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What are Common Nursing Interview Questions?

Christina Edwards
Christina Edwards

To become a nurse, an individual must be able to point out her unique skills and qualifications, and many experts believe that this can be done most effectively at an interview. Although every interview is different, there are a number of very customary nursing interview questions that many employers ask. Many of these questions require the applicant to tell the interviewer about herself and why she chose her career path. Giving the proper answers to nursing interview questions is important, so preparing for a job interview is essential.

One of the most common job interview questions involves the interviewer asking the applicant to describe herself. Although this may seem like an easy question, most applicants find that it is one of the most difficult, especially if they aren't prepared for it. An employer is usually trying to get a feel not only for what type of person an applicant is, but what type of employee she will make. When asked this at an interview, an applicant should point out pertinent skills and qualifications, as well as strengths.

Nursing interviews often involve the candidate being asked to describe himself or herself.
Nursing interviews often involve the candidate being asked to describe himself or herself.

Another routine nursing interview question is "why are you interested in a nursing position with this company?" When answering this question, an applicant can point out she is interested in caring for people and helping them get better. She can also show that she has researched the company by providing a knowledgeable answer. For example, she could point out that she is looking forward to a challenging career, and that she admires the types of nurses who work for the company. These answers show that she realizes that the work will be challenging, and she is up to the task.

Previous history working with the elderly is considered when interviewing for a nursing home position.
Previous history working with the elderly is considered when interviewing for a nursing home position.

Usually, sometime during the course of a nursing interview, the applicant will get the chance to discuss her accomplishments or achievements. Personal achievements are usually not what the employer is looking for when he asks these types of nursing interview questions. Instead, answers should reflect accomplishments or achievements that directly relate to the position. For example, an applicant who is interviewing with a nursing home can discuss how she overcame obstacles while taking care of her elderly grandmother while she finished nursing school.

Many nursing positions require demonstrated compassion and empathy.
Many nursing positions require demonstrated compassion and empathy.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, many employers will ask applicants to discuss their greatest weakness as one of the nursing interview questions. While this may seem like an unfair question, most employers are looking for applicants who are able to recognize both their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to be honest, but when answering, it is important for an applicant to explain how they have either begun to overcome it, or made it a strength instead.

Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as about practical skills.
Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as about practical skills.

It is common for an interviewer to ask about an applicant's future plans, but it is an especially common nursing interview question. If at all possible, an applicant should avoid trying to portray herself on a different career path, unless she is interested in furthering her education in the field of medicine. An ideal answer would show that she is committed to her career, and possibly even that company. Describing that she would like to work hard and eventually be promoted would show the interviewer that she is dedicated to advancing her career and isn't afraid to work for it.

Nurse recruiters look for qualified individuals with a history of being compassionate with patients.
Nurse recruiters look for qualified individuals with a history of being compassionate with patients.

Probably one of the most common questions in any medical interview involves the applicant telling the interviewer how she reacts under pressure or in an emergency situation. The answer to these types of nursing interview questions should also relate to the open position. For example, an applicant who is interviewing with a pediatric clinic can explain her actions when her little brother broke his leg on the merry-go-round the previous summer. She can explain how she handled the situation, along with any medical knowledge that she used or gained because of the experience.

Discussion Comments

Feryll

I am always hesitant about answering the interview question about my weaknesses. I always wonder whether this is a trick question to get me to eliminate myself from consideration.

mobilian33

I don't know which specific interview questions will let the employer know about the nurses personality, but this is where more attention should be placed when hospitals and agencies are hiring nurses. When my mama left the hospital, she was able to have nurses come to her house and help her until she was fully rehabilitated and fully able to take care of herself.

One of the nurses was great. She talked Mama through all of her exercises. She took an interest in my mama's life, and she joked around with her. Mama always said the hour of exercise passed by so quickly that she felt like she was only exercising for 10 minutes.

The second nurse was a totally different story. Whenever she was having a bad day you couldn't help put know it. Most days, Mama hated to see her coming, and she said the exercise time seemed more like two hours instead of one hour. When you're not feeling well, the last thing you want is to be around someone with a negative personality.

Laotionne

While I have not had to spend a night in a hospital as an adult, I have visited numerous friends and family members when they were in hospitals and other types of treatment centers where nurses work.

What I have noticed is that while the nurses may have pretty much the same duties, the better ones have a way of separating themselves from the pack. Some do this by being precise in every thing they do. Others do this by going the extra mile to meet the patient's needs, even when they do not fall into the nurse's list of duties.

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    • Nursing interviews often involve the candidate being asked to describe himself or herself.
      By: goodluz
      Nursing interviews often involve the candidate being asked to describe himself or herself.
    • Previous history working with the elderly is considered when interviewing for a nursing home position.
      By: nyul
      Previous history working with the elderly is considered when interviewing for a nursing home position.
    • Many nursing positions require demonstrated compassion and empathy.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      Many nursing positions require demonstrated compassion and empathy.
    • Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as about practical skills.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Most job interviews include questions about work ethic and past employment, as well as about practical skills.
    • Nurse recruiters look for qualified individuals with a history of being compassionate with patients.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Nurse recruiters look for qualified individuals with a history of being compassionate with patients.