Common nursing interview questions and answers 

This question allows interviewers to get to know you on a deeper level, and it allows you to reveal your self-awareness, personality, work ethic, motivations and growth potential.

To start, do your research and get familiar with what a prospective employer is looking for so you can match the organization’s language with your strength.

When discussing weaknesses, frame any you mention as opportunities for growth and demonstrate a proactive approach for improvement. For example, if you struggle to ask for help, outline a plan to address it, such as telling your charge nurse.

It’s important to always relate your answers back to nursing. You can also include components of the healthcare organization’s core values when you respond if you identify with them.

Example: I am very calm during stressful situations, which allows me to make quick, informed decisions about patient care. My co-workers love my calming presence and appreciate having me nearby during a code. I sometimes take on too many tasks and become overwhelmed, so I am working on delegating more effectively and will make my charge nurse aware so they can support me.

This question assesses your teamwork and communication style, particularly how you handle different personalities and fit into the team dynamic. Interpersonal conflicts can negatively affect care quality, but they can happen in virtually every work setting, so the interviewer wants to know how you handle them.

When talking about conflict, focus on an example that led to a positive outcome. Briefly explain the situation, your approach and the steps you took to resolve it. Avoid speaking negatively about anyone else, and end by sharing what you learned, emphasizing your commitment to teamwork and clear communication.

Example: During a night shift, I replaced a patient’s IV fluids after hearing the pump alarm. The patient’s nurse later informed me the orders had changed and was upset that I didn’t consult her first. I apologized, explaining I was trying to help but hadn’t considered the possibility of new orders. Since then, I always communicate with the patient’s nurse before making any changes.

Everyone makes mistakes, and how you handle a mistake reveals your level of integrity, accountability and potential for growth. In nursing, mistakes can have serious consequences, so being open about them and seeking help are essential.

Answer this question by talking about a specific mistake. Be honest and professional. Highlight not only what you did wrong but also how you corrected it, what you learned and how you’ve changed to prevent it from happening again.

Example: Once, I gave my patient all his medications in a cup. He threw one on the floor but swallowed the rest; I didn’t know which one was missed. I had to speak with my charge nurse, doctor and pharmacist to identify the missing medication. Since then, I always give medications one at a time.

This question is designed to reveal your long-term career goals. The interviewer is assessing how likely it is that you will stay in the unit or role.

Answer honestly but with tact. This can be a great opportunity to discuss your dedication to professionalism, continued education and growth. Talk about the skills you want to learn, the experience you want to gain and accomplishments you want to achieve.

By focusing on these positives, you can steer clear of committing yourself (or not) to a certain role or time frame.

Example: In five years, I see myself as a family nurse practitioner. It’s important to me to constantly be learning, so I plan to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Difficult patient assignments are inevitable. This behavioral question is designed to assess your adaptability, communication style and how you handle stress.

First of all, avoid criticizing the patient. Instead, focus on how you managed the situation and provided unbiased, compassionate care. Highlight your professionalism, emotional intelligence and therapeutic communication skills, such as active listening and reflecting, to show how you implement the art of nursing.

Example: Patients often feel scared and lose a sense of control when hospitalized, which can lead them to act out. I once had a patient in the ICU with a head injury who kept trying to get out of bed and remove her bandage. After talking with her, I learned that Sudoku helped her relax at home, so I printed a Sudoku sheet for her, which kept her occupied, calm and safe. 

This question gauges your communication style, advocacy, critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. A nurse needs to be able to think independently, assess patient care decisions critically and advocate for a patient’s best interests — even if those interests contradict an authority figure’s opinion.

Provide a real-life example that emphasizes your collaboration with the charge nurse or doctor to ensure safe patient care. Share how you escalated the situation if the doctor or charge nurse did not respond initially.

Example: When my patient developed a sudden weakness in one extremity, I called their provider, and they advised monitoring. Concerned about a possible stroke, I alerted my charge nurse, and together we initiated a stroke alert. The patient was evaluated and received the appropriate treatment in the end. This taught me to listen to my nursing intuition, advocate for my patient and to collaborate with my nursing team. 

This question gauges your self-awareness, resilience, adaptability and communication skills, providing insight into how you handle criticism and learn from experiences.

Think about an example that will demonstrate a growth mindset, willingness to learn and commitment to improving patient care. Emphasize how you take feedback seriously and adjust your practice accordingly.

Example: During a performance review, my manager pointed out that my patient whiteboards were occasionally incomplete. I took this feedback seriously and acknowledged that I had been prioritizing patient care over updating the whiteboard. I came up with a plan to update my whiteboards during shift change, and since then I’ve received positive feedback. 

This question reveals your values and motivations. Your response can showcase your relevant nursing skills and qualities, demonstrating how you can contribute to a team based on your past successes.

If possible, choose a nursing accomplishment. If you’re new to nursing or the workforce, describe a professional or academic accomplishment and relate it to nursing. Were you praised for leadership skills or attention to detail? Did you solve the problem as a team?

Example: I received the Daisy Award in 20XX for developing a patient information discharge handout. I’ve always looked up to nurses who won the Daisy Award, so for me to receive one was meaningful and reflected my commitment to patient-centered care.

This question is really asking whether you can recognize when you’re overwhelmed and seek help to ensure safe patient care. As a nurse, knowing how to delegate and ask for help is crucial.

Avoid blaming your facility or staffing issues. Instead, focus on the actions you took to address the situation. Give a specific example and provide the step-by-step actions you took to overcome the feeling and complete your tasks.

Example: On my first shift working as charge nurse, I felt extremely overwhelmed. I asked two experienced nurses questions and consulted my supervisor as needed. By utilizing my unit resources and asking for help, I had a great first shift and left feeling confident!

Personally, this is my favorite interview question because it gives me the chance to gain a better understanding of the facility. I like to ask the interviewer, “What made you want to work here?” and “If there’s one thing you could change about this unit, what would it be?”

Remember that the interview is for you too. While the organization is assessing whether you’ll be a good fit for the team, you’re also evaluating if you’d like to work there. Take advantage of that and ask thoughtful questions. As one of my nursing instructors advised, “The worst thing you can do is show up for an interview without questions.”

Suggested questions:

●      What made you want to work here?

●      What are the biggest challenges your nursing team faces?

●      What is the nurse-to-patient ratio, and how often does that change?

You may also want to inquire about support to pursue continuing education or a higher degree if that’s a step you see in your future. You might also inquire about how long the mentorship might be and what qualifies a nurse mentor to be a mentor.

As silly as it may sound, practice nursing interview questions and answers out loud. Yes, really. You’ll sound much more confident and articulate when you do it in the real interview. Most importantly, remember to be yourself. Letting your personality shine will set you apart.

By mastering these interview techniques, you’ll be equipped for your nursing interview. University of Phoenix’s nursing programs can help you advance your nursing education and prepare you for new career opportunities as well.

●      RN to BSN path

●      MSN path

●      DNP path

Connect with a UOPX representative to learn more.