16 nursing interview questions with sample answers

During a nursing interview, a potential employer will ask questions to determine whether you're a good fit for their facility. Expect to get questions related to your background, teamwork skills, and ability to provide patient care. Reviewing some common questions for nursing interviews can help you prepare your responses and impress a hiring manager. This guide provides some top nursing interview questions with sample answers and tips you can use to go into your next interview with confidence.

6 nursing job interview questions

Knowing some commonly asked interview questions for nurses can allow you to prepare for your interview. Review these questions and answers so you're prepared to discuss your qualifications.

Why did you want to become a nurse?

Administrators commonly ask this question to learn more about your reasons for becoming a nurse. Be honest in your answer, and convey your passion for working in health care. If you have a personal connection to the nursing field, mention it in your response.

Example: "My younger sister had health issues as a child, and my family spent a lot of time in hospitals. I remember feeling grateful for the nurses' kindness and support. One nurse always came into my sister's room with a joke or funny story to share, and I remember how she brought us a lot of comfort during a difficult time.

When I got older, I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a similar impact on others. I can't think of a better way to do that than as a nurse."

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse?

An employer often asks this question to assess your self-awareness. Everyone has flaws, so don't be afraid to share a weakness with an interviewer. Just make sure you also address how you're working to overcome this challenge.

Example: "My biggest strength as a nurse is my compassion. I genuinely care about other people and connect with my patients on a deep level. Building trust with patients can improve their healthcare outcomes. My biggest weakness is that I can spend too much time talking with patients during the day. I'm working on developing stronger time management skills by arriving for my shifts 15 minutes early so I can plan my day more efficiently."

How have you handled conflict within a healthcare team?

Conflict can arise in any workplace, including healthcare settings. In your answer, discuss a conflict you experienced with another nurse or a physician. Explain the steps you took to resolve the issue in a professional, appropriate way.

Example: "One time, a patient spoke to me about another nurse who consistently delivered his medications late. After checking his medication schedule to ensure his concerns were valid, I spoke to the nurse about the issue, explaining that the patient was nervous that he wasn't receiving his medications on time.

The nurse became very upset and said I shouldn't have been talking to her patient. I calmly explained that the patient had asked to speak with me while she was attending to another patient. When she wouldn't listen to me, I spoke with the nursing supervisor about our exchange. The supervisor spoke with the nurse about delivering the patient's medications on time, and the patient later thanked me for advocating on his behalf."

"Knowing some commonly asked interview questions for nurses can allow you to prepare for your interview."

Can you describe a time you worked with a difficult patient and how you handled it?

Nurses interact with all types of patients, including those who may feel nervous or scared. In your answer, show how you empathize with patients and use your problem-solving skills to find reasonable solutions.

Example: "I once had a patient who refused to answer my questions, saying he wouldn't talk to me because I wasn't a doctor. I explained that the doctor would be in later to check on him, but I needed to record his vital signs for the doctor to review. The patient reluctantly agreed, but later he apologized and told me that he had been worried about his diagnosis. I accepted his apology, and the experience reminded me to treat every patient with compassion, no matter what."

Can you describe a time when you worked well with others to achieve a positive outcome?

This question offers an opportunity to discuss the success you've had on a healthcare team. Choose a specific example of a time you contributed positively to a team. Explain how your actions led to the successful outcome.

Example: "As an ER nurse, I often work with other care team members in stressful situations. Once, I was checking on a postoperative patient who had stopped breathing. I immediately called a code and started chest compressions. When another nurse and the physician arrived, we all communicated effectively to provide life-saving measures for the patient. I'm proud of the role I had on the team that day when I saved a patient's life."

How do you communicate with other members of the healthcare team during a shift?

An administrator may ask this question to learn about your communication style. Describe how you use relevant skills, such as active listening, to communicate effectively with your co-workers.

Example: "When I arrive for my shift, I speak with the outgoing nurse to ensure I'm up to speed before I start working. Throughout my shift, I communicate directly with other nurses and physicians, asking questions if I need more information. I've found it's always best to double-check information if I'm unsure. For example, one time I noticed a discrepancy in a patient's prescription. I clarified the information with the physician before administering the medication to make sure I gave the patient the correct dosage."

10 other nursing interview questions

Here are 10 other common questions you might get during a nursing job interview:

1. How do you explain information to patients who don't understand medical jargon?
2. Can you describe a time you took on a leadership role?
3. How do you manage stress?
4. What's the most difficult part of being a nurse?
5. What are your career goals in health care?
6. Have you ever disagreed with a physician, and how did you handle the situation?
7. Can you describe a time you went above and beyond for a patient?
8. How do you provide patient education?
9. How do you manage tasks and provide effective patient care simultaneously?
10. Why do you want to work at this facility?

Tips for a nursing interview

Use these additional tips to make a positive impression during your nursing interview:

• Research the facility. Before the interview, research the health care facility to understand its mission, culture, and employees. Use this research to prepare questions you want to ask the employer, such as the potential for advancement.
• Practice your responses. Look over common interview questions, and rehearse your responses. Do a mock interview with a friend or family member to help you feel more comfortable.
• Use the STAR method. The STAR method stands for situation, task, action, and result. Use this method when responding to questions about your nursing experience, focusing heavily on the actions and skills you've used in past situations.
• Send a thank-you note. After the interview, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their consideration. Personalize the note by mentioning a specific moment or question from the interview to show your genuine interest in the role.

A nursing job interview can be stressful, but with some preparation, you can enter an interview feeling confident about your skills and abilities. If you're looking for your next nursing job, upload your resume to CareerBuilder to find opportunities in your area and specialization.

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