How To Prep For Nursing Interview Registered Nurse Rn

You're almost to run across the top 25 nursing interview questions and answers.

Simply kickoff—

There are two solid reasons y'all'll ace the interview.

Most applicants don't have answers set up for common nurse interview questions. (You will!)
It's not hard to prep chore-getting answers to the toughest interview questions for nurses.

You lot passed the NCLEX.

With a little work yous'll pass the nursing interview too.

This guide will prove you:

The 25 most common nursing interview questions and answers.
Tips for how to get ready for nursing job interview questions so you're absurd and prepared.
How to respond interview questions for nurses with achievements hiring managers love.
How to answer RN interview questions when y'all're fresh out of school.

In a nursing interview, you lot'll need to prove you've got very specific skills. Those may cover patient care, crisis management, patient education, and more than.

To probe your nurse superpowers, interviewers will ask nursing behavioral interview questions. These are scenario questions or "situational questions." Encounter our guide to get ready:

20 Situational Interview Questions and Answers to Blast Your Interview

Some nursing interview questions are based on more than common job interview questions. Our guide can help you lot prep for those:

Common Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

Tin't land an interview in the get-go place? Your nursing resume might be to arraign. Use our guides to fix it:

Nursing Resume: Sample & Guide
CNA Resume: Sample & Guide
Nursing Educatee Resume: Sample & Guide
Registered Nurse (RN) Resume

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The 25 Most Common Nursing Interview Questions

The nursing interview questions and answers below fix the reason nearly applicants flunk.

Namely, they don't accept answers ready for common questions.

Good answers are specific and draw on real life examples.

They're non beauty-pageant speeches about saving the world.

They're, "One time a patient was lashing out at all the staff. I talked to her and learned she was terrified considering she thought she was dying. I took the time to educate her and she was calm and friendly the rest of her stay."

Great answers to nurse interview questions fit what the job offer is searching for. Does the chore want communication skills? Budgeting? The all-time answers fit the managing director's needs.

And so, to answer the most common questions for nursing interviews:

Read the job description and learn its requirements.
Brainstorm your achievements that show you fit.
Rehearse your answers until you can give them in your sleep.

Answer right, and the administrators will ask you a question:

"When tin you start?"

one. "Why did you desire to be a nurse?"

Why did you lot choose nursing? Administrators love this nursing interview question. They know nursing is hard. Nurses face up fear, frustration, and hardship that makes superheroes look like slackers. Will you surrender? Answering the "why do you want to be a nurse" question shows the driving force within.

Case Reply

Why do I want to be a nurse? Nursing is my passion. I love providing comfort and pedagogy to those in need, and intervening in difficult situations. Terminal year I was tasked with handling a tough patient. I did my best to listen and provide comfort. As she was leaving, she said, "I'll never forget y'all as long equally I live." It hit me that my life was important to her. That's what makes nursing so meaningful to me. Every day, in small and big means, my being truly matters to those in my care.

Pow. That's a smashing answer to motivation-based nurse interview questions. It explains why nursing matters across a paycheck. It uses a specific story. It addresses another of the common interview questions for nurses: "Tell me virtually a time you handled a difficult patient."

Pro Tip: Many of the nurse practitioner interview questions in this guide also piece of work equally CNA interview questions. Only customize your answers to CNA skills and duties.

2. "Tell me most yourself."

Let'due south magically translate this trickiest of all nursing interview questions. It actually asks, "Why are y'all perfect for this job?" Please don't give a generic answer. Do your homework. Find out what the chore requires. Then rehearse the best achievements from your resume to tell a story.

Example Respond

I'thousand but finishing upwards nursing school. I've got a 3.99 GPA and I received an Outstanding Undergraduate Nursing Student Award for leadership and caring. As a axiom nurse at Newark General Hospital, I received frequent commendations from the preceptor for efficiency. I also maintained 95% positive evaluations for patient didactics. I supervised bedsore prevention on my ward, for which my patients were in the height 98%.

Before that I worked every bit a CNA for two years at Hilldale Nursing Home. My director there wants to rent me because of my strong work ethic and the way I interact with patients. I'd love to work for her, but I'g very excited virtually being a nurse here at Clifton Bluffs Infirmary. Your delivery to ongoing staff training and patient education fit my skills and drive, and I remember I'd really grow in this environment.

Encounter that? It'due south a greatest hits of your achievements. Even better, information technology fits perfectly with the task. This is one of the harder nursing interview questions. Merely if yous prep and rehearse, your chance of getting hired will go through the roof.

Chances are, it'southward going to come up in your nursing phone interview as well, and so make certain you lot nail it from the beginning: The Perfect Reply to the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question

3. "Tell me about a time you had to handle a hard patient."

Why does this come in at #3 on our list of interview questions for nurses? Patients can be tough. The power to deal with them is crucial. You'll almost certainly face this question in your nursing interview. Expect for the worst possible situation in your past with the best possible outcome.

Case Reply

I've often faced difficult patients. Handling them is part of the job. Ane patient in particular was yelling at everyone, even for modest problems. It was over a holiday, then I was able to become him moved to a private room. After that, I talked to him and realized he was upset over a hopeless diagnosis. He had no friends or family and nobody to talk to. I told the hospitalist and she was able to become a therapist to speak with him. Later that he was really pleasant. All the other staff and patients on the ward were visibly more than relaxed. There'south ever a reason someone is being difficult. Treating people with respect tin often have surprising outcomes.

That answer shows compassion, disquisitional thinking skills, and trouble solving. All key skills for a nurse. Haven't worked in healthcare yet? That'due south not a bargain-billow. Just tell a story about working with a hard co-worker instead.

Think about preparing your answers roughly to the STAR format. State of affairs, Chore, Action, Result.

Carl P.

nursing interviewer

The STAR method works great for both experienced and new grad nursing interview questions and answers. Desire to use it? See our guide: STAR Method for Acing Behavioral Interview Questions

iv. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"

Yous probably have dozens of strengths and just as many weaknesses. Focus on the ones that fit the job offer. Then employ real achievements that prove them. For weaknesses, avoid "spin." Instead of, "My biggest weakness is that I have no weakness" (yikes) use a existent flaw that's manageable. Do that, and you'll nail these nursing interview questions every time. Let's pick a job that values pity and problem solving in a higher place all other skills:

Example Reply

My biggest strengths are my compassion and my ability to solve difficult problems. There was this one erstwhile man who had night terrors. He'd wake up screaming every few hours. I idea how I would experience if it were me instead of him. I took some fourth dimension to talk to him. I quickly found that just x minutes of conversation took abroad his fright. I came in early for the next five nights to spend fourth dimension with him. His night terrors left and the other patients on the ward could sleep peacefully again. My biggest weakness? I go irritated when other nurses don't pull their weight, and it shows.

Solved. The force story fits perfectly with the hospital'south needs. The weakness is understandable and real, but it shows a strong work ethic. Answer RN interview questions like this and yous'll ace the interview.

For more, go to: How to Answer the "What Are Your Strengths?" Interview Question

5. "Where exercise you lot see yourself in 5 years?"

In other words, practise y'all similar this task plenty to stick with information technology? Registered nurse interview questions similar this want to know if you lot're just filling an employment gap. Get in articulate that this is your dream job. Talk about how good you want to be at this job in five years and how you'll get there. Tip: that means you've got to know what this job is, so do your homework!

Example Answer

In v years, I'd like to be the nigh valued nurse on your team. I plan to take full reward of the standing instruction reimbursement you offer to expand my skills beyond their current level. I'm skilled in patient education and EHR, which I know y'all value. At that place are and so many new skills I'd like to gain, including budgeting and training others. I think Cliffton Bluffs Hospital is the perfect place to grow into a better nurse.

That's the perfect answer to "where do you see yourself" nursing interview questions. It basically says, "I see myself still helping you, and getting improve at information technology!"

vi. "Why are you the best person for this nursing job?"

This isn't one of those generic interview questions for nurses. More than any other question, this one depends on how well yous know the job. Beyond just reading the job description, talk to other nurses who already work there. What challenges does the facility confront? Talk most past times you've met those needs.

Example Answer

I know your biggest concern correct now is compassionate budgeting. At NGH, I was put on a team tasked to fix our budgeting issues. We cut inventory costs by fifteen% while actually increasing patient satisfaction. We did this through relocating the stockroom more centrally, which saved time. We also put common supplies on a use-based replenishment system. Patient care has always been my passion, so maintaining standards while cutting costs was a huge win.

Perfect. When answering RN interview questions, ever come back to how y'all tin can help. If this hiring manager had been more interested in raising HCAHPS scores, you might take had a different answer.

Beyond the technical nursing questions, I'm always surprised when folks don't take answers prepared for common nursing interview questions.

7. "What do yous observe most rewarding about being a nurse?"

Nursing interview questions like this look for your passion. The more powerful your rewards, the more than powerful y'all're perceived to exist. Meliorate still, if you run into huge rewards in nursing, you're less likely to seek them in another job.

Example Respond

For me, the rewards of nursing never stop coming. Every twenty-four hour period I'g learning and growing in ways I never dreamed possible. I feel so expert when I see my patients improve and when I agree the easily of family members, providing emotional support in times of tragedy. Helping people feels amend than anything else I've ever done, and I get paid for it! Information technology's the most amazing career I could imagine for myself.

Cracking answers to nursing job interview questions like this show how nursing ties into your life story. Do the rewards of nursing outweigh whatever monetary gain? Use a story to explicate that to the interviewer.

8. "What's your strongest skill as a nurse?"

Homework comes in handy for nurse interview questions like this. It's similar to the "strengths and weaknesses" interview question (#4). The interviewers desire to know you'll fit. If their biggest demand is better patient education and that's your strongest skill—ding! You're hired. Lying is a no-no, simply in a toss-upwards between three large skills you take, talk get-go about the 1 they value most.

Instance Respond

My strongest skill is patient education. It can soften fears and improve outcomes. One patient was unable to reduce his claret pressure level following a center attack. I was tasked with helping educate him virtually diet and exercise. I sourced some video instance studies about patients just like him who'd changed their routines. Three months later he wrote me a letter. His claret pressure and lipid profile were all down into a normal range.

That'south a bully reply to skill-based nursing interview questions. That said, if the task offer really wants people who tin manage EHR records and your strongest nursing skill is problem solving, don't be afraid to say it. Honesty is always the best prescription.

9. "How do yous deal with the stress of nursing?"

Nursing is stressful. Interviewers want to know y'all've got the strength to stick it out. Interview questions for nurses like this seek to know if y'all'll vent frustrations in healthy (and HIPAA-compliant) means.

Case Answer

Dealing with stress is one of the most of import parts of being a nurse. As a CNA in an Alzheimer's care ward, I saw lots of patients without hope. Joining the Alzheimer'due south Association forum helped. Information technology gave me means to manage my stress and showed me strategies to requite emotional support to patients and their families. Back up groups are my get-to for managing my stress.

Answer stress-direction RN interview questions like that, and y'all're on your way to hired. That answer shows resourcefulness about one of nursing's toughest challenges.

If you're doing a phone interview, why non write out your answers to common nurse interview questions in instance you forget? As long as you lot don't read them in a monotone, the interviewer will never know.

Nail that phone interview with this guide: Peak Telephone Interview Questions & Answers [+Examples to Fix For]

ten. "What'south the hardest thing about being a nurse?"

It's no hugger-mugger nursing isn't easy. With nursing interview questions like this, interviewers want to know if you can handle it. If you say information technology isn't hard, y'all'll set off alarm bells. And so, pick a real claiming, then bear witness your solution.

Example Answer

For me, the hardest thing nigh nursing is the physical side. Being on my anxiety for an entire 12-60 minutes shift, working nighttime shifts, and lifting patients takes a toll. I take weekly yoga classes and exercise CrossFit for stamina and endurance. The stronger I am physically, the better I can deal with whatever nursing throws my style.

That applicant sounds like a champion. She faces a big obstacle, but she's gathered the tools to handle information technology.

Those are the height 10 interview questions and answers for nurses. Don't miss the side by side fifteen, plus nursing interview tips to get you hired fast.

Pro Tip: One time you've got answers to the top RN interview questions, rehearse them! If you practice interview questions and answers, you'll be cool and happy in the interview.

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15 Less Mutual Nursing Interview Questions [#xi–25]

These interview questions for nurses aren't as common.

Many are still likely to show up in a nurse interview. So—prep and practice answers for them too.

With each, try to tell a story with a situation, job, action, and a positive result.

Are y'all at ease working with other nurses and doctors?
Why did y'all leave your last job?
Why do y'all want to work here?
Would you call yourself a team player?
Why should we hire you?
Tell me near a time you worked with a difficult coworker.
When were you proudest of your healthcare team?
Draw a time when things got hectic. How did y'all handle information technology?
Tell me about a time you finer educated a patient or their family.
Describe a time when y'all handled a leadership role.
Tell me about a fourth dimension y'all spotted upcoming problems with a patient.
Describe a time when you didn't know how to deal with a healthcare issue.
Have you e'er accidentally caused a conflict?
Tell me about a time you had to persuade a patient most something.

Those are the peak 24 nursing interview questions and answers. Want one more than question that can really boost your hireability? That's side by side.

Can't seem to land the interview, even though y'all've got a peachy resume? Maybe it's your cover letter. Come across our guide for help: Nursing Encompass Letter Sample & Complete Writing Guide

The All-time of All Interview Questions for Nursing

Here's the almost important nursing interview question:

"Do you take questions for me?"

Why's that critical?

Information technology shows your interest in the job.
It gives yous a chance to acquire near the opening.
It grants an opportunity to testify your value every bit a candidate.

Take time to prep for this queen among nursing interview questions.

Retrieve through the listing of questions to ask during a nursing interview below. Based on the task description, choice 2–3 that fit best.

Questions to Ask in a Nursing Interview

What kind of grooming practise you lot offer?
What'south the civilization like hither?
What's your policy for tuition reimbursement?
Which organization exercise you lot use for EMR?
What's your requirement for weekend rotation?
Can you tell me about your staffing ratios?
What exercise the other nurses similar almost well-nigh working here?
What'due south your policy on overtime?
How long are the shifts?
How do you lot measure nursing success?

Why are those the best nursing interview questions to inquire? They bear witness you've idea through the most challenging parts of the job.

Pro Tip: When answering interview questions for nurses, exist honest! Interviewers volition inquire follow-upward questions to check if you're lying. If they take hold of yous, you've diddled the interview.

Want more opposite-nursing job interview questions and answers? See our guide: 65+ Best Questions to Enquire an Interviewer & Land Acme Jobs [Proven Tips]

Got your nursing interview questions and answers ready and rehearsed?

Once you lot know how to answer nursing interview questions, move on to step 2: How to prepare for a nurse interview.

Here are some nurse interview tips to help you lot state your dream job.

Know where you're going. Healthcare facilities are frequently big and disruptive. Take a little time to learn your road before the interview.
Apparel professionally. Professional person attire tells interviewers you take them and the task seriously.
Rehearse your nursing interview questions. Don't just prep answers. Drill them until you lot can rattle them off at will.
Pamper yourself. Get plenty of slumber before your nursing interview. Brand sure to consume and hydrate too.
Listen and take notes. Taking notes on paper helps you listen. It'll likewise aid you remember important details. Finally, it shows y'all care.

What to Bring to a Nursing Interview

Too answers to RN interview questions:

Bring folders that contain the following (one kit for each interviewer).

A re-create of your resume
A copy of your nursing license and other certifications
Any letters of reference
A business organization carte du jour with a picture of yourself

Likewise bring a pen and notepad.

Want more tips to help you lot boom the interview? Got your answers to interview questions for nursing down cold? Run across our guide: 50+ Successful Interview Tips, Advice & Guidelines

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume volition give you an advantage over other candidates. Yous can write it in our cover letter of the alphabet builder here. Here's what it may look similar:

matching set of resume and cover letter

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Key Takeaway

Here'southward a epitomize of common nursing interview questions and answers:

Research the facility and the chore. You can't answer nurse interview questions in a vacuum.
Read the 25 nursing interview questions in this guide.
Prepare answers with achievements from your past. Make sure they fit the job description.
Rehearse your answers until you tin recite them in your sleep.

Do you lot accept questions on how to answer interview questions for nurses? Not sure how to describe your by experience? Give us a shout in the comments! Let's get you hired at present.