Common Nursing Interview Questions and Best Answers
If you’ve landed an interview for a nursing or medical position, it’s a good idea to review typical interview questions and answers. That way, you’ll walk into the interview feeling prepared and confident.
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In addition to practicing responses, get tips on how else to prepare for your nursing interview, as well as how to impress interviewers.
1. What do you find difficult about being a nurse?
What They Want to Know: Many aspects of being a nurse are challenging — interviewers want to know which ones are hardest for you. Warning: Do not complain in your response.
Instead, keep it positive, using your response to highlight positive attributes in your resume and personality.
Example Answer
I think the most difficult part of being a nurse is when I have a patient that is very unhappy, or in a lot of pain, and I can’t comfort them to the degree I’d like to.
I keep a dialog going with the attending physician so that she has as much information as possible regarding the patient’s pain level.
Sometimes the patient doesn’t effectively communicate with the doctor, and I try to help bridge that communication gap.
2. Do you prefer to work alone, or as part of a team?
What They Want to Know: Nurses often need to do both — work independently and also collaboratively. Be honest in your response, but avoid being negative about either work style.
Example Answer
That depends on the circumstances. I enjoy being part of a treatment and support team, but I also like the autonomy of working alone.
3. How would you handle a patient who complains constantly of pain?
What They Want to Know: Interviewers want to know how you’d tackle this potentially tricky situation. Walk through the steps you’d take. You can use examples from past work experience if you’d like.
Example Answer
I would listen sympathetically to the patient’s complaint, and reassure him that his concerns were being heard and that we were doing everything possible to help.
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If it seemed warranted, I’d confer with the attending doctor to make sure that the patient’s pain was being managed in the most effective way.
4. What do you contribute to your patients as a nurse?
What They Want to Know: This is an opportunity to share your personal theory of how you help patients. You can focus on the medical or the interpersonal, depending on what type of role you are seeking.
Example Answer
I feel that my patients know that I am there to provide comfort and understanding, that I will listen to their concerns, and that I will act as their advocate if necessary.
5. How do you respond when family members ask for your personal diagnosis?
What They Want to Know: By asking this question, the interviewer wants to access your boundaries and to find out if you know how to respond appropriately.
Example Answer
Unless it’s my role to diagnose, I wouldn’t do so. But, I would try to dig in a bit and figure out why the patient’s family member was inquiring. Does the person need some validation?
Did the doctor not explain the prognosis clearly? I’d seek to be helpful and share important information (without stepping outside of my role).
6. What interests you about working here?
What They Want to Know: Anytime interviewers ask this question, they are seeking to determine if you understand and value the healthcare institution. Essentially, interviewers want to know if you want this particular job or any job at all.
Example Answer
I’m impressed with the model here, and the collaborative spirit on the team. Just by sitting in the waiting room, it’s clear to me that this practice has a patient-first priority. I’m eager to work with people who are passionate about providing care.
7. Why did you choose nursing as a career?
What They Want to Know: As you share what drew you to nursing, look for opportunities to highlight characteristics that make you a good fit for the field.
