Addiction Nurse Mock Interview
Excel in 40 Addiction Nurse interview questions covering trauma-informed care, relapse prevention, and crisis intervention.
Question 3 of 40
Have you or a loved one ever been directly affected by an addiction?
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Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
Many times an interviewer will ask a question related to your career choice like this. Having been affected by an addiction is not a disqualifier for employment, so don't be alarmed if you have a personal history of addiction. The rationale behind this kind of question is to see how well you relate to someone who is suffering from a condition for which you are providing treatment. If you've never been affected, that's fine. You have the qualifications to help those who are, or you wouldn't be in this interview. If you have, however, this would be a good opportunity for you to share your thoughts and to display an attitude of true empathy for those who are struggling. Either way, just be honest and show a true desire to help others.
Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
"While I have never personally been affected by addiction, I do have loved ones who have been. In fact, my brother is part of the reason I decided to become an addiction counselor. He has battled with addictions of one kind or another for years. From alcohol to methamphetamine, the effects that these addictions have had, have been far reaching."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have a family history of alcoholism. I have had a few glasses of wine in my life, but never allowed myself the indulgence of anything more than that. I think, in the back of my mind, I always had this fear that I may be one of the ones who couldn't stop if I ever started drinking. Seeing the effects of the use of alcohol on those I love has been a big reason for my desire to help others with addictions."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I am actually a recovering addict. I have been clean and sober for over 15 years now, but that does not mean that I have forgotten what it feels like to have to fight the urge to use. I believe knowing what I lived through, and what I put my loved ones through, is a very big part of why I have such a desire to help others who are lost in addiction. One does not have to be a recovering addict to be a good addiction nurse, but for me, the fact that I could have died and didn't is why I push so hard to try and save others."
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Jaymie's Feedback
Addiction impacts many individuals and does not discriminate! If you feel comfortable, give the interviewer some additional context and how it impacted you or what role you played in that person's journey or treatment plan.
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