Nursing can be a highly rewarding, but challenging profession. When attending an interview for a nursing position, you will be competing against other highly qualified candidates. Therefore, it is crucial you make a great impression.
Above all else, preparation is key. It helps to consider some of the questions you might be asked in a nursing interview
So, what are some common nursing interview questions and how do you answer them?
What attracted you to nursing in the first place?
This is your chance to share what motivated you to become a nurse. The interviewer wants to see that you are passionate about the industry and committed to looking after patients.
What do you know about this particular employer?
The employer wants to know you’ve researched the hospital or institution before the interview. They are also interested in why you applied for this specific role.
Take a look at their website and read the ‘About Us’ section as well as the services they offer. This will help you understand their vision and mission and assist you to develop questions to ask in the interview.
Do you work well with other nurses, doctors and staff?
Teamwork is a vital part of any nursing role, in order to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Therefore, by asking this question the interviewer wants to assess how well you work with others. Use your answer to highlight your interpersonal and communication skills.
Describe a decision you had to make quickly regarding a patient
In nursing, judgment and problem solving are everything. The interviewer wants to see you can quickly make decisions that are in the best interests of your patients.
How would you handle a difficult patient?
As a nurse, you must act with compassion and patience. The interviewer wants to see your attitude to managing difficult patients and how you manage conflict. Highlight how you have used your knowledge and experience to deal with such situations in the past.
How do you handle stress at work ?
A potential employer needs to see how you will deal with the stress that will inevitably come from a high-pressure nursing role. In your answer, provide examples of how you have managed stressful situations in the past.
How would you handle a disagreement with a doctor?
This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to manage conflict. Your answer to this question should highlight your interpersonal and active listening skills. You should also mention any lessons you may have learnt from previous disagreements.
Describe how you manage a busy workload
Nursing is all about determining priorities. In this answer, describe a previous situation where you have managed an increased workload, without compromising protocol or procedure.
How would you handle a patient who struggles with pain management?
This question is designed to assess your empathy. Use your answer to highlight that you take patient concerns seriously and provide an example of a time you empathised with a patients’ needs.
What changes have you made to improve patient outcomes?
The interviewer is asking this question because they want to see your ability to take initiative. This question provides an excellent opportunity to highlight your attention to detail, critical thinking and judgment, all vital capabilities of a nurse.
Nursing interviews can be challenging. However, with preparation and self-reflection, you can give yourself the best chance of success.
Are you looking for a career in nursing? Public Service Resumes can help. We offer various services including interview coaching for nurses.
Article References
Healthcare Australia (n.d) ‘25 nursing interview questions you should already have an answer for‘ Healthcare Australia, accessed 28th January 2025.
Indeed (3 April 2024) ‘10 Nursing Interview Questions‘ (2024 Answers) Indeed, accessed 28th January 2025.
University Of Wollongong (n.d) ‘Nursing Interview Questions‘ University Of Wollongong, accessed 28th January 2025.