Latest Nursing Interview Questions For Freshers
Q – 1 Why do you want to work here as Nurse?
Ans- Your reasons for wanting to work at this place of employment should be positive and show that you have an understanding of the unique culture. It’s also an opportunity to draw the connection between your career goals and how they can be achieved at this particular facility. “Your hospital has been growing its oncology service line, and my ultimate goal and passion is to work with the top oncology program in our area.”
Q – 2 Explain me what is your favorite type of patient?
Ans- A patient that is appreciative of the care they are receiving. A patient that cooperates and is willing to do what is necessary to improve upon while they are under our care. Of course, finding a perfect patient will not always happen and you have to adapt and be just as courteous to a patient no matter how they behave.
Q – 3 What is emergency Situations?
Ans- The medical world is full of emergency situations, and anyone with any experience at all must have a few incidents to speak of. When answering this question, tell about some of the most challenging and difficult cases that you have faced. You can also talk about a specific problem and how you handled it. Make sure that you speak about the added value that the situation gave to your medical experience.
Q – 4 Tell me what was your proudest moment as a nurse so far?
Ans- Having only 1 patient at a time as you do in the surgical setting I focus on that 1 patient. I will never forget a very young breast cancer patient, I think she was 26, drifting off to sleep with anes and a single tear drifted down her face…I tried to confort her during her last seconds of consciousness. She remembered that in a letter to the hospital…she felt I was a caring nurse.
Q – 5 Tell me why do you want to work for us as Nurse?
Ans- XYZ Medical Center has a mission of improving the health of the people in their community through personalized and compassionate quality care. As a Critical Care Nurse it is important for me to provide kindhearted care and support to patients and their families through their heartbreaking experience. I am impressed with the level of compassionate care provided at Saint John’s and wish to accept a leadership position in the future where I can use my experience to mentor others.
Q – 6 Tell me where do you see yourself in a few years?
Ans- Any medical institution will need to know how serious you are about the profession and where you see yourself in five or ten years. Clearly, they will want to hear that you are interested in a lifelong career in the medical profession; people prefer to hire employees looking for many years of work. If your plans are otherwise, be honest and play up your good points.
Q – 7 Tell me what was your least favorite patient? What was the situation?
Ans- I had a patient who’s pain control was unmanageable. I notified the charge nurse and we notified the physician to get a different medication or dose that would be more therapeutic, but the physician declined the request. Still advocating for my patient we tried different non pharma interventions but his pain as still unmanageable. I didn’t like that we couldn’t make him pain free.
Q – 8 Tell me where do you see yourself in five years as Nurse?
Ans- I plan on being a career nurse. There are so many different floors and units to work on, with each providing their own change of pace. I enjoy nursing and patient care too much to ever consider a career outside of the hospital.
Q – 9 What do you dislike about your present job as Nurse?
Ans- The interviewer is trying to find out whether the job in question involves tasks you dislike. Do not be too specific. Talk about the characteristic of your present company that are different from the company you’re interviewed by. For example, if your company is large, you might say you are frustrated with slow decision-making. Or if it’s small, you could say that there is a lack of opportunities to progress in your career.
Q – 10 Tell me how do you handle situations that could cause you to be tardy or absent?
Ans- I will always try to avoid being tardy by ensuring I have adequate time prior to the start of work. Further to that, I will continue to take care of myself to the best of my ability to avoid becoming sick which would be a potential cause for missing work.
Q – 11 Tell me where did you get your qualifications from?
Ans- Here is a chance to speak about your training, any courses you have taken, related books and articles you have read, as well as all the experience you have accumulated, including volunteer and part time positions.
Q – 12 Tell me how will you earn the respect of your teammates?
Ans- I would say through confidence and showing initiative to learn. I think if they see you are open to learning and jump on those learning opportunities they will know you are working on becoming more competent and independent in your practice.
Q – 13 Explain me an example of a time when you went above and beyond in customer service?
Ans- Tell a compelling story. Give an example where you benefited a former employer through your customer service skills. Or think of a time in clinical when you went over and above on behalf of a patient, or family.
Q – 14 Tell me how do you deal with stress at work?
Ans- When work becomes stressful this is where I prioritize my responsibilities so that everything gets done I do my best to deal with the matter at hand that is causing the stress the faster its solved the less stress for the day.
Q – 15 Explain what motivates you to work in the nursing field?
Ans- Critical situations and tough patients motivate me. In my last job, I was confronted with a patient, who was not handled by a number of nurses, later I took charge of him and solved his problem by understanding his situation. I really love to overcome challenges.
Q – 16 Explain me what are your likes and dislikes about the job?
Ans- All jobs have advantages and disadvantages. As you respond, be careful – do not say anything that puts your previous jobs in a bad light, unless it was a well-known or extreme situation. Focus on the positive, mention a few good things about previous job(s). If you feel it is important, briefly outline any disadvantages. Close with more positive comments.
Q – 17 Explain me how do you respond to a grumpy patient in pain?
Ans- I ask them if there is anything i can do to them, and i evaluate how they are, and try and make them comfortable.
Q – 18 Tell me how do you make seamless transitions on shift changes?
Ans- Tell the oncoming nurse about the most high risk patients that day. Talk to them not only about patients but also the most that happened to staff that day.
Q – 19 Explain me what is your greatest failure?
Ans- In my first job, I made a mistake in the patient’s chart. Fortunately, my supervisor noticed it. Since then, I always double- check my charts.
Q – 20 Tell me how do you use your downtime?
Ans- I would recheck if I have really accomplished all my duties and obligations on my shift, then I would talk to my patient make sure she is stable and all her needs were met, and if she needs anything before I leave. Maybe helpout other co-workers if they are getting behind their schedules.
Q – 21 Explain your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
Ans- I have outstanding leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, which help me to coordinate well with my colleagues.
I do not quit easily, until the work is done in a proper manner; it’s my major weakness.
Q – 22 Why are you looking for a new job?
Ans- If you want to leave your present job for negative reasons, be very careful in how you express this to an interviewer. Make it sound positive. Being negative or even rude about your current/previous employer or company will not work in your favour. Mention that you are looking for a new challenge, with more responsibility or a change of environment. It is advisable not speak of remuneration in connection with your desire for a new job.
Q – 23 What drives you as Nurse?
Ans- This question is very common in various healthcare departments. These professions mostly have people who work for reasons other than the financials. Therefore, you should inform the interviewer about your inherent need to serve people and help them get better and the happiness you feel when successful.
Q – 24 Tell me what are some areas that need improvement?
Ans- My weakness is am a type “A” personality. So I need not to keep on double checking myself. The second weakness is I have a notion that i need to help other nurses on the floor, which then puts me behind sometimes in my work. Lastly, I like to do things on my own without telling the other techs that i need help.
Q – 25 Tell me what are some issues in the nursing field you would like to see change?
Ans- I feel nursing is very professional. I don’t have much exposure to nursing yet, so I would not know if there are improvements that need to be made.
Q – 26 Explain me how would you handle a patient, who complains about everything?
Ans- The major reason of complaints is their diseases, which makes them unhappy. As a nurse, I would understand their situation, listen and reassure them that the best possible services are given to them.
Q – 27 Tell me what questions do you have, feel free to ask?
Ans- ☛ What is the pay?
☛ Does the job offer any benefits?
☛ What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?
☛ How long are your shifts — eight, 10 or 12 hours?How do you go about scheduling?
☛ Is self-scheduling an option, or does someone else dictate the schedule?
☛ How long have most nurses been on the unit?
Q – 28 Tell me how would you respond when asked to perform a task outside of your job description?
Ans- I would glady accept, because I always want to make a great impression and do my duties, whatever they may be, at the hospital.
Q – 29 Tell me what kind of experience do you have to benefit this particular job?
Ans- This is a great chance for you to sell yourself, but the interviewer will be looking for an individual who is a problem solver and can ‘hit the ground running’. The answer lies in understanding the role described to you and taking the trouble to ask lots of questions about tasks involved. Try to respond with examples of the suitable skills and experience you have, showing that you could accept the role with confidence.
Q – 30 Explain me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
Ans- is impossible to say that I have never made a mistake, but I can garanty the I learn from it and iy will never happen again.
Q – 31 What motivates you as Nurse?
Ans- I grew up in a medical family. Seeing my parents help out neighbors and family members that were ill and really making a difference inspired me to become a nurse.
Q – 32 Explain me what is your ideal work environment?
Ans- Conducive environment ,team working ,respect for others,friendly staff,opportunity for career development and educational staff development.
Q – 33 Please explain your former supervisor?
Ans- Kevin was a competent supervisor with exceptional leadership qualities, who always maintained healthy interpersonal relationship. I have learned a lot from her.
Q – 34 Tell us when you feel most satisfied in your job?
Ans- I really enjoy caring people and helping them in coping up with their illness. I love to work with children.
Q – 35 Explain me what is the most difficult part of being a nurse?
Ans- According to me, the most intricate part of being a nurse is having a patient, who suffers from an incapacitating disease, which is incurable.
Q – 36 Where do you see yourself in five years as Nurse?
Ans- In 5 years, I would like to have profound knowledge of nursing by way of earning a doctoral degree, so that I can serve people with more advanced techniques.
Q – 37 Explain can you work well under pressure?
Ans- Use the opportunity to give a comprehensive but brief answer focusing on several examples showing your ability to cope well under pressure.
Q – 38 Explain an example of when you did something without being asked?
Ans- I always do things without being asked. I try to build relationships with my team members and ask if they need anything, if I walk past a patient’s room that isn’t my own, but they need help using the restroom it is my duty to help them.
Q – 39 Tell me have you ever had to deal with accusations of negligence or malpractice? How did you handle it?
Ans- I remain calm and escort the family member outside and then ask the family member what the problem is.
Q – 40 Tell me how do you stay current on the latest health research?
Ans- Only nursing journals i have read are the scholarly, peer-reviewed journals that we need for research papers and class exercises.
Q – 41 What is your salary requirements as Nurse?
Ans- I am expecting an appropriate salary for this role, based on my work knowledge and nursing experiences.
Q – 42 Tell me what is your greatest achievement in work to date?
Ans- Identify the skills you used and the benefit it gave the company.
Q – 43 Why should we hire you as Nurse?
Ans- This question gives you a chance to speak about your talents, qualifications and experiences, anything that was not previously mentioned. At this point, you could give some more brief information about your professional past filling in some important details that did not come up during the rest of the interview. This will help the interviewer appreciate you more as a person and better understand you and your professional life.
Q – 44 Explain me when you had a conflict at work and how you resolved it?
Ans- Examples ready, one of conflict with your boss, one with a co-worker, one with a customer/patient. Segue if needed (“While I haven’t had that particular experience, I have had….”). Then give them a similar example that shows your ability to communicate with others and come to a working agreement. They will go with it.
Healthcare facilities prefer to hire people who work well with others, have good social skills, get along well with patients and visitors, and can pull together as a team for the sake of patient care.
To tell your example, follow this helpful formula:
☛ Conflict resolution skills. Describe the situation
☛ Identify the challenges you encountered
☛ Explain the action steps you took
☛ Share the outcome
☛ Summarize what you learned and will apply moving forward
Q – 45 Tell me what is the one thing that you have done as a student nurse that has changed the course for a patient?
Ans- Assisting during her first major operation. Did my best to eased her fear and anxiety.
Q – 46 Explain me how have you responded when your supervisor asked you to work an additional shift to fill vacancies?
Ans- I try my best to help out the team in whatever way I can. Unless I have a plane ticket out of town I think its important to fill vacancies where needed. I am very flexible with my schedule and can move most things around.
Q – 47 Explain me a challenging problem you faced during one of your clinical rotations. How did you deal with it?
Ans- One time I had a patient who came in as a stroke alert she was coherent, however her boyfriend who came with her did not appreciate how many people came in did what they had to do and then leave. So i went over and explained everything that happened. What was going to happen to difuse the situation.
Q – 48 Priorities often change suddenly throughout the day. If you are asked to quickly do another task while you are in the middle of something, how do you respond?
Ans- Well I realize this situation comes up every day in Nursing and will quickly complete the task asked to do. It would not bother me, nor would it affect my mood.
Q – 49 Explain a recent issue you had with a doctor or co-worker’s decision. How did you handle it?
Ans- Recently a nurse that covers half of the night shifts in the operating room resigned. Without discussion, our managers announced at morning telling us to fill the call and working hours. I understand how important it is to have the OR covered so as a team we all covered the shifts and made sacrifices, but as a system that runs on a Shared Government as a team we would have appreciated a discussion about how the call was going to be taken.
Q – 50 Tell me how do you prioritize when multiple patients and procedures demand your attention at once?
Ans- The healthcare world is constantly evolving environment. Early in my nursing career I learned how a patients status can quickly change and therefore priorities change. Because I have had a lot of clinical experience, I am able to remain calm in emergent situations and adapt to high stress situations.
Q – 51 Explain me in detail how you would appropriately transfer a resident from a bed to a wheel chair?
Ans- You would introduce yourself and make sure you’re with the right patient. You help them over the side of the bed and put a gait belt around their waist. You help them up and, depending on the patient’s ability to bear weight, you either pivot them into the chair or have them walk at least ten steps to their chair. Make sure the bed and the wheelchair are locked and that you are right behind and beside them for safety.
Q – 52 Tell me why should I hire you as Nurse?
Ans- You should hire me because I have 4 years of experience in nursing that equips me with the ability to handle critical cases with utmost patience. I can be an asset for your health care centre and strength in times of weakness. I will do my best to bring innovation in nursing that can improve health care outcomes.
Q – 53 Explain about a time in which you had to handle an irate physician, co-worker, or patient. How did you handle it and what were the results?
Ans- I don’t think I mentioned this on my resume, but I was a tour guide on campus at BU, which was a very interesting job, one of my favorites I’d have to say. The reason why its so fun is because people are interesting and ask interestning questions and you never know what to expect. When I think of a bad tour or not the best I think of one last summer, there was one woman who was crocheting and being very disruptive and critical.
Q – 54 Tell me are you specialized in a particular area, i.e. neo-natal, pediatric, geriatric, or women’s health?
Ans- As a graduate nurse, I am yet to work in a specialty area. However, I have had a placement at a neurosurgical ward.
Q – 55 How do you explain your gap in employment as Nurse?
Ans- Hiring managers are trained to spot inconsistencies and gaps on your CV. Don’t leave employers guessing. If you haven’t worked for a period of several months include a line to explain what you were doing, for example “full-time carer to my mother” or “extended period of maternity leave.”
‘You should be prepared to talk about any gaps in employment, and indeed any other issues an employer might pick up on from your CV, such as only staying in a post for a short time,’ warns Cathy.
‘If you’ve been job hunting for a while, you should make it clear that this has been your decision, rather than an inability to find work. For example, you might say: “My work is very important to me. I don’t want to take any nursing job, I’m looking for a position where I can use the skills and experience I have gained and continue to develop in the future.”’
Q – 56 General Nursing Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ Tell us why you decided to opt for a career in nursing.
☛ What do you think are the most important skills of a nurse?
☛ What do you think will be the main challenges for the role advertised?
☛ How do you manage your workload and prioritise tasks?
☛ How do you keep up to date with new developments in nursing?
☛ Can you give us an example when you have had to give bad news?
☛ Please give an example of a time when you have had to deal with conflicting priorities?
☛ Can you give an example when you have gone the extra mile for a patient in your care?
☛ What is your biggest career achievement to date?
Q – 57 Professional Nursing Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ How would you describe working in this hospital?
☛ How would you describe the culture of the ward?
☛ What is the team like to work in on the ward?
☛ What do you think is the most challenging aspect of the role?
☛ What is the ratio of staff to patients like on the ward?
☛ What kind of systems are in place on the ward for managing patient care?
☛ What are the aims of the hospital moving forward?
☛ What is the goal of the ward or department moving forward?
☛ How will I hear back about the outcome of the interview?
Q – 58 Basic Nursing Job Interview Questions:
Ans- ☛ How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
☛ What are the types of floors does this facility have? (mostly for nursing homes)
☛ How long is orientation?
☛ What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
☛ Is it possible to have a look around the unit?
☛ What are the responsibilities of this post?
☛ How many staff/patients are there?
☛ Do you have a set staff to patient ratio?
☛ Is overtime expected? How often?
☛ Do you have a preceptorship scheme? (If you are a newly qualified nurse)
Q – 59 Do you like working in a team as Nurse?
Ans- es I do. Nursing requires a team effort and I do my best to make a significant contribution to my team. An example of this is just last week I stayed past my regular shift to assist the nursing team that was understaffed for their shift.
Q – 60 Why do you want to be a nurse?
Ans- Healthcare employers prefer to hire nurses who are motivated by intangible ideals, not concrete realities such as money. Even if a good salary is one of your primary motivations, do not mention money as a reason.
It’s good to provide a short story or example here. Stories are remembered. “I’ve always been a helper. I get a lot of satisfaction out of making people comfortable. When there’s a need, I see it and act on it. It’s just a small example, but I’m always the one to open the door for a person in a wheelchair, or who is using a walker.”
Q – 61 Tell me what interests you most about this job?
Ans- To answer this question properly you need to fully understand the job description. Make sure you ask plenty of questions, then you should be able to respond with some specific explanations that show your enthusiasm. Some good responses include: challenging, exciting, scope for learning and developing, teamwork etc. This question can also be used so that you can gather more information from the interviewer regarding the role and the company’s expectations.
Q – 62 Tell me why do you want to work for this company as Nurse?
Ans- Emphasise the positive reasons why you want to join the company, and avoid mentioning aspects such as more money or shorter hours.
Q – 63 Please explain what interests you in this career?
Ans- This question is your chance to speak about how important human life is and about your desire to help individuals and nurse them back to health.
Q – 64 Tell us me about your education?
Ans- I am well educated. My education makes me comfortable to the work i am facing. I am a good listener, good student. I learned a lot of things about nursing. that Nursing is a broad profession. There’s a lot of specific task that a Nurse can do depends on what they specialty they are getting.
Q – 65 What are your greatest strengths as Nurse?
Ans- Hard worker, willing to learn, compassionate which helps when working with patients who are having a crises.
Q – 66 Explain me your typical relationship with physicians you work with?
Ans- I have continuously worked in a multi-disciplinary environment with physicians, social workers, and nurse aides. It is important to maintain a strong relationship with physicians because they also work closely with patients. Especially when advocating for a patient it is important to have a relationship with physicians who respect you.
Q – 67 Tell me how would you describe your communication style?
Ans- The prior nurse forgot to inform me about a patients condition. We reviewed the miss communication the following day.
Q – 68 Tell me when a patient passes, how do you respond when family members arrive?
Ans- Ask them to come to the quiet area of the waiting room and let them know what happened using therapeutic communication.
Q – 69 Explain me what measures have you taken to upgrade your knowledge as Nurse?
Ans- I enrolled myself in an advanced course for improving my managerial skills and also attended various seminars for enhancing interpersonal skills.
Q – 70 Explain me why do you want to work in the healthcare sector?
Ans- A person, who decides to become a nurse, has some different reasons other than earning money, to enter this field. This question gives you a chance to express your desire to help out individuals and how important human life is for you.
I believe that with this profession, I can make a difference, and make people feel better. Seeing so many people in pain and misery motivated me to practice nursing.
Q – 71 Explain me about a time when you made a critical mistake at work?
Ans- Don’t be worried if they use the word “critical”. Maybe you haven’t made a bona fide “critical” mistake. You can instead tell about a time you had a “near-miss” but prevented an error by asking someone to double check you, or by listening to your inner voice. Be sure and have your example ready and include the event, what steps you took, and what you learned. Frame it as a learning experience you are grateful to have had.
Q – 72 Tell me what do you understand by the term ‘diversity at work’?
Ans- Sometimes, it’s the simple-sounding questions that trip up candidates. If you’re asked about your understanding of diversity at work, the interviewer is looking for more than just “treating everybody in the same way.”
‘Don’t think just in terms of answering questions. Instead, prepare a number of “stories,” which you can use to talk about different issues. In this case, most employers will expect you to discuss equality of access to services (it helps to have a general awareness of relevant legislation) and the importance of treating colleagues with support and respect,’ says Cathy.
‘You may also want to talk about a time that you witnessed or demonstrated diversity awareness on the wards. Or, if relevant, you could talk about how your own background, upbringing and culture may affect your interactions with those who are different to you.’
Q – 73 Do you like Day to Day Work?
Ans- Every person in the medical world should be resourceful and organized in their work. Without organization, even the greatest of genii would not have been able to achieve their complete potential. Therefore, tell the interviewer about how organized you are in your work and even in your personal life; give examples. This will add value to your resume, and raise your chances of landing the position.
Q – 74 Explain a work situation where you made a mistake or things didn’t go to plan?
Ans- When an interviewer asks about a work situation that didn’t go well, they are looking for a candidate to demonstrate three things:
1) self-awareness,
2) an ability to learn and improve, and
3) an indication of their communication style/team work and attitude.
‘The importance with these kinds of questions is to focus on the positive,’ says Cathy. ‘Take an example from your current or a previous role, and focus on what you learnt from the experience and how you would do things differently now.’
Q – 75 Why should the company hire you as Nurse?
Ans- Keep it brief and to the point. Each point should demonstrate your relevant skills and experience which would make you an ideal candidate for the role. A precise answer shows that you understand the role and what you can bring to it.
Q – 76 Tell me how did you share your knowledge with colleagues? Or assist your colleagues?
Ans- Nursing involves helping, sharing and efficient medical team work. These capabilities are nursing fundamentals; it is impossible to work alone. Therefore, tell interviewers about your positive past group experiences and try to convince the employer that you are a team player.
Q – 77 Do you know what are necessary qualities for a successful nurse?
Ans- Through my nursing career I have seen that excellent communication is most important especially when dealing with patients and staff members. Another important quality is having the ability to deal with stressful and traumatic situations. The attention to detail is extremely important when working in such a delicate environment.
You need to know how to take a deep breath and focus because one mistake could determine life or death for the patient.
Q – 78 Explain me why do you want to work for us as Nurse?
Ans- I want to develop the skills I have learnt working on eau. I enjoy proble Solving and like the fact I will be able to provide one to one care.
Q – 79 Explain me how do you handle criticism as Nurse?
Ans- I would explain to the doctor that I am very diligent and I pride myself on accuracy and ask him to explain what the mistake was so that I might be able to correct the problem and prevent further occurances.
Q – 80 Tell me what frustrates you?
Ans- Witnessing other nurses show a lack of proper care towards patients. Or disrespect towards a patient.
Q – 81 Tell me why will you be the best nurse on this unit?
Ans- I am well educated, I am willing to learn to the point that I want to know everything in the scope of nursing. I am a aggressive in a way. I am open to any corrections. I am a fast learner, good student and a good worker. I am energetic. Doing task that i need to do. I usually ask question if i am not sure.
Q – 82 Why are you leaving your current job as Nurse?
Ans- My previous job taught me so many things and developed necessary qualities required to be a proficient nurse. But now, there is no room for growth, and I am looking forward for new challenges to thrive in nursing.