Nursing Interview Questions_

Whether you are a fully qualified nurse or you are just starting in your career; when you’re attending an interview you’re likely to be asked a number of common interview questions but also ones that are directly related to nursing, and healthcare in general.

Here are our top 5 most popular nursing interview questions. Along with some advice on how to answer them:

1. Why did you become a nurse?

Be genuine, to-the-point and try to be unique. The interviewer may be seeing several candidates so this is your chance to stand out from the crowd. They are looking for more than a one word answer but don’t need to hear your whole life story. Try to think about what path led you to your nursing career, and give specific examples, while also demonstrating your passion, drive, and commitment to helping others. 

2. Tell me what you think makes a good shift

This question is a way for the interviewer to ensure you understand what elements are included in the day to day running of a hospital or surgery. The best answer will not only focus on the importance of delivering excellent care to patients, but also of taking care of yourself and your colleagues Because a great shift is not about having high numbers of staff but more about organisation skills, time management, and regular breaks to ensure the team is kept sharp, hydrated, and happy. 

3. What makes you a good nurse?

This is where you can really show your worth and tell the interviewer what makes you better than the other candidates.  Try to demonstrate your most notable skills, abilities, and achievements. Demonstrate your qualities of being empathic, honest, and kind, as these  are traits that form the basis of a successful nurse. Take time to mention the six Cs of nursing – care, compassion, competence, communication, courage and commitment. To ensure that you stand out from the crowd, make sure you include real life examples that show you can go above and beyond to ensure patients are being cared for to the best of your ability.

4. Tell me about a time you’ve dealt with a dissatisfied patient

This question is your time to demonstrate your ability to be understanding, calm, and accommodating. You need to show your ability to diffuse a difficult situation. Never blame the patient and acknowledge that you understand why a patient is feeling upset. After all, it’s understandable that illnesses can sometimes result in anger and frustration. Describe what happened, talking about why the patient was dissatisfied,  then explain how you used basic conflict resolution strategies to turn the situation around.

5. What’s your biggest achievement so far?

This is your time to brag – but also be humble. Think of a notable success in your career that you’re particularly proud of but don’t feel like it has to be from work. If you’re new to nursing and/or have recently finished studying, it’s perfectly acceptable to give an example from your experience as a student nurse – as long as it emphasises your enthusiasm and determination to deliver safe and effective care.

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