Top 20 Nursing Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Nursing interviews can be intense and thorough — employers want candidates are not only technically proficient but also compassionate and capable of handling the pressures of the job. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top 20 nursing interview questions, along with strategies for answering them effectively. 

1. Tell me about yourself. 

How to answer: Because this is one of the first nursing interview questions you may be asked, focus on your professional background, emphasizing your education, relevant experience, and key skills. Highlight your passion for nursing and mention any specialties or areas of interest. 

Example response: I’m a registered nurse with five years of experience in critical care. I graduated with a BSN and have worked in various hospital settings, gaining extensive experience in patients with acute and chronic health conditions, emergency response, and team coordination. I am particularly passionate about critical care because I enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives. 

2. Why did you choose nursing as a career? 

How to answer: This nursing interview question is meant to highlight your passion, so share your motivations and any personal experiences that influenced your decision to be a nurse. Be sincere, honest, and heartfelt. 

Example response: I chose nursing because of my deep desire to help others and make a difference in their lives. When my grandmother was hospitalized, I witnessed the compassion and expertise of the nurses who cared for her. Their dedication inspired me to pursue a career where I could provide that same level of care and support to others. 

3. How do you handle stressful situations? 

How to answer: Discuss your coping mechanisms and provide examples of how you have successfully managed stress in the past. 

Example response: I handle stressful situations by staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a calm demeanor. For instance, during a particularly busy shift in the ICU, I focused on clear communication with my team and stayed on top of my duties by following a structured plan. This approach helped me manage the workload effectively and ensured high-quality patient care. 

4. Can you describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient? 

How to answer: Provide a specific example that showcases your advocacy skills and dedication to patient care. 

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. 

5. How do you prioritize your tasks during a busy shift? 

How to answer: Explain your time management strategies and give examples of how you prioritize tasks effectively. 

Example response: I prioritize my tasks by assessing the urgency and importance of each situation. For example, I always attend to my most critical patients first and then address less urgent tasks. I also use checklists and regularly communicate with my team to ensure all duties are covered efficiently. 

6. Describe a time when you had a conflict with a colleague and how you resolved it. 

How to answer: Use this nursing interview question to demonstrate your conflict resolution skills by describing a specific situation and the steps you took to resolve it. 

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 experience taught me the importance of open communication and collaboration. 

7. How do you ensure accurate and timely documentation? 

How to answer: Emphasize your attention to detail and organizational skills. 

Example response: I ensure accurate and timely documentation by making it a priority after each patient interaction. I use EHRs efficiently and double-check my entries for accuracy. Staying organized and focused helps me keep up with documentation without compromising patient care. 

8. What is your approach to patient education? 

How to answer: With this nursing interview question, you’ll want to highlight your communication skills and ability to tailor information to the patient's understanding. 

Example response: My approach to patient education involves assessing the patient’s current knowledge and tailoring the information to their level of understanding. I use simple language, visual aids, and hands-on demonstrations to ensure they grasp important concepts. I also encourage questions and provide written materials for them to review at home. 

9. How do you stay current with medical advancements and nursing practices? 

How to answer: Expand on your dedication to lifelong learning and professional development. 

Example response: I stay current with medical advancements by attending workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses. I also subscribe to nursing journals and participate in online forums and professional organizations. This continuous learning helps me provide the best care possible and stay updated on the latest best practices. 

10. Provide an example of a time when you had to quickly adapt to a change. 

How to answer: Share a specific example that demonstrates your adaptability and problem-solving skills. 

Example response: During a shift change, we had an unexpected influx of patients due to an accident. I quickly adapted by reassigning tasks, coordinating with other departments, and ensuring all critical patients received immediate attention. This swift adaptation minimized delays and maintained a high standard of care. 

11. How do you handle a situation where you don’t know the answer to a patient’s question? 

How to answer: Emphasize your honesty and willingness to find the correct information. 

Example response: If I don’t know the answer to a patient’s question, I am honest about it and reassure them that I will find the information. I then consult reliable sources or colleagues to provide an accurate and timely response. This approach builds trust and ensures the patient receives correct information. 

12. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a patient. 

How to answer: Provide a specific example that highlights your dedication and compassion. 

Example response: A terminally ill patient expressed a wish to see their pet one last time. I coordinated with the family and hospital administration to arrange a visit, ensuring it complied with health and safety guidelines. The patient’s joy and comfort during that visit made a profound impact, and it was deeply rewarding to facilitate that moment. 

13. How do you manage working long shifts and dealing with physical demands? 

How to answer: Discuss your strategies for maintaining physical and mental well-being. 

Example response: I manage long shifts by staying physically active, eating nutritious meals, and ensuring I get adequate rest. During shifts, I take short breaks to stretch and stay hydrated. Mentally, I practice mindfulness and stress-relief techniques to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude. 

14. What do you do if you notice a coworker making a mistake with patient care? 

How to answer: Emphasize the importance of patient safety and your approach to addressing the situation professionally. 

Example response: If I notice a coworker making a mistake, I address it immediately to ensure patient safety. I would calmly and privately discuss the error with them, offer assistance if needed, and report the incident to a supervisor if necessary. It’s crucial to handle such situations professionally to maintain a safe and supportive work environment. 

15. How do you handle patient confidentiality? 

How to answer: Highlight your understanding of HIPAA regulations and your commitment to protecting patient privacy. 

Example response: I handle patient confidentiality by strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations and ensuring that patient information is only shared with authorized individuals. I am diligent about securing electronic records, properly disposing of sensitive documents, and discussing patient information in private settings. 

16. What are your strengths as a nurse? 

How to answer: Focus on strengths relevant to nursing, such as empathy, communication, and clinical skills. 

Example response: My strengths include strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These qualities help me build rapport with patients, effectively coordinate with colleagues, and provide high-quality care even in stressful situations. 

17. What are your weaknesses, and how are you working to improve them? 

How to answer: Be honest about a real weakness and explain the changes you’re making to address it. 

Example response: One area I’m working on is delegating tasks more effectively. I tend to take on too much myself, which can be overwhelming. To improve, I’ve been practicing better delegation by trusting my colleagues’ abilities and providing clear instructions, ensuring a more balanced workload. 

18. How do you handle feedback and criticism? 

How to answer: Show that you’re open to feedback and view it as an opportunity for growth. 

Example response: I handle feedback and criticism by listening carefully, reflecting on the input, and implementing changes where needed. I view feedback as an opportunity to improve my skills and provide better patient care. For example, after receiving feedback on my time management, I adopted new strategies that significantly improved my efficiency. 

19. Why do you want to work at this organization? 

How to answer: Demonstrate your knowledge of the facility and align your goals with their mission and values. 

Example response: I want to work at this hospital because of its excellent reputation for patient care and its commitment to professional development. I admire your focus on community outreach and innovative healthcare solutions. I believe my skills and values align well with your mission, and I am eager to contribute to your team. 

20. Where do you see yourself in five years? 

How to answer: Share your career goals and how they align with the potential employer’s opportunities. 

Example response: In five years, I see myself advancing in my nursing career, possibly taking on a leadership or specialized role within this institution. I am committed to lifelong learning and professional growth, and I aim to contribute to improving patient care and outcomes. I am particularly interested in pursuing further education and certifications to enhance my expertise in critical care. 

Preparing for a nursing interview involves understanding the types of nursing interview questions you might be asked and crafting thoughtful, honest responses. By reflecting on your experiences and aligning your answers with the values and expectations of the potential employer, you can demonstrate your expertise and suitability for the position and land your next nursing role.