phd nursing interview questions

25 Most Common New Grad Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Are you a new nurse or preparing to graduate from nursing school? Does the idea of scheduling your first nursing interview sound exciting? Maybe you are ready for that next step, but don’t know what to expect in a new nurse interview. Perhaps you have asked yourself, “What are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers?” If that sounds like you, this article is for you. As you continue reading, you will find information about what prospective employers are looking for in new nurses, how to prepare for an interview, and what questions you should ask before the interview ends. Additionally, I will share 25 most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers that you can use to prepare for and ace your interview.

Why is it Important to Ace Your New Grad Nurse Interview?

What are the top 5 things employers look for when interviewing new grad nurses, 1. good communication skills:, 2. compassionate personality:, 3. someone who is willing to be a team player:, 4. a willingness to learn:, 5. computer skills:, what are the most common new grad nurse interview questions and answers, 1. interview question: what made you want to become a nurse, what the interviewer really wants to know:, sample answer:, 2. interview question: do you have a preferred shift you would like to work, 3. interview question: what are some of your best qualities, 4. interview question: how do you keep personal problems from interfering with work, 5. interview question: do you have a preference of nursing specialties, 6. interview question: do you have children.

• In this example, the candidate addresses the fact that she needs a babysitter to accommodate work and makes it clear she has already made arrangements. This lets the interviewer know the candidate understands the importance of being reliable at work, as demonstrated by taking the initiative to establish caregivers for children, as needed.

7. Interview Question: If Hired, Will This Be Your Only Job?

Sample answer option #1:, sample answer option #2:, 8. interview question: do you have experience working in the healthcare field before becoming a nurse, 9. interview question: what are some things you would like to improve about yourself, 10. interview question: tell me about yourself., 11. interview question: how did you hear about this job, 12. interview question: what interests you about our company/facility, 13. interview question: where do you see yourself in five years, 14. interview question: can you tell me about a time you demonstrated teamwork on the job, 15. interview question: what do you do if you do not know how to answer a patient's question, 16. interview question: how well do you handle changes to your schedule, assignments, or work environment, 17. interview question: what do you do to regroup when under pressure and overwhelmed, 18. interview question: what do you think will be the most challenging thing about being a nurse, 19. interview question: what do you like to do in your free time, 20. interview question: tell me something others find interesting about you., additional sample answer:, 21. interview question: why do you feel you are the best person for this job, 22. interview question: what would you do if your replacement did not show up for work, 23. interview question: how would you handle a situation when a patient needs to be persuaded to comply with a treatment, 24. interview question: are you willing to work nights and weekends, 25. interview question: what is the most rewarding thing about being a nurse, 10 tips to prepare for a new grad nurse interview, 1. find your way around the facility before your new grad nurse interview., 2. update your resume with all your work and education experiences., 3. get professional letters of recommendation., 4. pick out a nice outfit and iron it the night before your interview., 5. be sure to eat breakfast., 6. read the job description and familiarize yourself with it., 7. be prepared to take notes during the interview., 8. make copies of any certifications such as iv certification, cpr certification, etc., 9. create a list of possible questions you want to ask the interviewer., 10. rehearse interview questions and answers., 5 good questions to ask at the end of your new grad nursing interview, 1. what do other nurses like about working here, 2. which emr system does your facility use, 3. what is your nurse-to-patient staffing ratio, 4. do you offer a retirement plan, 5. what qualities are you looking for in a nurse, bonus 6 things you should never do in a new grad nurse interview, 1. never answer your phone., 2. do not talk badly about your previous employer or coworkers., 3. wearing inappropriate attire:, 4. do not show up late., 5. not bringing necessary documents, resume, etc., 6. demonstrating poor body language:, my final thoughts, frequently asked questions answered by our expert, 1. what are some of the most difficult interview questions asked to new grad nurses, 2. how do i deal with a difficult question in a new grad nurse interview, 3. how do i handle the stress before a new grad nurse interview, 4. what to bring to a new grad nurse interview, 5. how long do new grad nurse interviews last, 6. how to answer new grad nurse interview questions online, 7. how to prepare for a new grad nurse phone interview.

PhD Interview Questions and Answers – 12 Things You May Be Asked

PhD Interview Questions and Answers

Written by Mark Bennett

Your PhD interview will be an important part of your postgraduate research application. This is your chance to meet your prospective department, discuss your project and show your potential as an academic researcher.

Of course, it’s also when that potential is going to be assessed.

You’ll need to show an awareness of what’s involved in a PhD project and prove that you have the right aspirations and approach to work on one for three (or more) years. You’ll also need to make it clear that this is the right university , department, research group or laboratory for you.

None of this has to be especially intimidating. Putting some thought into your project and your choice of institution can make answering PhD entrance interview questions quite simple.

On this page we’ve put together a list of the questions you might be asked at an interview. We’ve also explained why the university might be asking each question, and provided some tips on how to answer them

You won’t necessarily be asked all of these questions – and you almost certainly won’t be asked them in the order here. Some of them also overlap with each other. But they’re all topics that you should prepare to discuss at a PhD interview .

We’ve also included a selection of questions to ask during a PhD interview .

Let's get you PhD ready

Interview questions about you

Your qualities as a researcher, team-member and individual are some of the most important factors in a university’s decision to accept you for a PhD.

Regardless of your subject area, you need to be the kind of person who can dedicate themselves to a three-year project. You also need to be able to work alongside other students and academics in a positive and successful research environment.

The interview is the best way for a university to assess this. Just as there’s more to doing a PhD than research and writing, there’s more to a prospective candidate than their academic record.

#1 Tell us about yourself…

This popular opener can feel like an awkwardly open ‘question’.

You’ll be prepared to explain your project, to say what a great fit it is for the university, perhaps even reference some current research. But how do you ‘answer’ an invitation to introduce yourself?

By introducing yourself.

Your interview panel isn’t trying to catch you out here. They’re offering an icebreaker to help ease you into the rest of the interview.

Obviously your response should be relevant to the occasion. But it doesn’t just have to be a presentation of your academic achievements, interests and goals (the interview will get to those in time!).

Say a little about your background, where you’re from and what your interests are. Don’t be afraid to relate these to your academic specialism and your choice of university.

If something specific inspired you to consider a PhD, mention it. If there’s something that’s attracted you to this city as well as the university, say so. (There’ll be plenty of time to talk up the institution and its research later).

I’ve always been interested in discovering how things work, but my time as an undergraduate opened my eyes to the excitement and wider benefit of science. I had the chance to do some original research on my Masters and that’s inspired me to take up the challenge of a PhD. I’m also a keen hiker and amateur naturalist, so I’d love to combine my studies here with the chance to visit the local area.
I was born in a house next to the local post-office. My first cat was called Timothy and he liked chasing string. At school my best friend was Kevin. My favourite colour is blue and my favourite flavour of ice-cream is raspberry ripple…

#2 What made you choose to do a PhD?

At some point in your interview your interviewers are going to want to know why you decided to do a doctorate.

This may seem like a simple question, but be wary of giving an overly simplistic answer. Just pointing out that you’re good at your subject and a PhD seemed like the logical next step won’t be enough – especially if there’s a funding decision to be made.

The panel is already satisfied that you’re academically capable and interested. You’ve demonstrated that by getting an interview (and turning up for it).

Now they want to assure themselves that you’ve got the motivation and drive to see you through three or more years of hard work on a PhD project.

I’ve enjoyed my academic work so far, but I really feel I’ve got more to offer as an independent researcher. I’m also passionate about this subject and don’t feel enough attention has been paid to the questions I’m looking to address.
I can’t think of anything to do with my Masters, but my current tutor says I’m clever enough for a PhD.

#3 What do you plan to do after you complete your PhD?

It might seem strange for your panel to ask about your post PhD plans. After all, those don’t have any really impact on your ability to do a PhD, do they? And graduation is at least three years away in any case; should you have thought that far ahead?

The answers to which are ‘yes’ and ‘of course you should.’

Universities want to make sure you’re doing a PhD for the right reasons (as above). Asking about your future plans is a great way to check this.

Students who ‘sleepwalk’ into a research project are much more likely to come unstuck or lose motivation when the going gets tough later on.

This doesn’t mean you have to have everything worked out, or that your ambitions have to be unique. If you're planning to apply for a post-doc after your PhD, say so. But demonstrate an understanding of academic career paths – and show that you’ve put some thought into alternatives.

It’s also the case that not everyone who gains a doctorate will go on to an academic job. Universities want to recruit PhD students responsibly and provide the kinds of skills and training they actually need.

So, don’t feel that you have to want to be a scholar to be accepted for a PhD. Research training can prepare you for a range of career paths . An appreciation of these will impress your interview panel. (Particularly if you’re applying for a professional doctorate ).

I feel my PhD project can open up new lines of inquiry for this field and want to use it as the foundation for a fruitful research career. But, I’m also interested in the wider development opportunities included in this doctoral programme. I want to be an academic, but I’m happy to keep other options open.
I expect someone will give me a job doing more research. That’s what PhDs do, right?

#4 What are your strengths and weaknesses?

A well-worn question, but a great opportunity to reflect on your abilities - as well as opportunities for further development during your PhD.

What your panel is really interested in is not so much what your strengths and weaknesses actually are , but your ability to identify them.

In practice, this means giving solid examples for strengths and showing how they relate to the PhD project you have in mind.

Don’t just say you’re a good time-keeper. Point out when you’ve had to be well organised and show that you understand the importance of self-directed study to a successful PhD.

When it comes to weaknesses, maintain the right balance.

A PhD interview probably isn’t the best time to wallow in existential self-doubt (unless you’re applying for a very specific topic in Philosophy). Equally though, answers like ‘my only downfall is excessive perfectionism’ can sound a bit contrived. If the panel is asking you about strengths and weaknesses, they want you to identify and reflect on both.

Be honest about the things you find challenging, but identify them as training needs and discuss how you expect to improve upon them as part of your PhD.

I feel that I’m a good written communicator. My existing academic and professional work demonstrates an ability to put forward ideas clearly and concisely. I think this will help me manage the weight of information my PhD research needs to cover and the challenge of producing an effective thesis. But, I’m not always as organised as I’d like to be. I want to address this as part of my postgraduate training and hope to take advantage of classes and development opportunities early in my doctorate.
My greatest strength is that I have no weaknesses! And my only weakness is that I have no strengths. Hang on...

#5 Are there any training needs you can identify ahead of your PhD?

This question (and its answer) can be part of an invitation to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses (as above).

But, you may be asked about training needs more specifically. This is likely if you’re applying to a more structured programme, within a Doctoral Training Partnership or similar.

Either way, this is a great opportunity to reflect on your aspirations as a researcher and show that you’ve read up on the project you’re applying to. If the university offers a series of training modules, mention them. Say what you hope to gain from them and how you think they’ll help you succeed in your PhD.

You might also want to refer to any discussion of your aims and aspirations with a doctorate. If you’re keeping an open mind about non-academic career paths, show an awareness of the transferrable skills this PhD can give you.

And don’t worry about revealing a few gaps in the core skills required by your discipline. A PhD is a training process, not a three-year exam.

I’m really interested in communicating my research to a wider audience, but don’t know how best to go about doing this. I think the training module on public engagement will be a big help to me, both academically and more generally.
I’m really bad at interviews. Do you have a class for that?

Interview questions about your PhD project

This is the university’s chance to further assess your suitability for an advertised PhD position, and the likely fit between your planned project and the expertise it has available.

It’s also your chance to expand on your research proposal and show that you have the skills, experience and understanding to complete a doctorate. For funded places (or other competitive projects), this is the time for you to prove that you are the best student for this PhD.

It’s a good idea to reference your research proposal (or other appropriate parts of your application) when answering these questions. But expand upon what the panel has already read. (And make sure there isn’t anything in that proposal that you aren’t confident enough to ‘back up’ in your interview!)

#6 Why this project?

The exact focus of this question will depend on whether you’re applying for an advertised PhD project (more common in Science, Engineering and Medicine) or proposing your own research within a department's PhD programme (more common in Arts, Humanities and some branches of the Social Sciences).

If you’re being considered for a pre-defined project, make sure you know it inside out. Say what it is that interests you about it. Compare it to similar projects (if appropriate) and explain your particular choice.

If you’re proposing your own project, this is your chance to show some passion and enthusiasm for it. Refer to your research proposal and take the opportunity to discuss and expand upon it.

In both cases you should point to some existing scholarship and show an awareness of the field you’ll be entering. You’ll also want to re-iterate what makes your project distinctive. After all, the PhD is defined as offering ‘an original contribution to knowledge.’

This doesn’t mean preparing a comprehensive list of key works or current research projects (that ‘literature review’ will be one of the first things you do on the actual PhD). At this stage the panel just wants to see that you understand your proposed project and are enthusiastic enough to see it through.

Depending on how the question is phrased, you may also discuss your choice of university at this stage – or explain why your previous work makes you a good fit for this particular PhD (see below).

This PhD appeals to my existing research interests. But I’m also attracted by the opportunity to specialise and develop new expertise. Other projects didn’t seem to offer the same possibilities to pursue the questions that really interest me.
To be honest, I’ll do anything if it’s funded.

#7 What makes you the right candidate for this PhD?

If you’re applying for a pre-defined PhD project , you’ll almost certainly be asked why you are the best candidate to undertake it (especially if there’s funding available).

Remember too that some of these projects aren’t automatically funded. Their financing can depend on the quality of the student they attract, so your panel will be very keen to make sure you’re going to be ‘Dr Right’.

You might still be asked about your suitability for a self-proposed PhD (in Arts or Humanities, for example). This is another way for your interviewers to assess those all-important motivation and commitment factors.

Whatever your situation, this is a good place to talk a bit about your previous work at undergraduate or Masters level. The panel already knows the grades you received, but now you have the chance to talk about what you actually did on those degrees. Show passion and give examples.

If an undergraduate module on gothic literature inspired you to propose a PhD on an under-researched aspect of eighteenth-century culture, say so. If your Masters has given you skills in exactly the kind of statistical analysis required by this doctorate, mention that.

I’ve been interested in this topic since the final year of my undergraduate degree. This lead to my choice of Masters and helped me pick my dissertation topic, which I really enjoyed. I’m really excited to now go on and do some sustained research in this area as a PhD student.
Well, I really like books…

#8 What difficulties do you expect to encounter during this project?

This is another fairly popular question topic. It might form part of a discussion of your strengths, weaknesses and training needs. Or you might be invited to speak more specifically about the challenges involved in your project.

The panel isn’t trying to catch you out here, so don’t be afraid to speak frankly. All projects involve their own potential pitfalls and complications.

Overcoming them will be part of completing a PhD; recognising them will show that you're ready to begin one.

Show that you’ve put some thought into the approach necessary for your research and the methodology you might use.

Don’t be afraid to identify problems you aren’t yet certain how to solve (the best way to organise some data, the authors to include in your initial survey of texts, etc) but suggest how you might go about investigating them.

This is also a good time to mention any training needs (if you haven’t already) and speak about how you plan to take advantage of development opportunities within your programme.

I can see that some of the archival material I’ll need to examine for this project may be difficult to access. My first task will be to request permissions, arrange visits and develop a system for recording my findings. I’m hoping to undertake training in archival practices and seek advice from my supervisor as I develop these key skills early in my project.
Yeah, I know a PhD is hard, but I’m just going to see how I get on.

#9 What would you like the impact of this project to be?

‘Impact’ is an increasingly important factor in academic work and this applies to PhD research too – especially if you’re funded.

Even if your panel doesn’t explicitly ask about impact, it’s a good idea to mention what you hope the wider outcome of your project might be. If you are asked this question – and are prepared for it – this is a great chance to get a leg up on the competition.

Impact essentially refers to the measurable effects of research outside academia. It’s a given that your PhD will have an effect on future work in your field. But universities are increasingly focussed on the benefits of their work beyond the ‘ivory tower’ of higher education and research.

This is particularly important if your project is funded. The money supporting your studies will probably have come from public revenues (via a Research Council studentship) or from a large charity or trust. Those organisations will want to make sure their investment is worthwhile.

Examples of impact differ a bit between fields.

If you’re in the Social Sciences you may already have some idea of the ‘outputs’ from your project. These could be educational workshops, policy guidance, etc.

If you’re in Science, Medicine or Engineering you’ll hope to provide economic benefits to industry or to healthcare.

Arts and Humanities PhDs can have impact too. Think about the ways in which you could take part in public engagement, such as teaching people about local history or archival resources. You could partner with local schools, or even media companies producing documentary work.

I’m keen to share my passion for this subject with a wider audience. I’m hoping to maintain a public-facing blog documenting my research. I would also be keen to approach local schools and museums to discuss educational events.
To be honest, I can’t really see how my work on medieval manuscript preservation has any benefit outside the university. I’d still like some funding though.

#10 How will you fund this project?

This question is obviously more likely in interviews for non-funded PhDs. (It would be somewhat strange for a university to ask you about funding for a project that carries a full studentship).

However, you might still be asked about contingency plans if funding falls through (particularly if funding hasn’t been secured at this stage) or if your project over-runs.

Self-funding students will obviously need to go into more detail here. It’s not the responsibility of your university to ask for a complete breakdown of your finances (or for you to provide one). Yet the panel will want to be sure that you understand the cost involved in doing a PhD and have some kind of plans in place.

It’s fine to say that you’ll be looking for extra funding and part-time work as you start the project. But make it clear that you’ll still have enough time to apply yourself to the actual research.

I’ve shortlisted external funders and would be keen to investigate any small bursaries or other forms of support through the university. I’ve also made arrangements to work part-time, with the option to adjust this if my funding situation improves.
I have no idea how I’m going to afford this. Are you sure I can’t have a scholarship?

Interview questions about your choice of university

Unsurprisingly, your interview panel will be interested to know why you’ve chosen their university for your PhD.

If proposing your own project you’ll be asked about the fit between your research aims and the expertise of the department you’d be entering.

If applying to a pre-defined PhD, you’ll be invited to explain why this laboratory or research group particularly appeals to you and what you yourself can contribute to them.

Preparing for these kinds of questions is actually quite easy. Read up on your prospective university, department and supervisors. Show that you’re aware of the kind of work they do and give examples.

Feel free to mention other aspects of the university that appeal to you – its reputation, its alumni, even its location – but keep the main focus on the fit between your work and their research environment.

#11 Why have you chosen to study a PhD at this university?

Whatever else your panel asks, you can be pretty sure a question about your choice of university and department will crop up at some point in a PhD interview.

Your answer gives you the opportunity to do several important things.

Most obviously you can talk about the university and its research. Explain why you’d like to study with these supervisors in particular, when you’ve used their work during your Bachelors degree or Masters (if relevant) and how you can contribute to their future projects.

This is also an opportunity to reiterate your awareness of the wider research context for your project. If other departments or laboratories are undertaking related work, mention that. Say what attracted you to this university in particular and what you hope to achieve as one of its students.

If your PhD is part of a structured Doctoral Programme (as is increasingly likely) you can touch on any training and development opportunities it includes. You may mention these elsewhere in your interview, but make sure to include them when speaking about the university’s appeal to you.

Finally, show an awareness of any relevant research facilities, resources or collections.

Does the university hold a unique archive? Suggest how it might support your investigations. Has the laboratory you’re working in been equipped with any new facilities? Show that you know about them and are interested in using them (as relevant).

Universities spend a lot of money on facilities and resources. They want students – particularly postgraduate researchers – who will make use of them.

I’ve looked at lots of opportunities in this area. I feel that this project is the best of its kind, combining a unique research angle with a training programme that will meet my professional needs. I was already familiar with the work of my prospective supervisor and their research has greatly informed my own development as a scholar. I’m eager to combine my work with theirs and make use of the facilities the university has put together for this project.
I did my Masters here and already have a flat in the city.

#12 What can you bring to this research group?

PhD candidates are more than just students. You’ll function, in many ways, as a junior academic working within a wider research environment.

You’ll network with other students and academics. You’ll probably teach undergraduates. You may even publish some of your research (independently, or alongside your supervisor).

This means that your potential contribution to a department or laboratory is, in many ways, just as important as what it can offer you.

If you’re asked a question about this, take the opportunity to sell yourself a little.

Talk about your experience (academic or professional) and outline your ambitions. Make it clear that you will provide a return on the time, money and resources that the university is considering investing in you.

I’m eager to take advantage of the facilities and expertise this university has to offer. But I also want to contribute with my own expertise and enthusiasm. My previous work has given me the skills to make the most of the material involved in this project and I’m motivated to participate in new training. I’ll be proud to be a part of this department and would actively seek to represent it through my own publications and other research outputs.
I have a Bachelors and a Masters in this subject so I’m quite clever.

What to ask in a PhD interview

Your PhD entrance interview will probably end with an invitation for you to ask your own questions of the panel. This part of the interview is as important as the answers you'll have already given.

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and / or programme you’re applying to.

Don’t just ask questions ‘for effect’ though. This is your chance to find out more about the project you’ll be doing, the people you’ll be working with and the expectations of you as a PhD student.

Remember: you’re a good student, with lots of potential. You’re considering at least three years of hard work with this university. You need to know that you’ll get on with your supervisor, that your work will be appreciated and that there are good prospects for your project.

You’re here to be interviewed for a PhD, but nothing’s stopping you from doing a little interviewing of your own.

Here are a few good questions to considering asking at your PhD interview. They include ways to express enthusiasm for your project, as well as some useful inquiries to make for yourself:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?

This shows that you’re thinking practically and looking ahead to the process of actually doing the PhD. It’s also something you’ll probably want to check for yourself.

What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD programme?

This shows that you’re interested in the development opportunities that form part of a modern PhD. It’s also a good way to address any concerns you have about your own skills. Be careful though. Avoid asking simple questions about material that’s already covered in the PhD project description, or in the university’s postgraduate prospectus.

Will I have opportunities to teach / present / publish?

This is something else you’ll want to know for yourself, but it also demonstrates a practical approach to your PhD (and future career). A good PhD programme should offer some opportunity to teach or demonstrate towards the end of your project. Equally, you should be encouraged to communicate your research and supported in doing so.

How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?

Don’t be afraid to ask about previous students and what they’ve gone on to do. You may also want to know if you’ll be working with or alongside other students and what the arrangements for that will be.

Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?

A good practical question. If you’re applying for a funded place, make sure you understand the terms of that funding (its duration, whether you can combine it with any other income, etc). If you’re currently self-funding, it won’t hurt to ask if the university anticipates having any support available for you in future.

Is the university or department likely to run any events or other associated projects during the period of my PhD?

This might not seem like an obvious question, but it’s worth asking. The university might be in the early stages of planning a major hosted conference, external partnership or outreach project. Asking about these shows a genuine interest in your university and its research and suggests that you’ll be the right sort of PhD student to help deliver them. Needless to say, these kinds of projects are also excellent opportunities to gain experience and build your CV.

Other questions will probably occur to you according to your specific circumstances and the nature of the project you’re applying to.

Focus on the things that would concern you as a student actually doing the PhD in question, but avoid trivial topics. Your panel will be happy to talk about library resources and lab facilities. They’ll be less keen to advise on the best local pubs or say how often the bus runs between campus and town.

Also try to avoid asking for information that’s readily available elsewhere. This suggests you haven’t done your research – which is never a good sign when applying to do research.

Still looking for that perfect PhD project?

While you're preparing for the interview stage of applications, it's a good idea to keep searching as many PhD projects are advertised throughout the year .

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10 Hard New Grad Nursing Interview Questions And Answers

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Getting that first interview after graduating from nursing school is both exciting and daunting.

You want to land that job but have no idea how to approach answering the interviewer’s questions.

When should you give more information, or when should you be brief? To help you, here is a guide on answering common questions for that first job after nursing school .

New Grad Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

Below are the new nurse interview questions with example answers.

If you want to find new nurse jobs, check out the NurseMoneyTalk job board for available positions.

1. Tell me about yourself.

“My name is Cristine. I’ve lived in Chicago all my life. I chose to study nursing straight after I finished high school and graduated recently. I still stay at home with my family, and I am single. My sister suffers from a chronic condition, and she has inspired me to study nursing and help her navigate complex treatment plans and learn more about chronic pain management. “

Often this question opens the interview. The interviewer wants to gain insight into your values, beliefs, and passions.

They want to hear what made you choose nursing as a career and why you are applying for the position offered.

So don’t be intimidated by this question; there are no right or wrong answers to it.

2. What are some of your best qualities?

“I think that I am hardworking and always dedicated to doing my best. When I say I will do something, I will ensure I do it. I love helping people and always keeping my word or a promise to a friend or colleague. I always try to do my best in everything I do.”

The interviewer may ask this question to establish your confidence in your abilities and character.

The best way to tackle this answer is to point out your good qualities relevant to nursing and not be arrogant.

3. Do you have a preference for nursing specialties?

“Once I get more experience, I would like to work in critical care. I understand I need to gain experience before applying for an ICU position. So, if I could choose, I would like to start in a medical-surgical ward to gain useful experience so that I can reach my goal eventually.”

This is a question that someone without experience may not expect, but it gives the interviewer an idea of whether you have thought about the career path you want or are applying for any available position without any plan.

Don’t be shy about preferring a specialty that requires experience.

It shows the interviewer that you are serious about nursing; later, they may consider you for a position in your chosen specialty.

4. Did you have any experience working in healthcare before you became a nurse?

“Before nursing school, I volunteered at nursing homes and worked as a candy stripe girl at your hospital. I have experience planning health fairs at nursing homes, and volunteering has helped me gain insight into the healthcare industry and motivated my decision to become a nurse.”

It is not necessary to have previous experience in healthcare when interviewing for an entry-level position, but interviewers ask this to gauge your knowledge and exposure to the healthcare industry.

Be honest when answering this question, and don’t sell yourself short. If you have worked in any healthcare facility before, don’t be afraid to mention it.

5. What interests you about working for this hospital?

“I have friends working in this hospital who told me they feel a sense of friendship and teamwork working here. I also believe that you support nurses’ personal development and further education. I would like to study further in the future. So, this and the possibility of developing strong relationships with my coworkers make me want to work for you.”

Here the interviewer looks to determine what interests you as a nurse and how you view the company.

When preparing your answer, be honest and include those interests that can benefit the company as much as you.

You may say you like how the company schedules work shifts to help employees balance work with home life or the facility is very close to your home.

If you are unsure what to say, try researching the hospital’s website for ideas.

6. How do you manage the stress of working in a high-pressure environment?

“In nursing school, I learned to prioritize my workload and manage my time well. I also think ahead and spot potential problems which I can resolve by being proactive. If need be, I can ask for help from my coworkers or team manager. I also prioritize my physical health by following a healthy diet and exercise routine. To relax after work, I prefer socializing with friends and taking up photography as a hobby.”

Nursing is stressful, so the interviewer needs to assess how well you can handle working in stressful environments.

In your answer, include any strategies you use to handle stressful situations to minimize the harmful effects of stress.

7. How would you respond when you disagreed with a doctor?

“Once, I saw an incorrect doctor’s prescription during my clinical. I asked the doctor about it, but he dismissed me. I then approached my team manager with my concerns, and she called the doctor to review the prescription together. The error was discovered and corrected. I feel that patients rely on us nurses to advocate for them to receive the correct treatment.”

Nurses and doctors need to work together as part of a team . The interviewer needs to determine your ability to be a responsible team member and to follow the chain of command.

In your answer, mention your interpersonal skills, like active listening and problem-solving skills.

It is a good idea to say that you approach the doctor first to resolve the dispute and only, when necessary, ask for help from the team leader.

8. Why should we hire you?

“I graduated with top marks in my class and have worked in your hospital as a volunteer candy stripe girl. I have worked here during my clinical rotation and made friends with some staff. The doctors and other nurses know that I am a hard and dependable worker. My education has taught me communication, decision-making, and time management skills which will help me positively contribute to your hospital.”

When you prepare your answer to this question that is very likely to come up in your interview, try to mention skills and experience that align with what the employers are looking for.

Focus your answer on how your strengths meet the employer’s expectations and will benefit their hospital.

9. How do you feel about unexpected changes to your schedule, assignments, or work environment?

“I can say that I will find it easy to adjust to any unexpected changes in my schedule, assignments, or work environment. I am single and have no dependents, so it is easy for me to be flexible and work extra shifts when needed. I understand that we must work together to give our patients the quality care they deserve. It is our shared responsibility and goal to support each other and step in during emergencies.”

Hospitals can become chaotic at any time, so employers need to determine whether the new employee will be willing and able to step in and help out when necessary.

When answering this question, mention your desire to work with your team to get things done and provide safe and efficient care for your patients.

10. Are you willing to work nights and weekends?

“I am willing to work on nights and weekends, but of course, I would be glad if the schedule allowed me to have some weekends off. Do you have some employees who only work nights and weekends, or do staff alternate covering night and weekend shifts?”

This question allows the interviewer to determine whether you are flexible enough and willing to work these shifts.

When answering, you should be honest and remember that it is better to say from the start that you cannot work nights and weekends than to try and swap shifts later.

You can ask for clarification as to the employer’s expectations for working those shifts and make a commitment that you can and are willing to keep. It will save you trouble later on.

Key Takeaways

So, these are examples of ten questions you will likely be asked in a nursing interview.

Taking the time to prepare some model answers before you face your interviewer will give you that extra boost of confidence and allow you to appear calm and self-assured during the interview, which in turn may lead to a positive result, and you get your first nursing job.

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About the Author

Nurse Money Talk is a career and lifestyle blog for nurses and nursing students. Our goal is to help nursing students become nurses and nurses excel in their nurse career and nurse life.

This is such a great resource before I apply to new grad programs next month. Thank you!!

Hey Abby, glad you found the article helpful. Good luck during the job hunt. Make sure to check out our job board .

20 Common New Grad Nurse Interview Questions

Common New Grad Nurse interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach.

Congratulations on getting your nursing degree! Now it’s time to take the next step in your career and start looking for a job.

But before you can land that dream job, you have to ace the interview. As a new grad nurse, you may be feeling nervous about facing questions from potential employers. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Below are some of the most common questions asked during new grad nurse interviews, along with tips on how to answer them. Good luck!

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?
Describe your experience working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families?
Explain the concept of therapeutic alliance and its importance in patient care.
What strategies do you use to stay organized when managing multiple tasks at once?
Are you comfortable using electronic health records (EHR) systems?
Describe a time when you had to manage a crisis situation in a clinical setting.
What is your approach to providing compassionate care for patients who are facing terminal illness or end-of-life decisions?
How do you ensure that all safety protocols are followed during patient care?
What would you do if you noticed an error in a patient’s medication order?
Describe a time when you had to communicate difficult news to a patient or family member.
How do you assess for suicidal ideation in a patient?
Have you ever dealt with a patient with a personality disorder? If so, what was your approach?
Explain the difference between pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of mental disorders.
Outline your experience working with patients with dual diagnoses (e.g. substance abuse and mental illness).
What strategies do you use to build trust with patients and their families?
How do you handle patients who are not compliant with their treatment plan?
Give an example of a successful initiative you have led as part of a healthcare team.
What are your thoughts on the use of restraints in a psychiatric setting?
Explain the concept of informed consent in the context of medical treatment.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

For a new graduate nurse, the interviewer is looking to understand your motivation for entering the field. They want to know what drives you to be a nurse and what you hope to accomplish. Furthermore, they want to know if you will be able to use your passion to motivate you to continue your education and stay in the profession long-term.

How to Answer:

When answering this question, try to focus on your personal story and why you chose nursing. Talk about any experiences that have shaped your interest in the field, such as a positive hospital experience or a family member who is a nurse. Additionally, explain how your skills and qualifications make you an ideal candidate for the job and what qualities you possess that will help you succeed. Finally, discuss how you plan to use your degree to advance your career and benefit others.

Example: “I have always been passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world. When I was younger, I volunteered at a local hospital and saw firsthand how nurses make an incredible impact on people’s lives. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I believe that my skillset—including my excellent communication abilities, empathy, and attention to detail—make me an ideal candidate for this role. Additionally, I am committed to continuing my education and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field so that I can provide the highest quality of care to my patients. Ultimately, I hope to use my degree to make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.”

2. Describe your experience working with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Nursing, like many health-related professions, requires an understanding of the cultural differences between patients. Interviewers want to know that you can provide care that respects the beliefs and customs of a variety of people. They want to know that you will be able to build relationships with patients from different backgrounds and be able to provide care that meets their needs.

This is a great opportunity to discuss your passion for nursing and why you chose this profession. Your answer should focus on how you want to make an impact in the lives of patients, families, and communities through providing quality care. Talk about how you are inspired by the idea of being able to help people and provide comfort during times of need. Show that you understand the importance of respecting cultural differences and building relationships with diverse patient populations.

Example: “I am passionate about providing quality care that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. I understand how important it is to respect cultural differences and build relationships with patients from diverse backgrounds. During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of different cultures and was able to gain an understanding of their unique beliefs and customs. I believe this experience has prepared me to provide culturally competent care in any nursing setting.”

3. How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families?

Being a nurse requires a lot of delicacy, especially when it comes to communicating with patients and their families. You’ll likely be responsible for delivering bad news, and/or having difficult conversations in order to ensure the best care and safety of the patient. This question gives the interviewer an idea of how you handle difficult situations, and if you possess the necessary empathy and understanding to work with patients in need.

To answer this question, you want to show that you are able to handle difficult conversations with empathy and understanding. Talk about how you approach these conversations by being honest and open while still being respectful of the patient’s feelings and needs. Describe a time that you had a difficult conversation with a patient or family member and explain what steps you took to ensure their comfort and safety. Show that you understand the importance of building trust and respect in order to provide quality care for patients.

Example: “I understand how difficult it can be to have conversations with patients and families that are not easy. I always make sure to approach the situation with respect and empathy, understanding that this is a very emotional time for them. I also think it is important to be honest about what is going on while still being reassuring and encouraging. I recently had to have a difficult conversation with a patient’s family regarding their loved one’s prognosis and treatment options. I was honest but reassuring as I explained the situation, and made sure they were comfortable asking questions and expressing any concerns they may have.”

4. Explain the concept of therapeutic alliance and its importance in patient care.

Therapeutic alliance is a key concept in nursing, and it refers to the collaborative relationship that is formed between a nurse and a patient. This alliance is important because it allows the nurse to understand the patient’s needs and provide the best care possible. It also helps to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and safe in their care. As a potential hire, you should be able to explain this concept and why it is important in patient care.

To answer this question, you should explain that a therapeutic alliance is a collaborative relationship between the nurse and patient. It involves mutual understanding and trust, as well as open communication and respect for each other’s needs. You can also explain how this helps to ensure that the patient feels comfortable in their care, which allows the nurse to provide better care. Additionally, you should mention that it is important to build a strong therapeutic alliance with patients in order to create an environment of safety and trust.

Example: “Therapeutic alliance is a key concept in nursing, and it refers to the collaborative relationship that is formed between a nurse and a patient. This alliance is important because it allows the nurse to understand the patient’s needs and provide the best care possible. It also helps to ensure that the patient feels comfortable and safe in their care. As such, it is essential for nurses to build strong therapeutic alliances with patients in order to create an environment of safety and trust. Open communication and respect for each other’s needs are essential components of this relationship, as they help foster mutual understanding and trust.”

5. What strategies do you use to stay organized when managing multiple tasks at once?

Nurses often juggle multiple tasks at once, and it’s important to be organized and efficient when doing so. Interviewers will want to know that you can stay calm and organized when things get busy and that you can prioritize tasks while still paying attention to detail. This question will also help them gauge your level of self-awareness and how well you can manage your time.

To answer this question, think of a few strategies you use to stay organized. These can include using a planner or calendar to keep track of tasks and deadlines, breaking down big projects into smaller tasks, setting priorities, delegating when needed, and staying on top of emails and other communication. You should also mention any organizational tools you’ve used in the past such as task management software. Finally, emphasize how your organizational skills have helped you succeed in previous roles.

Example: “I use a variety of strategies to stay organized when managing multiple tasks at once. I often break down large projects into smaller, more manageable chunks and set priorities for each task so that I can focus on what needs to get done first. Additionally, I use a planner or calendar to keep track of deadlines and make sure I don’t miss any important dates. I also find it helpful to use task management software such as Asana or Trello to organize my workflow. These strategies have helped me succeed in previous roles by enabling me to stay on top of all the tasks I need to complete without getting overwhelmed.”

6. Are you comfortable using electronic health records (EHR) systems?

Electronic health records (EHR) systems are becoming more commonplace in hospitals and health care facilities. Potential employers want to make sure that you are comfortable and proficient in using these systems. This will help ensure that you can hit the ground running and help the organization meet their goals.

If you have prior experience using EHR systems, be sure to talk about it. Describe the different types of systems you’ve used in the past and how they helped you do your job more efficiently. If you don’t have any direct experience with these systems, explain that you are eager to learn. Talk about how quickly you pick up new technologies and how you are comfortable working with computers.

Example: “I have experience using various EHR systems in my previous roles as a nurse and healthcare assistant. I’m comfortable with entering patient information, updating medical records, and working with the system to provide accurate care for patients. I’ve also had some exposure to new technologies such as voice recognition software and mobile applications that can be used to quickly access patient data. I am confident that I can easily learn any new EHR systems you might use here at your facility and become proficient in their use.”

7. Describe a time when you had to manage a crisis situation in a clinical setting.

Nursing is a profession that requires quick thinking and the ability to stay calm under pressure. This question is designed to gauge your ability to handle difficult situations and prioritize tasks. It will also give the interviewer an idea of your level of experience as a nurse and how you handle stressful situations.

Start by describing the situation in detail, including any relevant background information. Then explain how you identified and addressed the problem. Be sure to include any steps you took to manage the crisis and the outcome of your actions. Finally, discuss what you learned from the experience and how it has helped you in other situations.

Example: “I was working in the emergency room when a patient came in with a life-threatening condition. I quickly assessed the situation and determined that the patient needed immediate medical attention. I worked together with the other nurses to stabilize the patient, while also communicating with his family members to keep them informed of the situation. We were able to successfully manage the crisis and the patient was discharged after only a few days. This experience taught me the importance of staying calm under pressure and being able to think critically in order to provide effective care.”

8. What is your approach to providing compassionate care for patients who are facing terminal illness or end-of-life decisions?

Nursing is a job that requires many different skills and qualities, but compassionate care is one of the most important. Your interviewer wants to know that you are able to provide the necessary care and support to patients and their families who are going through difficult times. This question is also a good way to gauge how well you understand the importance of empathy and compassion in a healthcare setting.

The best way to answer this question is to provide a concrete example of how you have provided compassionate care in the past. If you don’t have any direct experience, you can talk about how you would approach the situation and what steps you would take to ensure that the patient and their family were receiving the support they needed. Be sure to emphasize your commitment to providing quality care and your understanding of the importance of empathy and compassion when dealing with difficult situations.

Example: “I believe that providing compassionate care is one of the most important aspects of being a nurse. In my previous experience as a nursing assistant, I was able to provide support and comfort to patients and their families who were facing terminal illness or end-of-life decisions. I always made sure to listen to their concerns and provide them with information and resources that would help them make informed decisions. I also took the time to get to know the patients and their families on a personal level, so that I could better understand their needs and provide them with the support and comfort they needed. I believe that this kind of compassionate care is essential to providing the best possible care for patients and their families.”

9. How do you ensure that all safety protocols are followed during patient care?

Patient safety is a major priority in any healthcare setting, so it’s important to know that any nurse candidate understands the importance of following safety protocols. This question is a chance for the interviewer to gauge how well you understand the importance of safety protocols, how you would go about ensuring that they are followed, and how you would handle any situation in which safety protocols were not followed.

You should come prepared to discuss how you have followed safety protocols in the past. Talk about any experiences you’ve had that demonstrate your commitment to patient safety, such as double-checking medications before administering them or taking extra steps to ensure a sterile environment. You can also talk about any safety trainings or certifications you have completed and what you learned from them. Finally, be sure to mention any strategies you have for ensuring that all safety protocols are followed during patient care, such as using checklists or having regular team meetings.

Example: “I understand the importance of following safety protocols in patient care, and I take it very seriously. In my previous experience as a nursing assistant, I was trained to double-check medications before administering them and to always follow sterile procedures when handling equipment and supplies. I also completed a safety training course, which taught me the importance of following all safety protocols and how to identify and address any potential risks. In my current role, I ensure that safety protocols are followed by using checklists to double-check medications before administering them and by having regular team meetings to review safety protocols and discuss any potential issues. I also make sure to stay up to date on any changes to safety protocols and to communicate those changes to my team.”

10. What would you do if you noticed an error in a patient’s medication order?

As a nurse, you’re responsible for the safety and well-being of your patients. Part of that responsibility is double-checking orders, medications, and treatments to make sure they’re correct. This question is meant to assess how you would handle a situation in which you noticed an error in a patient’s medication order. The interviewer wants to know that you can think quickly and accurately, and that you’re prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure the patient’s safety.

This question is designed to assess how you would handle a potential medical error. The interviewer wants to know that you are able to recognize and address errors quickly, while also remaining calm and professional in the face of a potentially difficult situation.

In your answer, emphasize the importance of patient safety and the steps you would take to ensure it. Explain that you would double-check the medication order against the patient’s chart, contact the prescribing doctor if necessary, and consult with other nurses or doctors on the team about the best course of action for the patient. Finally, explain that you would document any changes or corrections made in the patient’s records.

Example: “If I noticed an error in a patient’s medication order, my first step would be to double-check the order and make sure that it is indeed incorrect. If it is, then I would immediately notify the prescribing doctor or nurse about the mistake and explain why the change needs to be made. I would also document the conversation in the patient’s chart for accuracy and record keeping. Finally, I would monitor the patient closely for any adverse reactions to the medication.”

11. Describe a time when you had to communicate difficult news to a patient or family member.

In nursing, you’re likely to encounter difficult conversations with patients and their families, especially in the case of serious diagnoses or end-of-life care. It takes a special kind of empathy and communication skill to handle these conversations with sensitivity and compassion. This question will help the interviewer understand how well you can handle difficult conversations and how you approach difficult topics with empathy.

For this answer, you should think of a specific example from your experience. You can talk about the situation and how you used effective communication to break the news in a way that was sensitive to the patient’s feelings. If you have not had any direct experience with this yet, it is acceptable to talk about an instance where you observed someone else handle the situation well and explain what you learned from their approach.

Example: “During my clinical rotation in the emergency room, I had the opportunity to observe a nurse breaking difficult news to a family member. She was very gentle and compassionate in her approach, speaking slowly and taking the time to answer any questions the family had. She was also honest and direct, which I think is important in these kinds of conversations. She also offered resources and support to the family, which I thought was very helpful. From this experience, I learned the importance of being both compassionate and clear, and of providing resources and support to those in difficult situations.”

12. How do you assess for suicidal ideation in a patient?

As a nurse, you are expected to be able to assess for potential risks of harm to a patient. This includes assessing for suicidal ideation, which is a critical part of providing safe and effective patient care. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your understanding of the assessment process and your ability to identify potential risks.

Start by explaining the importance of assessing for suicidal ideation in a patient. Then, discuss your approach to assessing for this risk factor. Explain that you would start by asking open-ended questions about how the patient is feeling and if they have had any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. You may also explain that you would assess the patient’s environment for any potential risks such as access to weapons or drugs. Finally, you can explain that you would provide resources to the patient if needed and document any assessment findings.

Example: “Assessing for suicidal ideation in a patient is a critical part of providing safe and effective patient care. My approach to assessing for this risk factor would start with open-ended questions about how the patient is feeling and if they have had any thoughts of self-harm or suicide. I would also assess the patient’s environment for any potential risks such as access to weapons or drugs. If needed, I would provide resources to the patient and document any assessment findings. I have experience in this area and believe that providing a safe environment and listening to the patient’s concerns is the best way to assess for potential risks.”

13. Have you ever dealt with a patient with a personality disorder? If so, what was your approach?

Nursing is a profession that requires a great deal of understanding and skill when it comes to working with all types of people, especially those with mental health issues. This question allows the interviewer to assess your knowledge and experience in dealing with such patients and how you would approach them. It also allows them to gauge your emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and empathy when it comes to providing care for these individuals.

If you have had experience dealing with a patient with a personality disorder, explain the approach you took. Talk about how you assessed their needs and developed an individualized plan to address them. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. If you haven’t had experience in this area, talk about your general approach when it comes to providing care for patients with mental health issues. Explain that you are always mindful of their needs and strive to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care.

Example: “I haven’t had direct experience with a patient with a personality disorder, but I have had experience in providing care for patients with mental health issues. My approach is always to assess the individual’s needs and develop an individualized care plan that takes into account their mental, emotional, and physical needs. I understand that these patients require a great deal of patience and understanding, and I strive to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care. I’m also mindful of the potential challenges that can arise in these situations and I’m always prepared to take a collaborative approach to problem solving and to seek help if needed.”

14. Explain the difference between pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy in the treatment of mental disorders.

This question is designed to gauge your knowledge of two types of treatment that are commonly used to treat mental health issues. It will help the interviewer determine whether you understand the fundamentals of nursing and mental health care, and that you’re able to communicate your understanding of these concepts clearly.

Pharmacotherapy is the use of medication to treat mental disorders. It can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that focuses on understanding and changing behaviors, thoughts, and feelings related to a mental disorder. It helps people gain insight into their condition and learn coping strategies for managing symptoms.

Example: “Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are both commonly used to treat mental disorders. Pharmacotherapy involves the use of medications to treat mental health issues, while psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that helps people gain insight into their condition and learn coping strategies. Both approaches can be used alone or in combination with each other, depending on the individual needs of the patient. As a nurse, I understand the importance of taking a holistic approach to patient care, and I believe that both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy are important tools for helping patients manage their mental health.”

15. Outline your experience working with patients with dual diagnoses (e.g. substance abuse and mental illness).

Nurses with dual-diagnosis experience are highly valued in the health care field. This question helps the interviewer assess your level of experience and understanding in dealing with complex cases. They want to know that you can handle the demands of such cases and can provide quality care to your patients.

If you have experience working with patients with dual diagnoses, provide an example of a case you worked on and how you were able to provide care. Talk about any additional training or certifications that you may have received related to this field. If you don’t have direct experience, talk about your understanding of the challenges associated with these cases and how you would approach them. Show that you are prepared to take on the challenge by expressing your enthusiasm for learning more in this area.

Example: “I have had the opportunity to work with a few patients with dual diagnoses in my clinical rotations. My most recent case was a patient with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and substance abuse. I worked closely with the patient’s doctor to coordinate the necessary treatments and therapies, while also providing emotional and moral support. In addition, I completed a special certification in dual-diagnosis care, which gave me additional insight into the challenges that patients with dual diagnoses face and how to provide quality care for them. I am passionate about providing the best care possible for all of my patients, and I am excited to continue learning more about dual diagnoses and how to support those patients.”

16. What strategies do you use to build trust with patients and their families?

Nurses are expected to provide compassionate care that is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Building trust is essential to ensure that patients feel comfortable and respected, and that they are receiving the best care possible. The interviewer wants to know that you understand the importance of building trust and can show examples of how you have done this in the past.

You should be prepared to discuss the strategies you use to build trust with patients and families. Talk about how you take the time to get to know your patients, their needs, and what is important to them. Explain that you strive to provide quality care by listening to their concerns, answering questions honestly, and being respectful of their wishes. You can also talk about how you go out of your way to make sure they are comfortable and safe during their stay in the hospital or clinic.

Example: “I take the time to get to know my patients and their families, and I strive to build trust by listening to their concerns and answering their questions honestly. I believe that an open and honest dialogue is key to building trust. I also strive to be respectful of their wishes and preferences, and make sure they are comfortable and safe during their stay. I also make sure to be available to answer any questions or address any concerns they may have. I strive to be empathetic and compassionate, so that my patients and their families feel heard and understood.”

17. How do you handle patients who are not compliant with their treatment plan?

Compliance is an important factor in healthcare, and as a nurse, you need to be able to manage patients who may not be willing to take all the steps necessary for their care. This question helps determine how you might handle such a situation, and it also allows you to show off any problem-solving skills you have.

Start by talking about any strategies you have for building rapport with patients and gaining their trust. If you’ve had experience working with difficult patients, this is a great opportunity to share your successes in those situations. Talk about how you would approach the patient, listen to their concerns, and work together to find a solution that works for both of you. Show that you understand the importance of compliance but also emphasize that you are willing to be flexible and come up with creative solutions if needed.

Example: “I believe that establishing a strong relationship with my patients is the key to ensuring compliance with their treatment plan. I strive to build trust and mutual respect with my patients by listening to their concerns and working with them to find a solution that works for them. I also understand that there are times when a patient may not be willing to comply, and I am willing to be flexible and come up with creative solutions. For example, I recently had a patient who was resistant to taking medication, so I worked with them to develop a plan that incorporated alternate therapies and lifestyle changes to help them manage their condition. I believe that by taking a collaborative approach, I can ensure that my patients understand the importance of compliance and are more likely to stick to their treatment plan.”

18. Give an example of a successful initiative you have led as part of a healthcare team.

New grad nurses are expected to hit the ground running when they start a job. They need to be able to show they can take initiative and lead teams even in the face of challenging or unfamiliar situations. Describing a successful initiative they have led in the past is a great way to demonstrate their leadership skills and show they understand the unique challenges of working in a healthcare setting.

Think of an example of a successful initiative you have led as part of a healthcare team. This could be something like leading the development of a new patient education program or creating a system for tracking medication orders. Describe the initiative in detail, including what inspired it and how you went about executing it. Be sure to talk about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Finally, explain the results of your initiative—what successes did it bring?

Example: “As part of the nursing team at XYZ Medical Center, I led the development of a new patient education program to help reduce readmission rates for congestive heart failure patients. I identified the need for better patient education and worked with the other nurses to create a program that would provide clear and concise instructions for managing their condition at home. We implemented the program and saw a significant reduction in readmissions for CHF patients within the first six months. I was proud of the results and the impact that my initiative had on the patients and the organization.”

19. What are your thoughts on the use of restraints in a psychiatric setting?

This question is designed to test your understanding of evidence-based practices and your knowledge of the ethical considerations of nursing in a psychiatric setting. It also gives the interviewer an opportunity to assess your ability to think critically and evaluate the use of restraints for patients. The interviewer may be looking for an indication that you understand the need for restraints in some circumstances, and the importance of using them only when absolutely necessary.

To answer this question, you should start by discussing the ethical considerations of using restraints on patients. Explain that while they can be an effective tool in certain situations, they must always be used with caution and only when absolutely necessary. You should also discuss evidence-based practices for determining when restraints are appropriate, such as assessing each patient’s individual risk factors and needs before making a decision. Finally, emphasize the importance of providing compassionate care to all patients, regardless of whether or not restraints are being used.

Example: “I believe that the use of restraints in a psychiatric setting should only be used as a last resort, and only when absolutely necessary. The safety of the patient is always the top priority, so it’s important to assess each patient’s individual risk factors and needs before determining if restraints are necessary. Evidence-based practices should be used to determine when and how to use restraints, and I understand the importance of providing compassionate care to all patients, even when restraints are used.”

20. Explain the concept of informed consent in the context of medical treatment.

Informed consent is a cornerstone of medical ethics and the law. It is a patient’s right to understand what is being done to them and to make an informed decision about their own care. As a nurse, you will be responsible for helping patients understand their treatment and the risks and benefits associated with it. This question helps assess your understanding of informed consent and how you would handle it in practice.

Start by explaining the concept of informed consent in general terms. Explain that it is a patient’s right to understand their medical treatment and make an informed decision about their own care. You should also explain how you, as a nurse, would help ensure that patients are well-informed about their treatment options and any associated risks or benefits. Finally, emphasize the importance of respecting the patient’s autonomy and allowing them to make decisions about their own care.

Example: “Informed consent is a patient’s right to understand and make an informed decision about their own medical care. As a nurse, it is my responsibility to ensure that the patient is well-informed about their treatment options and any associated risks or benefits. This includes providing them with information about the procedure, possible outcomes, and any potential side effects. It is also important to respect the patient’s autonomy and allow them to make decisions about their own care. I believe it is essential to ensure that the patient has a full understanding of the situation before they make any decisions.”

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Common PhD Interview Questions
Applying to a PhD

In this guide, we’ll share 11 common PhD interview questions and our suggestions on how to answer them.

A PhD interview is an essential step in securing a doctorate position. This is because it enables the prospective supervisor to get to know you better and determine whether you’d be a good fit for the project. Equally, it provides you with the opportunity to learn more about the project and what the university offers. Although being asked to attend an interview by the admissions committee can be daunting, it’s actually a positive sign. It means that based on your application and academic qualification, the academic department believes you have the potential to make a good PhD student for the position.

Whilst most questions you’ll be asked during your PhD interview will focus on your proposed research project, a handful of generic questions will almost certainly be asked. To give yourself the best chance of succeeding in the interview, we highly recommend that you prepare answers to these generic questions beforehand.

Without further delay, here are 11 common PhD interview questions and tips on how you should answer them.

1. Tell Us About Yourself

It comes at no surprise that this common ice-breaker question is at the top of our list. This question will likely be asked to help you calm your initial nerves and settle into your interview. As this is a warm-up question, aim to give the interviewer a general overview about yourself as opposed to a detailed breakdown. To achieve this, structure your answer into three sections:

Tell us about yourself - Common PhD Interview Questions

Academic History : start with a summary of your academic background – where and what have you studied? What grades did you achieve?
Research Topic : go onto explain your research interest in your chosen topic – what do you like about it? Do you intend to pursue a career related to it upon obtaining your degree?
Why a PhD : Finish with why you want to undertake a PhD – do you want to make a contribution to science? Do you want to get a job in academia?

2. Why Do You Want to Do A PhD?

Although you may have touched on this in your answer to the above, your interviews will want to know more of the detail if they ask this question as a direct followup.

Though it may appear obvious, the interviewer is specifically interested in discovering your personal motivations for undertaking a PhD . Too often, students answer this question by listing the benefits of a PhD. Not only will the interviewer already know the benefits of a PhD, but a generic answer also won’t help you stand out among the other applicants.

To answer this question and leave a lasting impact, try to include an academic or personal experience that has strengthened your passion for research. As well as this, outline what your career aspirations are and explain how the proposed PhD will help you achieve them. The key to selling yourself here is to let the interviewer know how passionate you are about the project without having to say it.

3. Why Did You Choose This Project?

This is your chance to show that you have researched the University, supervisor and project.

First, talk about the project. Is there a particular aspect that you’re interested in? If so, mention it. This will show that you’re engaged in the topic and already have a basic understanding of the field. Besides this, a great way to show that you’ve really looked into the research topic would be to discuss a certain part of the methodology the project could adopt.

Next, talk about the University – there may be several universities offering similar projects, but what makes this one stand out? Is it their resources? Is it the prospective supervisor’s research group? Is it their previous involvement in previous influential studies? Again, show that you’ve adequately researched the University and clearly understand what makes it unique.

Finally, you can mention if your decision to apply to their university has been influenced by the expertise of the proposed supervisor. Given that the supervisor will be highly knowledgeable in the research topic you’re applying to, it’s possible they may have contributed to some significant findings in it. If so, it’s acceptable to acknowledge this by mentioning how you would like the opportunity to work under their guidance. However, be careful not to overdo. Although you may be sincere in your answer, it can go against you if your supervisor feels like you’re trying to flatter him. To avoid giving this impression, focus on how his or her expertise will help you develop into a competent researcher.

4. Why Should We Choose You?

A very blunt question, but your PhD supervisor will want to make sure you’re the best candidate for the position. This is especially true given they’ll be responsible for supporting you over the next few years. Therefore, the primary aim of your answer will be to reassure them you have the skills and experience required to undertake a doctoral study. To achieve this, identify the critical knowledge and skills required for the project and discuss how you meet each of these. Follow up each justification with a short, relevant example to help give your answers more impact.

When asked this question, some students tend to just summarise their academic CV and cover letter . This isn’t an effective way to answer the question as you’re telling the supervisor information they already know about you. It’s fine to reiterate a few key points, however, try to delve deeper into what you can offer going forward as opposed to what you’ve achieved in the past. As part of your answer, identify the soft skills which will be imperative to the doctorate and state how you have each of these. These can include skills such as effective communication, great time management, problem-solving, adaptability and high work ethic.

5. How Did You Come up With This Project?

If you’ve developed your own research proposal , then expect to have to defend it as part of your interview. You should have a thorough understanding of what the current gaps in knowledge are surrounding your research topic and how these could limit the findings of your study. Besides this, you’ll want to show that you’re clear on what the key aims and objectives of your project are and appreciate how they could contribute to your field of research. This last point is essential in convincing the interviewers this project is a worthy pursuit. What makes your project groundbreaking and worth dedicating several years to?

The interviewer wants to know if you have thought out all aspects of your project and so will likely scrutinise the finer details of your proposal. Therefore, be ready to outline the literature you’ve read and discuss how you evaluated different methodologies before suggesting your current one.

If you want an edge over other students, you can also produce a high-level plan, similar to the one below (but with more detail), which outlines the different phases of your research project. This can include stages such as the literature review, undertaking experiments, producing your thesis and preparing for your viva voce. Although they won’t expect your plan to be fully accurate, especially given how dynamic research projects can be, it will show your positive attitude towards being imitative and taking responsibility for your project.

PhD Project Plan - How to Prepare for A PhD Interview

6. What Challenges Are You Expecting to Encounter in This Project?

A common PhD interview question students struggle with is “What difficulties do you think you will face?” This purpose of this question is to check how much you’ve thought about the project. Students who provide a poor answer generally do so as they think admitting to any potential difficulties may make them seem incompetent. This couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Identifying potential difficulties shows the interviewers you’ve given serious thought to the project. This reassures the supervisor that should you run into difficulties during the research, you’re not only capable of identifying them but also mature enough to do so. Not highlighting potential difficulties, whether it’s due to a lack of confidence or understanding the project, suggests your project will be vulnerable to problems which could go amiss.

When answering this question, try to follow up on each potential difficulty with how you intend to address it. This can include measures such as making use of internal development opportunities, enrolling onto external training courses or signing up to specific research master classes.

7. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This is a standard question for most interviews, and a PhD interview is no different.

Pick strengths that compliment your PhD programme. For example, if applying to a Physics or Engineering PhD, mentioning you have good attention to detail would be highly beneficial given the amount of data analysis involved. Try to support each of your claims with a relevant example. Using the above case as an example, you could discuss how as part of your Bachelor’s or Master’s dissertation project, your high attention to detail allowed you to streamline some of your experiments or identify potential problems with your data.

Likewise, try to discuss a weakness that won’t be detrimental to your research project. An example of something you would want to avoid would be “I have a tendency to put the hard tasks off until the end until I know I should really start working on them to not miss any deadlines“. Although this may seem like a harmless response, it will seriously concern the interview panel. This is because a model student will need to be consistent in their efforts to meet the challenging workload, even in times of difficulty. As before, follow up your weakness with a plan on how you intend to address it. For example, if you state your weakness as public speaking, a suitable follow up would be to discuss how you would like to work on it by presenting your research to undergraduate students and attending seminars.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

8. Can You Describe a Time You Encountered a Problem or Challenge and How You Approached It?

A key trait of all successful researchers is the ability to overcome problems independently. Given that even a minor problem can derail a research project, it’s important for your project supervisor to know whether you can adequately address them.

Despite what your example may me, try to cover the below three aspects as part of your answer:

Identification – How did you identify the problem? Was a check you had in place triggered or did you stumble upon it naturally?
Deconstruction – How did you break the problem down? Did you identify any assumptions or limitations which could have been associated with it? If so, how?
Overcoming – How did you identify the solution? If you had several solutions, how did you determine the most sensible one? What did you learn from it?

Your example doesn’t need to relate directly to the research programme you’re applying to, however, it should be kept academic if possible. For example, you could discuss a challenge you encountered during your undergraduate dissertation project, such as limited literature on your research topic or inaccurate experiment results.

The key point to remember here is that a supervisor is there to supervise, not to fix all your problems. Not only will they not have the time do to this, but it will directly go against the ethical requirement of ensuring your work is yours and yours alone.

9. What Are Your Career Aspirations?

PhD Interview Questions - Career path and aspirations

Your interviewers will want to see that you’ve considered what you will do after completing your PhD. This is to help them determine what your motivations are and to confirm that you want to enrol onto a PhD for the right reasons. It’s clear that anyone who has thought through their decision will have a long-term plan in mind, even if it’s a handful of well-considered options.

Don’t feel like your answer needs to relate to academia. One of the many benefits of a PhD degree is that it can lead to a variety of career paths. By being open with your true intentions, they can better determine what support and training you’ll require from them.

Despite your long-term goals, research into this and know the route you’d like to take post-PhD. A good understanding of your career plans and how to get there will go a long way in conveying your commitment to the project.

10. How Will You Fund This Project?

The interviewing panel will ask about this if your project is self-funded or conditionally funded (e.g. competitive funding schemes where funding is not guaranteed).

You don’t need to provide a complete breakdown of your savings, nor would they expect you to. The primary concern the interviewers want to address is that you’re fully aware of the costs associated with undertaking a PhD . If you intend to apply for external funding or take on a part-time job, mention this. In doing so, make sure you stress that you will base your part-time work around your PhD and not the other way around. The interviewers want to reassure themselves that you will make your research your top priority throughout the course of your degree.

11. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

This interview is not only for the supervisors to evaluate you but also for you to evaluate them, the PhD project and University.

Although you will have already researched the position at length, ensure you ask questions when offered to do so. Asking questions will show that you’re engaged and are an individual who likes to make informed decisions. Not asking questions, or not asking well thought-out ones, will send the wrong message.

If you’re wondering what makes a great question, a quick internet search for “What questions should I ask at a PhD Interview?” show’s you’re not alone. Some examples of great questions to ask in a PhD interview are:

Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department? – Although this won’t always be the case, the department may be planning to upgrade its research facilities or partner with another leading institution. Asking about this shows you’re genuinely enthusiastic about undertaking influential research.
What are the supervision arrangements? – This is a great way to find out if your expectations match that of your potential supervisors. This can include aspects such as how often the two of you will meet and what level of support they intend to provide.
Will there be any opportunities for teaching within the department? – If you intend to pursue an academic career after completing your research, this will be a brilliant way to show them you’re committed to your long-term plans. Even if you plan on following a different career path, asking will let you know whether there is any opportunity to earn whilst you study.
What opportunities will I have for presenting my research? – This shows you intend to be an active member within your research field. This won’t be great only for your development but will help the university increase its research network and reputation in the wider community.

Other PhD Interview Tips and Advice to Help You Prepare

Format – The format of the PhD interview varies depending on the University. If you’re unsure of what format your upcoming interview will follow, get in touch with the department you will interview with. They should be able to give you an idea about what to expect and how long it will typically last. This knowledge will prove invaluable when preparing for a PhD interview.
Video interview – Some interviews will be conducted as either a phone interview or a skype interview. This is especially true if you’re an international student still within your home country. If so, conduct your interview in a place with a reliable internet connection and a clean backdrop.
Attendance – Usually, your interview will comprise the primary and secondary supervisor. However, sometimes your interview panel can comprise non-technical staff or the Head of Department.
Presentation – You may be asked to prepare a PhD interview presentation if you’re proposing your own research topic . If you’re requested to do this, keep it brief, use at least 80% of the time they permit and base it around your research proposal.
Paperwork – Bring two to three copies of your application form, and if applicable, your research proposal. Although in most cases your interviewers would have bought their own copy, it’s better to be on the safe side.
Etiquette – If you’re unsure of what to wear to a PhD interview, a good general rule of thumb is to wear what you would to a formal job interview. In other words, keep it formal. Additionally, learn how to pronounce the names of the interviewers and any other staff members you may mention beforehand.
Practice – There’s a lot of truth in the old saying ‘practice makes perfect’. You will want to practise as many PhD interview questions as you can. Don’t just limit yourself to the ones discussed on here. Find as many PhD questions as you can and prepare draft answers for all of them. In fact, you don’t even need to limit yourself to questions specifically for PhD students. There are many out there that, although written for generic academic interviews or the job market, will be applicable to you. If you find yourself short on resources, try searching for ‘tell us a time when you…’ in google as these will provide great scenario-based questions you can practise with.

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15 Graduate Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various graduate nurse interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Graduate Nurse Interview Questions

What made you decide to pursue a career in nursing, what do you think are the most important qualities for a successful nurse, what do you think are the biggest challenges you will face as a nurse, what do you think sets nursing apart from other health care professions, what do you think are the most important things you can do to ensure success as a nurse, what do you think is the best way to learn about nursing, what do you think is the most important thing you can do to make sure you are providing quality care for your patients, what do you think is the best way to deal with stress while working as a nurse, what do you think is the best way to stay up-to-date on new developments in nursing, what do you think is the best way to keep your patients safe, what do you think is the best way to ensure that your patients receive the best possible care, what do you think is the best way to deal with difficult situations that may arise while working as a nurse, what do you think is the best way to maintain a good work-life balance while working as a nurse, what do you think is the best way to advance your career as a nurse, what do you think is the best way to make sure that you are providing quality care for your patients.

There are many reasons why someone might choose to pursue a career in nursing. Some people are drawn to the helping professions, and nursing offers the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Others may be interested in the science of healthcare and the challenge of working in a complex and ever-changing field.

The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of the applicant's motivations and goals. It can be helpful for the interviewer to understand what drives the applicant and what they hope to accomplish through their career in nursing. This information can help to determine if the applicant is a good fit for the organization and whether they are likely to be satisfied in the role.

Example: “ I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have always been interested in helping people. I have always been drawn to the medical field, and after doing some research, I realized that nursing was the perfect career for me. I love being able to help people in their time of need, and I feel like I am making a difference in the world. ”

There are many qualities that are important for a successful nurse, but some of the most important qualities are:

-Compassion: Nurses need to be compassionate in order to care for their patients.

-Empathy: Nurses need to be able to understand their patients' experiences and feelings.

-Communication: Nurses need to be able to communicate effectively with their patients and with other members of the healthcare team.

-Patience: Nurses need to be patient in order to deal with challenging situations.

-Organization: Nurses need to be organized in order to keep track of their patients' care.

Example: “ There are many qualities that are important for a successful nurse, but some of the most important ones include: -Compassion: A successful nurse must be able to care for their patients with compassion and empathy. They must be able to understand what their patients are going through and be there for them both emotionally and physically. -Communication: A successful nurse must be able to communicate effectively with their patients, families, and other healthcare providers. They must be able to understand and explain complex medical information in a way that is easy to understand. -Critical thinking: A successful nurse must be able to think critically and solve problems quickly. They must be able to make decisions under pressure and act in the best interests of their patients. -Leadership: A successful nurse must be able to lead and inspire others. They must be able to motivate their team and work together towards a common goal. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the nurse's level of awareness regarding the challenges they may face in their new role. Second, it allows the interviewer to get a sense of how the nurse plans to deal with these challenges. Finally, it allows the interviewer to see if the nurse has a realistic view of the nursing profession and the challenges involved.

The most common challenge that new nurses face is the transition from school to work. This can be a difficult adjustment, as nurses are expected to be able to independently care for patients in a fast-paced environment. Other challenges that new nurses may face include long hours, shift work, and dealing with difficult patients or families. It is important for interviewers to ask this question so that they can get a sense of how the nurse plans to deal with these challenges and if they have a realistic view of the profession.

Example: “ There are many challenges that a nurse may face during their career. One of the biggest challenges is providing care to patients with a wide range of needs. This can be difficult because each patient has different medical needs and it can be hard to keep up with all of the different treatments. Another big challenge is working long hours. Nurses often work long shifts and may have to work overnight or on weekends. This can be tough on your body and your personal life. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your understanding of the nursing profession and what sets it apart from other health care professions. Second, they may be interested in your opinion on why nursing is a unique and important profession. Finally, they may be trying to get a sense of your passion for nursing and your commitment to the profession.

It is important to be able to answer this question in a thoughtful and articulate way. The interviewer is likely looking for a few key things. First, they want to see that you have a good understanding of what nursing is and what sets it apart from other health care professions. Second, they want to hear that you are passionate about nursing and believe that it is a vital and important profession. Finally, they want to see that you are committed to nursing and are willing to advocate for the profession.

Example: “ There are a few things that set nursing apart from other health care professions. One is that nurses are usually the ones who are with patients the most, so they form stronger relationships and can provide more personalized care. Another is that nurses are trained to be able to handle a wide variety of situations, so they can be more adaptable and responsive to changes. Finally, nursing is a very compassionate profession, and nurses often go above and beyond to make sure their patients are comfortable and cared for. ”

The interviewer is trying to gauge the applicant's understanding of the role of a nurse and what it takes to be successful in the profession. It is important for the interviewer to know that the applicant is aware of the importance of things like continuing education, keeping up with changes in the field, and being able to work well under pressure.

Example: “ There are many important things that you can do to ensure success as a nurse. However, some of the most important things include: 1. Continuing your education. As a nurse, it is important to continue your education and keep up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices. This will not only help you provide better care for your patients, but will also make you more marketable and improve your chances of advancement in your career. 2. Maintaining a positive attitude. Nursing can be a challenging and stressful profession, so it is important to maintain a positive attitude. This positive attitude will not only make you a better nurse, but will also make you more enjoyable to work with and be around. 3. Staying organized and efficient. As a nurse, you will be responsible for managing many different tasks simultaneously. It is important to stay organized and efficient in order to provide the best possible care for your patients. 4. Being patient and compassionate. Nursing involves working with people who are often going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. It is important to be patient and compassionate with your patients in order to provide them with the best possible care. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in how the nurse plans to continue their education and grow their skillset. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the nurse's level of interest in nursing and their commitment to lifelong learning. Finally, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to learn more about the nurse's learning style and preferences. By understanding how the nurse likes to learn, the interviewer can better support their professional development.

Example: “ There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different students may have different learning styles and preferences. However, some ways to learn about nursing include taking classes, reading textbooks and other materials, attending conferences and seminars, and talking to experienced nurses. Additionally, new nurses can shadow experienced nurses or participate in mentorship programs to learn more about the profession. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the nurse's professional opinion on patient care. Second, it allows the nurse to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the importance of providing quality care for patients. Finally, it gives the nurse an opportunity to share any personal experiences or insights they may have on the topic.

graduate nurse is someone who has just completed their nursing education and is about to begin their career. As a result, they may not have a lot of real-world experience working with patients. However, they should still be able to provide a thoughtful answer to this question based on their academic knowledge and any clinical experiences they may have had.

Some things that a graduate nurse could mention in response to this question include: ensuring that patients are comfortable and have all of their needs met; providing clear instructions and information to patients so they can make informed decisions about their care; maintaining open communication with patients and their families; and advocating for patients' rights and best interests.

Example: “ There are many things that are important when it comes to providing quality care for patients, but one of the most important things is to ensure that you are always keeping up with the latest evidence-based practices. This means staying up-to-date on the latest research and developments in your field, and incorporating these into your practice. Additionally, it is important to always be open to feedback from patients and their families, so that you can continue to improve the quality of care you provide. ”

An interviewer might ask "What do you think is the best way to deal with stress while working as a nurse?" to a graduate nurse in order to gauge their ability to cope with stress in a high-pressure environment. It is important for nurses to be able to deal with stress in a healthy way, as it can lead to burnout if not managed properly.

Example: “ There are a few ways that nurses can deal with stress while working. Some nurses find that listening to music or reading helps them relax. Other nurses find that talking to their colleagues or taking a break helps them relieve stress. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, it shows that the interviewer is interested in the nurse's professional development and is looking for evidence that the nurse is committed to staying up-to-date on new developments in nursing. Second, it allows the interviewer to gauge the nurse's level of knowledge and understanding of current nursing trends. Finally, it gives the interviewer an opportunity to identify any areas where the nurse may need additional education or training.

It is important for nurses to stay up-to-date on new developments in nursing for a number of reasons. First, the healthcare landscape is constantly changing and evolving, and new developments in nursing can have a direct impact on patient care. Second, new technologies and treatments are constantly being developed, and nurses need to be able to understand and use them in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. Finally, staying up-to-date on new developments in nursing helps nurses to maintain their professional credibility and competence.

Example: “ The best way to stay up-to-date on new developments in nursing is to attend conferences and seminars related to nursing, read nursing journals, and talk to other nurses. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the Graduate Nurse's understanding of how to protect patients from harm. This is important because patient safety is a top priority in healthcare and it is crucial that nurses have a good understanding of how to keep their patients safe.

Example: “ The best way to keep patients safe is by providing them with high-quality care and ensuring that they receive the treatments and medications they need in a timely manner. Additionally, it is important to create a safe and clean environment for patients, as well as to educate them on how to protect themselves from potential risks. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, the interviewer wants to know if the nurse has thought about how to provide the best possible care to patients. Second, the interviewer wants to know if the nurse is aware of the importance of providing quality care. Finally, the interviewer wants to know if the nurse has any ideas about how to improve the quality of care that patients receive.

It is important for interviewers to ask this question because it allows them to gauge the nurse's level of commitment to providing quality care. It also allows them to determine whether the nurse has the necessary skills and knowledge to provide quality care. Finally, it allows them to identify any areas where the nurse might need additional training or education.

Example: “ The best way to ensure that your patients receive the best possible care is to always be available for them and to be attentive to their needs. You should also make sure that you keep up with their medical records and treatment plans so that you can provide them with the most accurate and up-to-date information. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a graduate nurse. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the graduate nurse's critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Second, it gives the interviewer insight into how the graduate nurse would handle difficult situations that may arise during their career. Third, it allows the interviewer to see if the graduate nurse has the ability to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. Ultimately, it is important for the interviewer to ask this question because they want to ensure that the graduate nurse is well-prepared to handle the challenges of working as a nurse.

Example: “ There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to deal with difficult situations will vary depending on the specific situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult situations as a nurse include remaining calm and professional, being an active listener, and empathising with the patient. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a graduate nurse. The first reason is to see if the nurse is able to manage their time and prioritize their responsibilities. The second reason is to see if the nurse is able to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The third reason is to see if the nurse is able to handle stress in a healthy way. The fourth reason is to see if the nurse is able to care for themselves physically and emotionally.

It is important for nurses to be able to maintain a good work-life balance because it helps them to be more productive at work and it also helps them to avoid burnout.

Example: “ There is no one answer to this question as everyone's situation is different. However, some ways to maintain a good work-life balance as a nurse include setting boundaries between work and personal life, being efficient and organized at work, and making time for self-care. ”

One reason an interviewer might ask this question is to gauge the graduate nurse's motivation for pursuing a career in nursing. It is important to know what drives a person to want to advance their career in nursing, as this can be an indicator of how committed they are to the profession and how much they are willing to invest in their own professional development. Additionally, this question can give the interviewer some insight into the graduate nurse's goals and aspirations, and how they plan on achieving them. This can be helpful in determining if the nurse is a good fit for the organization and if they will be able to contribute to the long-term success of the facility.

Example: “ There are many ways to advance your career as a nurse. One way is to get a higher degree, such as a master's degree or doctorate. Another way is to specialize in a certain area of nursing, such as critical care or pediatrics. You can also advance your career by taking on leadership roles, such as serving on a nursing committee or becoming a nurse manager. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the Graduate Nurse's clinical judgement and reasoning skills. It is important for the Graduate Nurse to be able to provide quality care for their patients by using sound clinical judgement, making well-informed decisions, and being able to adapt their care based on the individual patient's needs.

Example: “ There are many ways to ensure that you are providing quality care for your patients. First and foremost, it is important to be knowledgeable about the latest evidence-based practices. This means staying up-to-date on the latest research and developments in your field of nursing. Additionally, it is important to be an advocate for your patients. This means speaking up for their rights and ensuring that their needs are being met. Finally, it is important to build positive relationships with your patients. This means creating a rapport and establishing trust. By taking these steps, you can ensure that you are providing the best possible care for your patients. ”

How to Ace Your Interview: Expert Tips for New Nurse Grads

Apr 07 2022

New Nurse Graduates / Interview Tips

You’ve graduated from nursing school, passed your NCLEX , and landed your first interview – congratulations!

Now it’s time for the next challenge on your path to becoming a full-fledged nurse: acing your first interview.

It might sound daunting, but don’t worry! This guide will answer all your questions about how to succeed in your first interview as a new graduate nurse, including:

What are some common interview questions?

What are some unusual questions?

What are questions to ask your interviewer, what are some other steps for interview prep.

Whether this is your first-ever job interview or simply the first time you’re interviewing as a second-career nurse, Incredible Health has expert insight . You’ll see answers for questions you might encounter, how to answer them, and how to put your best foot forward.

Get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions

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Most common interview questions

When preparing for your first nursing interview , it’s important to anticipate the most common questions and practice how you’ll answer them.

1. Can you tell me about yourself? (How can you sell yourself?)

2. why did you decide to become a nurse, 3. do you have any certifications or specialties, 4. how do you handle stressful situations, 5. how do you like working with a team, 6. how do you handle problematic patients.

This question is your chance to shine. Prepare a short summary of who you are, your background, and why you are interested in this position. Be sure to include a few keywords from the job description as well.

Example answer:

Before nursing school, I worked in public health supporting community-wide vaccination efforts. I realized I wanted to work more closely with patients, so I went back to school for nursing. I fell in love with the fast pace and variety of ER work during my senior practicum. I hope to find a unit where I can join a team of nurses dedicated to evidence-based patient care and professional growth .

This is a great answer because it includes your background and why you are applying for this job. It also includes keywords from the job description to highlight why you are a good fit for the position.

This question is an opportunity to show your values align with the organization’s mission.

In high school, I frequently volunteered at our local soup kitchen. I saw first-hand that good health was only possible if other basic needs were met. This included quality nutrition and stable housing. As a nurse, I hope to connect my patients with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.

This answer uses phrases from the organization’s values statement to highlight how your personal values sync with the mission of the organization.

If you’re a new nurse, you may not have many certifications. Don’t worry! You can use this question to discuss your long-term goals and explain how you will be an excellent investment for the unit.

I am currently BLS and ACLS-certified. As an L&D nurse, I look forward to supporting my patients in their breastfeeding goals, and I plan to obtain my IBCLC within the next three years.

Nailed it! Not only have you included your long-term goals, but you’ve also explained how you’ll be a long-term asset to the team.

Nursing can be stressful . Hiring managers want to know you have the skills to manage difficult situations. When answering this question, choose examples that show your ability to prioritize, work as a team, and protect patient safety.

I worked as a nursing tech before nursing school. It was a busy unit with high turnover. I created my own patient care checklist to help me prioritize my tasks. This helped ensure that everyone was cared for in a timely manner. After work, I love to go for long runs with my dog to clear my head after a particularly stressful day.

This answer shows your organizational skills and ability to prioritize. It also demonstrates how you cope with stress outside of work, which is a crucial way to avoid burnout.

Nursing is a team sport. Show the interviewer that you are a team player who can effectively communicate with other members of the team.

I love working with a team because it makes me a better nurse. Everyone has to support each other to make sure all patients are cared for effectively, especially on busy days. I also feel like each nurse has their own unique skills and talents on the unit. For example, I love working with older populations, and I’m always happy to take assignments that cater to this group.

This is a great answer because it shows that you’re a team player. It also helps the interviewer picture you actually working on the unit.

This is a tricky question because you need to show you understand how to set boundaries but also that you can show compassion to patients in distress.

On my med-surg rotation, I worked with a patient who told the doctor that she wanted to leave against medical advice. After the doctor left, I spent some extra time with her. We got to chatting, and before long, she opened up and admitted that she was afraid her hospital stay wouldn’t be covered by insurance. I offered to fax the paperwork she needed to submit right then. I also told her that the hospital had a patient advocate who could help her with paperwork. The patient said she’d love to stay if she could talk to someone about her financial situation.

This is a fantastic example because it shows that you provide compassionate, patient-centered care. In addition, it highlights your willingness to utilize hospital resources to ensure comprehensive care.

The hiring manager is sure to ask a few questions that surprise you. Use this opportunity to distinguish yourself from the competition.

1. How do you deal with cultural differences?

2. how do you handle your emotions at work.

3. How do you deal with a supervisor who asks you to do something you’re uncomfortable with?

Hiring managers are looking for nurses who can provide culturally competent care.

It’s important to respect cultural differences because these are an important part of the patient’s identity. It’s also vital not to make assumptions based on a patient’s accent, style of dress, or country of origin because every patient is an individual. For this reason, I make sure to ask the patient directly if they have any special needs, like a special diet or preference for a translator.

This is a great answer because it shows that you understand the need to be sensitive to cultural issues while also respecting each patient on a personal level.

Hiring managers want to make sure their staff can handle difficult patients or challenging casework. These types of questions are an opportunity to show your coping skills and ability to compartmentalize when needed.

When I’m in nurse mode, I only focus on the work. On my last day of clinicals, I assisted with a pediatric patient who had swallowed half a bottle of her grandfather’s blood pressure medication. She was the same age as my own toddler, and they even looked alike. I sang her silly songs to distract her. I also mixed her charcoal medication with chocolate ice cream to make it taste better. But when she was transported to another facility for higher-level care, I had to excuse myself to the nurse’s lounge to take some deep breaths before coming back on the floor. Then I was okay for the rest of the shift. Afterward, I reached out to my preceptor to talk about the case a bit more, and she helped me process things. I also spent some time researching pediatric overdoses, and now I feel more confident that I can better serve my patients the next time I see a case like this.

This answer shows that you can work effectively, even during emotionally challenging situations. You’re mature enough to seek help after a difficult case.

3. How do you deal with a supervisor that asks you to do something you’re uncomfortable with?

It’s always okay to admit that you aren’t sure how to do something. In fact, nursing managers are looking to make sure new nurses will ask for help when they need it. It’s a key part of patient safety!

Patient safety is my #1 priority. If a supervisor asks me to do something I don’t know how to do, I’m not afraid to ask for help. During my practicum, I also made a habit of writing down any new medications or procedures I encountered so that I could research them on my own time.

This answer shows that you will put patient safety above ego. It also demonstrates that you’re eager to learn and take responsibility for your own professional education.

*Be prepared to be questioned on anything on your cover letter, resume , and reference letters.

After you’ve answered the questions from the hiring manager, you might think your work is over.

However, one of the best ways to show your professionalism and preparation is to ask a few well-chosen questions.

It’s important to remember that a job interview is as much for the you as the hiring manager. This is your opportunity to see if the job is a good fit for your skills and professional goals.

Try writing these questions down on a notepad so you don’t forget them during the interview. Then, choose 2-4 questions to ask the interviewer at the end of the meeting.

1. What training is available to new graduate nurses? How long is the preceptorship or mentorship period?

2. What opportunities are there for educational and professional growth within the organization?

3. What are some expectations you have for the staff under your leadership?

4. How would you describe your style of leadership?

5. What kind of culture do you facilitate on your unit?

6. What resources are available to me if I have questions about policies and procedures?

7. Are there opportunities for participation in unit-based organizations (e.g., unit council or spirit council)?

8. How is employee morale prioritized?

9. How do you and your leadership help incentivize the staff to do their best work during these challenging times?

Are you wondering how to make a great first impression during your interview? Follow these tips to ensure you’re prepared on interview day.

1. Dress to impress

Ensure that your clothing is neat, clean, and professional. It’s worthwhile to invest in a good suit for the interview process.

Avoid heavy make-up and brush your teeth beforehand to prevent bad breath or anything stuck in your teeth.

2. Do a dry run

Practice driving to the interview site ahead of time so that you know exactly how long it takes to arrive and where to find parking. Research how to find the unit or the hiring manager’s office and come prepared with a contact number in case you get lost.

3. Arrive early

It’s helpful to arrive 20-30 minutes early to allow for unexpected traffic or delays. This can also give you a chance to grab a snack in the cafeteria while you review your notes.

4. Learn about the hiring manager (if possible)

Research the hiring manager ahead of time. Make sure you understand their role within the organization and their job title.

5. Review the job description

Review the job description and focus on keywords like “time management” or “team player.” When possible, include these keywords in your responses.

6. Review the company’s mission and vision statements

Research the organization’s mission and vision. These are usually clearly posted on the hospital or company website.

Is the organization committed to health equity or culturally sensitive care? These values will help you answer the interview questions more specifically. They can also help you determine if the job is a good fit for your own values as well.

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Nurse Interview Tips: How to Prepare & Common Questions

5 min read • May, 19 2023

Whether you're a veteran nurse seeking a job change or advancement, or a new graduate pursuing your first nursing job, interviews can be intimidating — but they don't have to be. The key to standing out and making an excellent first impression is understanding how to prepare for a nursing interview.

Use Your Nursing Skills to Nail the Interview

When preparing for your dream nursing job, put your best foot forward by applying the critical skills health care administrators seek. Quality nursing skills include attention to detail, communication skills, critical thinking, and a willingness to learn. Show prospective employers you possess these traits and have what it takes to get the job done.

Nursing Interview Tips to Get You Ready

Research the organization's mission and history . To better understand their culture and values, review their social media presence, patient ratings, comments from patients and employees, and how they respond and interact. Speak to colleagues who have worked at the organization or visit online nursing forums for information.
Read the job description . Compare it to your nursing qualifications and achievements. Nursing interviews often use situational questions, so this evaluation helps you prepare to show you have a sound grasp of the role and necessary skills.
Prepare potential questions . Employers prefer candidates who are engaged in the conversation. Ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio, onboarding, performance evaluations, nurse retention , flexibility with schedules, why the organization is an excellent place to work, and the potential for advancement.
Be aware of your body language, and the body language of your interviewer.
Virtual interviews have grown in popularity, so make sure your camera is on and turn off or silence your phone.
Phone interviews are often conducted to narrow down potential candidates, so ask about the next steps before hanging up.
Practice nursing interview questions . Be sure to take notes as you think of possible scenarios or responses. There are also countless resources available to assist you with mock interviews.
Develop a professional resume and a well-written cover letter . Print an extra copy (or two) with references from prior nurse managers or nursing instructors to leave behind. Find tips from ANA on how to craft your nursing resume ahead of your interview.
Clean up your social media . Check your online content and photos for unprofessional material. It's wise to make all accounts private except for your LinkedIn account, which should include a professional photo and current work information.
Be on time . Virtual interviews may have technical delays, and you could hit traffic on the way to an in-person interview. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes before your interview to show you're prompt and reliable.
Send a follow-up email . These emails can be brief, but they're crucial to solidifying an excellent first impression. Use this opportunity to thank them for their time and provide a short statement on why you're the best candidate for the position. Pro tip: Wait twenty-four hours after your interview to send a follow-up note.

How to Answer Nursing Interview Questions

Solid communication is the cornerstone of admirable nursing skills, so draw upon your interactive abilities to shine during your interview.

Apply your communication skills to respond to nursing interview questions. Incorporate vital nursing characteristics into your responses. These may include reflecting on your ability to prioritize patient care, being an effective part of a team, and adapting to stressful situations.
Use hypothetical true to life nursing situations in your responses to avoid sounding robotic or insincere.
Remember to utilize your active listening skills and observe nonverbal cues such as the interviewer's body language and your own.
Incorporate storytelling tactics to answer questions. Use a STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) by addressing a specific situation, the task involved, your actions, and the outcome. Always include what you learned from the experience.

Prepare for Common Nursing Interview Questions

A female nurse is seated at a desk at home and is facing a computer screen. She is speaking with a male interviewer using an online platform.

Most health care organizations lean on behavior-based interview questions for nurses to determine how candidates might respond in certain situations or with various personality types.

Typical Interview Questions for Nurses

What are your nursing strengths and weaknesses?
Tell us about a time you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle it? Pro tip: Discuss how you worked with difficult patients and colleagues or coped in a stressful health care environment.
Share a time you disagreed with a decision made by a provider. How did you respond, and what was the result?
Explain a situation where a patient or family member was unhappy with your care. How was the situation handled?
Describe a circumstance where you were asked to disclose personal, private information by a patient's loved one. How did you respond? Pro tip: Summarize how you maintained patient confidentiality and HIPPA laws while supporting the family member.
How do you manage stress in the workplace?
Explain a specific incident where you failed.
Tell us about an occasion when you were involved in a miscommunication with a coworker. How was the situation handled? Pro tip: Provide an example of how you took ownership and uncovered the source of the issue.
Describe when you felt a patient declined, and a provider wouldn't listen to your concerns.
Why do you want to work for us? Pro tip: Discuss how the organization's culture, mission, and goals fit yours.

Determine if the Position Is the Right Fit

Remember that the interview isn't just for the organization to decide if they want to hire you. You should also evaluate them to determine if they're the correct fit for your career and long-term goals. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a change, don't let the interview process intimidate you. When you're properly prepared and confident, it will show in your interaction with prospective employers.

In the market for a new job? Visit the ANA Career Center to find open nursing positions from thousands of employers.

Images sourced from Getty Images

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Tips to nail your Graduate Nurse Program application and interview

September 3, 2020
/ By: Robert Fedele
Category: Career & Practice , Grads & Students

“We’re looking for people with strong interpersonal skills and an enthusiasm to learn,” says Sarah Britten, Graduate Nurse Program Coordinator at Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital, of how she goes about selecting some of the next generation of nurses.

“Your graduate year should be all about learning, so we want grads to be self-directed and passionate about that. Above all, we want grads to be really passionate about nursing. It’s a great career and there’s a lot of opportunities.”

The St Vincent’s Graduate Nurse Program offers more than 100 graduate positions each year, spread across its RN, Aboriginal and Care of the Older Person programs.

Graduates undertake two six-month clinical rotations, across areas such as cardiology, the emergency department and palliative care, receiving support from Sarah and co-GNP Coordinator Paula Titford, as well as Practice Development Nurses (PDNs).

“Our role is to recruit the next wave of nurses and the new graduates for the following year,” Sarah says.

“We undertake that recruitment from the application stage right through to interviews and then selecting them.

“When they’re part of our program, we facilitate study days and learning opportunities for them and coordinate their clinical rotations. We provide a contact for them and support them through the year. Even though they will be homed on individual wards and their managers look after them, we provide a space to support them through their graduate year.”

St Vincent’s, which employs more than 6,000 staff across 18 sites throughout Melbourne, typically receives about 800-900 applications for its Graduate Nurse Program each year, meaning competition is tough.

Lodging your online application

For Victorian nursing students applying to St Vincent’s, the hospital requires a cover letter, resume, academic transcript, two clinical placement reports and one referee, which can be either a clinical teacher, preceptor or RN that the student has recently reported to.

“We look at all components of the application,” Sarah explains.

“We look at their CV and cover letter and just have a look at what their background is, what type of degree they’ve completed if they’ve done any voluntary work and what they’ve done throughout their clinical placements.

“With the cover letter, like all potential employers, we’re looking for strong candidates that can write well, have researched our hospital and can tell us why they want to become a nurse and undertake a graduate program with us.”

Sarah says while academic scores are taken into consideration, they make up only one aspect of the overall application. She says students should not be unduly concerned about their results, with the most important thing being that they have completed their academic requirements.

A large emphasis is placed on clinical placement reports because they invariably reveal how an undergraduate has performed and if they will make suitable graduates.

“We’re just making sure that they’re at the standard level of what the reports are supposed to be,” Sarah says.

“Every university has a different report and you have to be at a certain level to be passing. We want to make sure candidates are at standard level for their university and for a third-year nursing student and are looking for comments about teamwork, communication, how many patients they might have been caring for, those sort of things that make them stand out.”

Sarah advises students to make sure their applications are accurate and complete.

She says some students often attach the wrong clinical report or have pages missing within their application, but adds that the GNP program is flexible and will make contact with students to alert them.

After applications are received, GNP coordinators whittle the field down to a shortlist of 500 to be interviewed.

“Make sure your cover letter is proofread, that it’s addressed to the correct people and the correct hospital. It sounds funny, but we often get applications addressed to other hospitals because students are writing four letters and sometimes they just copy that letter four times. It’s not very personal. If you’re really interested in the hospital, make sure to be specific about that hospital.”

What to expect in your interview

Sarah says the interview process for St Vincent’s Graduate Nurse Program involves two parts – a group activity followed by an individual interview in front of a panel.

The group activity consists of about seven nursing students who are given a scenario that they need to problem solve within 45 minutes by using teamwork and their critical thinking to come up with a resolution.

“We want to see how well they work in a team and communicate,” Sarah says.

The group activity is immediately followed by the individual interview, in front of two panellists.

“It can be a really daunting experience, so we take that into consideration and try to put students at ease and give them ample opportunity throughout the experience to ask us any questions or come back to a question if they miss something. We try and provide a really engaging environment for them,” Sarah says.

“It’s a chance to meet them as a person and get to know them more individually. They are given some clinical scenarios that they have to talk through and they have to share a little about themselves.

“In the group scenario, we’re looking for good teamwork and great communication skills and individually we’re looking to see if students have done their research on the program and the hospital and its mission and culture. We want them to know specifics about our program and have examples of their own experience when answering questions.”

How can students stand out from the pack?

“My advice to students would be to prepare. We can tell when students haven’t prepared well for an interview,” Sarah says.

“We’re also looking for graduates who not only know our hospital really well and have researched our program but are committed to working with us. We’re looking for grads not just for the next 12 months but those who want a career at St Vincent’s for the long-term.”

What if you miss out on a graduate position?

With as many as 900 applications per year and just 100 graduate positions, Sarah says making the cut is difficult.

“That’s the sad reality,” she concedes.

“That there are probably more nurses than graduate spots, so it is really hard for these students that do miss out.”

Sarah says St Vincent’s always encourages those who have missed out to remain in contact throughout the year in case a vacancy comes up and to also look at other alternatives and keep persisting.

“When they get notified if they’ve got a position or not we encourage them to ring around hospitals and just ask, to see if any vacancies come up because people do withdraw.

“We often advise them to look at the smaller hospitals that might not have been in the PMCV Computer Match system who may not have filled all their positions. It’s really about them being proactive and just making contact with health services.

“And it’s not just initially. We do have people pull out of the program throughout the year for many different reasons, and sometimes we need to look back on our previous applications, so if people are in contact with us and they’re fresh in our memory, then we’ll definitely go back and look at them.”

To find out more about St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne’s Graduate Nurse Program click here .

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The Ultimate Guide to New Grad Nurse Interview Questions

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Get ready to learn everything you need to know about nursing interviews, like:

The most common questions and how to answer them
A few less-expected questions and how to handle curveballs
General interview tips for new grad nurses
The benefits of working with a recruiter when job searching
Travel nursing and how it helps future interviews

30 Top Nursing Interview Questions & Answers | 2024

Types of Interview Questions
Question Themes
How to Answer
Common Interview Questions & Answers

Questions to Ask the Employer

Things to do before leaving the interview.

Interview Prep

Wondering which nursing interview questions you might be asked at your next job interview? You've come to the right place. Read on for the top nursing interview questions and answers to help you nail that next interview.

Types of Nursing Interview Questions

Healthcare employers tend to lean towards asking behavioral-based interview questions.

Behavioral-based questions are about how you acted in a specific situation. The goal is to gauge how you react under different circumstances. It is best to answer these questions with real-life stories and examples.

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Nursing Interview Question Themes

Most behavioral interview questions asked of nurses are based on the following themes:

Patient-care
Adaptability
Time management
Communication style
Motivation and core values

How to Answer Behavioral-Based Questions

When telling stories during interviews, we suggest using the S-T-A-R format - this will ensure your story is direct, concise and to the point. So, what does the acronym S-T-A-R stand for?

A ction-steps

You can learn more about answering interview questions by using the S-T-A-R format by reading our complete guide to nursing interviews.

30 Common Nursing Interview Questions & Answers

Teamwork questions
Patient care questions
Adaptability questions
Time management questions
Communication style questions
Motivation and core values questions

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Teamwork

Interviewers want to envision how you will fit in with their team and how you work well with various personalities. We suggest telling a story about a time you dealt with a co-worker who had a conflicting personality, a disagreement within your healthcare team, or a challenging patient case involving your team. Always remember to talk about what you learned from the situation and if anything positive came from it.

1. Describe a situation when you had to work closely with a difficult coworker. How did you handle the situation? Were you able to build a relationship with this person?

Never talk badly about anyone during an interview. Explain the situation and why the individual was difficult. Share how you handled the situation. Try to turn anything negative into a positive. What did you learn from the situation? What might you do differently now? What was the “silver lining”? Were you able to talk through your differences? Did you become friends?

Sample answer:

Working closely with difficult coworkers can be challenging, but it is important to remember the patient, their care, and their family is most important. Putting aside differences is essential for all nurses because not everyone is the same. Sometimes this means not discussing specific topics such as religion or politics at work. With that being said, not everyone will become friends in the workplace but working together is key for the successful care of patients.

2. Talk about a conflict within your healthcare team. What was the conflict, and how did you handle it?

Explain the conflict surrounding the situation. Who was involved? What was your role? Did anything positive come from this? What did you learn?

Conflict often occurs in the hospital setting, particularly between new nurses and more seasoned staff, as well as doctors and nurses. At one specific time, there was concern from a parent that a newer nurse was not monitoring a patient’s breathing postoperatively as closely as she would have liked.

I was covering the nurse for lunch and the mother brought her concerns to me. I discussed and validated her concerns. Once the nurse was back from lunch, I spoke with her regarding the mother’s concerns. The nurse was very upset and felt it was not my place to say anything to her regarding this. A parent or patient’s concerns should never be dismissed. I spoke to the nurse educator on the unit to use the opportunity as a teaching moment.

3. Describe a time when you were particularly proud of your healthcare team. What was your role in this situation?

Describe the circumstances and actions step-by-step. What happened to make you feel proud? What was your role? Who was involved? What was the result?

Working in the ICU setting, there are countless moments that make me proud to be a nurse and proud to be part of this amazing community. Watching a patient survive a code, take their first steps on prosthetic legs, or be in the room when a patient I tell is receiving a new heart is the moment we all want to be a part of. Even if I am not delivering the news or caring personally, the information my patient receives directly affects me.

4. Tell me about a time you stepped into a leadership role.

This doesn’t need to be anything official. Think about a time when you stepped up to the plate and took charge of a situation. What was the circumstance? What made you take the lead? Who was involved? Did any opportunities arise from this situation?

I have acted as a charge nurse numerous times in my career. I have had to lead code teams, respond to rapid responses, and make difficult staffing decisions. As a charge nurse I have determined patient assignments to ensure that assignments are fair and equal. Furthermore, I have to ensure that the nurses’ skill set is sufficient for the assignment.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Patient Care

Healthcare hiring professionals want to hire nurses who provide excellent patient care. Education is of utmost importance to healthcare employers. We suggest telling stories about times you provided top-notch patient care or went out of your way to educate patients and/or their families.

1. Tell me about a time when a patient’s family was dissatisfied with your care. How did you handle that situation?

Make sure to explain the situation in detail, including both perspectives (the patient’s family and yours). Never talk badly about patients or their families. Take ownership if you indeed did something wrong. Share any positives that came from this - what did you learn? What would you do differently now? How did you turn this into a positive?

I once was floated to a unit that I had never worked in and wasn’t sure where supplies were located. The patient's mother did not recognize me as a regular floor nurse on the unit, which already made the family leery of me from the start of the shift. I continually had to prove myself throughout the day because, as nurses, we all do things slightly differently.

There is not always a wrong way or a right way to do things but in this case, there was a policy to be followed. I followed it, and apparently, my dressing change was slightly different than the previous ones. I communicated regularly with the charge nurse, and she came to check in with the family to address any issues in real time.

2. What approach do you take in communicating with people who do not know medical jargon? Give an example of a time you explained medical terminology to someone who is not medically trained.

Explain step-by-step how you’ve performed in a similar situation. What specific words and terminology did you use? How did you know that the individual understood your explanation?

It is imperative that we use simple words for our patients and families who are not medically trained and utilize a teach-back method to ensure they understand the information that is communicated to them. I once had to explain post-operative care to a family whose child had tonsil surgery. I had to use words such as poop instead of bowel movement. I used Tylenol instead of acetaminophen.

3. Describe a time you provided effective patient or family education.

Tell a story about a time when you knew your patient or family retained your teachings. How did you know that you effectively communicated the piece of education?

After teaching families, I ask them to repeat the information in their own words. Using a teach-back method allows nurses to know if families truly understood the information that was given to them. It is also important to provide the family with written educational material and use other forms of education, such as videos or hands-on, when possible.

I taught a family post-operative spine care after a posterior spinal fusion. The parents were able to properly demonstrate how to transfer their child from the bed to the chair. In doing so, I was able to determine that they had retained the information.

4. Talk about a time a patient or their family was particularly pleased and appreciative of your care.

Tell a story about a family who was happy with your care. What did you do in particular that they were pleased with? How did you know they were happy? What were the results of this situation?

Working in pediatrics can be challenging but also very rewarding. There are times when parents are unable to stay at the bedside 24/7 because of work, other children, or previous commitments.

I was taking care of a 6-month-old twin during a specific shift. The family was unable to be at the bedside because the father had to work, and the mother was at home with the twin sister and the other children. I spent my shift playing with the infant with age-appropriate toys, and when the mother called to check in – I put the phone next to the infant. The mother was able to hear her baby laughing while singing to her. This brought them closer together and the mother to tears. She stated that no other nurse had done that during the hospitalization, and she was eternally grateful.

5. Give an example of a time you had to interact with a hostile patient. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Tell a story about a hostile patient and your step-by-step actions. What was the patient doing that was hostile? How did you react? How did you feel? What procedures did you follow to interact with the patient? What was the result of your actions?

Unfortunately, hostile patients often are part of the job. It’s important to remember some of the patients are being hostile because they are in pain, away from family, and in the hospital setting.

T here was a time when a patient refused to take her medication. I tried everything, but she would spit them out at me when she tried to take them. Because of this behavior, I involved my charge nurse, the physician in charge of her care, and the social worker.

After many conversations and phone calls, it was determined the patient was spitting the medication out because she liked it mixed in chocolate pudding. The woman was elderly and suffered from dementia. It was only after speaking with the social worker that we learned of her medication preference. She was not able to communicate with us her wants and needs and this led to hostility.

6. Describe a time you were faced with a patient who chose not to communicate or disclose important information. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Tell a story about a patient you worked with in a similar situation. What step-by-step actions did you take to obtain the information from the patient? What were the results of your actions?

A parent once didn’t disclose that the father of the child was not her current boyfriend. This was important as the patient was going to need consent forms signed, and legally, this boyfriend was not able to sign the consent forms. Additionally, there was a man calling the unit, claiming to be the father of the child. Social work and the nurse manager were notified.

Through an open conversation, the mother disclosed the correct identity of the father. While I personally did not discover the information, it is essential to know the resources that are available to you and utilize them to the best of your ability.

Interviewing isn’t easy—for anyone! It’s important to be overly prepared to put your best foot forward during every stage of the process. Nurse.org put together this super helpful workbook packed full of exercises, sample questions, and checklists to help you ace your next interview.

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Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Adaptability

The nursing profession is one of constant urgency, crisis, and uncertainty. Tell stories of challenges and follow up with key takeaways and learned lessons.

1. Tell me about a time you were under a lot of pressure. What was going on, and how did you get through it?

Tell a story about a time you were stressed and under pressure to perform. Explain the situation and why you felt pressured. Describe step-by-step the actions you took to make it through the situation. What was the result? What did you learn? What might you do differently now?

I was the most senior nurse in the unit by over a decade. I had to handle my patient assignments and act as a resource to the other newer nurses on the unit. I had to make sure my time management was great, as well as my ability to drop everything and help someone else. I had to stay organized; otherwise, I would not have been able to assist others.

2. Describe a time when your facility was undergoing some change. How did that impact you, and how did you adapt?

Talk about a time your facility changed. Maybe they were acquired by another facility. Perhaps they transitioned to a new computer system. Describe the change and the steps you took to adapt to such change.

One healthcare system I worked for switched from paper charting to electronic medical records and computerized charting. This transition was confusing and often overwhelming. I was able to adapt quickly, but unfortunately, some of my coworkers were not able to.

3. Tell me about a time when you didn’t know the answer to something at work. How did you go about finding the information?

Tell a story about a time when you did not know the answer. Explain step-by-step the action you took to find the information. Talk about the result of your actions.

As nurses, there is no way that we can possibly know everything. Knowing where to go for help is the first step. At the beginning of every shift, I identify a nurse that I can use as a resource, such as the charge nurse, nurse educator, or unit resource nurse. This individual is generally someone who is more senior with an advanced skill set.

If I am unable to get the answer from them or they are busy I look at the healthcare systems policy and procedure manager. If there is a concern regarding a medication dosage or interaction, I look to Lexi-Comp.

4. Give me an example of an awkward situation at work. How did you remove yourself from the situation?

Tell a story about an uncomfortable situation. What was the situation, and why did it feel awkward? Explain the steps you took to leave the situation. What were the results of your actions? What did you learn?

I once had a teenage male patient make very inappropriate sexual comments towards me. At first, I ignored them, thinking it was a one-time thing. The second time, I told him that the comments were inappropriate and I did not want him to say those things to me. The third time, I left the patient’s room and went directly to the charge nurse.

I explained the situation and how uncomfortable I was in caring for the patient. She gathered a team to speak to the patient. My assignment was switched for the remainder of the shift.

5. Tell me about a time you failed. How did you deal with this situation?

Share a story about when you experience failure. Talk about your feelings and why you felt that you failed. Discuss anything positive that came from this failure. What did you learn from failing? What might you do differently now?

Failing is one of the worst feelings in the world, either professionally or personally. Working in the ICU setting, patients die. We fail them when this happens. I fail them when this happens.

After every death, there is a debriefing to discuss what went well and what could have been done differently. I took that time to reflect on my participation in the event and if there was something I could have done differently. Failure doesn’t equal weakness. It simply is something that we must improve upon.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Time Management

Nurses are masters at multitasking - for example, managing multiple patients and administering medication on time while maintaining detailed notes. Tell stories about your punctuality, ability to meet deadlines, and how you remain organized through it all.

1. Talk about a time you worked in a fast-paced setting. How do you prioritize tasks while maintaining excellent patient care?

Give an example of a time you had to prioritize your tasks quickly. Explain your thought process in detail and why you chose to complete the duties in such an order.

Working in an ICU setting is extremely fast-paced, and it is essential to prioritize your tasks for the day. At the beginning of the shift, I make a to-do list with everything that needs to be accomplished. I put the must-do things at the top of the list and the things I would like to do at the bottom.

Administering medications is placed at the top of the list, and washing a patient’s hair is further down. While I would love to accomplish everything, it just isn’t possible.

2. Describe your experience with a very ill patient who required a lot of your time. How did you manage this patient’s care while ensuring your other patients were adequately cared for?

Talk about the patient’s care and why they needed much of your time. What was the illness, trauma or injury? How did you ensure that this patient received quality care? How did you manage your other patients?

Delegation is key here. Knowing when to ask for help is important. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

3. Talk about a time when you felt overwhelmed with your work or patient load. What did you do?

Give a specific example of a time you were overwhelmed. Explain step-by-step the actions you took to overcome this feeling and to focus on the task at hand.

I asked for help during these situations. Without identifying resources and asking for help, success is impossible.

4. Give an example of an important goal you set for yourself. Did you accomplish that goal? How did you ensure that you accomplished it?

Make sure the goal you share is related to your career. Explain the steps you took to accomplish your goal. What challenges did you face? How did you feel once you accomplished your goal?

I set the goal of earning my pediatric certification and made a list of things that I must do to achieve that. I signed up for the exam and paid the fee, so I had to take it. There was no backing out.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Communication Style

It is important to convey your particular communication style and techniques. Tell stories about specific times you either had difficulty communicating or times you communicated well. If you can, walk through your step-by-step thought process and give examples.

1. Give an example of a time when you were able to successfully persuade a patient to agree to something. How did you persuade this person?

Tell a story about a specific time when you had a difficult time getting a patient to agree to something at work. What was the situation, and what did they need to agree to? What specific actions did you take to get them to agree? What was the result?

Ideally, we never want to persuade a patient to do something. We would like the patient to agree to it freely. However, I did bargain with a child that if he ate his breakfast, I would play video games with him afterward. Using a bargaining system worked well to ensure the patient was well nourished.

2. Tell me about a time when you had to rely on written communication to explain yourself to your team or to a patient.

Talk about a time when you successfully relied on written (or typed) communication. What were the circumstances? What was being discussed? How did you ensure success?

Most hospitals utilize a text feature to communicate quickly with the medical team. It is important to be concise and provide all of the important information so that the medical team can determine the best course of action.

3. Talk about a time when you had not communicated well. How did you correct the situation?

No one is perfect; we all have flaws. Discuss a time when you experienced miscommunication at work. What were the circumstances? How did you know you did not communicate well? What did you learn? What were the results?

This often happens when there is a language barrier. I learned that it is always better to ask for an in-person interpreter or utilize computer translation software. This ensures there is no miscommunication of information. Unfortunately, hand gestures and speaking louder don’t always work.

4. Describe a time when you received negative feedback and turned it into something positive.

Discuss a time at work when you received negative feedback. What was the feedback and circumstances surrounding the feedback? Who gave you the negative feedback? How did it make you feel? What did you do as a result of the feedback?

I was once told that I needed to be more social at work and try and bond with my work colleagues. I disagreed with my manager because I felt that we were there to work and take care of our patients, not to make friends. Becoming close friends with coworkers is an added bonus.

While I didn’t become best friends with anyone from the unit, I was able to spend downtime reading and studying to earn additional certifications, which helped me secure better jobs and opportunities in nursing.

Sample Nurse Interview Questions: Motivation and Core Values

These questions are designed to help interviewers understand your motivation and personal values. When answering such questions, you should share motivational stories from your life that convey your core values.

1. What is one professional accomplishment that you are most proud of and why?

Tell a story about one of your most noteworthy accomplishments at work. What was the accomplishment? What steps did you take to achieve it? Who else was involved in this accomplishment? What happened as a result of the accomplishment?

Earning my advanced pediatric certification is something I worked very hard for, and it validates the years I have spent at the bedside.

2. Have you ever felt dissatisfied with your work as a Nurse? What could have been done to make it better?

Most nurses encounter difficulties while working. Talk about a time when you felt dissatisfied with your work. What were the circumstances, and what happened? What was your role? Why did you feel dissatisfied? What would you do differently now? What did you learn?

I once became extremely dissatisfied because I was consistently being given easier assignments and not being given the ICU level of patients. It became frustrating, and while I understood that others needed to learn and gain experience, it quickly left me annoyed with my position, the unit, and the healthcare system.

I sat down and spoke to my nurse manager about my concerns and inquired why it was happening. The nurse manager was not aware of the situation and it was later determined that a few of the charge nurses were giving the sicker patients to their friends and not spreading them out amongst the nurses.

3. Describe a time when you went over and above your job requirements. What motivated you to put forth the extra effort?

Talk about a specific instance when you went out of your way for your job or for a patient. What were the circumstances? Why did you choose to take the action? What did you do? What were the results?

I personally feel like I give 110% to all of my patients every shift, but there was one that I grew especially close with. For some reason, the patient had been dropped off by a family member, and no one had come to see the child for months. It was obvious the patient was missing key developmental milestones and was becoming increasingly lonely and depressed.

I asked to become the primary nurse for the patient, which meant every time I worked, he would be assigned to me. I worked with him over several months to get him potty trained and to improve his vocabulary. I don’t know exactly why I was extra motivated, but at that time in our lives, the patient and I needed each other.

4. Give an example of a mistake you’ve made. How did you handle it?

It is important to admit that you make mistakes and to own up to them. Talk about the specific mistake and why it happened. What was your role in the mistake? How did you know that you made a mistake? Who was involved? What did you learn? What have you done to improve? What were the results?

Mistakes are part of nursing, whether we like to admit to it or not. It’s important to learn from those mistakes and become a better nurse. One mistake that I will never forget is leaving the gastronomy tube unclamped with medication administration.

Because it was unclamped when I opened the port to give the next medication, the last medication, as well as formula, came out. I was unable to clamp it quickly enough, and the medications I had already given were leaking onto the bed.

I had to speak with the medical team and pharmacy to discuss replacing them. I have never forgotten to clamp the gastronomy tube again.

5. What do you find most difficult about being a Nurse? How do you overcome this difficulty?

Be honest and talk about the most difficult component of nursing. Maybe it’s working with a specific patient population. Or acting in a leadership role. Whatever it is to you, always make sure to talk about the steps and actions you’ve taken to cope with the difficulty.

The most difficult aspect of being a nurse is watching a patient die, especially one that I have cared for when they were healthy. Watching the family lose a loved one is heartbreaking. Sometimes I sit in the bathroom and take a moment for myself to cry, to reflect, and to pause to remember the patient. Death is part of our everyday world, and sometimes that is hard to remember.

Interviewing is a two-way street. Often, nurses are so excited and nervous about answering questions well during their interviews that they forget to ask questions to their potential future employers.

After all, how do you know if the job is an excellent fit unless you ask about the details that are important to you?

Most of the time, when you reach the end of your interview, employers will ask interviewees if they have any questions about the position. This is a great opportunity to show that you have done your research on their facility and expected job duties and demonstrate how excited you are about the position.

Depending on time, you may want to consider limiting your questions to two or three questions. Most nursing administrators set aside an allotted amount of time to interview each potential new hire, and you don’t want to be disrespectful of their time.

Many of these questions may also be great to ask after you have the job and work 1:1 with a preceptor or other helpful nurses. Experienced nurses are great resources for questions once you get the job!

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Onboarding

How long is the training period, and what does it entail?
How will my training success be measured?
Will I have orientation days, and what will they entail?
What advice would you give to a nurse who is just starting on the unit?
How quickly are you looking to hire someone?
Who will I be reporting to?
What shifts are you hiring for: night, day, mid-shift, or alternating?
Will I be required to work on-call shifts?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Mentoring

Will I be assigned a preceptor?
How will my success as a new hire be measured?
What is your training process for new hires?
What advice do you have for a new hire who wants to succeed in this unit?
How frequently do you perform performance reviews?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Culture

Can you explain what the nursing culture is like here?
Does the nursing staff face any ongoing challenges on the unit? What are the most critical challenges?
What is the management style of this unit?
What does an ideal candidate look like for this role?
How does this nursing environment facilitate collaboration and unity?

Sample Questions To Ask During an Interview: Professional Development

Are there any professional development opportunities?
How long do nurses work at the bedside before taking on a charge nurse role?
Do you offer tuition reimbursement for nurses advancing their education to take on higher-level nursing roles?
Are nurses encouraged to become certified in their specialties?
Will I be expected to float to other units? How often will that occur?

Sample Questions for New Nursing Graduates

Do you offer a new nursing graduate program, how long is it, and what does it entail?
How are new graduates measured on performance and competency?
Do new graduates have a mentor? How long do they provide supervision and nursing support?
What are the most common challenges new grads experience in this unit?
When will I be eligible to become involved on unit committees?

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For example, if the hiring manager says something like, “I am not sure that you have enough critical care experience to take on this position,” you can respond and assure them that you are perfect for the role.

You may want to say something like, “I have always wanted to work in a high-acuity environment. I am extremely dedicated and eager to learn new skills necessary to succeed in this role. I am like a sponge and ready to learn!”

Remember to close the interview on a high note before walking away.

How to Prepare for Your Nursing Interview

1. dress for success.

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! In fact, many hiring managers say they know if they are interested in hiring someone within the first five minutes.

It is essential to look professional and air on the more conservative side of style versus wearing bright and flashy clothing. Keep jewelry simple and understated. If it is appropriate to wear a suit, stick to neutral colors such as black, navy, or dark brown shades.

Your goal is to look as professional as possible so the person you are speaking with can focus on the essential skills you will bring to their organization.

2. Practice answering as many interview questions as you can out loud

Many interviewees review interview questions by reading them alone. But that may not help prepare you as well as speaking your answers out loud. In fact, you may find that you aren’t as clear on many of your answers as you thought you were.

Consider enlisting a friend or family member to act as the interviewer and ask you sample questions. Practice answering your questions and focus on ways you can communicate more effectively. Be assertive and don’t ramble. You will know if you are ready if you can answer questions clearly and constantly.

3. Research the institution thoroughly

LinkedIn is a great resource for learning about healthcare facilities and the types of employees who work there. Employers usually appreciate it when candidates show they have basic knowledge about an organization's goals.

The last thing you want is to be asked something about the organization and not have an answer for it.

4. Arrive at least 20 minutes or more before your interview starts

Arrive early enough that you can use the restroom if needed, straighten yourself up, and not feel rushed walking into the interview.

5. Bring a great attitude

Make sure you get plenty of shut-eye the night before your interview and eat a good breakfast. Drink coffee if it helps you perform at your best, but avoid it as it can make you jittery.

But most importantly, smile and bring a positive vibe. You are going to do great!

Phone Interviews

Many employers do an initial phone interview before bringing candidates in to meet face-to-face. This often helps recruiters weed out candidates who aren’t serious about a position and offer additional information to candidates to make sure they really want the job.

Bu phone interviews are just as important as in-person or online interviews.

Here are a few tips to remember:

Prepare for a phone interview the same way you would for a face-to-face interview. You have no way of predicting what questions will be asked, and it's better to be overly prepared than under-prepared.
Stand up while you are talking. Standing during a phone interview may help you project your answers more clearly than if you are sitting down.
Keep your resume and cover letter within reach in case you are asked about them.
Don’t eat or drink during the phone interview, even though they can’t see you.
Shower and get ready as if it were a face-to-face interview. You will feel more confident and professional, and it may help you perform better.

Zoom Interview Tips

Ever since the start of the pandemic, Zoom interviews have become exceedingly common. Employers continue to utilize online interviewing because it is often more accessible and convenient for everyone involved.

Preparing for a Zoom interview is similar to preparing for an in-person or phone interview. However, there are several tips you should keep in mind:

1. Dress professionally as if you were going to a face-to-face interview

If you would have worn a suit to an in-person interview, consider wearing it for your Zoom interview. Remember that even though employers usually don’t see your lower half on Zoom, there is a slight chance you may have to stand up or grab something. So no pajama pants!

2. Make sure your background is set up nicely

The interviewer will see your surroundings, so make sure your background is clean and organized. Consider a blank wall so nothing distracts your interviewer from your amazing skills. Also, never have a window behind you because the light can drown you out.

3. Keep it quiet

If you have roommates, let them know you will be on a Zoom interview, and they must stay quiet. If you have pets that have the potential to interrupt your interview, make arrangements for them beforehand. The last thing you want is for your cat to walk right in front of your screen!

4. Set up your Zoom space and practice the day before

If you are new to Zoom, don’t fret! It is a fairly simple platform to use. But it may be a good idea to set yourself up beforehand and practice so there are no surprises.

5. Ensure a good internet connection

No connection, no interview! Ensure that a quality connection is set up early so you don’t have to scramble when you should be starting your interview.

6. Practice with a friend

If you are new to Zoom, you may not be aware of your body language or how you present over video. Consider making a few Zoom calls with friends and family to get comfortable with it and ensure that you have an excellent video presence.

Nursing Behavioral Interview Flash Cards With Answers

Healthcare employers are increasingly asking behavioral questions - this means they want to know exactly how you will perform during different circumstances. They will be asking for you to provide examples of specific scenarios. Sound overwhelming? Don’t fret; Nurse.org has over 50 behavioral interview questions to help you practice. We’ve even included sample answers!

What questions are asked in a nursing interview?

Healthcare hiring managers usually ask behavioral-based interview questions. These questions help provide information about how you may handle specific situations in the workplace and allow you to show your critical thinking skills.

How do I prepare for a nursing interview?

Preparing for your interview starts well in advance of your actual interview date. Here are a few essential tips to prepare for your nursing interview: Practice as many interview questions as you can, dress professionally, research the institution thoroughly, show up early, bring a great attitude, and relax. You will do great!

What are the four skills of a nursing interview?

Listening actively and taking notes when appropriate. Asking important questions. Good non-verbal communication - ways to do this include leaning forward slightly, smiling, making good eye contact, and head nodding when appropriate. Answer behavioral questions with examples from your own work experience.

How do you introduce yourself in a nursing interview?

Start with your name and a brief history of your education and work history. You may want to explain why you chose this career and are so passionate about it. It is also important to talk about why you make a good fit for the position and what your career goals are in the future.

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

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25 New Grad Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a new grad nurse, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.

Nursing is a profession that is always in high demand due to the constant need for nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. If you are a recent nursing graduate, you may be wondering what to expect during your job interview. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your interview is to review the most common nursing interview questions and answers.

In this guide, you will find questions that are commonly asked in nursing job interviews. You will also find tips for answering these questions. By preparing for your interview, you can increase your chances of getting the job you want.

What do you hope to accomplish within the first 90 days of working here?
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
What are your favorite aspects of being a nurse?
What made you decide to become a nurse?
How does this role align with your career goals?
What do you find most challenging about being a nurse?
Tell me about your work ethic.
Do you feel prepared for the physical demands of the job?
What would you do if you saw another nurse making a mistake?
How do you handle changes to the typical routine at work?
What would you do if you were assigned to care for a patient you don’t like?
How do you manage your time when caring for more than one patient at a time?
Tell me about a time when you stepped up to fill a leadership role at work.
Have you ever had to deal with an angry or upset patient? How did you handle it?
What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when recording patient information?
What techniques do you use to make a patient feel comfortable?
Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional care.
How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in nursing?
What strategies do you use to help patients understand their treatment options?
If a patient refuses care, how would you handle the situation?
Describe a time when you collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care.
Do you have any experience working with different types of medical equipment?
Are you comfortable carrying out doctor’s orders without asking questions?
What safety protocols do you follow when administering medications?
Are there any areas of nursing that you find particularly challenging?

1. What do you hope to accomplish within the first 90 days of working here?

This question is a great way to see how ambitious you are and what your goals are for the future. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what you hope to learn or accomplish in that time frame. It can also be beneficial to mention any specific goals you have for yourself as well as the hospital.

Example: “Within the first 90 days of working here, I hope to become a valuable member of the nursing team. I want to demonstrate my commitment to providing exceptional patient care and build strong relationships with colleagues. To do this, I plan on taking initiative in learning about the facility’s policies and procedures, as well as familiarizing myself with the staff and their roles. I also look forward to developing my clinical skills by actively participating in hands-on training opportunities.

I am eager to take on new challenges and expand my knowledge base. I believe that by doing so, I will be able to provide better quality care for patients while also increasing my own professional development. Ultimately, I strive to make a positive impact on the organization and contribute to its success.”

2. Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your confidence and self-awareness. They want to know that you are qualified for the job, but they also want to see how you can improve yourself as a nurse. When answering this question, make sure you highlight your skills and abilities while also mentioning any areas where you would like to grow.

Example: “I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my strong educational background, clinical experience and passion for nursing.

My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from [Name] University, where I graduated with honors and was awarded multiple scholarships. During my studies, I completed a variety of courses related to patient care and medical treatments, which have given me a solid foundation of knowledge that I can apply to this role.

In addition, I have gained valuable hands-on experience through various clinical rotations at local hospitals and health centers. This has enabled me to develop my skills in providing compassionate patient care and working as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Most importantly, I am passionate about nursing and helping others. I am eager to learn new things and take on any challenges that come my way. I am confident that I will be able to make a positive contribution to your organization and help provide quality care to your patients.”

3. What are your favorite aspects of being a nurse?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer your passion for nursing. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include a specific example of how you enjoy helping others and making a difference in their lives.

Example: “I have always been passionate about nursing and the impact it has on people’s lives. My favorite aspects of being a nurse are the relationships I build with my patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. I take pride in providing compassionate care to those who need it most.

I also enjoy the challenge of problem-solving and finding creative solutions for complex medical issues. I believe that nurses should be active participants in patient care, so I strive to stay up-to-date on the latest treatments and technologies. Finally, I love the feeling of accomplishment when I can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”

4. What made you decide to become a nurse?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are passionate about nursing. It also helps them learn more about your background, such as what influenced you to become a nurse. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that inspired you to pursue nursing or an influential person in your life who encouraged you to enter the medical field.

Example: “I have always been passionate about helping people and making a difference in the lives of others. Growing up, I was surrounded by healthcare professionals who inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. After researching different roles within the field, I found that nursing offered an opportunity to combine my passion for helping people with my interest in science and medicine.

I believe that nurses are essential members of any healthcare team, providing compassionate care while also advocating for their patients. As a nurse, I am committed to providing high-quality patient care and ensuring that each person is treated with dignity and respect. I am confident that my strong work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to excellence will make me an asset to your organization.”

5. How does this role align with your career goals?

Employers ask this question to see if you are a good fit for the role and whether or not you have realistic expectations. When answering, be honest about your career goals and how this position can help you achieve them. If you’re unsure of what your career goals are, think about why you decided to become a nurse in the first place.

Example: “This role aligns perfectly with my career goals as a new grad nurse. I am looking to gain experience in the nursing field and this position will allow me to do just that. The opportunity to work at your facility would be an incredible learning experience for me, as it is a highly respected hospital with excellent patient care.

I am passionate about providing quality healthcare to those who need it most and believe this job would give me the chance to do so. I am eager to learn from experienced nurses and use my knowledge of evidence-based practice to provide the best possible care to patients. I am also excited to develop my skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving, which are essential components of being a successful nurse.”

6. What do you find most challenging about being a nurse?

This question can help interviewers understand what you find challenging and how you approach those challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you overcame the challenge or how you plan to overcome it in your future role.

Example: “As a nurse, I find the most challenging part of my job is balancing patient care with administrative tasks. It can be difficult to manage both while ensuring that each task is completed accurately and efficiently. To help me stay organized and on top of my workload, I use time management techniques such as breaking down tasks into smaller chunks and setting deadlines for myself. I also make sure to prioritize tasks based on urgency, so that I am able to provide the best possible care for my patients in a timely manner. Furthermore, I strive to maintain an open line of communication with my colleagues and supervisors to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to patient care. By doing this, I am able to work collaboratively and effectively with my team.”

7. Tell me about your work ethic.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your work ethic and how you approach your job. They want to know that you are a hard worker who is willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. When answering, think of an example from your past where you worked extra hours or did something above and beyond what was required of you.

Example: “My work ethic is centered around providing the best possible care for my patients. I believe that patient safety and satisfaction should always be top priority, so I strive to ensure that all of my nursing duties are completed with accuracy and efficiency. I am also committed to staying up-to-date on the latest evidence-based practices in order to provide the most effective care.

I take pride in being a team player and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals. I understand the importance of communication and collaboration when it comes to providing quality care, so I make sure to stay open-minded and willing to learn from others. I’m also dedicated to continuing my education and expanding my knowledge base by attending conferences and seminars.”

8. Do you feel prepared for the physical demands of the job?

Nursing is a physically demanding job. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared for the physical demands of the role. Before your interview, read through the job description and highlight any physical requirements. Think about how your body can meet those requirements. If there are no physical requirements listed in the job description, think about what you would expect from the position.

Example: “Absolutely! I have been preparing for the physical demands of this job since before I even graduated nursing school. During my clinical rotations, I was able to gain experience in a variety of settings and learn how to provide safe and effective care while managing the physical demands of the job. In addition, I completed an extensive program on patient safety and infection control that has given me the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure the safety of patients. Finally, I am physically fit and take pride in being able to handle the physical demands of the job.”

9. What would you do if you saw another nurse making a mistake?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and your ability to work with others. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you helped another nurse or colleague improve their practice.

Example: “If I saw another nurse making a mistake, my first priority would be to ensure the patient’s safety. I would assess the situation and determine if the mistake had already been made or if it could still be prevented. If the mistake had already been made, I would document the incident thoroughly and report it to my supervisor in accordance with hospital policy.

I understand that mistakes can happen, so I would also approach the other nurse in a non-confrontational manner and offer assistance to help them correct their mistake. I believe in creating an environment of collaboration and support among nurses, so I would strive to provide constructive feedback and guidance to help the other nurse learn from their mistake and prevent similar errors in the future.”

10. How do you handle changes to the typical routine at work?

When working as a nurse, you may need to adapt quickly to changes in your routine. Employers ask this question to make sure that you can handle unexpected situations and still perform your job well. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and focused on the task at hand.

Example: “I understand that changes to the typical routine at work can be challenging, but I am comfortable with adapting and adjusting to new situations. When faced with a change in my daily routine, I take the time to assess the situation and determine how best to adjust. I always strive to remain flexible and open-minded so that I can quickly adapt to any changes that may arise.

In addition, I make sure to stay organized and focused on the task at hand. This helps me prioritize tasks and manage my workflow more efficiently. By staying organized, I am able to better handle unexpected changes or challenges that come up during the day. Finally, I also make sure to communicate effectively with my colleagues when changes occur, as this ensures everyone is on the same page and working together towards a common goal.”

11. What would you do if you were assigned to care for a patient you don’t like?

This question is designed to test your interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of patients. It also shows the interviewer how you handle conflict. Your answer should show that you can remain professional while still caring for the patient’s needs.

Example: “If I were assigned to care for a patient that I don’t like, I would approach the situation with professionalism and respect. First, I would take time to understand why I may not be fond of this particular patient. It could be something as simple as a difference in personalities or beliefs. Once I have identified the root cause of my dislike, I can then focus on providing the best possible care for the patient.

I believe it’s important to remember that even if I don’t personally like someone, they still deserve quality care and attention. As a New Grad Nurse, I am committed to upholding the highest standards of care and ensuring that all patients receive the same level of treatment regardless of their personality or beliefs. I will strive to remain professional and provide compassionate care while maintaining a positive attitude.”

12. How do you manage your time when caring for more than one patient at a time?

As a nurse, you may have to care for more than one patient at a time. Employers ask this question to make sure that you can multitask and prioritize your patients’ needs effectively. In your answer, explain how you plan your day so that you are able to give each patient the attention they need while also ensuring that all of their needs are met.

Example: “Time management is an essential skill for any nurse, especially when caring for multiple patients. I have developed a few strategies to help me manage my time efficiently and effectively when caring for more than one patient at a time.

The first step I take is to prioritize the needs of each patient. This helps me determine which tasks are most important and need to be completed first. Once I have identified these tasks, I create a plan of action that outlines what needs to be done and in what order. This ensures that all necessary tasks are completed in a timely manner.

I also make sure to stay organized by keeping track of all patient information in one place. This allows me to quickly access any relevant information needed for providing care. Finally, I am not afraid to ask for help if I feel overwhelmed or if I need assistance with completing certain tasks. By utilizing these strategies, I am able to provide quality care to all of my patients while managing my time effectively.”

13. Tell me about a time when you stepped up to fill a leadership role at work.

As a nurse, you may be asked to lead your team or other members of the hospital staff. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with leadership and management. In your answer, explain what made you step up as a leader. Explain how you were able to successfully complete the task at hand.

Example: “I recently had the opportunity to step up and fill a leadership role at my current job. I was working as a New Grad Nurse in a busy hospital, and one of our senior nurses was out on extended leave. As a result, I was asked to take over her duties for the duration of her absence.

I took this challenge head-on and quickly got to work. I worked closely with the other nurses on staff to ensure that all patient needs were met and that everyone was comfortable with their roles. I also held regular meetings with the team to discuss any issues or concerns they may have had. My efforts resulted in improved communication between the team members and an overall increase in efficiency.”

14. Have you ever had to deal with an angry or upset patient? How did you handle it?

Nurses often have to deal with challenging patients. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle these situations effectively. In your answer, share a specific example of when you had to calm an upset patient. Explain what steps you took to help them feel more comfortable and cared for.

Example: “Yes, I have had to deal with an angry or upset patient before. In those situations, my priority is always to ensure the safety of both myself and the patient. To do this, I stay calm and professional while addressing the patient’s concerns. I also make sure to listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings without judgement. Once I understand what is causing the anger or distress, I work to find a solution that will be beneficial for both parties. For example, if the patient is upset about wait times, I can offer them resources such as magazines or books to help pass the time. Ultimately, I strive to create a positive environment where the patient feels heard and respected.”

15. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy when recording patient information?

Accuracy is an important quality for a nurse to have. It’s vital that you record information accurately and consistently, so the interviewer will want to know how you ensure accuracy in your work.

Example: “Accurately recording patient information is a critical part of being a nurse. To ensure accuracy, I take several steps when documenting patient information. First, I always double-check my work to make sure that all the details are correct and complete. This includes verifying any medications or treatments that have been prescribed and ensuring that they are accurately recorded in the patient’s chart. Secondly, I make sure to document any conversations with patients or their families so that there is an accurate record of what was discussed. Finally, I review the documentation with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that everyone is on the same page. By taking these steps, I can be confident that the patient’s records are up-to-date and accurate.”

16. What techniques do you use to make a patient feel comfortable?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills. They want to know how you can help patients feel calm and relaxed during their hospital stay. When answering, think of a specific example from your past experience that shows your ability to make others comfortable.

Example: “I believe that the most important part of being a nurse is creating an environment where patients feel comfortable and safe. To do this, I use several techniques.

The first technique I use is active listening. This involves really paying attention to what the patient is saying and responding in a way that shows them that their concerns are being heard. I also make sure to ask open-ended questions so that they can express themselves fully.

Another technique I use is providing reassurance. Patients often come into my care feeling anxious or scared, so it’s important for me to be able to provide comfort and support. I do this by offering words of encouragement and letting them know that I’m there to help them through whatever they’re going through.

Lastly, I always strive to create a positive atmosphere. I like to keep conversations upbeat and lighthearted when possible, as this helps to put the patient at ease. I also take time to get to know my patients on a personal level, which helps to build trust and rapport.”

17. Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional care.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are passionate about nursing and want to provide the best care possible for patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you went above and beyond to help a patient or family member.

Example: “Recently, I had a patient who was admitted to the hospital for an infection. During my shift, I noticed that they were having difficulty breathing and their oxygen saturation levels were dropping. I quickly assessed the situation and determined that they needed additional oxygen support.

I went above and beyond by taking initiative to contact the physician on call and request additional orders for oxygen therapy. Once the order was received, I administered the oxygen therapy and monitored the patient’s vital signs closely. As a result of my quick thinking and action, the patient’s condition improved significantly.

This experience showed me how important it is to be proactive in providing exceptional care. It also reinforced my commitment to always go the extra mile when caring for patients.”

18. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends in nursing?

Employers ask this question to see if you are passionate about your career and how much effort you put into staying up to date with the latest nursing trends. They want to know that you have a desire to learn more about your field, so show them that you read journals or attend conferences to keep yourself informed.

Example: “Staying up to date with the latest trends in nursing is important to me as a new grad nurse. I stay informed by attending conferences and seminars, reading professional journals, and networking with other nurses. I also take advantage of online resources such as webinars, podcasts, and blogs that discuss current topics related to nursing. By staying informed on the latest developments, I am able to provide my patients with the best possible care. Furthermore, I am always open to learning from experienced colleagues who can share their knowledge and experiences. Finally, I make sure to keep abreast of any changes in regulations or policies that may affect my practice. This ensures that I am providing safe and effective care for my patients.”

19. What strategies do you use to help patients understand their treatment options?

As a nurse, you may need to explain treatment options to patients. This question helps employers understand how you communicate with patients and their families. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills and empathy for others.

Example: “When helping patients understand their treatment options, I use a variety of strategies. First and foremost, I ensure that I am providing clear and concise communication to the patient so they can easily comprehend what is being discussed. I also make sure to explain any medical terms in layman’s terms so the patient can better understand.

I also like to provide visual aids such as diagrams or charts when talking about complex treatments. This helps the patient to visualize the different steps involved in the process and makes it easier for them to remember. Finally, I always take time to answer any questions the patient may have and provide additional resources if needed. By taking these steps, I am able to help my patients feel more informed and empowered when making decisions about their health care.”

20. If a patient refuses care, how would you handle the situation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and difficult situations. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific example of when this happened in your past experience as a nurse.

Example: “If a patient refuses care, I would first take the time to understand why they are refusing. It is important to listen and empathize with the patient’s concerns in order to build trust and rapport. Once I have an understanding of their reasons for refusal, I can then assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Depending on the situation, I may suggest alternative treatments or provide additional information that could help them make an informed decision. If the patient still refuses care, I will document the incident and report it to my supervisor so that appropriate measures can be taken. Above all, I believe it is essential to respect the patient’s autonomy and ensure that their wishes are respected.”

21. Describe a time when you collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality care.

When answering this question, it can be beneficial to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. You may also want to mention how you used your communication skills to resolve any challenges that arose during the process.

Example: “I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with other healthcare professionals while working as a New Grad Nurse. During this time, I was responsible for providing quality care to a patient who had multiple chronic conditions. To ensure that the patient received the best possible care, I worked closely with the primary physician, physical therapist, dietician, and pharmacist to create an individualized treatment plan.

We all met together to discuss the patient’s needs and develop a comprehensive plan of care. We discussed the patient’s medical history, current medications, dietary restrictions, and any potential complications that could arise from their condition. After we agreed on a plan of action, I implemented it in my practice. I monitored the patient’s progress daily and reported back to the team regularly.”

22. Do you have any experience working with different types of medical equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with the equipment they use in their facility. If you do, share your experiences and how well you worked with the equipment. If you don’t have any experience, you can talk about what types of medical equipment you’re familiar with and how you would learn to work them if hired.

Example: “Yes, I do have experience working with different types of medical equipment. During my clinical rotations in nursing school, I was exposed to a variety of medical equipment and learned how to use them safely and effectively. I also had the opportunity to practice using some of the more advanced pieces of equipment, such as ventilators and infusion pumps. In addition, I am familiar with the most common types of medical equipment used in hospitals, including EKG machines, IV pumps, and patient monitors. Finally, I understand the importance of properly maintaining and troubleshooting medical equipment to ensure that it is functioning correctly.”

23. Are you comfortable carrying out doctor’s orders without asking questions?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work independently and respectfully. It’s important to be able to follow the orders of a doctor or senior nurse, but it’s also vital that you can do so without hesitation. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize how much you value the expertise of doctors and other medical professionals.

Example: “Yes, I am comfortable carrying out doctor’s orders without asking questions. As a new grad nurse, I understand the importance of following instructions and protocols accurately to ensure that patients receive the best care possible. I have been trained in evidence-based practice and understand how important it is to follow guidelines set by physicians.

At my previous job, I was able to demonstrate my ability to carry out physician orders with accuracy and efficiency. I worked closely with doctors to ensure that all patient treatments were carried out according to their wishes. I also made sure to document any changes or adjustments to treatment plans so that everyone involved was kept up to date on the patient’s progress.”

24. What safety protocols do you follow when administering medications?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your knowledge of safety protocols and ensure that you follow them. This is because safe practices are an important part of nursing, so it’s vital that new nurses know how to administer medications safely. In your answer, explain the steps you take when administering medications to patients.

Example: “Safety protocols are of the utmost importance when administering medications. I always make sure to double check the patient’s name, medication name, dosage and route before administering any medications. I also ensure that the expiration date has not passed on any medications and that they have been stored properly. In addition, I always follow my facility’s policies regarding the administration of medications and document all information in the patient’s chart accurately and thoroughly. Finally, I am aware of the potential side effects of each medication and can recognize signs of an allergic reaction or adverse effect quickly.

I understand how important it is to adhere to safety protocols when administering medications and take this responsibility very seriously.”

25. Are there any areas of nursing that you find particularly challenging?

Interviewers ask this question to determine if you have the ability to overcome challenges and learn from them. They want to know that you can adapt to new situations, so it’s important to highlight your problem-solving skills in your answer.

Example: “Yes, there are a few areas of nursing that I find particularly challenging. One is working with patients who have complex medical conditions and require specialized care. As a new grad nurse, it can be difficult to understand the complexities of these cases and provide the best possible care for them. Another area I find challenging is managing multiple tasks at once. With so many different responsibilities as a nurse, it can be hard to prioritize and stay organized. Finally, I find it difficult to stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in healthcare technology. Keeping abreast of the newest treatments and technologies requires dedication and effort, but I am committed to doing my best to stay informed.”

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PhD Interview Questions and Answers (13 Questions + Answers)

Most PhD applications include an interview. This allows your university (and perhaps even your prospective supervisor) to discuss the PhD with you in more detail.

This article lists some of the most common PhD interview questions along with their answers. The goal is to help you prepare for a PhD interview and pass with flying colors.

1) How did you develop this proposal?

When responding to this question, demonstrate your thought process, research skills, and the evolution of your ideas. Let's choose the subject of "Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning" as an example.

Sample answer:

"My proposal on 'Renewable Energy Integration in Urban Planning' originated from my undergraduate thesis on sustainable cities. Intrigued by the potential of renewable energy in urban environments, I conducted a literature review to identify gaps in current research. This review highlighted a lack of comprehensive strategies for integrating renewable technologies at a city-wide level. I then consulted with experts in urban planning and renewable energy, which provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities in this field. I designed a methodology that combines spatial analysis with energy modeling to explore optimal renewable energy integration in urban landscapes. This proposal represents an amalgamation of academic research, expert consultation, and innovative methodology development."

This answer is effective because it mentions a literature review demonstrates the ability to conduct thorough research and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

2) Why do you wish to pursue a PhD?

For this question, it's important to articulate your passion for the subject, your long-term career goals, and how the PhD program aligns with these aspects.

Let's choose the subject of "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare" for this example.

"I am passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes, and pursuing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare aligns perfectly with this passion. During my Master's, I was fascinated by the potential of AI to revolutionize diagnostic processes and personalized medicine. I believe a PhD will provide me with the deep technical knowledge and research skills necessary to contribute significantly to this field. My goal is to develop AI systems that enhance medical diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and treatment efficiency. This PhD program, known for its pioneering research in AI and strong healthcare collaborations, is the ideal environment for me to develop these innovations and achieve my career aspirations in healthcare technology."

This is a great answer because you clearly state that the PhD will provide the necessary skills and knowledge, indicating a clear understanding of the purpose of the program.

3) Why do you think you are the right candidate for this PhD program?

Discuss how your research interests align with the program's strengths and the faculty's expertise. Explain how the program's resources, courses, and research opportunities can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

"I am deeply passionate about environmental science, particularly in the area of sustainable urban development. This passion was ignited during my master's program in Environmental Studies at XYZ University, where I completed a thesis on urban green spaces and their impact on city microclimates. This research not only honed my skills in data analysis and GIS mapping but also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. I am drawn to your PhD program at ABC University because of its innovative research on sustainable urban planning and the renowned work of Professor Jane Smith in this field. Her research aligns with my interest in integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate climate change effects. My perseverance, attention to detail, and ability to synthesize complex data make me an ideal candidate for this challenging program. Pursuing this PhD is integral to my goal of becoming an environmental consultant, where I plan to develop strategies for cities to reduce their environmental footprint."

This response is effective because it mentions particular aspects of your experience and the program, avoiding generic statements. It also outlines how the PhD fits into your career path.

4) What do you plan to do after you have completed your PhD?

Be specific about the type of career you aspire to, whether it's in academia, industry, research, etc. Explain how the PhD will equip you with the skills and knowledge for your chosen career path.

"After completing my PhD in Computational Neuroscience, I plan to pursue a career in academia as a university professor. My doctoral research on neural network modeling will provide a strong foundation for teaching and conducting further research in this area. I aim to develop innovative courses that bridge computer science and neuroscience, addressing the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge in these fields. Additionally, I intend to continue my research on applying machine learning techniques to understand brain function, which has potential implications for developing new treatments for neurological disorders. This academic pathway allows me to contribute significantly to both education and research in Computational Neuroscience."

This is a great answer because it connects the PhD research directly to future career plans.

It also articulates how your work can impact both academia and the broader field of Computational Neuroscience.

5) Why have you chosen this specific PhD program?

Mention specific aspects of the program that attracted you, such as the curriculum, research facilities, faculty expertise, or reputation.

Explain how the program aligns with your research interests or academic background.

"I chose the PhD program in Artificial Intelligence at MIT because of its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach, which perfectly aligns with my academic background in computer science and my passion for machine learning. The program's emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical applications in AI is particularly appealing. Additionally, the opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], whose work in [specific area, e.g., neural networks or AI ethics] has deeply influenced my own research interests, is a significant draw. This program is an ideal fit for me to further develop my skills and contribute to the field of AI, ultimately aiming for a career in AI research and development in the tech industry."

This answer connects your background and goals to the program's offerings.

Including a specific professor's name shows detailed knowledge about the program and faculty.

6) What impact would you like your PhD project to have?

When answering this question, convey both the academic significance and the potential real-world applications of your research. Let's choose a project focused on developing eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles for this example.

"My PhD project aims to develop new eco-friendly battery technologies for electric vehicles (EVs), addressing both the environmental impact of battery production and the efficiency of energy storage. I hope my research will contribute to the academic field by advancing our understanding of sustainable materials for energy storage, potentially leading to publications and patents. Beyond academia, I envision this project significantly impacting the EV industry by providing a more sustainable and efficient battery alternative. This innovation could play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and supporting global efforts towards a greener future. Ultimately, I aspire for my work to not only advance scientific knowledge but also drive real-world changes in how we approach energy sustainability in transportation."

This is an excellent answer because it connects the project to larger environmental goals and societal benefits. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach, demonstrating your understanding of the project's potential long-term implications.

7) What difficulties would you expect to encounter during this project?

It's important to demonstrate awareness of potential challenges and convey a proactive mindset toward problem-solving. Let's choose a project focused on the development of a novel AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases for this example.

"In developing an AI-driven diagnostic tool for early detection of neurological diseases, I anticipate several challenges. Firstly, the accuracy and reliability of the tool depend heavily on the quality and diversity of the data used for training the AI algorithms. Obtaining a comprehensive dataset that adequately represents the population can be difficult due to privacy concerns and data availability. Secondly, ensuring the AI model's interpretability to be clinically useful while maintaining high performance is another challenge, given the complexity of neurological diseases. To address these, I plan to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including data privacy experts and neurologists, to source and utilize data ethically and effectively. I also intend to continuously refine the AI model, focusing on both its predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. These challenges, while significant, present valuable opportunities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration."

This response is effective because it clearly outlines realistic challenges specific to the AI diagnostic tool project. It also presents a proactive approach to overcoming these challenges, showing problem-solving skills.

8) How will you fund this project?

When answering this question, show that you've thought about the financial aspects of your research and are aware of funding sources that are available and applicable to your project.

"I have identified multiple funding sources to support my renewable energy research project at Stanford University. Firstly, I plan to apply for the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Program, which offers substantial support for projects focusing on sustainable energy. My proposal for this grant is already in progress, highlighting how my project aligns with the DOE's priorities in advancing clean energy technologies. Additionally, I'm exploring departmental fellowships at Stanford, particularly those aimed at renewable energy research. I am also keen on establishing industry partnerships, given the project's relevance to current energy challenges and the potential for collaborative funding and technological exchange. Last but not least, I will seek conference grants to present my research findings, which can lead to further academic collaborations and additional funding opportunities."

Notice how this answer mentions funding sources that align with the renewable energy focus of the project and the resources available at Stanford University.

9) Tell us about a time you experienced a setback

Focus on a situation relevant to your academic or research experience. Let's use a real-world example where a research experiment failed due to unexpected variables.

"During my Master’s thesis on the effects of soil composition on plant growth, I faced a major setback. My initial experiments, which involved growing plants in different soil types, failed to produce consistent results due to unanticipated environmental variations in the greenhouse. This was disheartening, especially as the deadline approached. However, I responded by reassessing my experimental setup. I consulted with my supervisor and decided to control more variables, such as humidity and temperature. I also refined my data collection methods to include more frequent soil and plant measurements. These adjustments led to more reliable results, and I successfully completed my thesis. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability in research and reinforced the value of meticulous experimental design."

This is a great answer because it shows how you’ve encountered and overcame a specific problem, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

10) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When answering this question, it's important to present a balanced view of yourself, showing self-awareness and a commitment to personal development. Choose strengths that are relevant to a PhD program and weaknesses that you're actively working to improve.

"One of my key strengths is my analytical thinking, which I demonstrated during my Master's project where I developed a novel algorithm for data analysis. This required me to not only understand complex theories but also apply them creatively to solve real-world problems. As for weaknesses, I sometimes struggle with overcommitment, taking on too many projects at once. This occasionally led to stress during my undergraduate studies. However, I am actively working on this by improving my time management skills and learning to prioritize tasks more effectively. I've started using project management tools and setting clear boundaries, which has already shown improvements in my workflow and stress levels."

This answer maintains a good balance between strengths and weaknesses. It also shows self-awareness, demonstrating a proactive approach to personal development.

11) Why have you chosen to study for a PhD at this university?

Mention specific aspects of the PhD program that attracted you. Explain how your research interests align with the work being done at the university.

"I am drawn to the PhD program in Astrophysics at Caltech due to its outstanding reputation in space research and the unparalleled resources available at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory. My research interest lies in the study of exoplanets, and Caltech's active projects in this area, such as the Zwicky Transient Facility, align perfectly with my academic goals. The opportunity to work under the guidance of Professor [Name], known for pioneering work in exoplanetary atmospheres, is particularly exciting. Additionally, Caltech's collaborative environment and emphasis on interdisciplinary research are conducive to my professional growth, providing a platform to engage with experts from various fields in astrophysics."

This response directly connects your research interests with ongoing projects and facilities at Caltech. It also shows you’ve done your research on faculty members and their work.

12) What can you bring to this research group?

Focus on your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will contribute to the research group's success. Let's choose the field of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University for this example.

"As a prospective member of the Biomedical Engineering research group at Johns Hopkins University, I bring a unique combination of skills and experiences. My expertise in microfluidics, honed during my Master’s research, aligns well with the group’s focus on developing lab-on-a-chip devices for medical diagnostics. I have also co-authored two papers in this field, demonstrating my ability to contribute to high-impact research. Additionally, my experience in a start-up environment, where I worked on developing portable diagnostic tools, has equipped me with a practical understanding of translating research into applications. I thrive in collaborative settings, often bringing interdisciplinary insights that foster innovative problem-solving. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the group’s ongoing projects and introducing fresh perspectives to advance our understanding and application of biomedical technology."

This response shows your relevant expertise, ability to work in a team, and the unique perspectives you can offer, positioning you as a valuable addition to the research group.

13) Do you have any questions for us?

Asking good questions demonstrates your motivation. It also shows that you’ve given some genuine consideration to the project and/or program you’re applying to.

Some questions you can ask the interviewer include:

What will the supervision arrangements be for the project?
What kind of training and skills sessions are offered as part of the PhD program?
How many other PhD students has this supervisor seen to completion?
Are there any major developments or partnerships planned for the department?
Are there likely to be any changes to the funding arrangements for the project?
What opportunities will I have for presenting my research?

What to wear to a PhD interview

Wear formal attire for a PhD interview. Your best bet is to wear a suit. A navy blue suit is the best and most versatile option. No matter your gender, a suit is always very professional.

For men, wear a suit with a tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. For women, wear a suit (pantsuit or skirt suit) with a blouse, or conservative dress, and closed-toe shoes.

When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. The goal is to make a professional impression and feel confident, without your attire distracting from the conversation.

What to expect from a PhD interview

At its core, a PhD interview will consist of questions that allow your potential supervisors to get to know you better and have an understanding of what you’d like to study, why you’ve chosen your field of study, and whether you’d be a good fit for the PhD program.

You should expect general questions to help the interviewer get a sense of your likes and dislikes, and your overall personality.

Next, expect questions about your personal motivations for studying a PhD. Your interviewer will also be interested in any relevant experience you have to qualify you to study this PhD.

In the next section, expect questions about your PhD project. You should be prepared to discuss your project idea in detail and demonstrate to the interviewer that you are the ideal candidate.

Last but not least, the interviewer will discuss your future ambitions and give you an opportunity to ask questions. Remember that this interview goes both ways.

It’s important to ask the interviewer relevant questions to show your engagement and the serious consideration you are giving their program.

You are preparing to spend several years of your life at this school. Think about what is important to you and what would make or break your decision to attend this university.

Prepare a list of questions ahead of the interview.

Understanding the interviewer’s point of view

During a PhD interview, interviewers are typically looking for a range of traits that indicate whether you are well-suited for the rigors of a doctoral program and a research career.

These traits include:

Intellectual Curiosity and Passion: A strong enthusiasm for the subject area and a desire to contribute to and expand knowledge in the field.

Research Skills and Experience: Demonstrable skills in conducting research, including designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results. Prior research experience relevant to the PhD topic is often a plus.

Resilience and Perseverance: The capacity to handle setbacks and challenges, which are common in research, and to persist in the face of difficulties.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Although PhD research can be quite independent, the ability to work well with others, including advisors, faculty, and other students, is crucial.

Self-Motivation and Independence: The drive to work independently, manage one's own project, and stay motivated over the long term.

Fit with the Program: Alignment of the candidate’s research interests and goals with the strengths and focus of the PhD program and faculty.

These traits not only indicate your readiness for a PhD program but also your potential to contribute meaningfully to their field of study and succeed in a research-oriented career.

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22 Nursing Interview Questions, Answers and Tips To Prepare

March 22, 2024
In Interviewing

Nursing Interview Questions And Answers Image

Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career? Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional, preparing for a nursing interview can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of the most common nursing interview questions and provide expert tips on how to answer them effectively.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Table of contents

General tips for nursing interviews

Common nursing interview questions and answers.

Nursing interview questions for new grads

Behavioral nursing interview questions

Ethical nursing interview questions, personal nursing interview questions, critical thinking nursing interview questions.

When preparing for a nursing interview, there are several key tips to keep in mind. Here are some important considerations:

Research the organization : Before your interview, take the time to research the organization you are applying to. Familiarize yourself with their mission, values, and any recent news or developments. This will demonstrate your interest in the organization and help you tailor your answers to align with their goals.
Dress professionally : It’s important to make a good first impression by dressing professionally for your nursing interview. Choose appropriate attire that reflects the level of professionalism expected in the healthcare industry.
Review your resume and be prepared to discuss it : Be prepared to discuss your resume in detail during the interview. Review your past experiences, skills, and accomplishments , and be ready to provide specific examples that highlight your qualifications for the nursing position.
Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer : At the end of the interview, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. It’s important to come prepared with thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and organization. This is also an opportunity for you to gather more information about the position and the work environment.

Related: 20+ Essential Nursing Skills for Your Resume [2024]

During a nursing interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions to assess your qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. Below are some common nursing interview questions:

What are your nursing qualifications and experience?

The interviewer wants to understand your background and experience in nursing. Be prepared to discuss your education, certifications, previous work experience, and any specialized training or skills you have acquired.

How do you handle difficult or challenging patients?

Describe your approach to handling such situations, emphasizing the importance of compassion, patience, and effective communication. Provide examples of how you have successfully managed difficult patient interactions in the past.

How do you prioritize patient care?

Explain your approach to prioritization, emphasizing the importance of assessing patient needs, collaborating with the healthcare team, and managing time effectively.

How do you handle medical emergencies?

Describe your experience and training in emergency situations, highlighting your ability to remain calm under pressure, follow protocols, and provide prompt and appropriate care.

How do you ensure patient safety?

Discuss your commitment to patient safety, including your adherence to protocols, attention to detail, and proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks. Provide examples of how you have contributed to ensuring patient safety in your previous roles.

Nursing Interview questions for new grads

When preparing for a new grad nursing interview, anticipate questions about your passion for nursing, ability to learn quickly, and skills in communication and problem-solving. Here are common interview questions for new grads in nursing.

Tell me about yourself and why you chose nursing as your career.

What skills and training did you acquire in nursing school, how do you handle complex issues that involve good communication and problem-solving skills.

Behavioral nursing interview questions are designed to assess your skills, experiences, and behaviors in specific situations. Here are some common behavioral nursing interview questions and suggested answers:

Describe a time when you worked as part of a healthcare team to achieve a common goal.

Tell me about a situation where you had to handle conflict with a colleague or supervisor., describe a time when you had to adapt to a change in patient care or treatment plan., how do you communicate complex medical information to patients and their families, tell me about a time when you advocated for a patient’s needs or rights..

Related: 41+ Behavioral Interview Questions and Answers

Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult ethical decision in patient care.

In a challenging ethical situation, it’s crucial to prioritize the well-being and rights of the patient. You can discuss a specific scenario where you had to navigate conflicting ethical considerations, ensuring patient autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.Emphasize the importance of upholding ethical principles and maintaining open communication with the patient and their family to ensure informed decision-making and respectful care

How do you maintain patient confidentiality?

Maintaining patient confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of healthcare practice. You can highlight the significance of safeguarding patients’ healthcare data and the ethical duty not to disclose patient information without authorization.Emphasize the need to ensure the security, privacy, and protection of patients’ healthcare data, especially in the age of fast-evolving information technology. Discuss the importance of obtaining patient consent before disclosing medical information to other healthcare providers actively involved in patient care

How do you handle situations involving patient consent?

When addressing patient consent, emphasize the importance of informed consent to medical treatment as fundamental in both ethics and law. Patients have the right to receive information and ask questions about recommended treatments to make well-considered decisions about their care. Discuss the significance of engaging patients in decisions involving their own care to the greatest extent possible, including when the patient has previously designated a surrogate to make decisions on their behalf. Highlight the ethical and legal aspects of obtaining consent and the exceptions to the requirement for informed consent in specific medical situations

Why did you choose nursing as a profession?

When addressing why you chose nursing as a profession, you can emphasize your passion for helping others and making a positive impact on people’s lives. You might also discuss any personal experiences or influential moments that inspired you to pursue a career in nursing. Highlight the rewarding nature of the job and the potential for stable work opportunities, demonstrating your genuine motivation for entering the field.

What are your long-term career goals in nursing?

In response to this question, you can discuss your long-term aspirations within the nursing profession. Consider mentioning specific professional development goals, such as acquiring skills in advancing technology, obtaining professional certifications, or taking on a management/leadership position. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and self-development to stay current and relevant in the evolving field of nursing.

How do you handle stress and maintain work-life balance?

When addressing stress management and work-life balance, you can share strategies that demonstrate your ability to cope with the demands of the nursing profession. Discuss techniques such as practicing breathing exercises, meditation, regular exercise, and spending time in nature as effective stress-reducing activities. Additionally, emphasize the importance of self-care, maintaining personal time for friends and family, and effective time management to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Critical thinking questions assess problem-solving skills and clinical expertise, aiming to gauge how you handle high-pressure scenarios. Provide real-life examples and express willingness to find answers if unsure.

Related: 12 Hardest Interview Questions and Best Answers

These questions are designed to assess a nurse’s ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and effectively handle complex and high-pressure situations in a healthcare setting. When preparing for your interview, it’s essential to reflect on your experiences and be ready to provide specific examples that demonstrate your critical thinking skills and ability to navigate challenging clinical scenarios.

Remember , when answering nursing interview questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Provide specific examples and focus on the actions you took, the skills you utilized, and the positive outcomes achieved.

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Sample Interview Questions
Why did you decide to become a nurse?
Why did you choose this area of nursing?
What do you know about our organization? Why do you want to work in our hospital and/or community?
What qualities or skills do you possess that will be an asset to you for quickly adapting to the demands of your working environment?
What part(s) of your nursing education did you enjoy the most? What have you learned about yourself while in nursing school?
What have you done in nursing school that has shown initiative?
What does professionalism mean to you?
What nursing organizations do you belong to and how do you stay current in the profession?
What key skills are needed to be an excellent nurse? How have you developed these skills?
What do you value most in a job?
Describe your relationship with your last manager or supervisor.
What type of work environment do you thrive in and what was your best work situation and why?
How would you describe your work ethic and approach towards nursing?
What kinds of management style do you like the most, the least, why?
Describe a situation where you had to work in a team. What role did you play? What were the team dynamics like?
Tell us of a time when you had to give difficult feedback to a coworker.
How do you ask for feedback about your performance from others?
Describe a situation in which you had to prioritize your workload when faced with many demands.
As a nurse you will be in contact with patients with a variety of needs and lifestyles. What kind of patients do you find difficult to work with?
What strategies do you employ to successfully work with diverse populations?
At times patients or their families ask us unexpected questions or make unusual requests that we haven’t dealt with before. Tell me about a time when this has happened to you.
Describe a difficult decision you’ve made and the process you went through to reach that decision.
How would you handle unexpected circumstances, such as being short staffed or having to perform a treatment you have not done before?
Tell us about a difficult situation you have experienced in a clinical or work setting. How did you handle it, what did you learn from it, and how would you implement what you learned in a positive way in the future?
Health care is a service-oriented industry. Tell us of a time you personally created good customer service experience for someone.
Please give an example of when you have offered respect and caring to a patient or a coworker.
How would you describe your weaknesses in terms of clinical skills, and what do you need from us to help address developing those skills?
Tell me about a clinical mistake you made, and what you learned from the experience.
What approach would you take in explaining a complex clinical issue with a patient who does not have a clinical background?
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New grad nurse interview questions.

The ultimate New Grad Nurse interview guide, curated by real hiring managers: question bank, recruiter insights, and sample answers.

Technical / job-specific, describe a time you had to educate a patient with low health literacy. how did you ensure understanding, how do you approach educating a patient who is resistant to making necessary lifestyle changes, how do you teach patients about their medications and potential side effects, how do you handle conflicts with your colleagues, how do you involve the patient's family in their care plan, describe a situation where you had to adapt your nursing practice based on new evidence., describe a situation when you had to make a quick decision in a patient's care., how do you handle situations where you are uncertain about the best course of action for a patient, how do you balance the need for patient autonomy with the need for safe and effective care, how do you perform a head-to-toe assessment on a patient, can you explain the steps of administering medication via iv, how do you prioritize patient care when you have multiple patients with varying needs, what steps do you take to prevent patient falls, describe the process of wound care and dressing change., how do you manage a patient experiencing respiratory distress, behavioral questions, tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient. how did you handle the situation, describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs. what steps did you take, can you give an example of a situation where you had to prioritize multiple patients with conflicting needs how did you approach it, how do you build rapport with other healthcare professionals on your team, describe a time when you had to give feedback to a colleague or team member. how did you approach the situation, can you explain a situation where you had to deal with a difficult coworker or a member of a different department how did you handle it, can you provide an example of a time when you had to quickly adapt to a new situation or environment, tell us about a time when you identified a problem in patient care and implemented a solution. what was the outcome, can you describe a time when you had to make a critical decision in patient care what was your thought process.

Patient Education
Communication and Collaboration
Evidence-Based Practice
Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Nursing Skills
Patient Care
Teamwork and Collaboration
Adaptability and Problem-Solving

Search New Grad Nurse Interview Questions

Want to test your knowledge? We've chosen ten New Grad Nurse interview questions in a random order that you can use as practice. As you go through the questions, say your answers out loud to practice your responses. Stuck on a question? Check out the insights or sample answers for hints. After you've attempted each question, read the sample answer to brush up your understanding. Let's dive in!

Interview Questions on Patient Education

Interview Questions on Communication and Collaboration

Interview Questions on Evidence-Based Practice

Interview questions on critical thinking and decision making.

Interview Questions on Nursing Skills

Interview questions on patient care, interview questions on teamwork and collaboration, interview questions on adaptability and problem-solving, interview guides similar to new grad nurse roles.

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Preparing for Your Interview

We know how exciting and intimidating (did we mention exciting?) the hiring process can be as a new grad. You're one step closer to that first job and starting your career as a nurse. Interviews are your opportunity to convey your experience, competencies, and interests in a clear and professional manner. The ability to do this requires an understanding of the process, proper preparation and following best practices. That's why we created this guide to clarify the overall interview process. Let's start with covering what the process might look like and who is involved.

Interview Process Overview ‍

The Purpose of the Interview We don’t need to reiterate how important and impactful interviews can be - for both future employment but also professional and personal development. But it’s worth deeply considering the purpose of the process. It’s a formal, but often brief, opportunity for potential employers and co-workers to understand who you are, what motivates you, how you operate, what your strengths/values are, how they manifest, and why you’re passionate about pursuing that particular opportunity. As a new grad, they’re less interested in your clinical exposure and experience (or lack thereof) and more looking to understand your critical thinking and professionalism, what you’ll bring to the organization, how quickly you’ll be able to learn and adapt, what growth within the organization can and will look like for you, and how you’ll amplify strengths and fill gaps. The other purpose of the interview is an often under-acknowledged one - the opportunity for you to understand if it’s an environment and position where you can learn in a supported environment, grow in a way that aligns with your goals, operates along values that align with your own, and requires competencies and responsibilities that are within your qualifications but still challenge you to grow as a professional and individual.

people having an interview discussing nurse resume new grad nurse interviews

When You Can Expect to Start Interviewing It’s likely that you won’t be interviewing until after you’ve graduated and passed the NCLEX. The rationale for this is that most new grad programs or facilities aren’t willing to start the hiring process until you’re licensed and to ensure that you're qualified to work at the time they're ready to start the process. If you have the opportunity to interview earlier, it's definitely something to pursue. (If you read the previous part of our new grad series, you'll remember that some residency programs interview up to six months prior to the hiring date.) Who's Involved in the Interview Process Most interviewing processes involve several people, either throughout the various stages or all at once in the form of a panel. For formal new grad programs, most hospitals conduct panel interviews often comprised of a:

Charge nurse
Nurse manager
Unit or department educators
Representative from a family council committee (this person may or may not be involved in the interview process depending on the hospital)

Alternative hiring processes typically contain various stages, beginning in Human Resources with a pre-screen, a more formal interview, and ultimately a final in-person interview.

Preparing For Your Interview ‍

If possible, begin preparing at least one to two weeks prior to the scheduled interview. This will give you enough time to do some formal research and become comfortable with the organization as well as enough time to practice a variety of questions and possible answers. Don’t fret about memorizing or knowing how you’re going to answer any one question word for word. It’s most important that you are prepared to speak knowledgeably and confidently about what you anticipate being asked. This way, it also comes across as more genuine and relatable rather than scripted or forced. ‍ 1. Do Your Research ‍ Research the institution, specialty, and patient population. Know specifics about why you want to work there and what you will contribute as an employee there. When you interview, you want to demonstrate that you are knowledgeable and invested (rather than just applying for any job that will hire you). Doing your research beforehand will also demonstrate your competency of diligence - an especially important one for nurses. This can show that you’ve ensured it's a good fit for you and opportunity to convey that you have taken the initiative to reach out to the appropriate people or resources to find answers. A highly recommended strategy is to leverage your alumni network to conduct informal interviews about their experiences, career trajectories, places of employment, and advice. It may also be an opportunity to shadow them or have them connect you to a manager or other staff who could also answer questions and round out your perspective. 2. Think About Your Personality & Traits Whether it’s understanding your Myers-Briggs, True Colors, or StrengthsFinders coupled with candid feedback from mentors, family, friends and colleagues, utilize various resources to help you get up close and personal with your strengths and areas where you’re not naturally as strong. Consider five qualities as an employee and human that you hope to express, and spend time thinking about verbal and non-verbal ways in which you can highlight these qualities. Be sure to consider the following:

Personal strengths
Weaknesses and areas for improvement you're actively working on
Professional goals
Passion and interest for that specific opportunity
Experience and interest with a particular patient population
Passions and hobbies and how you are involved and grow these
Near and long-term professional and personal goals

3. Think of Specific Examples to Potential Questions Recall experiences to be prepared to provide specific examples for the competencies or situations below:

Collaboration
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Ability to learn quickly
Family-centered care or patient advocacy
Inclusivity and cultural or religious considerations in healthcare delivery
Communication and conflict resolution
Research involvement or data analysis

Pare down how you describe these scenarios to keep them clear and concise:

Use the acronyms SOAR (Situation, Obstacles, Actions, Results) or STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your answers, and try to keep your answers to a two-four minute maximum.
Think of how to frame your answers in the most positive light possible. If you made a mistake, disagreed with someone, or had a negative experience, do not elaborate on the negative, but be concise in setting the scene to get to the lesson learned and the reason that the experience stretched you in a positive way.
Practice delivering your answers and modifying them to respond to a variety of questions. Stage mock interviews with friends, friends of friends, or family. Sometimes it's helpful to do mock interviews with strangers - this could be at your university career center or by the arrangement of a friend.

4. Anticipate Follow-Up Questions Hiring and training a new grad nurse can be an expensive (yet extremely important) endeavor. Consider how you can demonstrate a commitment to learning, how you will optimize your participation in the program, and how you can and will contribute back to the organization (the facility is investing in you, so how are you going to invest in them?). 5. Prepare Your Own Questions They will be expected. Ensure they’re thoughtful, specific to those interviewing you, and are the ones you’re genuinely curious about. They should be based on what you have/have not been able to find out from your research (and what information you need to know in order to accept a position). If more pertinent questions come up during the interview, those are great to ask and follow up on. 6. Practice Practice answering questions, asking questions, introducing yourself, shaking hands, giving an overview of your resume. All of it! You don’t want the interview to be the first time you’re going through it all top to bottom. What To Wear Plan your outfit ahead of time! There are enough variables out of your control but this is one you can have ticked and tied and not have to give a second thought to once decided on. Ultimately, it's important that you are comfortable and whatever you wear helps you to feel confident. Here are some helpful guidelines:

It is recommended to wear a suit with a jacket (women included) and closed-toed dress shoes (flats or low heels are usually preferable to heels for comfort, stability, and practicality), especially in a healthcare facility.
Necklines (or the number of buttons left open) and skirt lengths should be professional.
It is appropriate (and tasteful) to consider wearing a tie and/or minimal jewelry (especially avoiding facial jewelry), covering tattoos, applying minimal makeup, and cleaning nails/nail beds.
Wear your hair in such a way that it is not a temptation for fidgeting and does not become a nuisance by falling into your face.

What to Bring

Multiple copies of your resume
A notepad or notebook

Plan Your Day

Plan the route and mode of transportation well in advance. No matter how awesome you are, showing up late for an interview is a bad look and difficult to recover from. And we all know that there are things out of our control when it comes to transportation and commuting. Plan to give yourself more than enough time. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to post up in a coffee shop or cafe and review notes and calm your nerves.
Go to bed early, even if your interview isn’t in the morning. You’ll look and feel your best with sufficient sleep.
Use the restroom beforehand. Take a couple deep breaths and smile while looking in the mirror. Science shows that the body responds mentally and emotionally to what it does physically.

During the Interview ‍

It's natural to feel nervous in your first interview, but don't stress. Here are some best practices and things to keep in mind as you head into the interview room.

Smile. Remember that first impressions are important, and smiling will also help to calm and instill confidence.
Make eye contact with each interviewer and shake their hands firmly, expressing both confidence and warmth. Share your enthusiasm to be there and your appreciation of their time.
Focus on listening. Try to listen to the questions without getting distracted trying to think of answers at the same time. If needed, summarize the question(s) out loud for clarification (to make sure you understand what is being asked), and then pause if you need to think. Don’t be afraid to say, “That is a good question – let me think for a moment” and pause for a few seconds to formulate your thoughts. In fact, it’s far better than fumbling through a mediocre or directionless answer to a question.
Keep it concise. Avoid rambling or feeling like you need to over-answer or explain.
Shake each interviewer’s hand upon your exit and ask for business cards or contact information if you do not already have emails for each person. This will be important for following up.

After the Interview ‍

So, you made it through the interview, but that doesn't mean you're done just yet. There are still a few things left to do to make sure you've made as great an impression as possible with your interviewers.

Write down your notes, takeaways, and thoughts. Especially any specifics that you will want to refer to in your follow-up notes. Reflect on the interview and any questions that you feel you could have answered better. Consider what each interviewer brought to the conversation or shared about their experience. Ponder your impressions of each person and what it would be like to work with them. Use these ideas to inform your thank-you notes.
Within 24 hours, but preferably by the end of the business day, draft and send thank-you notes to your interviewer(s). Email your point of contact at the hospital and request the emails. The key will be remembering names (you may consider writing these down as soon as you leave the site of the interview). Thank them for their time and the opportunity to interview. Share something you learned/took away from the experience. Express your continued enthusiasm about the job.
Wait patiently to hear back, but do not be afraid to follow up if do not hear back within the expected timeframe. The interviewers may not reply to your thank-you emails (none of mine did!), and this does not necessarily reflect on your performance.
Treat yourself – you worked hard and did your best!

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Aug 7, 2022

How to Answer ANY Clinical Scenario Question in a New Grad Nursing Interview

Updated: Mar 9, 2023

Parts 2-4 of this video down below:

The key that helps a nurse give a good interview is understanding why the interviewer is asking the question, and what they need to hear from the candidate.

Let’s start with the scariest question first. The clinical scenario question! Most interviews have some version of the clinical scenario question.

These questions are super intimidating for new grads because what new nurses don’t realize is that when they walk into the room, what they see is the same information that an attending physician sees.

There are many versions of this question, but you answer them all the same, so don’t let this question intimidate you! This question may look like:

What would you do if you found your patient vomiting?

What would you do if you found your patient vomiting blood?

What would you do if you found your patient bleeding?

Why do we Ask this Question?

What we are assessing for is whether you freeze. If you look stunned and we can tell your mind is either blank or going in a thousand directions, but you can’t think of anything to say, that tells us you aren’t ready. As an interviewer, there are 3 questions I ask myself. Do I trust this person? Do I want to work with this person? Do I think it would be fair to this person to give them the job? By that last question, I mean if I choose this candidate, am I setting them up to fail because they are just not ready to handle this job? Retention is a huge issue for new nurses, and we need to know the we are picking the candidate we can set up for success.

No Lone Rangers!

Another thing we REALLY don’t want to hear from you is that you will try to handle the situation all by yourself. As a charge nurse, it worries us to have a floor nurse who doesn’t tell us when their patients are unstable. For example, when we find out a patient’s blood pressure has been unstable for an hour, and they never escalated it or got any help because they thought they could handle it. Nursing is a team effort, and things need to be escalated quickly, so that there aren’t delays in care and possibly death. We definitely want to see that you know that your role is to get the right people in the room when things go south.

The Formula

Are you ready for how to answer every single one of these questions while checking all of the boxes that your interviewer needs to hear? Write these steps down! I’ll list them out, and then we will go through each one and run through the scenarios listed above.

Call for help, stay at the bedside, assess the patient, perform an appropriate intervention, and call the MD and anticipate what they will order.

Call for help: The scariest new grads are the ones who don’t ask for help when they are in trouble. Your job as a new grad is not to handle everything by yourself and know what to do in every situation on day one. Your job is to know when your patient is in trouble and get help. If your charge finds out you’ve had a patient who has been unconscious, has unstable vital signs, is bleeding out, is seizing, or anything that requires immediate attention, and you have been trying to handle it alone without telling your charge, doctor, or rapid response, you are in trouble! This causes a delay in care and may lead to death. We can’t help you if we don’t know your patient is in trouble. Now this is where it gets tricky. How do you know who you need to notify and how? You have a few options and it’s better to er on the side of caution.

Rapid response: Typically one nurse and one respiratory therapist whose job is to help with emergency clinical situations. It’s almost always a good idea to loop them in these scenarios. If you think something could be going on with your patient that could turn south later, you should have this patient on rapid response’s radar.

Charge nurse: Your charge nurse is your resource once you graduate having a preceptor orient you. Whenever I am charge, and I notice one of my nurses has an unstable patient, I ask how I can help. If they left me out of it, it would be inappropriate. My job is to support the floor nurses in keeping their patients safe. They can press the call button and ask for someone to send me in, they can call me, they can ask the nursing assistant to come get me, or in emergencies they can press the staff assist button and all available nurses will come running to that room. Staff assist is alarming and a bit disruptive because everyone drops what they are doing with their own patients and comes to save your patient. The staff assist button usually saved for when you don’t have the luxury of pulling out your phone and calling your charge nurse. For example if a patient is trying to strangle you, if a patient is bleeding out and you need to hold pressure and your hands are too bloody to use a phone, if your patient is having a seizure and you are too busy protecting their head and airway to use your phone, your patient is choking and turning blue with a low spO2. Things like that. The staff assist button is usually next to the code blue button. If a patient has lost a pulse or has stopped breathing, call a code blue. Always loop in your charge when something unexpected and concerning is happening with your patient.

MD: It’s a good idea to let the doctor know about any changes in condition. This should happen quickly if it’s something concerning. You should follow an SBAR format letting the doctor know what is happening, what the patient is here for (they should already know), your assessment (what you see in the patient, what happened, vitals, labs, neuro check changes), and what you recommend (would you like EKG, CXR, labs).

Stay at the bedside: While it’s important to be aware of the patient’s latest labs and doctor’s notes, you don’t want to give the impression that you would see a patient that is unstable, and then in response go to the nurse’s station to do a chart dig at the computer while leaving that patient alone.

Assess the patient: Your assessment is going to vary depending on what the question is, but it’s always a good idea to start with vitals, to assess how oriented the patient is, and then go from there to decide if you might need to do a neuro check, a blood sugar, an EKG or any other assessment. Your assessment should be focused on what you see and we will go through examples with each scenario.

Perform an appropriate intervention: You have so many things you are allowed to do without a doctor’s order. Think about position changes. Are they having trouble breathing? Sit them up! Seizure? Turn them on their side. Mention these little things that you would do while waiting to hear from the doctor for extra points!

Call the MD and anticipate what they will order: If a patient is exhibiting anything unexpected, the doctor needs to know.

Now all of that may have seemed vague and overwhelming, but you’ll get the idea and see the pattern when we go through scenarios.

Ok, let’s follow the formula. Get help, stay, assess, intervene, and notify.

Get help: “I would quickly sit my patient up to protect their airway and grab a bucket. While I did that, I would press the call button and ask for the charge nurse to grab zofran. Once she’s at bedside I would loop her in on what I’d seen and possible causes. (New med, infection, no B.M. in a week, increased feeding tube rate). I’d also pause the tube feeding if the patient had been hooked up to it.”

Assess: “I’d like to grab vital signs, ask about pain, do a quick neuro assessment, and ask the patient what they think may have caused it. I’d make sure to take a look at the color and consistency of the emesis.”

Perform: “I’d make sure to keep the head of the bed at least 30 degrees to prevent aspiration.”

Call the M.D. and anticipate: “I’d let the doctor know the patient vomited, quantity, color, and consistency. I’d ask for an antiemetic if not previously ordered, and let the doc know zofran was given if that was the case. I would let them know of any usual assessment findings and ask if they would like any additional workup at this time. I’d keep in mind that depending on findings they may want an abdominal X-ray, an EKG, to discontinue a new medication that has nausea as a side effect, or a change in tube feeding rate.”

Get help: “I would sit my patient up and grab a bucket. While doing this I would call my charge nurse for extra help.”

Assess: “The first thing I would want to do is take vitals. Is the blood pressure low? Is the heart rate high? Are they dizzy? Does the pain have new abdominal pain? Is the patient oriented? Have they aspirated? Is the O2 sat ok?”

Perform: "I would position my patient in a way that they can protect their airway and they aren’t at risk for falling.”

Call the M.D. and anticipate: “I would loop in rapid response, and let them know background, hematemesis, and current assessment findings. I’d ask that they come to bedside to see the patient. I would also page the team saying ‘Re: pt. Anderson in 814-1. Large coffee ground emesis x1. BP 86/48 (61), HR 122, new 10/10 LUQ abd pain. Would you like a CBC? Blood? Fluids? Please come to bedside to assess. Thank you!’”

Get help: “I would press the call button and ask for the charge nurse while I try to figure out where the blood is coming from.”

Assess: “I’d take a look at how much blood had been lost and look until I find where exactly the blood is coming from. While doing this, I would talk to the patient to assess orientation and try to see what info they can give about what happened. I would apply just enough pressure with gauze at the site to stop the bleeding. I’d ask my charge to help me grab vital signs and I would ask about pain and dizziness. I would also think about what bleeding risks this patient might have (did they have a recent procedure, are they on a blood thinner, do they have any clotting disorders?).

Perform: “I would make sure the patient is in a position where they are not at risk for falling because they may because dizzy.”

Call the M.D. and anticipate: “I would ask rapid response to come to bedside to assist. I would also page the team alerting them to the situation and asking for help, “Pt. found with partially dehisced abd. wound. About 30 cc blood on sheets. Currently holding pressure at site. BP 170/96 (121). Complaining of new 10/10 abd. pain. Please come to bedside to assess. Would you like CBC? Coags? Blood? Fluids? Thank you!”

The more comfortable you get with the formula, the less anxious these questions will make you. As long as when you hear this question, you don’t let it intimidate you, and you just walk through the formula, you’ll show hiring managers what need to hear from you.

It’s not expected that you will go in the room and know exactly what is wrong with the patient and exactly what to do. It’s just expected that you get help, stay with the patient, assess and see what extra info and context you can gather, intervene how you can, and page the docs to let them advise you from there.

Post a comment if there are any other scenarios you’d like to see in another video!

Nursing interview questions & how to answer them

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

2. “what makes you a good nurse”, 3. “what are your strengths”, 4. “do you work well with other team members”, 5. “how would you handle a difficult patient”, 6. “how do you deal with workplace stress”, 7. “where do you see yourself in five years”, 8. “how do you handle a crisis or an outbreak”, 9. “what’s the hardest thing about being a nurse”, 10. “what do you find rewarding about being a nurse”, supercharge your healthcare career by acing these common questions .

Ready to dip your toes into the world of healthcare? Once you’ve applied for a nursing job and landed an interview, you need to prepare answers to nursing interview questions. You don’t want to stumble over your words and bumble through the event. Just like on the actual job, during the interview you need to be cool, calm, and prepared for anything the hiring manager has to throw at you.

So, you’ve passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and you’re about to launch your nursing career. Alternatively, maybe you’ve been working in the sector for a matter of years and you’re ready for a brand new challenge. Either way, you will need to ace your nursing interview before you get the job. Luckily, we’ve got you covered here.

At Resume.io , we have everything you need to boost your career prospects STAT. No matter how far along you are in your nursing career, we’ve got expert-backed advice to help you excel. Within this guide, we will cover the following topics:

Popular nursing interview questions that you may be asked
Example answers for each of the nurse interview questions
Handy statistics and research to help empower your job search
The questions you should ask the hiring manager at your interview.

Be confident about your value by tracking wins

The most common nursing interview questions and answers

Before you put on your glad rags and head to the interview, you need to do a little homework. Getting to grips with the most common nursing interview questions won’t take you too long. In this section, we’ve included the questions that you may well get asked along with some example answers. Why not practice your responses ahead of time?

First up, it’s one of the most open-ended nursing interview questions: “Tell me about yourself.” When the interviewer utters these four words, they want to know what makes you right for the job and what you plan to bring to the table.

While it’s most likely the first thing a recruiter will ask you, this question requires an in-depth yet concise answer. You don’t want to do a whole soapbox speech, but you do need to let the interviewer know that you have what it takes to succeed.

I recently graduated from nursing school and have a 3.53 GPA. While studying I volunteered at a child care facility where I learned a wealth of hands-on customer care skills. As part of my education, I undertook a placement at a local hospital and received positive feedback from my superiors. During this time, I was commended on my initiative and unfaltering dedication to providing patient clarity and communication.

I have experience in managing tough workloads and prioritizing different patients’ needs. While this can be a difficult part of the job, I always keep a cool head and approach challenges using logic. I am currently looking for a permanent position at a teaching hospital, where I can hone my skills and work hard to deliver top results.

You’ve answered one of the most difficult nursing interview questions. Now it’s time to showcase your passion for the sector. When a recruiter asks you what makes you a good nurse, they are really asking what motivates you. Highlight the core reason you chose this career, the caring attributes you have, and any special nursing skills you’ve got under your belt. Don’t be afraid to throw in some anecdotes to back up any of your claims here.

I’ve always been a naturally caring person and — as a teenager — I helped look after my sick grandmother in her final months. Shortly afterward, I volunteered at the hospice that had looked after her on a part-time basis. It was there that I realized my dream to become a nurse.

I am well-suited to the position as I understand the care system well, have a nurturing approach to patient support, and know how to manage my time. I can handle difficult situations with ease and will always put the comfort of patients before anything else.

When we talk about nursing job interview questions, it’s important not to overlook the generic ones. Chances are, the recruiter will throw in the odd “ what are your strengths ” question to get a general feel for you as an employee. Here’s your chance to toot your own horn. For every skill that you list, be sure to back it up with some supporting evidence.

If you want to stand out from the crowd — and you absolutely do — include your Unique Selling Point (USP). What do you have that other candidates do not? For instance, you may have an in-depth knowledge of maternity care or end-of-life care. Be specific here!

I’m a natural-born problem-solver. When I come up against a difficult situation, I use logic to overcome the issue. For example, if I’m dealing with multiple patients who need help at the same time, I prioritize them in order of their needs and work my way through this list. I’ve found this to be the most effective way of supporting large groups of people.

Additionally, I have a deep knowledge of maternity care — having previously worked in a busy ward and having two children myself. I understand the strain that labor puts on mothers and am well-versed in how to tend to their needs. I also have a compassionate approach to patient care and am all-too-happy to talk them through intricate processes.

If you want to make it in the fast-paced world of nursing, teamwork is an essential skill . Recruiters will want to know how to collaborate with others before sealing the deal. The key to answering this nursing interview question is highlighting your supporting skill set. That includes communication , intrapersonal skills, and the ability to adapt to others’ needs.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned working in a busy ER unit is the importance of communication. The moment new patients come in, we need to assess their priority levels and needs quickly. There’s not a moment to spare. I pride myself on my ability to effectively communicate well with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.

The number one priority is always delivering the most appropriate care to each patient. I’ve learned that it takes a level of flexibility. By working alongside doctors and listening to their expert advice, I am able to offer the highest level of care and help to each one.

Weaknesses: What to say when interviewers ask

Don’t be caught off guard by this common interview question about your professional weaknesses. Take advantage of the opportunity to prepare a game-changing answer that turns the interview in your favor.

Here’s one of the top questions to ask a nurse. When you’re working in healthcare, you’re on the frontline, dealing with patients. While that is often a fulfilling feat, you may come up against difficult people. Managing these patients’ expectations will take high levels of compassion, empathy, and communication. Try to draw upon a relevant experience you have had — if applicable – or imagine how you might deal with a fictitious scenario.

While working in a maternity ward, I dealt with a new mother who constantly demanded my attention. When I was doing my rounds, she kept calling me over and asking what I was doing or whether something was wrong. If I didn’t stop what I was doing immediately, she became irritable with me.

I quickly learned that the patient was struggling with anxiety and needed reassurance. At that point, I took a few minutes to sit with her and listen to her concerns. It turned out that she was worried about the health of her newborn. I provided her with resources to help her and offered a patient ear as she described her fears. After speaking to me, she was much calmer and no longer called me over while I was continuing my shift.

Nursing is far from easy — and it can take its toll on your emotional health. 75 percent of nurses have experienced stress due to their job, according to recent data. So, when a recruiter is hiring, this is one of the most common questions to ask a nurse. You need to prove that you are resilient and know some stress-management techniques. Be honest about the approaches you have found useful and explain how they work for you.

Having worked as a nurse for five years, I’m no stranger to the demands of the job. Finding a work-life balance has always been important in managing my emotional health. To ‘switch off’ after a challenging shift, I find mindfulness meditation to be helpful. I actually use an app to meditate daily and get some grounding. In my free time, I enjoy swimming and exercising, which I find helps me to balance my stress levels.

During my nursing studies, I attended a seminar on stress management and the importance of self-regulation. The speaker gave advice on how to leave work at work and how to use your social support system. I’ve taken these vital lessons into my career.

Among the most common nursing interview questions, you will find this classic. Employers expect you to have a five-year plan . This is their way of asking you what it is. While you don’t have to be ultra-specific, sharing your career vision is important.

The interviewer wants to know whether you enjoy nursing enough to stick with it. After all, if you’re looking to career hop some time soon, you will be a bad investment for them. With that in mind, be clear that you see a future for yourself within the healthcare sector.

In five years’ time, I would hope to be a senior nurse within your team, overseeing a few staff members. I noticed that you have career advancement opportunities in the job description and I would take the opportunity to bolster my leadership skills. Having honed my skills as a nurse, I would love the chance to share that knowledge with new trainees.

As a nurse, you need to be prepared for every scenario. Dealing with an epidemic, pandemic, or any other outbreak is part of the job. If you have nursing experience in recent years, chances are, you have already dealt with the impact of COVID-19. You can draw upon this when answering the questions and you can comment on what you’ve learned. Interviewers want to know that you understand the safety procedures and can manage the workload.

Like all departments, mine felt pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team had to work extra shifts to cover absences caused by staff members testing positive. While that was a challenge, we pulled together as a team and supported each other.

Since I had previous experience working with vulnerable adults, my manager put me in a busy ward with new inpatients. I was charged with sharing details with family members and general healthcare of those with the virus. Thanks to our seamless procedures, I was able to protect my own health — and that of those around me — while working in this ward. We were well-versed in which PPE to wear and the safety processes.

How to answer almost any interview question

You got the interview! Now you’re excited and a bit nervous. Calm the jitters and impress the hiring manager with preparation. We’ve compiled dozens of interview questions and sample answers to guide you through the process and get that job.

Let’s not beat around the bush — nursing is hard. A massive 2.7 million nurses in the US feel burned out. When you enter this role, you will quickly learn that it can be extremely demanding. Your job includes long shifts, tiring work, and challenging scenarios. So, when an interviewer asks you this question, you need to show that you understand that fact. Layout why you believe that nursing is hard and demonstrate how you manage it.

To be honest, I believe that the emotional strain is the hardest part of nursing. When you’re dealing with patients and their families, it can be tough. You often have to deliver difficult news or support people in their darkest hours. I’ve found that the more mentally healthy I am, the better I can cope with these situations. For that reason, I focus on establishing a solid work-life balance and taking time out to rest when I need it.

It’s not all doom and gloom. Here’s one of the most likely nursing job interview questions you will get. Working in healthcare is extremely rewarding. When a hiring manager asks you this question, it’s time to show off how passionate you are about the role and why you do it. You may want to throw in a few anecdotes to back up this interview answer.

As a nurse, I support people during the toughest periods of their life. For me, being able to give patients peace of mind and hope when things are hard is endlessly rewarding. Helping to calm people’s fears and giving them the information that they need is always a pleasure. I realize that it is equally difficult for a patient’s family members so I also dedicate time to giving them the advice and support they need. I can’t imagine a more rewarding and fulfilling role — it is a career that keeps giving.

Questions you should ask the employer at a nursing interview

As your nursing interview draws to a close, the hiring manager may hit you with one final thing: “Do you have any questions?” The answer should be a resounding yes. Asking questions shows that you have a genuine interest in the position for which you’re applying.

Before you head to the interview, consider what you would like to know about the role. The more questions you can note down, the better. Here are some examples to think about:

What training or career advancement programs do you offer here?
What growth opportunities — if any — will be available for nurses?
Can you tell me about the workplace culture at this hospital?
What is your managerial style?
How can I best prepare for a role within this hospital?
How long are the shifts and how is the shift pattern determined?
How do you measure success among your nursing staff?
What is the company policy when it comes to overtime?
What are the next steps in the interview and hiring process?

When the recruiter answers the above questions, be sure to practice active listening . It’s not only about you saying the right things. Demonstrate that you know how to take in information by asking follow-up questions and continuing the wider conversation.

You're meeting with someone who is judging you. Judging your character, your work ethic. Here are 7 interview skills that will get you hired in 2024.

The takeaway

1. Landing a nursing job doesn’t have to be hard. When you are qualified, make sure you know how to answer the common nursing interview questions.

2. Whenever possible, add evidence to your answers. That could be statistical backing or even anecdotes from your experience so far.

3. Prepare your answers well in advance and practice for your interview early on.

4. Make sure you have questions for the interviewer to show your interest in the role.

How to answer “What are your career goals?”

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sample nursing interview questions & tips
4 Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers
Interview Questions for Nurses (How to Answer to Nail Your Interview)
Nursing interview questions and answers
Top 10 Nursing Interview Questions, Answers and Tips
10 Common Nursing Interview Questions and Answers Nurse on a Coffee Break

COMMENTS

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2. Compassionate personality: At the heart of every good nurse is a personality that demonstrates empathy and compassion. Some of the new grad nurse interview questions the interviewer asks will likely be used to determine your ability to show compassion toward others. 3. Someone who is willing to be a team player:
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I always try to do my best in everything I do.". The interviewer may ask this question to establish your confidence in your abilities and character. The best way to tackle this answer is to point out your good qualities relevant to nursing and not be arrogant. 3.
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Prepare potential questions. Employers prefer candidates who are engaged in the conversation. Ask about the nurse-to-patient ratio, onboarding, performance evaluations, nurse retention, flexibility with schedules, why the organization is an excellent place to work, and the potential for advancement. Dress for success and act professionally.
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13. Tell me about a time when you stepped up to fill a leadership role at work. As a nurse, you may be asked to lead your team or other members of the hospital staff. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience with leadership and management. In your answer, explain what made you step up as a leader.
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Common nursing interview questions and answers. During a nursing interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions to assess your qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. ... Sample Answer: "As a new graduate nurse, I prioritize clear and timely communication, along with effective problem-solving, within the healthcare ...
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1. "Tell me about yourself.". First up, it's one of the most open-ended nursing interview questions: "Tell me about yourself.". When the interviewer utters these four words, they want to know what makes you right for the job and what you plan to bring to the table.