Top Nursing Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Interviewing for a nursing role can be intimidating – especially as a new grad (I cried during my first interview!).  But the only way to feel confident is to prepare as best as possible and also keep in mind that everyone interviewing you was interviewed themselves at one point.  In this post, not only will I be giving you tips on how to best prepare for your interview, but also on the most commonly asked questions and how to answer them.

 

General Nursing Interview Tips

Before getting into common questions, here are some general tips for interviewing that will help you get ahead and stand out.  Some of these tips might seem obvious, but I can’t stress the importance of making sure that you’re following them – obvious or not.

1. Research the facility and unit – you don’t want to get caught off guard by not knowing simple things about the unit you’re interviewing for
2. Prepare examples ahead of time – focus on leadership, conflict, and teamwork
3. Be honest
4. Be professional
5. Dress appropriately (even for video interviews)

 

Most Common Nursing Interview Questions (and How to Answer Them)

Below you’ll find some of the most common nursing interview questions – plus how to answer them.  Remember – always be honest and professional while answering.

 

1.  “Tell Me About Yourself”

What they’re really asking is to briefly summarize your background in getting to where you are today.  Nobody is looking for your complete life story so make sure to keep your answer brief and always tie your answer into nursing.  Make sure to share what you’re passionate about, your clinical background, and what your goals are.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “I’m a NICU nurse with nearly a decade of experience, including the last few years working as a travel nurse.  I originally started in a level III NICU in Kansas, and since then, I’ve worked in different hospitals across the country – from big teaching facilities to smaller community hospitals.  I love the challenge of adapting quickly to new environments, and I’ve found that travel nursing has really helped me grow in confidence and independence.  Right now, I’m looking for a role where I can continue to grow professionally, work with a strong team, and contribute to great patient outcomes.”

 

2.  “Why Did You Become a Nurse?”

Here’s where you’re going to want to use a personal story and how that motivates you provide excellent patient care.  What they’re really asking here is what drives you?  This is the perfect chance to connect your “why” to your work ethic and values.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “I have several family members in medicine which is how I became interested in medicine at a young age.  The desire to enter into the medical field only became stronger as a I grew up and when I was in college, I decided that nursing was the best route because it seemed that I could best connect with patients and really make a difference.  Nursing combines everything I love – science, connection, and sense of purpose.”

 

3.  “What are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

When answering this question, make sure to pick strengths that are relevant to nursing – i.e. adaptability and communication.  And pick weaknesses that are honest but can also show growth – i.e. time management.  Show self-awareness and again, be honest – people will be able to sense if you’re lying or giving a fluff answer.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this for my strengths… “One of my biggest strengths is staying calm under pressure.  Whether it’s a code or a family in crisis, I’ve learned to be the steady presence in the room.  I think that’s especially important in the NICU where emotions can run high and clear thinking is essential.”  And this for my weaknesses… “I used to struggle with delegating – especially when I was a new nurse.  I’d try to take on everything myself.  But over time, I’ve learned that leaning on the team doesn’t make you less capable – it actually improves patient care.  Now I try to delegate early, especially when I know I need to prioritize something more critical.”

 

4.  “Tell Me About a Time You Dealt With a Difficult Patient”

This can be a hard question to answer, but make sure that when you do answer, focus on patient-centered care, empathy, and boundaries.  Your interviewer wants to know that you’re compassionate, professional, and able to de-escalate situations.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “During one assignment, I had a patient’s parent who didn’t trust the team at all – they questioned everything we did.  I made a point to slow down and really involve them in care whenever possible.  I’d sit down to explain each med, walk them through our care plans, and check in even when it wasn’t technically my ‘turn.’  And eventually, over time, their attitude shifted.  I think a lot of conflict comes down to fear, and if you can recognize that, you can usually navigate through it.”

 

5.  “How Do You Handle Stress on the Job?”

With this question, I think that your interviewer is really asking how you handle or plan to handle burnout.  This is your opportunity to talk about your coping skills and self-awareness.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “Throughout the years I’ve learned to recognize when I’m approaching burnout.  I usually start to feel impatient or detached.  In the moment, I stay grounded by focusing on one task at a time and asking for help if I need it.  Outside of work, I’m really intentional about recovery – I travel, I prioritize sleep, and I don’t pick up extra shifts unless I have the capacity to handle them.  I’ve learned that rest is a critical part of being a safe nurse.”

 

6.  “Why Do You Want to Work Here?”

Now is your time to show that you’ve done the your research on the unit and facility you’re interviewing for.  Make sure to align the facility’s values with your own.  Look up their mission statement, vision, etc to best formulate an answer.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “I’ve heard great things about your NICU team – especially the collaborative environment and the way you support nurse autonomy.  I’m looking for a unit that values communication, mentorship, and continuous learning, and from everything I’ve read, this seems like a place where those values really matter.  I’m also excited about the opportunity to care for high-acuity patients and continue growing my skill set.”

 

7.  “Describe a Time You Worked on a Team”

Here’s where you’ll want to highlight collaboration, communication, and flexibility.  And truthfully, they simply want to see if you play well with others.  Medicine is a collaborative effort after all!

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “One night on a particularly short-staffed shift, we had two critical admits come in at once. Instead of focusing just on my own assignment, I floated between rooms to help wherever I could – placing IVs, managing parents, restocking.  We ended the night strong, and honestly, it was one of the best examples of teamwork I’ve seen.  No one complained; we just leaned on each other.  That’s the kind of environment I thrive in.”

 

8.  “What Would You Do if You Saw a Co-Worker Make a Mistake?”

When you answer this question, make sure to be respectful – not accusatory.  You don’t want it to seem as though you’re throwing your co-worker under the bus… but you do want to show your commitment to patient safety and ethics.

If I were interviewing today, my answer might look like this… “I’d always approach the situation respectfully but directly.  If it was something small, like missing a med label, I’d say something right away.  If it was more serious – like a med error – I’d follow protocol and make sure the right people were informed.  We all make mistakes, but I believe how we respond to them is what really matters.  At the end of the day, my top priority is always patient safety.”

 

Questions for Specific Roles

Of course, depending on whether you’re a new grad nurse, experienced nurse, travel nurse, or nurse practitioner, your questions might vary slightly.  Here are some other questions and things to keep in mind for specific roles.

 

Nursing Questions for Travel Nurses

Travel nursing comes with a whole different set of expectations.  Recruiters and nurse managers want to know that you’re adaptable, confident, and ready to hit the ground running.

Common questions you might be able to expect include…

• “How do you adjust to new hospitals and charting systems?”
• “Tell me about a time you had to learn quickly in a new environment.”
• “What do you do when you aren’t given a proper orientation?”

Pro tip:  Emphasize your ability to adapt quickly, communicate clearly, and ask for help when needed.  You might say something like…  “In most of my travel assignments, orientation is brief – sometimes just a few hours.  I’ve learned to take initiative early on – asking the right questions, building rapport with my preceptor or charge nurse, and relying on strong organizational skills to stay ahead.  I also like to keep a running list of policies and codes to refer back to during my first few days.”

 

Don’t miss…

• 30 Questions to Ask a Travel Nurse Recruiter
• 6 Questions I Never Forget to Ask During My Travel Nursing Interview
• 4 Common Travel Nurse Interview Questions, Plus How to Nail Your Interview

 

Nursing Questions for New Grad Nurses

As a new grad, you won’t be expected to know everything – but you will be expected to show enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.

Common questions you might be able to expect include…

• “Tell me about a challenge you faced during clinicals.”
• “What would you do if you were overwhelmed during a shift?”
• “How do you handle feedback or constructive criticism?”

Pro tip:  Lean into your clinical experiences, even if they were short.  Show that you’re eager to learn and willing to ask questions.

 

Nursing Questions for Nurse Practitioners or Upper Leadership

Whether you’re moving into an NP role or taking on a charge nurse or educator position, expect more in-depth questions about clinical judgment, delegation, and leadership.

Common questions you might be able to expect include…

• “How do you make clinical decisions when there’s uncertainty?”
• “How do you handle disagreements with physicians or other providers?”
• “Tell me about a time you led a team through a difficult situation.”

Pro tip:  These interviews are less about technical skills and more about how you think, lead, and advocate for your patients and your team.

 

Questions to Ask Your Interviewer

Of course, you can’t finish an interview without asking questions yourself – even if you don’t have any questions to ask.  Go in prepared with questions like these…

1. What’s the nurse to patient ratio?
2. What support systems exist for new hires?
3. How is scheduling handled?
4. What’s the culture like on the unit?

 

Don’t miss…

• The Best Questions to Ask in a Nursing Interview
• Questions to Ask in Your Nursing Interview if You’re Looking for Work-Life Balance

 

Nurse Essentials

 

I hope that this post helps you prepare for your nursing interview.  If you have any questions, let me know in a comment below!

 

---

For more information and inspiration on all things nursing and, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppinscrubs” or under my highlights for “Nursing”; alternatively, head to my TikTok and search for the saved “Nursing” highlight or subscribe to my YouTube channel

---

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.