It’s important to be prepared for nursing interviews to demonstrate your work ethic and attention to detail. Consider some common nursing interview questions and think about your responses in advance. In addition, prepare some of your own questions ahead of time. Dress professionally and portray confidence.
You’ve worked hard in nursing school and are now getting ready to reap the rewards by scheduling nursing interviews for your first registered nurse (RN) job. Even if you feel confident about your upcoming interviews, you should take time to prepare for them by considering your responses to common nursing interview questions.
At the University of St. Thomas (UST), we focus on empowering our nursing students to become confident clinicians prepared to tackle any challenge in nursing, from interviewing for a job to responding to a coding patient. The University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program provides a faster pathway toward pursuing a nursing career and is designed specifically for career transitions.
While preparing for your nursing interviews, remember the importance of preparation, the common questions asked, and other tips, such as what to wear for a nursing job interview.
Why Preparing for a Nursing Job Interview Matters
Showing up prepared for the interview is half the battle. Not only will it help you stay calm, cool, and collected, but being prepared also demonstrates to the employer that you are genuinely interested in the job and have strong attention to detail.
Always research the organization beforehand. Be familiar with its mission statement and core values. Connecting your past experiences or personal qualities to these factors can help you stand out.
Common Interview Questions for Nurses and How to Answer Them
As you prepare for common interview questions, consider the three Cs of job interviewing: concise, compelling, and concrete.
Each response you provide to the hiring manager should be concise, focused on the main points, and conveys your enthusiasm for nursing. Your response should also offer concrete examples, such as real-life experiences that demonstrate the skills you’re trying to portray.
You shouldn’t memorize your responses; don’t sound too rehearsed. Just have a general idea of how you’d like to respond to common questions and the main points you’d like to discuss. Be sure to mention whether you completed any clinicals at the facility where you’re interviewing. You could say that you enjoyed your time there and learned a lot.
Why Did You Get Into Nursing?
Be genuine in your response to this question. The employer is looking for nurses who are passionate about their work and dedicated to their patients. Think about any personal experiences that may have prompted you to pursue nursing.
Tell Me About a Time When You Dealt With a Difficult Patient or Family Member
During nursing school, taking notes about each clinical shift is helpful, such as what you did, which scenarios you encountered, and whether you worked with difficult people. Remember their HIPAA rights; don’t divulge identifying information. Instead, explain the circumstances briefly, showing empathy for the patient or their family member. Explain how you approached the situation.
Describe a Time When You Went Above and Beyond for a Patient
This nursing interview question is an excellent opportunity to showcase your passion for the field and any special skills you might have. For example, you might have gone the extra mile to deliver comprehensive patient education or help coordinate community services for community members in need.
How Do You Handle Conflicts With Coworkers?
Do not speak badly about anyone you’ve worked with, no matter the situation. Simply explain why a particular aspect of working with someone was challenging and discuss how you proactively sought to resolve it. Mention situations concerning patient care rather than workplace rivalries. How did you solve an issue with a coworker that resulted in better care delivery?
What Are Your Nursing Strengths and Weaknesses?
Consider your strengths and weaknesses before an interview, as this question is frequently asked. What is a good weakness to say in a nursing interview? This can be tricky but look for one that can be framed positively. Consider the following:
- Documentation: “Since I’m detail-oriented, I sometimes spend too much time on documentation. I’m working on streamlining this.”
- Delegating: “I’m committed to high standards of patient care, which means I sometimes have trouble delegating and asking for help.”
- Experience: “As a new nursing school graduate, I have limited clinical experience. I did, however, learn a lot from my clinical rotations, and I look forward to gaining experience.”
When asked about your strengths, be honest but choose strengths that align well with the nursing profession. These include compassion and empathy, communication, and teamwork.
Additional Nursing Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression
One common question nursing school graduates have is, “How do I pass my nursing interview?” Interviews aren’t like assignments; there is no single correct answer to a question. Instead, focus on making a great impression by:
- Being prepared with your own questions
- Dressing the part
- Giving thoughtful answers
- Keeping the focus on your commitment to patient care
- Knowing when to pause for brief reflection before speaking
- Portraying confidence, warmth, and authenticity
Prepare Questions for the Nursing Job Interview
Remember that nursing interviews are supposed to be conversations, not interrogations. Just as the interviewer is trying to get a feel for whether you’d be a good fit for their organization, you should use this opportunity to see if you want to work for them, too. Plus, asking questions shows that you’re invested in the interview and prepared for it.
Here are some questions you may want to consider asking:
- What is the culture like among nursing staff?
- What is your management style?
- What is your training period or orientation for recent nursing school graduates?
- Are there opportunities for career growth within your organization?
- What is the salary range that you have budgeted for this position?
Don’t neglect to send a thank-you note to your interviewer afterward.
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What to Wear for a Nursing Job Interview
Even though it may not be the most critical component of your interview, you’d be surprised at how much consideration employers put into your appearance during first impressions. Appropriate interview dress is professional business attire. Slacks or knee-length skirts paired with button-up shirts, dress shoes, and possibly a tie are all safe choices. Try to choose more neutral over brightly colored clothing and ensure it is wrinkle-free.
You must also consider hygiene. This means checking that your nails are clean and trimmed, you’re freshly showered, and your hair looks neat and clean.
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UST’s ABSN program can allow you to graduate with a BSN in as few as 12 months. We offer exceptional student support, small class sizes, dedicated instructors, and academic success coaches. You’ll also work one-on-one with an admissions advisor to navigate the application process.
Contact our admissions team today to get started.