Interview questions for Nurse

A nurse is a person who is trained to give care to people who are sick or injured. Nurses work with [doctors] and other health care workers to make patients well and to keep them fit and healthy. Oftentimes, you’re seeing people in the middle of what can easily be the worst day of their lives. If you’ve landed an interview for a nursing or medical position, it’s a good idea to review typical interview questions and answers.

Top Interview questions for Nurse

1. Why did you want to be a nurse?

Nursing is my passion. I love providing comfort and education to those in need, and intervening in difficult situations. Last year I was tasked with handling a tough patient. I did my best to listen and provide comfort. As she was leaving, she said, “I’ll never forget you as long as I live.” It hit me that my life was important to her. That’s what makes nursing so meaningful to me.

2. What do you find difficult about being a nurse?

I think the most difficult part of being a nurse is when I have a patient that is very unhappy, or in a lot of pain, and I can’t comfort them to the degree I’d like to. I keep a dialog going with the attending physician so that she has as much information as possible regarding the patient’s pain level.

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”

In five years, I’d like to be the most valued nurse on your team. I plan to take full advantage of the continuing education reimbursement you offer to expand my skills beyond their current level. I’m skilled in patient education and EHR, which I know you value. There are so many new skills I’d like to gain, including budgeting and training others.

4. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?

That depends on the circumstances. I enjoy being part of a treatment and support team, but I also like the autonomy of working alone

5. Why are you the best person for this nursing job?

This isn’t one of those generic interview questions for nurses. I know your biggest concern right now is compassionate budgeting. At NGH, I was put on a team tasked to fix our budgeting problems. We cut inventory costs by 15% while actually increasing patient satisfaction. We did this through relocating the stockroom more centrally, which saved time. We also put common supplies on a use-based replenishment system.

6. What do you contribute to your patients as a nurse?

This is an opportunity to share your personal theory of how you help patients. I feel that my patients know that I am there to provide comfort and understanding, that I will listen to their concerns, and that I will act as their advocate if necessary.

7. What interests you about working here?

Anytime interviewers ask this question, they are seeking to determine if you understand and value the healthcare institution. I’m impressed with the model here, and the collaborative spirit on the team. Just by sitting in the waiting room, it’s clear to me that this practice has a patient-first priority.

8. How would you deal with a doctor who was rude?

This question can reveal if you’re a complainer or have a bad attitude. Everyone has bad days. If the rudeness is a one-time occurrence, I’d let it go. If something major happens, or if it’s repeated, I’d reach out to my supervisor. My concern would be that perhaps the doctor was being rude not because of a bad day, but because of dissatisfaction with my work.

9. How do you handle the stress of the job?

Let’s be honest, nursing can be incredibly high stress. I find the best way to handle the stress of the job is through meticulous organization and attention to detail. By making lists and prioritizing what needs to get done throughout my day, I find that tasks which might seem overwhelming all at once are much more manageable.

10. Are you comfortable working with other doctors and nurses?

As a nurse who has to interact with a wide variety of individuals in the medical field including doctors, technicians, other nurses. I find I work well under a variety of conditions and circumstances and I take pride in my flexibility. I really enjoy working in a team because I often find that different viewpoints can help me find solutions to a problem I might not think of on my own. I also enjoy self-motivating and am equally comfortable working alone.

11. What personality traits that every nurse should have?

This question is generally asked to scale the interviewee’s understanding of the human side and the complexity of nursing. In other words, they need interpersonal skills and if you analyze the work of a nurse, then you will find that the main traits that nurses require are compassion, patience, attention to detail, and harmony.

12. What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?

This is a lead-in for you to talk about your strengths as a nurse. As a maternity nurse, I’m there for the moment when people’s families grow. It’s powerful and awe-inspiring to witness. And I’m so happy to be able to reassure and help women in this big moment, especially first-time moms.

13. Why do you want to work here?

Don’t say the money. We all know it’s the money, but please, don’t say it. Employers aren’t stupid. I’m fascinated by the new and emerging technology involved in ongoing patient care, especially in the field of pediatrics. Your hospital has been ranked in the top five hospitals in the nation for the past seven years running in new innovations and I’m excited by the possibility of being a part of that and learning from your experts.

14. Can you tell me about a time when you went the extra mile in the name of patient care?

Medical facilities of all kinds typically aim to provide an exceptional patient experience. I once treated a patient whose family did not live in the local area. While their family members did make an effort to come by, they weren’t always able to do so regularly. Since feeling connected to others can improve outcomes, I made an effort to spend more time with this patient.

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