Most Common Nursing Interview Questions, Best Answers, and Tips

Career Resources / Job Searching / Nursing Interview Questions

There are few things more intimidating than preparing for a nursing job interview. No matter how much experience you have or how strong your skills, it’s scary to put yourself out there.

The best way to free yourself of interview anxiety is to walk in feeling confident and well prepared. We can’t help you with your nursing knowledge or years of practice, but we can definitely provide a heads up about the questions you can expect to be asked. Take a look at the 18 nursing interview questions and answers we’ve put together for you below. If you familiarize yourself with each of these, you can walk in to any interview with confidence.

(Looking for interview questions for specific nursing roles? Read here for common ER nursing interview questions to help you ace your next interview.)

In this guide, we’ll cover

• Common nursing interview questions
  • Teamwork questions
  • Patient care questions
  • Background and personality questions
  • Adaptability questions
• General nurse interview tips
• Research the facility where you’re interviewing
• Questions to ask the employer
• Additional nursing interview questions to expect
• How to prepare for your nursing interview
  • How to prepare for a phone interview
  • How to prepare for an in-person nurse interview
    • What to wear
    • What to bring

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Common nursing interview questions and answers

The twenty interview questions below are among the most frequently asked by nursing interviewers. Reviewing them, and the sample answers we’ve provided is one of the best ways for you to prepare yourself.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on teamwork

Working collaboratively and being a team player is critical to high-level patient care, whether you’re working in a hospital or any other type of health facility. Employers want to know that you’re a team player who works well with others, especially in stressful situations.

1. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult co-worker. How did you handle it?

The key to answering this nursing interview question is to talk about the solution you provided rather than badmouthing a colleague. Demonstrate understanding, empathy, and a positive approach. You’ll get extra points for mentioning what you learned from the situation.

Sample answer:

“I worked the night shift with a nurse who consistently showed up late for their shift. This would impact the whole team and put us behind. I took the nurse aside to speak with her, and asked if switching shifts would help her get to work on time. My co-worker expressed tremendous relief, and said it would definitely help: she explained why her assigned hours were a problem. With that information, we switched her to a different shift and the problem was solved. That experience showed me the benefits of taking initiative, as well as being open to making a change for the good of the team.”

Great answer! This shows empathy, a high level of communication, and problem-solving skills. Hiring managers want to hire nurses who can overcome a challenge and find a resolution.

2. Tell us about a time when you were unexpectedly put into a leadership position. What happened, and were you pleased with how you responded?

Hiring managers want nurses who they can rely upon, and promote. They want to find someone who not only has experience as a leader, but who takes pride in their accomplishments. Even if you’re a recent graduate, you can point to leadership experience you had while volunteering or working with your cohort on an academic project.

Sample answer:

“Ever since I became a licensed RN, I’ve gravitated toward situations that required leadership and responsibility. I was once asked to lead a group of LVN’s. In working with the team, I emphasized patient-centered care and efficiency. We made a point of engaging with patient families, educating them on the care required for each individual patient’s needs. Each team member really became dedicated to high quality care, and one of my proudest moments was seeing one of them go on to earn their RN certification. I really felt that I had made a difference, and it inspired me to go on to mentor other nurses.”

Solid. You gave a great example of how you managed your leadership role, included care standards in your answer, and spoke to your desire to take on more responsibility in the future.

3. Describe a situation where you were especially proud of your healthcare team. What role did you play in your team’s success?

Every nursing unit experiences success in one way or another. It may be around a particular patient’s care or a challenging situation within the larger organization. Being able to describe the situation and how you and your colleagues handled it will be very helpful to the recruiting manager. Make sure you’re as detailed as possible and explain the particular role you played in the successful outcome.

Sample answer:

“Working on a med-surg nursing team, we often see a lot of successes, but one time, one of our patients started to fail. We worked together and realized that he had infected feeding tubes. We were able to work together quickly to thoroughly clean the tubes, helping prevent further injury to the patient.”

4. How do you like working with a team?

Teamwork is essential to nursing care, and cooperation and flexibility are important. You want to make sure that the interviewer knows that you enjoy being part of a team, and work to improve collaboration and collegiality.

Sample answer:

“I thrive while working as a part of a team. I have a strong ability to adapt and am guided by knowing that a healthy and cooperative team provides the best outcomes for patients. Everyone has a different way of looking at a problem, and I believe that we should be open to multiple perspectives. One of my favorite parts about being on a team is celebrating our successes, whether individual or together. Though I feel confident in my abilities to work alone, working with a team always teaches me something new.”

Great! You explained how comfortable you are while working on a team, and also made sure that the interviewer knows you can work alone. You killed two birds with one stone. Excellent.

5. Describe a time there was a miscommunication between you and a teammate. How did you handle it?

Miscommunications are not a problem in and of themselves, but failure to work through them can be. You want the interviewer to know that you are able to work through conflict. Again, focus on your solution and the leadership you showed in finding it rather than on describing a colleague’s bad behavior. You want your answers to be positive.

Sample answer:

“One of my co-workers struggled to communicate during the hand-off period to begin her shift. The partial, incomplete information she provided about our patient’s status led to confusion and ran the risk of sub-quality care. After repeated issues, I approached her politely and told her that I needed proper information at the shift change. I did it directly and without criticizing her, and she immediately apologized and corrected her ways. She even began jotting down some notes for the hand-off. I learned the importance of speaking up and being direct without being confrontational or critical.”

Perfect. You took initiative by speaking up, both for yourself and for your patient. You also demonstrated your ability to provide honest, considerate feedback without putting your colleague down.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on patient care

Patient care is a central focal point for nurse candidates. Interviewers (and your future supervisors and teammates) want to know that you’re dedicated to having a good relationship with every patient, regardless of challenging circumstances.

6. Describe a problematic patient you had in the past. How did you handle that situation?

Difficult patients are a reality of nursing practice. Your answer should acknowledge this and demonstrate that you know how to respond in a way that is constructive and doesn’t interfere with care.

Sample answer:

“As a pediatric nurse, getting children to take their meds can be challenging. I had one child who cried and became nearly hysterical every time we needed to give him medication. One day I asked him a simple question: “What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?” When he said chocolate, I grabbed some chocolate pudding and offered it for him to take with his medication. It sounds simple, but it did the trick. He stopped screaming and crying at medication time, and I had made a friend.”

Wow. Great answer. You described being creative in the face of a challenge, as well as your willingness to go above and beyond. This response may seem simple, but it sets you up as a problem-solver who is able to adjust on the fly.

7. How do you manage questions from a patient’s family and friends?

Patients’ family and friends are typically concerned, and that leads to them asking a lot of questions that you may not be able to answer quickly. Being able to balance their questions with taking care of the patient is crucial.

Sample answer:

“I always remember to be empathetic: I know that if it was my loved one, I’d have questions too! I try to make sure I’m answering them kindly and with patience. I know I can’t answer all of their questions, so I try to make that clear within my answer. That way I’ve set boundaries.”

Perfection. You displayed an earnest attempt to meet the patient where they are. You also talked about setting boundaries, which is key.

8. Can you explain situations without using a lot of medical jargon? Give an example.

Medical information can feel like a foreign language to patients. Nurses have to be able to effectively translate what the doctor says to a patient. When answering this nursing interview question, emphasize what you do to make sure that the patient understands.

Sample answer:

“Patients come from different educational backgrounds. They’re different ages and have different levels of familiarity with medical terminology, so I always work to break medical jargon down into language that is understandable. For example, if a doctor says he is ordering diagnostic imaging, I make sure that to explain that this means the patient is getting an X-ray. I also ask the patient to repeat what they think they heard so I’m sure that they’re working with the right information.”

You explained the effort you put into describing medical jargon, and even mentioned having the patient repeat back what they heard. Great job!

9. What is your idea of effective patient and family education?

Every patient has their own learning style. Emphasizing that you can work with a variety of patients to provide quality patient and family education is important.

Sample answer:

“Patient education is most effective when it is centered around the patient and family’s needs. I work hard to understand each group’s learning style and adapt accordingly. I know some patients prefer reading medical instructions and others do better if they can watch a video. Some want detailed information and others just want the basics. Including the family in the treatment process is so important: They often end up serving as primary caretakers for the patient. When you emphasize how important they are to the process, it elevates their interest and participation.“

Excellent. You demonstrated your flexibility, your attention to cues from your patients and their family, and your understanding of expressing the importance of family involvement in patient’s needs.

10. Have you ever had a family member or patient who was unhappy with your care? How did you handle it?

Unfortunately, not everybody will be satisfied with your care. Your answer should demonstrate that you worked to find a solution rather than that you took it personally.

Sample answer:

“I work to provide high-quality care to every patient, but the reality is that some patients or their families won’t agree with my methods. I once had a patient who complained about how I administered his insulin. He told my administrator that I stuck the needle in too quickly and hadn’t been gentle enough. I decided to go especially slowly with that patient to accommodate their needs and provide patient-centered care.”

This is a great example of adjusting to a patient’s needs rather than focusing on having been the subject of a complaint. Rather than suggesting that the patient was wrong, you demonstrated that you can respond positively to criticism.

If you’re just beginning your nursing career, you may be concerned about how to answer these questions in light of your lack of patient experience. Address this by answering in hypotheticals, or give an example of a time when you had to work with difficult individuals in another part of your life.

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Sample nurse interview questions and answers on background and personality

Your personality plays a huge role in how you fit into a healthcare environment. The interview is an opportunity to demonstrate how you will fit into an existing team. Questions about you, your personality, and your career path are fairly common.

11. Tell me about yourself.

This may feel like a very open-ended question, but it gives you the opportunity to share. As tempting as it is to answer this nursing interview question with your life story, instead work to demonstrate that you will fit in their team. Talking about your job qualifications and your ability to work as part of a team and you’re golden.

Sample answer:

“I’m a dedicated nurse. I enjoy providing patient-centered care, and have spent eight years working as a pediatrics nurse. Helping my patients recover and regain health motivates me every day. One of the most important things I’ve learned, that’s become my mantra, is that quality care involves empathy first, and helps you determine treatment. Every patient is different and deserves personalized attention. Of all the things that I’ve learned over my nursing career, I’m most proud of my ability to juggle different patient loads. Your company’s mission of ensuring patient-centered, quality care fits my skill set and goals as a nurse.”

Great job! You provided a great synopsis of your skills and passion and demonstrated that you’ve done your homework about them too.

12. Why did you decide to be a nurse?

This may sound like they want to know more about you and your background, but what the employer wants out of this nursing interview question is to know that your ambitions match their facility’s principles.

Sample answer:

“My family has always been involved in medicine. My grandfather and uncle were both doctors, and many of my aunts and cousins are nurses, so it seemed like a natural fit. Helping people in practical yet compassionate ways comes naturally to me.”

You’ve provided information on something essential about your character: care and compassion. Having an urge to care for others rooted in your family’s values expresses a lot about your drive to be a nurse.

13. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Honesty is important when answering this question. Every nurse has unique strengths and weaknesses, but you also want to be careful that when you’re describing a weakness, you don’t do so in a way that makes you seem incompetent.

Sample answer:

“My greatest strength is communication. I have a strong ability to educate and empathize with patients, speaking in their terms and helping them understand what’s going on. I guess empathy is a strength too, because I strive to walk a mile in their shoes and treat them as people first. I once worked with an older patient who dearly missed her garden. I brought her a small potted garden. She loved it, and it seemed to make her more accepting of the treatments she had to endure. My greatest weakness is over-committing. I love my job and I try and do too much at times. I need to slow down and trust my team.”

Wow! Touching. You showed how much your patients mean to you and confessed your weakness by showing your passion, without painting yourself in a negative light.

14. Why do you want to work here (at this hospital/health system)? What interests you the most?

This is not an invitation to say you want to make more money or that they have great benefits. Instead, describe the features of the facility and what you feel drawn toward. Prepare for this question by studying their website to see what they promote about themselves.

Sample answer:

“I’ve always wanted to work in a facility that makes a point of championing patient-centered care. Your facility has received countless awards for its care, including the Vizient 2019 Bernard A. Birnbaum, M.D., Quality Leadership Award for high-quality patient care. I’m excited to work for this type of institution. I also saw that U.S. News & World Reports ranked you as one of the top hospitals. I’d feel tremendous pride working at such a well-regarded hospital.“

Well done. You did your research about the facility. And your goals align with the aims of the company.

15. How do you deal with cultural differences?

Nurses are trained to handle cultural differences, but doing so well often requires both experience and respect for others. Specific stories and methods are especially helpful when answering this question. Give an example of a time when you were faced with this, and talk about what you learned.

16. What are your professional goals?

Hiring managers want to hire nurses who are ambitious and have a clear sense of their professional goals. Be ready for this question: Have a detailed and attainable list of things you want to accomplish immediately, as well as five and ten years into the future. While ambition is good, you also need to give a realistic answer. It’s probably unwise to tell a hiring manager that you’re planning on becoming the hospital president when you’re applying for a role as a first-year registered nurse. 

Sample answer:

“My professional goals are to earn my MSN, join the Emergency Nurses Association, and become an emergency room nurse practitioner. I hope to mentor nurses and share what I’ve learned. I’m excited about this opportunity, as I think it will help me to fulfill my long-term goals. Eventually, I hope to advance into a management role where I can oversee and train nurses. I feel drawn toward helping others grow and learn.”

Having well-thought-out responses to these questions show that you’ve put thought into your self-development and your career, which is very appealing for any employer.

Always be prepared to be questioned on anything on your cover letter, resume, and reference letters.

Sample nurse interview questions and answers on adaptability and flexibility

Life as a nurse is often about adjusting quickly to changing environments. Demonstrating that you can be agile when necessary is a great way to get your foot in the door. 

17. Describe a situation where you were under a lot of pressure. How did you deal with it? What methods worked well for you?

Nursing is a stressful position. Sometimes nurses burn out. Hiring managers want to know that you can handle stress in a healthy and practical way.

Sample answer:

“I experience pressure every day as an ICU nurse. On one occasion, I had to cover more patients than usual because a co-worker called out sick. I managed the situation by creating a patient and task list and prioritizing care. By triaging in this way, I was able to manage my increased workload successfully, caring for patients and giving myself a sense of control despite the challenges.  More generally speaking, I often practice yoga after work so I don’t carry stress into my outside-the-hospital life.“

Bravo. You showed an ability to prioritize and you also made clear that you’re proactive about taking care of yourself.

18. What do you do when you don’t know the answer to something at work—whether it’s how to address a situation or the answer to a patient question?

The hiring manager wants to hear that you’re confident in knowing how to resolve this common issue.

Sample answer:

“When I don’t understand something at work or have the answer to a question, I look for help. I don’t let my pride get in the way of quality patient care. I’m honest in saying that I don’t know the answer but I will get it, then quickly ask someone who has more experience or knowledge.”

Superb. You showed humility, honesty, and a need to help the patient first.

Keeping these answers focused on how well you responded to point out your willingness to adapt to get things done can be very helpful in an interview. 

When in doubt, remember the “STAR” method for your answers: A Situation or Task similar to what they’re asking about, Actions you took, and Results you achieved.

Research the facility where you’re interviewing

Going into your interview, you should have a clear sense of its characteristics, including the demographic it serves, its statistics and awards, goals and mission, history, and the programs that it provides. 

Statistics

• Does the hospital have a magnet status?
  • Magnet status refers to an award presented by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to hospitals that meet a benchmark that measures the quality of their nursing.
• Where do they rank in the U.S. News & World Reports for hospitals? (This ranks the best hospitals by specialty)

Goals and Mission

• What are some of the goals or missions of the hospital? You can find these on their website.
• Does the hospital have a religious undercurrent?
• What is the mission and how does the hospital want to serve its population?

Demographics

• Does the hospital cater to a specific population type? For example, does the facility serve an older demographic of people?
• What about the general socioeconomic status of the patients?

History

• When did the facility open?
• What major things have happened since it’s been opened?
• Has it recently undergone a renovation?

Programs

• What kind of programs does the facility have? For example, does it have a renowned cancer unit or a great pediatric program?
• What’s the patient-to-staff ratio? 

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Questions to ask the potential employer

Now that we’ve provided examples of common nursing interview questions and answers, it’s time to go over the questions you can ask your interviewer. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position and the facility, and helps you gain a greater sense of what the job will be like.

What is your company’s culture?

This question is important for any position. A company’s culture impacts every decision that is made, so you want to make sure that your values and the company’s values align. Some companies may over-emphasize efficiency and lose sight of developing healthy interactions between nurses on and off the job.

What type of orientation or training do you provide?

This is a great question: The answer will help you understand the level of support you’ll receive upon starting the job, and is also an indication of the facility’s overall attitude towards its staff. Knowing that there will be a detailed and thorough training process might ease your mind about taking the job.

How would you describe your management style?

Knowing what to expect from your future boss is a huge help, and can even inform you as to whether you should accept the job if it is offered to you. Every boss has their own managing style. Some bosses prefer a more hands-on approach while others allow their employees more freedom.

What policies or practices do you have for self-care?

The answer to this question will tell you a lot about the facility’s culture. Nurse burnout is real, and being in an environment that doesn’t allow for self-care can be toxic.

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Additional nursing interview questions to expect

Be prepared to answer more personal questions as the interviewer goes through your resume and asks about your experience!

How to prepare for your nursing interview

Here are some key steps for making a great impression during your job interviews:

1. Prepare in advance for questions your prospective employer may ask, especially those that test your critical thinking, prioritization, and skills.
2. Practice your answers out loud. It may feel silly, but it’s the easiest way to know if an answer feels right or not. You can even record yourself speaking and listen to your responses.
3. For phone interviews, select a quiet place where you won’t be distracted during the call.
4. Keep some water handy to combat dry mouth
5. Smile as you speak, even over the phone, so they can hear your positivity on the other end of the line.
6. For in-person interviews, make sure you dress with polish — no jeans or scrubs — and avoid overpowering scents/perfume.
7. Bring a notebook and pen along with a clean folder and copies of your resume, as well as documentation of any certifications you have (ACLS, NCLEX, etc.) 
8. Make sure you read the job description carefully! The key qualifications and traits employers are looking for will be included, and you should use the same words in describing yourself.
9. Prepare your own questions for the employer – Don’t just leap into asking about salary. Ask about a typical day in the position, patient and staff numbers, and how the organization gathers patient input/feedback
10. Write and send a thank you note to the interviewer. Thank them for the time they spent with you and reiterate your interest in working for their organization. Be specific about why. An authentic thank you note makes a difference, especially if they’re considering other nurses for the role.
11. Stay positive!

How to prepare for a phone interview

• Be ready 10 minutes early so you don’t sound rushed.
• Eliminate background noise and distractions from children, pets, and others.
• Make sure your phone or laptop is fully charged, and use headphones/earphones for optimal sound.
• If you’ll be using your landline, turn your mobile phone off.
• Have some water handy. If your mouth is dry, you’ll sound nervous.
• Use paper and pen for note-taking to avoid the noisy clicking of computer keys.
• Do some voice exercises before the call, especially if you haven’t spoken in several hours.
• Posture has an impact on your voice, so stand or make sure you sit up very straight during the call.
• Smile as you speak — it really makes a difference! A good time to smile is when you talk about the work you’ve done, ask questions, or express your enthusiasm about the company.

How to prepare for an in-person nurse interview

What to wear

Looking professional is important. Your interviewer will be looking at how you dress, how you present yourself, eye contact, positive attitude, and a firm handshake. Remember, psychologists say you only have seven seconds to make a first impression!

Can you wear scrubs to a nursing interview? Despite the saying, “dress for the job you want,” the simple answer is: no. Your image is your first impression, even before you shake the interviewer’s hand. Dress professionally – this means a suit or business separates – no scrubs or denim. 

4 tips for what to wear

1. Don’t wear jeans, denim, or scrubs.
2. Wear a suit or business separates that fit well. You should feel like the superhero you are! Avoid clothes that are either too tight or oversized.
3. Avoid strong scents, which may include perfume, cologne, aftershave, lotions, and hair products.
4. If possible, wear a watch to show that you understand the importance of timing and detail.

What to bring

• A pen or pencil
• Small notepad or notebook in good shape
• A clean, unwrinkled folder with:
  • Several copies of your resume
  • Any letters of reference you might have
  • Nursing License/proof you have passed NCLEX (mainly for new nursing graduates)
  • CPR card
  • Pertinent certifications

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Preparation is key for any interview

Adequate prep time will help you feel confident and comfortable heading into the interview room. Make sure to review all the tips above before your interview, practice your answers to common questions, and put your best foot forward. Good luck!

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