Behavioral Nursing Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Nursing interviews are crucial steps in the hiring process, allowing employers to measure not only your clinical skills but also your interpersonal abilities — and overall fit for the healthcare team.  

The purpose of behavioral nursing interview questions is to gauge how you’ve managed situations in the past, since past behavior is often the best predictor of future performance. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to expect from behavioral interview questions and how to prepare for them effectively. 

Understanding behavioral nursing interview questions 

Behavioral nursing interview questions focus on your past experiences and actions in specific situations. Unlike traditional interview questions that might ask about general skills or hypothetical scenarios, behavioral questions require you to provide concrete examples from your past work or clinical experiences. The premise is that your previous behavior and problem-solving approaches will provide insight into how you’ll perform in the future. 

Examples of behavioral nursing interview questions: 

• "Can you describe a time when you had to manage a challenging patient?" 
• "Give me an example of a time when you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal." 
• "Describe a situation where you had to work in a high-pressure environment." 

The STAR method 

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an approach designed to answer behavioral nursing interview questions. This approach helps ensure your responses are clear and concise, so that you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively. 

STAR breakdown: 

• Situation: Describe the context or background of the situation. 
• Task: Explain the task or challenge you faced or what your role was. 
• Action: Detail the specific steps you took to address the task. 
• Result: Share the outcomes or results of your actions. 

Common behavioral nursing interview questions and responses 

Below are common behavioral nursing interview questions, along with tips on how to answer them using the STAR method. 

Describe a time when you had to care for a difficult patient. 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Briefly explain the context, such as the patient’s condition or behavior. 
• Task: Outline your responsibility in the situation. 
• Action: Detail the steps you took to manage the patient’s behavior or condition. 
• Result: Highlight the positive outcome of your actions. 

Example response: During my clinical rotation in the emergency department, I encountered a patient who was very agitated and uncooperative due to severe pain. My task was to calm the patient and ensure they received the necessary treatment. I approached the patient calmly, listened to their concerns, and explained each step of the treatment process to alleviate their anxiety. As a result, the patient became more cooperative, and we were able to administer the treatment effectively. 

Share a time when you worked as part of a team to reach a goal. 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Describe the team setting and what the goal was. 
• Task: Elaborate about your role within the team. 
• Action: List the actions you took to contribute to the team’s success. 
• Result: Share the outcome of the team’s efforts. 

Example response: During my time at my previous employer, our unit was tasked with reducing patient readmission rates. As a team, we developed a comprehensive discharge plan for patients with chronic conditions. My role involved coordinating follow-up appointments and educating patients on managing their conditions at home. By working collaboratively, we reduced readmission rates by 20% over six months. 

Can you describe a situation where you had to manage a high-pressure environment? 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Set the scene with the high-pressure context. 
• Task: Explain your responsibility in the situation. 
• Action: List out the steps you took to manage the pressure. 
• Result: Highlight the outcome of your actions. 

Example response: While working in the ICU, we had multiple critical patients admitted simultaneously due to a major accident. My task was to triage the patients and ensure that each one received appropriate care. I quickly assessed the patients, prioritized their needs, and coordinated with my colleagues to distribute tasks efficiently. Despite the intense pressure, we stabilized all the patients and provided high-quality care. 

Tell me about a time when you advocated for a patient. 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Describe the context in which you needed to advocate for the patient. 
• Task: Explain your role and responsibility in advocating for the patient. 
• Action: Share the actions you took to ensure the patient’s needs were met. 
• Result: Detail the outcome of your advocacy efforts. 

Example response: In one instance, a patient was scheduled for a procedure they were not comfortable with. I took the time to discuss their concerns, gathered additional information, and presented it to the medical team. We were able to find an alternative approach that satisfied the patient’s needs and ensured their comfort. 

Describe a time when you had to work with a challenging colleague. 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Briefly explain the context of the conflict. 
• Task: Outline your role in resolving the conflict. 
• Action: Describe the steps you took to manage the issue. 
• Result: Highlight the positive outcome of your actions. 

Example response: Once, I had a disagreement with a colleague about patient care priorities. I approached them privately and initiated a calm and respectful conversation. We discussed our perspectives and agreed on a plan that prioritized patient safety while addressing both of our concerns. This taught me the importance of open communication and collaboration. 

Can you describe a time when you had to learn something new quickly? 

How to answer: 

• Situation: Elaborate on the context behind what required you to learn this new task quickly. 
• Task: Explain what you needed to learn and why. 
• Action: Detail the steps you took to acquire the new knowledge or skill. 
• Result: Share the outcome of your efforts. 

Example response: During my first month at my former employer, we transitioned to a new electronic health record system. My task was to quickly learn how to use the system to ensure seamless patient care. I attended training sessions, reviewed the user manual, and practiced during my free time. As a result, I became proficient with the system within a week, helping my team avoid any disruptions in patient care. 

Steps to prepare for behavioral nursing interview questions 

1. Reflect on your experiences. Think about your clinical rotations, past jobs, or volunteer work. Identify situations where you demonstrated key nursing skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and patient care. 

2. Use the STAR method. Practice structuring your answers using the STAR method. This will help you provide clear and detailed responses during the interview. 

3. Be honest. Authenticity is crucial. While it’s important to prepare, ensure your answers are honest and reflect your true experiences and abilities. 

4. Focus on positive outcomes. Even if the situation was challenging, emphasize the positive outcomes and what you learned from the experience. 

5. Prepare with mock interviews. Practicing mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career coaches can help you refine your answers and improve your confidence. 

What key skills should you highlight when answering behavioral nursing interview questions? 

• Communication: Effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues is essential for all nurses. Highlight situations where your communication skills made a difference. 
• Empathy: Empathy is crucial to effective and quality patient care. Share examples where you showed compassion and understanding. 
• Adaptability: Nursing can be unpredictable. Discuss instances where you adapted to changing circumstances or unexpected challenges. 
• Teamwork: Provide examples of successful teamwork and how you contributed to group efforts. 
• Problem-solving: Nurses often need to think and respond in a moment’s notice. Highlight your problem-solving abilities with examples of how you addressed complex situations. 

Behavioral nursing interview questions are a crucial part of the nursing job interview process. Preparation is key — reflect on your past experiences, practice your answers, and focus on positive outcomes. With thorough preparation, you can approach your nursing interview with confidence and professionalism, increasing your chances of success.