Job Interview Questions and Answers
Nurses Job Interview Questions and Answers
Question: What can you tell me about team work as part of the job?
Answer: There is usually a team of staff nurses working in cooperation with each other. . A team of
nurses has to get along well and coordinate their actions, usually by dividing their responsibilities
into sectors or specific activities. They help each other perform tasks requiring more than one
person.
Question: How is patient progress monitored by a staff nurse?
Answer: Nurses monitor vital signs and look for symptoms of potential illness. They chart progress
for use by other nurses and physicians. They report progress to physicians on duty.
Question: In what cases does a staff nurse contact the patients family members?
Answer: Family members are contacted during emergencies. At other times, family members are
informed on the patients progress. Nurses consult with the family to decide on the best course of
treatment for the patient.
Question: What personal characteristics should a staff nurse possess to be good at the job?
Answer: It is important to be organized and have a good memory; a nurse performs her duties
quickly, on time, and efficiently. Nurses are sensitive and pleasant with others. Their attitude must
not be to simply administer technical treatment mechanically, but to make patients feel as
comfortable as possible.
It is the most common question, which gives you an open-ended opportunity to point
out your strengths and skills. Instead of wasting time in explaining your educational
history; let the interviewer know that you are the perfect person for the respective job.
You can also illustrate by giving examples.
Sample Answer: I am a highly motivated, energetic, and compassionate person,
wants to dedicate my whole life to nursing. I am a great communicator and loves helping
people. My previous credits and experience of 4 years taught me the importance of
patients care and developed a sense of responsibility.
Question 2: Why do you want to work in the healthcare sector?
A person, who decides to become a nurse, has some different reasons other than earning
money, to enter this field. This question gives you a chance to express your desire to
help out individuals and how important human life is for you.
Sample Answer: I believe that with this profession, I can make a difference, and make
people feel better. Seeing so many people in pain and misery motivated me to practice
nursing.
Question 3: Why are you leaving your current job?
Instead of criticizing your previous job, pinpoint the positive aspects. Never give a
negative reason for leaving, stay away from bad mouthing your employer or colleagues.
Focus on the opportunities that will come with the new job.
Sample Answer: My previous job taught me so many things and developed necessary
qualities required to be a proficient nurse. But now, there is no room for growth, and I
am looking forward for new challenges to thrive in nursing.
Question 4: Where do you see yourself in five years?
The main objective of the interrogator is to know whether you are a career-oriented,
ambitious, determined worker and have a positive outlook in nursing. So, avoid
discussing your dreams and share an answer, which exhibits your real commitment and
interest.
The interviewer wants to check your strengths in order to match them with the job
requirements. Prepare a list of three or more strengths, such as your leadership
qualities, optimistic approach, interpersonal skills, that can be a treasure for the
organization. Be very honest about your weakness, discuss them and mention the
measures for improving them.
Sample Answer: I have outstanding leadership qualities and interpersonal skills,
which help me to coordinate well with my colleagues.
I do not quit easily, until the work is done in a proper manner; its my major weakness.
Question 9: What measures have you taken to upgrade your knowledge?
If you have attended any seminar or pursued a degree for the sake of enhancing your
knowledge and competency in working, mention them.
Sample Answer: I enrolled myself in an advanced course for improving my
managerial skills and also attended various seminars for enhancing interpersonal skills.
Question 10: Describe your former supervisor.
Dont commit the mistake of criticizing your former supervisor, stay positive and state
what you have learned from him.
Sample Answer: Kevin was a competent supervisor with exceptional leadership
qualities, who always maintained healthy interpersonal relationship. I have learned a lot
from her.
Question 11: What motivates you to work in the nursing field?
This question is really a huge opportunity; grasp it by highlighting your positive features
rather than giving vague answers. You can also illustrate your real life experiences.
Sample Answer: Critical situations and tough patients motivate me. In my last job, I
was confronted with a patient, who was not handled by a number of nurses, later I took
charge of him and solved his problem by understanding his situation. I really love to
overcome challenges.
cant
stand
my
boss,
or
the
work
Im
answer:
doing.
Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good
answer:
Ive learned a lot from my current role, but now Im looking for a new challenge in nursing, to broaden my
horizons and to gain a new skill-set all of which, I see the potential for in this job.
on
beach
in
Maui,
or
answer:
Doing your job.
Theres really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that youre
ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the hospital. So instead of sharing your
dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive
and
commitment.
Good
answer:
In five years Id like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with
people. Ultimately, Id like to be in some type of managerial role at this hospital, where I can use my
people skills and nursing knowledge to benefit the nurses working for me, and the patients and hospital
as a whole."
work
too
hard,
or
for
the
answer:
Blondes.
comedian,
This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you dont
want your answer to be clich joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you
have
learned
to
overcome
as
a
nurse.
Good
answer:
Ive never been very comfortable with speaking up which as you know, can be a hindrance in nursing.
Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He
said yes. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, Ive made great strides
in sticking up for my patients, communicating with doctors, and just being a better nurse. I still dont love
it, but no one else can tell!
last
job
earned
$35,000
so,
now
Im
looking
for
answer:
$40,000
If you can avoid it, dont give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary
negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad
range based on research youve conducted on that particular nursing role, in your particular city.
Good
answer:
Im more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, Id expect to be paid the appropriate range
for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high
cost of living here in New York City.
the
best
candidate
for
the
answer:
role.
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good
answer:
Ive been a Nurse Practitioner for the past ten years my boss has said time and time again that without
me, the hospital would fall apart. Ive also taken the time to educate myself on some of the latest industry
issues I regularly use (but didnt really understand the ins and outs of). Whats good enough for most
people is never really good enough for me.
What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad
answer:
I never finished my masters in nursing and everything thats happened since has taught me that giving
up,
just
because
the
going
gets
tough,
is
a
huge
mistake.
You dont want to actually highlight a major regret especially one that exposes an overall
dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has
made
you
a
better
nurse.
Good
answer:
When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didnt take it very seriously, and
assumed that, compared to my biology classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at
midterm showed me otherwise. Id even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act
together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I
learned that no matter what Im doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, its not
worth doing at all.
answer:
My work is important to me, so I wont be satisfied with any old nursing job. Instead of rushing to accept
the first thing that comes my way, Im taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."
most
satisfied
when
did
well,
and
got
praised
answer:
my
work.
for
Dont give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be
relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that youre a
great
fit
for
the
job
and
showcase
your
enthusiasm.
Good
answer:
Im a people person. I was always happiest and most satisfied when I was interacting with patients,
making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible care. It was my favorite part
of the job, and it showed I was rated as Good or Excellent 95% of the time in peer reviews. Part of the
reason Im interested in this job is that I know Id have even more interaction with patients, on an even
more critical level."
of
stability.
felt
like
the
hospital
could
collapse
around
me
at
answer:
any time.
Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture, or financial health of your
previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too
negative. Also, you dont want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next
role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure wont be part
of
this
new
role.
Good
answer:
There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month
was a little exhausting I didnt like spending quite so much time out of the hospital. Im happy to see that
this role involves a lot less travel.
Describe a time when you did not get along with a nurse.
Bad
answer:
"Im easy to get along with, so Ive never had any kind of discord with another nurse.
Interviewers dont like these types of easy out answers. And besides, they know you are
probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to
be
a
positive
learning
experience.
Good
answer:
I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things from the
care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a childs family. Our personalities just didnt
mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about
our differences and why we werent getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We
communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that
talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.
good
job
and
being
rewarded
for
answer:
it.
Its not that this answer is wrong its just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is
practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So dont give a vague, generic
response it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity
to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good
answer:
Ive always been motivated by the challenge of a tough patient. In my last role, I came across a particular
patient who refused a handful of nurses before he was assigned to me. I was able to find something we
had in common, which calmed him down. After the patient saw me make an effort to better
understand his situation, he became much more agreeable to my aid. I love facing and overcoming
challenges on such a personal level.
really
good
answer:
listener.
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesnt care all
that much. Its unlikely that theyre hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. Youll want to keep your
answer relevant to the job youre interviewing for and as specific as possible. If you can, insert
an
example.
Good
answer:
My friends would probably say that Im extremely persistent Ive never been afraid to keep going back
until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major
tech conference, I got one rejection after another this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted
the big players so I wouldnt take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a
new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said yes
the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people
might have given up after the first rejection, but its just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I
have to keep trying until I get it.