Top interview questions to expect

1. Tell me about your experience as a nurse.
2. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or family member.
3. How do you handle conflict within a team?
4. What is your leadership style?
5. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?
6. Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision.
7. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices and regulations?

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR method is a powerful tool for answering behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. By using this framework, you can provide concrete examples of your skills and experience, making your answers more impactful.

* Situation: Briefly describe the context of the situation you are going to discuss.
* Task: Explain the specific task or challenge you were faced with.
* Action: Detail the steps you took to address the situation or challenge.
* Result: Highlight the positive outcome or result of your actions.

By using the STAR method, you can demonstrate your skills and experience in a structured and compelling way.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. Tell me about your experience as a nurse.

Example Answer: “I have been a registered nurse for five years, with experience in both hospital and clinic settings. In my previous role at [Previous Employer], I worked as a staff nurse on the [Specialty] unit. I was responsible for providing direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education. I also collaborated closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes. I am passionate about providing compassionate and high-quality care to patients.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer effectively uses the STAR method. It provides a clear situation (previous role), task (responsibilities), action (specific duties), and result (collaboration and patient outcomes).

2. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or family member.

Example Answer: “In my previous role, I had a patient who was very anxious and resistant to treatment. They were concerned about the potential side effects of their medication. I listened carefully to their concerns and validated their feelings. I then explained the benefits of the medication and addressed their specific questions. I also involved the patient’s family in the discussion and provided them with resources to help them understand the treatment plan. Ultimately, the patient agreed to the treatment and felt more comfortable with the plan. This experience taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and patient education.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle difficult situations with empathy and communication skills. It highlights the candidate’s ability to listen, validate feelings, and provide clear explanations.

3. How do you handle conflict within a team?

Example Answer: “I believe that open communication and active listening are essential for resolving conflict. When a conflict arises, I try to understand everyone’s perspective and identify the root cause of the issue. I encourage open dialogue and try to find a solution that is mutually beneficial. I also believe in fostering a positive and collaborative team environment, where everyone feels respected and valued. In a previous role, I had a disagreement with a colleague about the best approach to a patient’s care. We discussed our perspectives openly and respectfully, and ultimately came to a compromise that was in the best interest of the patient.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s conflict resolution skills and ability to work effectively within a team. It highlights the candidate’s commitment to open communication, active listening, and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

4. What is your leadership style?

Example Answer: “My leadership style is collaborative and empowering. I believe in fostering a team environment where everyone feels valued and respected. I strive to create a positive and supportive work environment that encourages open communication and teamwork. I also believe in empowering my team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their unique skills and perspectives. I am a strong advocate for my team and am always willing to support them in achieving their goals.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of leadership and their ability to motivate and empower others. It highlights the candidate’s focus on collaboration, communication, and team support.

5. How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively?

Example Answer: “I use a combination of techniques to prioritize tasks and manage my time effectively. I start by creating a to-do list and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I also use a time management system, such as a calendar or a project management tool, to track deadlines and allocate time for different tasks. I am flexible and adaptable, and I am able to adjust my schedule as needed to accommodate unexpected events or changes in priorities. In my previous role, I was responsible for managing a team of nurses and ensuring that patient care was delivered efficiently and effectively. I used my time management skills to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure that all patients received the care they needed.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks. It highlights the candidate’s use of specific tools and techniques, as well as their ability to adapt to changing priorities.

6. Tell me about a time you had to make a difficult decision.

Example Answer: “In my previous role, I had to make a difficult decision about a patient who was refusing treatment. The patient had a serious condition and needed immediate medical attention, but they were refusing to cooperate with the medical team. I spoke with the patient and tried to understand their concerns and fears. I also involved the patient’s family in the discussion and provided them with information about the risks and benefits of treatment. Ultimately, I decided to respect the patient’s autonomy and allow them to make their own decision, even though it was a difficult one. This experience taught me the importance of patient autonomy and the need to respect individual choices, even when they differ from my own.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s ability to make difficult decisions while considering all relevant factors. It highlights the candidate’s commitment to patient autonomy and their ability to balance ethical considerations with clinical needs.

7. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices and regulations?

Example Answer: “I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. I regularly attend professional conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest nursing practices and regulations. I also subscribe to professional journals and online resources to keep informed about new research and advancements in the field. I am also a member of professional organizations, such as the [Professional Organization], which provide me with access to resources and networking opportunities. I believe that staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in nursing is essential for providing high-quality patient care and maintaining my professional competence.”

Why this answer is strong: This answer demonstrates the candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development. It highlights the candidate’s use of specific resources and strategies to stay up-to-date with the latest nursing practices and regulations.