Nursing

i n t e rv i e w p r e p g u i d e

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© 2023 Nurse Well Versed

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You’ve made it! The hardest part is over, but I know the interview stage can feel just as nerve racking! I have gone
through multiple interviews along my journey from nursing assistant to new nurse, to ICU nurse, to travel nurse
and have had really great experiences, and I would love to share them in hopes of helping you.

In this guide I’ve included 11 of the most common interview questions I have been asked with tips on how to answer
each question, and included a sample answer for reference. Take note that answers will vary drastically depending
on the type of position, facility, your personal experiences, etc, so these are only meant to be used as guidance.

Let’s dive in and prepare you to shine in your future interview!

general interview tips

① Research the organization before your interview: Learn about the company’s values,
mission, specialties, and recent achievements or awards. This will demonstrate your genuine
interest and preparedness during the interview!
② Arrive early: The interviewer’s first impression of you begins before you even walk in. I highly
recommend driving to your place of interview once before it takes place so you don’t stress
about getting lost, and then give yourself plenty of time to get there on the day, and aim to be in
the building 10-15 minutes early.
③ Have go-to stories ready: After looking at the interview questions listed here, make a
note of a few stories you feel would be a good fit and think of how you can use them to answer
different questions. It can be difficult to instantly recall memories in high stress situations like
interviews, so having a few in the back of your mind will be really helpful!
④ come over prepared: Arrive to your interview expecting the interviewer has no information
on you; have multiple copies of your resume (in case there are multiple interviewers), any
certifications, your nursing license, and any additional documents required for the position.
They may not be needed, but the extra step will show the interviewer you are prepared.
⑤ practice!: Practice answering the questions multiple times before your interview. This can
help you feel more confident and comfortable with the interview process. You’ll feel more
relaxed and be able to better show your genuine personality in the interview.

after t h e i n t e rv i e w :
After the interview ends, promptly sending a professional thank you note via email is a great
practice to show respect to the interviewer and your interest in the position.
▶ Address the email directly to the people that interviewed you (make sure to spell their names
correctly!)
▶ Highlight any specific qualities the interviewers said they are looking for and how you can meet
their needs
▶ Emphasize your positive characteristics/ work ethic and desire for the position
▶ Thank them for their time and for taking the time to consider you for the position

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1 Tell us a little bit about yourself.
tips:
★ Focus on relevant aspects of your nursing education, any clinical experience, and qualities that
make you a strong candidate
★ Give a concise and brief answer that stays on topic
★ Avoid sharing irrelevant personal information; focus on your professional qualifications instead

sample answer:
“I’m a recent graduate from XYZ Nursing School, thrilled to have earned my RN license.
Throughout my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to work in diverse healthcare settings
such as [name units] and learned so much from hands-on experiences. I’m truly passionate
about providing compassionate care and making a positive impact on patients’ lives. Joining this
organization would be an exciting opportunity for me to contribute my skills and grow as a nurse.”

2 Why did you choose nursing as a career?

tips:
★ Avoid vague or generic answers like “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse” without giving specific
experiences you’ve had that led you to that decision
★ Avoid focusing on financial and lifestyle reasons as the primary reason you chose nursing; these
are contributing factors, but focus on your passion for patient care

sample answer:
“I chose nursing because I’ve always had a deep desire to make a positive impact on people’s
lives. Growing up, I saw firsthand the difference that compassionate care can make for patients
and their families. (Give brief example/ story). During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity
to connect with patients on a personal level, and those experiences solidified my passion for
nursing. I find immense fulfillment in being able to provide care that addresses both physical and
emotional needs.”

3 What clinical experience do you have?

tips:
★ Highlight any clinical rotations or internships, emphasizing the skills, knowledge, and patient
populations you were exposed to
★ Connect your clinical/ internship experiences to the position you are applying to
(Example: if you are applying to a job that has a high stroke patient population, mention any stroke
patients or neuro-related patients you cared for)
sample answer:
“During my nursing program, I had the privilege of gaining hands-on experience through various
clinical rotations. I worked on a busy medical-surgical unit where I got to care for many different
patient populations, including stroke patients. I provided care to patients recovering from stroke,
performed neurological assessments, administered stroke-specific medications, and collaborated
with the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans. It felt really rewarding to be able to
care for someone in such a vulnerable state and to see them make progress. “

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4 How do you handle stressful situations or difficult patients?

tips:
★ Demonstrate your ability to remain calm & communicate effectively while under pressure during
stressful & challenging situations
★ Avoid giving defensive responses; highlight your ability to show compassion, empathy & patience for
difficult patients and that you are able to not take things personally
★ Share examples where you utilized problem solving and critical thinking to resolve stressful situations
sample answer:
“I handle stressful situations or difficult patients by staying calm and compassionate. For
example, I once cared for an anxious patient who was resistant to treatment. By actively
listening, acknowledging their concerns, and providing reassurance, I was able to establish
trust and improve the patient’s experience. I believe in treating every patient with empathy
and understanding, even in challenging situations, and I prioritize effective communication to
promote positive outcomes.”

5 How do you handle time management and prioritize tasks?

tips:
★ Adaptability is KEY; emphasize your ability to adapt to changes and unexpected situations
★ Show your knowledge of the importance of delegation when appropriate and working as a team
★ Explain how you prioritize needs based on urgency, patient needs and safety
★ Highlight your organization skills such as your ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment

sample answer:
“To manage my time effectively, I prioritize tasks based on patient needs and urgency. For
example, during a busy shift, I encountered a patient with respiratory distress. I immediately
shifted my focus to address their critical needs while ensuring other tasks were appropriately
delegated or postponed if not urgent. Collaboration with the healthcare team is crucial, and I am
always ready to delegate tasks and support my colleagues to optimize time management and
provide quality care.”

6 Describe a situation where you faced a conflict with a colleague or supervisor and
how you resolved it.
tips:
★ Focus on resolution; emphasize how you worked towards resolving the conflict rather than
dwelling on the conflict itself
★ Showcase communication skills; highlight your ability to effectively communicate and actively
listen to the other person’s perspective

sample answer:
“During a busy shift, my coworker and I had differing opinions on the best approach to comfort a
distressed patient who was refusing treatment. We took a brief break to discuss our perspectives
privately. I emphasized the importance of empathy and patient-centered care, while my coworker
highlighted the need for setting boundaries and maintaining a structured environment. By actively
listening to each other and considering the unique circumstances, we developed a joint plan that
incorporated both elements. We were able to address the patient’s concerns while ensuring their
safety and well-being. This experience reinforced the significance of collaboration and finding
common ground in delivering effective care.”

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7 What are your strengths?

tips:
★ Focus on strengths that are directly applicable to the specific position/ unit you’re applying for
★ Give specific examples that apply your strengths in a nursing context & make them more credible
★ Be honest & authentic; avoid generic answers and focus on qualities that are genuine to you
Examples: empathy, communication skills, attention to detail, adaptibility, team oriented

sample answer:
“One of my strengths as a nurse is my ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure
situations. During my clinical rotations, I encountered various emergencies where quick thinking
and a calm demeanor were crucial. For instance, there was a patient who experienced a sudden
cardiac arrest, and I immediately sprang into action, initiating CPR and coordinating with the code
blue team. My ability to stay focused and level-headed in such intense moments allowed me to
provide effective care and contribute to positive patient outcomes. “
tip
8 What are your weaknesses?
These are very common questions!
Try to have at least 3 solid strengths &
weaknesses at the top of your mind with
examples/ rationales for each prepared
tips:
★ Never say you don’t have any weaknesses! The interviewer wants to know you have the ability to self
reflect and acknowledge areas requiring improvement
★ Frame weaknesses as oppurtunities for growth & your interest in learning
★ Avoid mentioning critical skills; it’s important to be honest, but focus on skills that are not essential but
still important for professional growth
sample answer:
“One area where I have recognized the need for improvement is public speaking. I have always
been more comfortable in one-on-one interactions compared to speaking in front of large
groups. However, I am actively taking steps to address this weakness. I have taken a public
speaking course during school and actively push myself to become more involved in leadership
and collaborative group roles. By challenging myself and seeking opportunities to practice, I am
gradually becoming more confident in delivering presentations.”

9 Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a nurse?

tips:
★ Mention further education or specialization such as your interest in pursuing certifications
★ Show your interest & commitment to contributing to the unit/ facility through leadership roles,
participating in commitees, and mentoring new nurses
★ Tailor your answer towards longevity with the organization you are applying for

sample answer:
“In the next 5 years, I see myself as a skilled and experienced nurse within this facility and a go-to
resource for new nurses. I would love to be a preceptor. I want to advance my skills and would like
to have my [speciality type] certification by then . One of the things I value most about this facility
is the variety of opportunities available for professional growth. “

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10 How do you ensure patient safety and prevent errors?

tips:
★ Demonstrate your knowledge & commitment to unit protocols & evidence-based practices
★ Stress the significance of being proactive in identifying potential risks and taking appropriate
preventive measures
★ Highlight the importance of effective and open communication between the healthcare team to avoid
errors
sample answer:
“Ensuring patient safety and preventing errors is of crucialimportance in nursing practice. To
achieve this, I maintain a proactive approach by staying alert and paying attention to even the
smallest details. I am committed to following evidence-based guidelines, protocols, and best
practices to minimize the occurrence of errors. Effective communication is also crucial in
maintaining patient safety. I prioritize clear and open communication with the healthcare team,
ensuring proper handoffs, reporting changes in patient condition in a timely manner, and actively
engaging in interdisciplinary discussions.

11 Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient’s needs.

tips:
★ Think of a story from your clinical, nursing internship, nursing assstant job, or any other clinical setting
where you directly ensured a patient’s voice was heard and their rights protected
★ Set up the scene first by briefly explaining the patient’s condition and the situation
★ Describe what actions you took (communicating with healthcare team, gathering more info, etc.) and
reflect on the lessons learned from that experience
sample answer:
“During my clinical rotation in the pediatric unit, I encountered a situation where I had to advocate
for a young patient’s needs. The child, who had specific dietary requirements, was consistently
receiving meals that did not align with their needs. Recognizing the potential impact on their
health, I promptly brought the issue to the attention of the nursing staff and collaborated with
the unit’s dietitian to address the situation. Through effective communication and persistence,
we ensured the child received appropriate meals, ultimately meeting their dietary needs. This
experience highlighted the importance of proactive advocacy and reinforced my commitment to
advocating for patients’ needs to ensure their well-being and quality of care.”

questions for you to ask

At the end of your interview it is very likely the interviewer will ask “Do you have any questions
for me?” Asking questions will show your interest and that you are serious about the position.

examples:
→ Can you provide more information about the residency/ orientation and onboarding process
for new nurses?
→ Can you tell me about the opportunities for growth and advancement within [specific nursing
unit]?
→ How does the [hospital facility] support continuing education and ongoing professional
development for nurses?
→ How would you describe your patient population?

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