Top Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

It's also an opportunity for potential employers to gauge your competence, character, and cultural fit. This article outlines the most common nursing job interview questions and provides insights on formulating the best responses.  

Why did you choose nursing as a career?  

This question allows you to share your passion and motivation for nursing.  Be authentic and genuine when responding. This is a great opportunity to share your passion for caring for others, comforting patients in their time of need, and making a difference in the lives of others.   

An effective response could be: "I chose nursing because I've always been passionate about helping people and making a difference in their lives. The opportunity to provide care, comfort, and support to patients during their most vulnerable moments is incredibly fulfilling for me."  This is just a suggestion. Remember, regardless of the question, always be sure to provide responses that are authentic, genuine, and reflect your true character. 

Can you describe a difficult situation you faced at work and how you handled it?  

This popular question tests your problem-solving skills and ability to handle stress. When answering, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Describe a specific situation, the task at hand, the action you took, and the positive result.  

Remember, the situation you recall can be from any job you’ve held. Don’t discount the important learning experience just because you may have held an entry-level role at the time.  

How do you handle stress on the job?  

Nursing can be a high-stress profession, and employers want to know that you can manage stress effectively.  

Be authentic in your response. Recognize that nursing is stressful but share how you’re able to maintain a healthy lifestyle and work-life balance. Explain how you prioritize tasks and delegate as needed. Give examples of how you’re able to care for yourself and recharge in your off time.  

How would / do you deal with difficult patients or their families?  

This question evaluates your interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.  

This is your opportunity to give examples of how you have approached difficult situations with empathy and patience. Recall a situation where you sought to understand the perspective of a patient/family member and provided reassurance and support. Give examples of how you have used communication to resolve conflict.  

Can you describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it?  

This question assesses your accountability and ability to learn from mistakes. When responding, highlight a genuine mistake, the lessons learned, and the steps you took to prevent such errors in the future.  

This is your opportunity to show you possess humility, empathy, the ability to grow. Own your mistake, but most of all, give most of your attention the valuable lesson you learned.  

Why do you want to work in this healthcare facility?  

This question gauges your interest in the specific facility or organization. Do your homework and learn about their mission, values, and recent achievements. Your answer should align your career goals with what they stand for and offer.  

Don’t forget to prepare some questions of your own regarding the facility or organization to which you’re applying. 

How do you stay current with the nursing profession?  

Employers want to know you're committed to continuous learning. Talk about professional development courses and workshops you’ve attended. Highlight professional nursing associations you follow or are affiliated with.  

If these things aren’t true for you, be prepared to discuss any plans you have to pursue them. And if you don’t have these things in the works, mention any independent research you do to stay abreast of nursing.  Showing that you’re professionally and personally interested in nursing is a good sign to employers.  
 
 

Can you give an example of a time when you showed leadership?  

This question is common for nursing roles that require supervisory or leadership responsibilities. Use the STAR method to describe a situation where you took charge, made decisions, or guided a team towards a positive outcome.  

Why did you leave your last job?  

When answering this question, focus on the future, not the past. Always avoid negative comments about your previous employer or coworkers. Highlight the positive aspects of your previous job and then pivot to why you're excited about the potential new role.  

How do you handle shift work or long hours?  

Nursing often involves irregular schedules. Your answer should demonstrate your readiness to handle such a schedule and any strategies you use to manage your time and energy.  

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but preparation is key. By anticipating these common nursing interview questions and crafting thoughtful responses, you can present yourself as a competent, compassionate, and dedicated nursing professional.  

Remember to draw on real-life experiences, be authentic, stay positive, and let your passion for nursing shine through. With the right preparation, you'll make a lasting impression and increase your chances of landing your dream nursing job.