Log InSign Up

19 Nursing Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various nursing interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Nursing Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Nursing Interview Questions

What experience do you have in nursing?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask about a nursing candidate's experience. First, the interviewer wants to get a sense of the candidate's clinical skills and knowledge. Second, the interviewer wants to know how the candidate has handled various nursing duties in the past. Finally, the interviewer wants to gauge the candidate's commitment to the nursing profession. It is important for the interviewer to ask about a nursing candidate's experience because it helps to determine whether or not the candidate is a good fit for the position.

Example: “I have worked as a registered nurse for over 10 years. I have experience in a variety of nursing settings, including medical-surgical, critical care, and outpatient. I have also been a charge nurse and preceptor for new nurses. In addition to my clinical experience, I have also taught nursing classes at the community college level.”

What made you decide to pursue a career in nursing?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to pursue a career in nursing. Some people are drawn to the helping professions, and see nursing as a way to make a difference in people's lives. Others may be interested in the science of health and medicine, and see nursing as a way to combine these interests with a hands-on approach. Still others may be attracted to the challenge and variety that a nursing career can offer.

Whatever the reasons, it is important for an interviewer to ask this question in order to get a sense of the candidate's motivations and whether they are a good fit for the nursing profession. A career in nursing can be demanding and challenging, so it is important to make sure that candidates are Pursuing it for the right reasons.

Example: “I decided to pursue a career in nursing because I have always been interested in helping people. I have always been drawn to the medical field and I knew that nursing would allow me to help people in a direct way. I also wanted to pursue a career that would be challenging and rewarding, and nursing definitely fits that bill. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, and I believe that nursing is a great way to do that.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a nurse?

There are many qualities that are important for a nurse, but some of the most important qualities are compassionate, caring, empathetic, patient, and detail-oriented. It is important for a nurse to be compassionate because they are often working with patients who are dealing with a lot of pain, stress, and anxiety. They need to be able to show compassion and care for their patients. Being empathetic is also important because it allows nurses to understand what their patients are going through and to provide them with the best possible care. Being patient is important because nurses often have to deal with difficult patients and situations. They need to be able to remain calm and patient in order to provide the best care possible. Being detail-oriented is also important because nurses need to be able to keep track of their patients' medical histories and medications.

Example: “The most important qualities for a nurse are:

1. Compassion: A nurse must be able to show compassion for their patients. They must be able to understand what the patient is going through and be there for them emotionally.

2. Communication: A nurse must be able to communicate effectively with their patients. They must be able to explain things clearly and listen to the patient’s concerns.

3. Organizational skills: A nurse must be organized in order to keep track of the patient’s medical records and medications. They must also be able to plan and coordinate the care of the patient.

4. Problem-solving skills: A nurse must be able to identify problems and find solutions. They must be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions.

5. Physical stamina: A nurse must have the physical stamina to handle the demands of the job. They must be able to lift patients, stand for long periods of time, and work long hours.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges faced by nurses?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be interested in your thoughts on the challenges faced by nurses in general. This can help them understand your perspective on the profession and what you think needs to be improved. Additionally, they may be specifically interested in your thoughts on the challenges faced by nurses in their specific organization or field. This can help them identify areas where they need to focus their efforts in order to improve working conditions for nurses. Finally, they may simply be trying to get to know you better and learn more about your professional goals and interests. Regardless of the reason, it is important to be prepared to answer this question thoughtfully and concisely.

Example: “The biggest challenges faced by nurses are:

1. Workload and staffing levels: Nurses are often overworked and understaffed, which can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue.

2. Patient safety: Nurses are responsible for ensuring that their patients receive the best possible care and are safe from harm.

3. Medication errors: Nurses must be very careful when administering medication, as even a small error can have serious consequences for patients.

4. Infection control: Nurses must take precautions to prevent the spread of infection, both to themselves and to their patients.

5. Emotional stress: Caring for sick and injured patients can be emotionally stressful, and nurses must be able to cope with this stress in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.”

What do you think sets nursing apart from other healthcare professions?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the nursing candidate's understanding of what makes nursing unique among other healthcare professions. It is important for the interviewer to know whether the nursing candidate appreciates the complexities and challenges of the nursing profession and whether they are committed to providing high-quality patient care.

Example: “There are a few things that set nursing apart from other healthcare professions. First, nursing is a caring profession. Nurses care for their patients and families, and they work to promote the health and well-being of their communities. Second, nursing is a science-based profession. Nurses use the latest evidence-based research to guide their practice and make decisions about patient care. Third, nursing is a highly skilled profession. Nurses must be able to assess patients, make diagnoses, and develop treatment plans. They must also be able to communicate effectively with patients and families, as well as with other members of the healthcare team. Finally, nursing is a demanding profession. Nurses work long hours, often on their feet, and they must be able to handle stress and emergencies.”

What do you think would make your nursing practice unique?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge your level of self-awareness and insight into your own nursing practice. Secondly, they may be interested in hearing how you would describe your nursing practice to others, in order to get a better sense of your communication skills. Finally, they may be curious to know what sets your nursing practice apart from others', in order to get a sense of what makes you unique as a nurse.

It is important for interviewers to ask this question for a few reasons. First, it allows them to get a sense of the applicant's self-awareness and insight into their own nursing practice. Secondly, it allows them to hear how the applicant would describe their nursing practice to others, which can give them a better sense of the applicant's communication skills. Finally, it allows the interviewer to learn what sets the applicant's nursing practice apart from others', which can help them to better understand what makes the applicant unique as a nurse.

Example: “There are many things that could make my nursing practice unique. I think that one of the most important things would be my focus on patient care. I would want to make sure that each and every patient I see feels cared for and receives the best possible treatment. Another thing that would make my nursing practice unique is my dedication to education. I would want to make sure that all of my patients are well-informed about their health and know how to properly care for themselves. Lastly, I think that my compassion and empathy would set me apart from other nurses. I would go above and beyond to make sure that each patient feels comfortable and respected.”

What do you think are the most important issues facing nurses today?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the interviewee's level of knowledge about the nursing profession. Second, it allows the interviewer to understand the interviewee's priorities and values. Lastly, it gives the interviewer insight into the interviewee's thoughts on the current state of the nursing profession.

It is important for nurses to be aware of the most pressing issues facing their profession today so that they can be better prepared to address them. By understanding the priorities and values of the nursing profession, nurses can more effectively advocate for themselves and their patients. Additionally, by gaining insight into the thoughts of those currently working in the field, nurses can learn from their experiences and make strides towards improving the profession as a whole.

Example: “There are a number of important issues facing nurses today. One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of nurses. This shortage is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, and it is already having an impact on patient care. Hospitals are struggling to find enough nurses to staff their units, and this can lead to longer wait times for patients, increased stress on nurses, and lower quality of care.

Another important issue facing nurses is the increasing complexity of medical care. As medical technology advances, patients are living longer and surviving conditions that were once deadly. This means that nurses must be able to provide more complex and specialized care. They must also be able to keep up with the latest changes in medical science in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Finally, nurses must also deal with the challenges of working in a healthcare system that is often underfunded and understaffed. They must contend with long hours, high levels of stress, and sometimes dangerous working conditions. Despite these challenges, nurses continue to provide vital care to patients every day.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the nursing profession in the future?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the nursing profession and its future challenges. It is important for the interviewer to understand the interviewee's understanding of the nursing profession in order to determine if they are a good fit for the position.

Example: “There are a number of challenges facing the nursing profession in the future. One of the biggest challenges is the aging population. As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, there will be an increased demand for health care services. This will put a strain on the already limited resources available to nurses. Another challenge is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. These conditions require long-term care and management, which can be difficult to provide in a traditional hospital setting. Additionally, the nursing workforce is aging, and there is a shortage of qualified nurses to replace those who retire or leave the profession. This shortage is expected to worsen as the demand for health care services increases.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful nurse?

There are many qualities that are important for a successful nurse. Some of these qualities include: being compassionate, having good communication skills, being organized, being able to multitask, and being able to work well under pressure. It is important for an interviewer to ask this question because it allows them to get a better understanding of the candidate's personal qualities and whether or not they would be a good fit for the nursing profession.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful nurse are:

1. Compassion: A successful nurse must be compassionate in order to care for patients and their families during difficult times.

2. Communication: A successful nurse must be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and other healthcare providers in order to provide the best possible care.

3. Critical Thinking: A successful nurse must be able to think critically in order to make sound clinical decisions.

4. Organizational Skills: A successful nurse must be organized in order to keep track of patients' medical records and medications.

5. Time Management Skills: A successful nurse must be able to manage his or her time effectively in order to provide quality care to patients.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurses in terms of job satisfaction?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be interested in how well the nursing candidate is aware of the challenges that nurses face in terms of job satisfaction. Second, the interviewer may be looking for evidence that the nursing candidate is committed to addressing these challenges. Finally, the interviewer may want to see if the nursing candidate has any innovative ideas about how to improve job satisfaction for nurses.

It is important for interviewers to ask questions like this because it allows them to gauge a nursing candidate's level of awareness about the challenges that nurses face in their work. Additionally, it allows the interviewer to see if the nursing candidate has any creative solutions to these challenges. Ultimately, this information can help the interviewer determine if the nursing candidate is a good fit for the position.

Example: “The biggest challenge facing nurses in terms of job satisfaction is finding ways to cope with the increasing demands of the job. As the population ages and the number of people with chronic illnesses increases, nurses are finding themselves stretched thin. They are working longer hours and taking on more responsibility, which can lead to burnout. In addition, many nurses are not being paid commensurate with their level of education and experience. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being undervalued.”

What do you think are the most important issues facing nurses in terms of patient care?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be trying to gauge the nurse's level of knowledge and awareness about the current state of nursing. Second, they may be interested in the nurse's opinion on how patient care can be improved. Finally, this question can help to identify any areas where the nurse may need further education or training. By understanding the most important issues facing nurses in terms of patient care, nurses can be better equipped to provide high-quality care to their patients.

Example: “There are a number of important issues facing nurses in terms of patient care. One of the most important is ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care possible. This means providing care that is individualized to each patient's needs and ensuring that they receive the best possible outcomes.

Another important issue facing nurses is providing care in a way that is safe and effective. This includes ensuring that patients are properly monitored and that their medications are administered correctly. It also means taking steps to prevent errors and accidents from occurring.

Nurses also play an important role in promoting health and preventing disease. This includes educating patients about healthy lifestyle choices and helping them to make changes that will improve their health. It also involves working to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and providing care for patients with chronic conditions.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a nurse leader?

There are many qualities that are important for a nurse leader, but some of the most important qualities are:

-Compassion: A nurse leader must be compassionate in order to understand and empathize with the patients they are caring for.

-Leadership: A nurse leader must be able to lead and inspire other nurses to provide the best possible care for patients.

-Communication: A nurse leader must be able to effectively communicate with both patients and other healthcare professionals in order to coordinate care and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

-Organization: A nurse leader must be organized in order to keep track of patients' needs and make sure that the nurses under their supervision are providing the best possible care.

Example: “The most important qualities for a nurse leader are:

1. The ability to inspire and motivate others.

2. The ability to provide clear and concise direction.

3. The ability to build relationships and trust with those they lead.

4. The ability to make difficult decisions in a timely manner.

5. The ability to effectively communicate with all members of the healthcare team.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurse leaders today?

There are many reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. Some of the challenges facing nurse leaders today include staffing shortages, budget cuts, and increasing numbers of patients. It is important for the interviewer to know how the nursing candidate feels about these challenges and how they would handle them if they were in a leadership position. This question also allows the interviewer to gauge the nursing candidate's level of experience and knowledge.

Example: “There are many challenges facing nurse leaders today. One of the biggest challenges is the increasing complexity of healthcare. With the advancement of medical technology, treatments and procedures are becoming more complex, and nurses are expected to have a greater level of knowledge and expertise. This can be a challenge to keep up with, especially for those who are already working full-time.

Another big challenge facing nurse leaders is the shortage of nurses. This is a global problem that is only getting worse as the population ages and the demand for healthcare increases. This shortage puts a lot of pressure on those who are working, and can make it difficult to provide high-quality care.

In addition, nurse leaders must also deal with the challenges of budget cuts and staffing shortages. These issues can make it difficult to provide adequate care for patients and can lead to burnout among nurses.

All of these challenges require nurse leaders to be adaptable, creative, and resourceful in order to find solutions that work for their specific situation.”

What do you think would be the most important qualities for a successful nurse manager?

One potential reason an interviewer might ask a nursing candidate what they believe to be the most important qualities for a successful nurse manager is to gauge the level of experience and clinical knowledge the candidate has. Additionally, this question may also be asked to gauge the candidate's interpersonal skills and ability to think critically about the role of a nurse manager. Ultimately, it is important for nurse managers to be able to effectively communicate with staff and patients, possess strong organizational skills, and have a deep understanding of clinical care.

Example: “The most important qualities for a successful nurse manager would be:

1. The ability to effectively communicate with both nurses and patients.

2. The ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities appropriately.

3. The ability to foster a positive working environment.

4. The ability to resolve conflict effectively.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurse managers today?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the interviewee's understanding of the nursing profession and the challenges that nurse managers face. Second, it allows the interviewer to see how the interviewee thinks about challenges and how they might approach solving them. Finally, it gives the interviewer insight into the interviewee's own personal challenges and how they are managing them.

Example: “There are many challenges that nurse managers face today. One of the biggest challenges is staffing. There is a nationwide nursing shortage, and it is only expected to get worse in the coming years. This shortage means that nurse managers often have to work with a smaller staff than they would like, and this can lead to burnout and turnover. Another big challenge is managing patient care in the face of increasing complexity and acuity. With more patients requiring more complex care, nurse managers have to be very organized and efficient in their management in order to ensure that all patients receive the care they need.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful nurse educator?

There are many qualities that are important for a successful nurse educator. Some of the most important qualities include:

1. Passion for teaching and nursing: A successful nurse educator must have a passion for teaching and nursing. They must be able to inspire and motivate their students to learn.

2. Strong clinical knowledge and experience: A successful nurse educator must have strong clinical knowledge and experience. They must be able to effectively teach their students the clinical skills they need to know.

3. excellent communication skills: A successful nurse educator must have excellent communication skills. They must be able to clearly and effectively communicate with their students.

4. strong organizational skills: A successful nurse educator must have strong organizational skills. They must be able to effectively manage their time and resources.

5. dedication to their students: A successful nurse educator must be dedicated to their students. They must be willing to go above and beyond to help their students succeed.

Example: “There are many qualities that are important for a successful nurse educator, but some of the most important ones include:

-The ability to effectively communicate with both students and colleagues
-A strong commitment to teaching and learning
-A deep understanding of nursing theory and practice
-The ability to create a supportive and positive learning environment
-The ability to foster critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills in students
-The ability to effectively use technology in the classroom”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurse educators today?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be interested in your opinion on the challenges facing nurse educators. This question can also be used to gauge your level of knowledge and experience with the challenges facing nurse educators today. Finally, the interviewer may be looking for specific examples of challenges you have faced in your role as a nurse educator.

Example: “There are a number of challenges facing nurse educators today. One of the biggest challenges is the increasing demand for nurses globally. The World Health Organization has predicted that the world will need 9.9 million more nurses by 2030. This increase in demand is putting a strain on nursing schools, which are struggling to keep up with the demand. Additionally, nurse educators are also facing the challenge of preparing nurses for an increasingly complex and changing healthcare landscape. With advances in technology and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, nurses need to be prepared to care for patients with a variety of needs.”

What do you think would be the most important qualities for a successful nurse researcher?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they may be gauging your understanding of what it takes to be a successful nurse researcher. Second, they may be trying to determine if you have the qualities that are necessary for success in this field. Finally, they may be trying to get a sense of your career goals and how you plan to achieve them.

The most important qualities for a successful nurse researcher are:

1. Intellectual Curiosity: A successful nurse researcher must be curious about the world around them and the factors that influence health and healthcare. They must be able to ask probing questions and be open to new ideas.

2. Critical Thinking Skills: A successful nurse researcher must be able to think critically about the data they collect and the conclusions they draw. They must be able to identify flaws in research designs and question assumptions.

3. Communication Skills: A successful nurse researcher must be able to communicate their findings clearly and concisely, both in writing and in person. They must be able to effectively present their work to peers, patients, and the general public.

4. Organizational Skills: A successful nurse researcher must be organized and efficient in their work. They must be able to keep track of multiple projects and deadlines, and juggle multiple demands on their time.

5. Passion: A successful nurse researcher must be passionate about their work and committed to making a difference in the lives of others. They must be driven by a desire to improve patient care and advance the nursing profession.

Example: “There are many important qualities for a successful nurse researcher, but some of the most important would include:

1. A passion for nursing and improving patient care.
2. Strong analytical and research skills.
3. The ability to think critically and solve problems.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
5. The ability to work independently and as part of a team.”

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurse researchers today?

There are several reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, it allows the interviewer to gauge the nurse's level of knowledge about the field of nursing research. Second, it allows the interviewer to assess the nurse's ability to think critically about the challenges facing nurse researchers today. Third, it provides the interviewer with an opportunity to learn more about the nurse's research interests and priorities. Finally, it allows the interviewer to determine whether the nurse is familiar with the latest developments in nursing research.

Example: “There are many challenges facing nurse researchers today. One of the biggest challenges is finding ways to increase the number of nurses who are engaged in research. This is important because nurses play a vital role in improving patient care and outcomes. Another challenge is finding ways to increase funding for nursing research. This is important because nursing research is essential to improving the quality of patient care.”

Related Interview Questions