Some Nursing Interview Questions and Sample Answers for New Grads
Interviews can be very stressful. Not knowing the interviewer or the questions that will be asked can add to that stress. Needless to say, you need to prepare yourself for the type of questions that might be coming your way during the interview. While some of the common “interview tips” articles can help you prepare somewhat, rarely do they cover potential nursing interview questions specifically.
The nursing field is a hyper-focused specialty and as such, the interview questions for the nursing field are bound to be different from the standard interview questions one might hear in a typical business environment. Those that prepare themselves tend to stand out and instantly become more memorable to the interviewer when they are making final decisions.
Nursing Specific Interview Questions and Sample Answers
When you interview for a nursing position, you will most likely be asked about your skills, education, training, and even temperament. Here are some commonly asked nursing questions and sample answers that might help you prepare for your first nursing interview:
Q: What made you choose nursing?
A: I have always wanted to make a difference in other people’s lives. I see the nursing field as a challenging and exciting opportunity to do just that!
Q: How have your clinical rotations prepared you for a nursing career?
A: At the Medical Careers Institute, I undertook an externship at [insert company here], which gave me the hands-on experience with patients I needed to make a difference.
Q: Do you have any professional affiliations?
A: Absolutely, I feel it's important to stay informed about trends and news in the nursing profession. I'm a member of the [insert association here], and the [insert association here].
Q: How would you deal with a doctor who was rude?
A: If the doctor was not happy with my care of a patient in some way, I would want to know how so I could take corrective action to remedy the situation. If I needed to, I would even bring the question to my supervisor for help resolving the issue.
Q: How would you handle a patient who constantly complains about pain?
A: In this situation I would take the following course of action: A) I would bring this concern to the attending doctor and make sure that the patient's pain was being managed in the most effective way. B) I would reassure the patient that everything possible was being done to alleviate their discomfort and C) I would listen sympathetically to their complaint, reassure them that their concerns were being heard, and that we were doing everything possible to help them.
Q: What would you do if your shift replacement did not arrive on time or at all?
A: I would notify my shift supervisor and if possible, offer to stay until my replacement arrived.
Q: What do you find most difficult about being a nurse?
A: I think for me, the most difficult part of being a nurse is when I have a patient that is very uncomfortable, or in a lot of pain, and I cannot comfort them.
Q: How would you handle a family who is displeased with your patient's care?
A: I would listen to all of their concerns and make sure that if any were well founded, that they were addressed immediately.
Q: How would you handle a patient who complains about everything?
A: I would first ensure that the patient had no valid complaints, and then just be patient and reassuring that we were doing everything we could for them.
While not all inclusive, we hope this list of nursing specific interview questions helps you to better prepare for your first nursing interview. In addition to the questions asked above, you may also get some of the more common interview type questions that you should also prepare for:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What is your availability?
- Who do you consider a role model or mentor?
- How do you spend your free time?
- How did you learn about us?
- Discuss your biggest strengths and weaknesses.
- Do you have any questions for us?
Walking in the door to your first nursing interview armed with some well-thought-out answers to some of these more commonly asked questions is sure to boost your chances of getting that first job offer!
Meeting at ECPI Saturday. Can't wait to start training and classes for my PNL. ^--^ After that off to become an RN!!
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