MockQuestions

Certified Nursing Assistant Mock Interview

35 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Certified Nursing Assistant interview, here are 35 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

35 Certified Nursing Assistant Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Describe your ideal patient that you would be working with at our organization?

How to Answer

While playing favorites certainly isn't acceptable as a Certified Nursing Assistant, it is okay to talk about what your ideal patient is like. If possible, try to think about a great patient you worked closely with in the past and discuss what made that relationship excellent. You don't necessarily have to tell about a particular patient by name if you don't want to but be sure to highlight the qualities that made you fall in love with them. Whatever qualities that your favorite patient has, be sure to keep your answer positive.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"One of my favorite patients was named Rose. Rose was always so happy to see me and tell me about her day. I always made a point to spend a few extra minutes with her each time I would go to her room. She was always so appreciative and said such kind words that it made my job so easy. I loved coming to work every day to see Rose. In this job, I would look to build similar relationships with patients like I had with her."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"My ideal patient is one that has a complex condition, yet still able for me to get to know personally and build a connection with. This career has been an inspiration to me for the relationships that I've been able to build, and I would look forward to continuing this tradition here."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2.   How would your close colleagues describe working with you?

How to Answer

To get a sense of what type of team player you would be at their organization, your interviewer wants to know how those who work closest with you would describe you. As you prepare to answer a question like this, think back to any direct feedback that you've received from your colleagues in the past and be able to speak to that feedback during your interview. As you answer, try to highlight some key areas to ensure your interviewer that you are the right fit for their team. As well, don't forget to lose sight of the duties for the CNA role you are interviewing for when speaking to what they'd say about you.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"My colleagues have always appreciated my punctuality and the respect that I display to all that I work with and care for. I am a very timely person who does what I say and says what I do promptly. I manage my time very efficiently in the workplace, and they've always appreciated this about me. I was also raised at a very young age to show respect to all that I work with. No matter if it's to a patient, a provider, or a fellow CNA, I always treat others with the respect and dignity that I wish to be treated with."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If you were to survey the team that I've been a part of for the last three years, you would find a couple of key themes. First and foremost, they would highlight my competency in providing excellent care to patients and my ability to mentor others in their care. I am a person that doesn't hesitate to take other CNA's under my wing to help them become more proficient in their work. They would also talk about the positive and caring attitude that I bring to work every day because I feel this is the one sole thing that makes or break anyone's day on the job."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

3.   Are there any common duties of a CNA that you are not willing or fearful to perform?

How to Answer

By asking this question, your interviewer is simply looking to see that you are ready and able to handle tasks that are not always pleasant. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, the direct care you provide to patients can involve some tasks that some people wouldn't ever do with another person. Bathing, grooming, feeding, and bandaging patients isn't the most glamorous work but vitally important nonetheless in their care. As you prepare for this question, you need to make it clear to your interviewer that you are willing to do anything required of you in the role, even if you say that you are a bit reluctant or fearful of any certain duties.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"No, I am confident in my ability to handle every task that would be thrown my way as your next Certified Nursing Assistant here. During my career, I've experienced just about every aspect of direct patient care. No matter how unpleasant something can be when providing care to a patient, I do it with a smile on my face and in the best interest of the patient."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"Coming into my first CNA role after being certified, I'll be honest that I do have a fear of body excretions like urine and vomit. I do realize that working with patients will require contact with these from time to time. If hired for this role, I'd stop at nothing short of dealing with my fears head-on to become the best that I can be in this role."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

4.   What do you know about various stages of pressure sores and how to care for them?

How to Answer

In your work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at this organization, you will likely be spending more direct time with patients than the physicians and RN's on staff. Because of this, you will be relied upon to notice things like pressure sores and other common ailments that patients can experience when bedridden. Talk openly about the knowledge you have regarding pressure sores and how to properly care for them in the various stages. Talk about the importance of documenting the sores and communicating them to the entire patient care team. If you don't have hands-on experience in handling patients with pressure sores, that is okay. Just be sure to talk about your knowledge and reiterate that you are always open to learning more in this role.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I am very familiar with bedsores as they were extremely important to catch in my last role as a CNA. Patients on bed rest can develop sores easily, and it was important that I always look for them and manage them appropriately at an early stage. When a bedsore starts to develop, it starts as a red area on the skin, and the patient will feel a burning or itching sensation in that area. Whenever I would notice one starting, I immediately would change the patient's position and use foam pads or pillows under it. I would then wash the sore with soap and water and dry it immediately. If a sore ever got deeper and broke the skin, communication to the care team becomes very important. Thorough cleaning does as well. In the few times I have seen pressure sores progress to this stage, the team has taken further precautions for ensuring that no more pressure is put on the wound."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"From my CNA training, I know that pressure sores start as a mild spot on the body after a patient is laying in one position for too long and pressure from their body cuts off the blood supply. If left too long, the sore can turn for the worse pretty quickly into an open wound that breaks through the skins and into the fatty tissue and muscles. The most important things to keep in mind with pressure sores is cleaning them thoroughly and relieving pressure from the area by turning the patient."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

5.   What duties of this role do you feel that you would need the most training in from the start?

How to Answer

Certified Nursing Assistant job duties can vary greatly from job to job and even industry to industry. From your perspective, it is vitally important to be cognizant of the differences in the role that you are interviewing for compared to other jobs that you have held during your career. To do this, you should thoroughly research the job you are interviewing for and the organization you are interviewing with. Your interviewer does not expect to hire a person that is an expert in all aspects of the job, so it is okay to talk openly and honestly about an area of this role where you feel you will need to focus your efforts in training and orienting if offered the job. Just be sure that you talk confidently about your ability to learn and grow as their next CNA.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"As I entered the CNA field four years ago, my dream has been to work in an intensive care unit, and I was very excited about this opportunity when I applied. Because all of my experience has been in a skilled nursing facility, I know that I would need to learn a lot about the personalized care that ICU patients need. I foresee myself needing to become skilled in turning patients covered in tubes and hooked up to a vent and other lines. If hired at your organization, learning the nuances of providing direct care to patients would be my priority."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I foresee the need to train diligently on your EMR system as being vitally important in this role. I am confident in my patient care skills at all levels, and because I've worked on a small, homegrown charting system for the past two years, I plan on spending a lot of time getting to know your EMR and how I will be using it daily. Accurate patient notes are critical, and I understand their importance, so taking the time to master the system will be important for me."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

6.   If hired at our organization, walk me through how you would enter a patient's room.

How to Answer

When your interviewer poses a question like this to you during your interview, they are looking to ideally hear that you see working with each individual patient as more than just a task. As you prepare an answer for this question, think about how you individualize your care for patients and take a personalized approach with them. As you answer, talk about the personalized approach that you would take and reiterate that you would walk into each person's room with a smile on your face and a positive attitude in tow to be the person that brings a ray of sunshine into their day every time.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"First and foremost, I would knock on their door to let them know that I'm at the door and coming in. This gives a sense of privacy and independence to my patients. Upon entry, I always ensure that I am smiling and upbeat when I ask them how their day is going and if they need anything immediately. This gives them the feeling of security and comfort in ensuring that their immediate needs are fulfilled."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"Patients ultimately desire a personalized approach and touch in the care that I provide, so I always enter their room by introducing myself and my goals for my time with them at that moment. I immediately ask how they are feeling and respond with any necessary immediate care I can provide to make them more comfortable. Prior to entering any patient's room, I ensure that any previous encounters are cleared from my mind to walk into their room with a clean slate and a smile on my face."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

7.   How would you work effectively with a patient at our organization that was refusing care?

How to Answer

At some point in time during your career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will be working with a patient that blatantly refuses to be cared for. Whether due to fear, personal beliefs, or financial concerns, your job is to educate the patient on the importance of the care they should be receiving. As you answer this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you communicate clearly to the patient in a manner that helps them understand what exact care they are declining and, in turn, what the results could potentially be for refusing that care. Talk about how you would educate that patient to help them make the best decision possible for their health and well-being.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"If confronted with this situation, I would first try to find out why the patient was refusing care. In these situations, a patient is likely either fearful of medical or fearful of the cost of medical care. I would talk to them and let them know that our team was there to do what is best for them. If needed, I would involve other members of the care team to talk to the patient."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"Having personally been in this situation a couple of times, I first talk to the patient about the importance of care that they so desperately need. Then, depending on their reasoning for not wanting care, I take action. There have been times that I brought in Financial Counselors from my organization to walk patients through their billing and insurance options if that is a concern. If it concerns their lack of knowledge on their health situation, I take the time to educate the patient."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

8.   If hired for this role, what is one area that you feel you could improve on as a Certified Nursing Assistant?

How to Answer

While you spend most of your time preparing for this interview by talking about the strengths you would bring to this team, it is also important to think about and talk about an area for improvement in your work. This will prove your ability to reflect upon your work and seek to improve regularly. Your interviewer knows that they will never hire the perfect CNA that has every skill mastered, so it is important to mention that you are ready and willing to improve yourself in this aspect of the job. As long as you plan to improve, you can be very honest with your interviewer as you answer this question.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"As you can see from my resume, I have spent the last six years working in the home health setting where I was one on one with patients for long stretches of time. If hired here, it will definitely be a transition for me to get back into managing a unit with many patients. While I remain confident in my ability to do so, I will have to train very hard during my orientation to get back into the swing of managing multiple patients with their own unique medical complications."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"One area of patient care that I would like to build more skills in is wound care. In my current role, wound care is handled by the RN's on staff, and I've always kept a watchful eye on their methods for bandaging and cleaning wounds to prevent infection. If hired on your team, I would love to help build these skills into the future."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

9.   What are your career goals in the healthcare field?

How to Answer

Your interviewer understands that some Certified Nursing Assistants will continue their career path in that role for the remainder of their career, and some consider the role to be a step in the path to another career in the healthcare field. While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, your interviewer doesn't want to hear that you'll only be in this job for a short period of time before jumping into a new career. But if you do have greater career aspirations and a plan in place for those to happen, it is best to answer this question openly and honestly. You can do this by displaying a desire to work for their organization in the long term. As long as you discuss your educational plan for growth with your interviewer while being the best you can be in this role, you will win over your interviewer with your answer.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Ultimately, my dream job is to become an EMT at some point during my career. I'm ideally looking to step into the hospital setting in a role like this to help build my skills in the inpatient setting over the next five or so years. If you were to hire me to join your organization, you'd find that I'm a dedicated CNA that has the drive to learn and grow every day on the job."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"As you can see from my resume, I am currently attending community college courses while working full-time. I plan to slowly work towards a bachelor's degree program in nursing where I can also be working full-time because my ultimate career goal is to become a Registered Nurse. The programs that I'm looking into allow a work at your own pace type of program for working people, and I plan to obtain my degree in the next four to five years. Knowing many staff members here, my dream is for this role to eventually progress into an RN role down the road."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 9th, 2021

10.   How do you feel about supervising other Certified Nursing Assistants and do you have any supervising experience?

How to Answer

Your interviewer is asking this question to get a feel for your supervisory experience and see if you would be a potential hire who could lead and mentor others on the team. Be very open and honest about any leadership experiences you have and describe what that experienced entailed to your interviewer. Prior to your interview, be sure to put some thought into your future with this organization and if you'd be comfortable in any mentoring or supervising duties with them. Keep in mind that this isn't a make-or-break question, especially if the position you are interviewing for doesn't have a supervisory-type job title. Your interviewer is simply looking to hear about your interests down the road, so be honest with yourself as you answer.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"In my current role, I have been a mentor for new staff that have joined over the last two years and have been responsible for completing at least portions of their new hire checklist. My supervisor realized that my competence in my work was a great example for new hires joining our team. Given my experience, I would love to continue to mentor junior CNAs in this role once I was fully oriented into the role."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I haven't had the opportunity to supervise other CNA's up to this point in my career. I've always considered myself a natural leader for others with my ability to lead firmly and fairly. Down the road, I see myself having an interest in a supervisor role where I can take the lead in guiding the work of a team of nursing assistants."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

11.   What do you know about our organization?

How to Answer

With any job interview, it is crucial to understand the organization that you are applying to so you can find a match that aligns with your personality, values, and work style. To do this, it is always best to visit the organization's website to learn key information such as core hours, awards received, upcoming events, special focuses for that year, and their mission and values. As you answer, talk about the things that the organization does that you hold near and dear to your heart to prove that you are a great match for this CNA role. As a bonus, be sure to mention any positive interactions you have had with staff, as well as what they have told you about the facility.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I've read that your hospital has won multiple patient care and quality awards over the past 10 years. As I have been looking at new opportunities, yours really stood out because of the excellent care that you provide. If offered this position, I would look forward to the chance to contribute to more awards in the coming years."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I've gotten to know a few staff members here over the years, and they've had nothing but the best to say about working for this organization. Your strong advocacy and stewardship for patients is something that I feel strongly about and is definitely something I would love to be a part of. I also love the efforts that your organization makes to give back to the communities that you serve. As an avid volunteer myself, I would love to help further if hired for this role."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

12.   If offered this position, do you have any specific salary expectations?

How to Answer

Prior to applying and interviewing with this organization, you hopefully have done your homework on the compensation provided for this role to ensure that it meets your needs. Depending on the facility, the hourly rate for a CNA can vary pretty widely. On top of that, the job market for CNAs is wide open, and your interviewer has likely struggled to find quality staff in the past. After doing your homework, you can certainly be honest with your interviewer about our current salary and where you hope to be if hired for this role. Justify your answer with your skills and experiences that you would be bringing to their team. Just make sure that you are not pricing yourself out to your interviewer.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Currently, I am in my first Certified Nursing Assistant position in a skilled nursing facility and earning $13.00 per hour with some shift differentials. Knowing that my duties would be taking a significant increase here, I am hoping to receive an offer that would compensate me higher than I am now to make the switch. Over time here, I expect to prove my worth to this organization every day."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"As I embarked on a job search to put my full skillset as a Certified Nursing Assistant to use, researching compensation was just one of many important aspects of my search. While I am confident that your pay range for this position fits my needs, I am more confident that my values perfectly match the mission and values of your organization, and that makes us a match made in heaven for each other."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

13.   How would you manage the normal work stress that our Certified Nursing Assistants feel from time to time?

How to Answer

The work as a CNA can often be thankless to others around them. The daily grind of a full patient unit with task after task to complete can wear on people at times. When asking this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you have strategies to help cope with workplace stress to help ensure that each patient gets the proper care they deserve. Try to focus on strategies that help keep you organized, and also don't hesitate to talk about the importance of communication in alleviating stress in the workplace. Your interviewer would also love to hear about things you do outside of work to ensure that you are refreshed, and clear of mind after and before each shift you work.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Every morning, we have a morning huddle for turnover. We discuss procedures left to be coded, who is out for the day, and what everyone is working on. Our morning huddles help alleviate work stress by distributing the work evenly as best we can. It gives everyone a chance to hear what needs to be accomplished and work together. Open dialogue is key in making this a success. If hired here, I would ensure that lines of communication are always open, and I wouldn't hesitate to let my team know if I'm experiencing a high amount of pressure during the workday."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I have found during my career that leading a healthy and active lifestyle outside of work helps me be as stress-free as possible when on the job. Outside of work, I am an outdoor enthusiast who hikes, bikes, and canoes all year long. I also coach my daughter's athletic teams. I am not immune to feeling the pressure of hard day on the job, but being fit in body and mind always helps me work through things in a positive manner."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

14.   How would you handle a confrontation with a colleague?

How to Answer

This can be a tough question to answer and keep your emotions in check. If you choose to share a story about a time a coworker confronted you, don't share personal details, don't show your anger, and don't use their name. State how you defused the situation and what you learned from it that you could bring to this team as their next CNA. Your interviewer knows that during stressful times in their work environment, it is only human nature for people to get testy. What matters is a person's ability to make the situation right in a quick fashion.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"A few months ago, one of my coworkers misunderstood me in a critical situation, and it led to a confrontation in front of a patient and other staff. After the patient's situation was rectified, I asked the colleague to take a walk with me to talk. As we talked about the confrontation, we both realized that she was stressed out at home and brought her stress to work. She apologized for raising her voice, and I apologized for not being clearer. The two of us work even better now. In this situation, I learned that being direct with someone to work things out is the best way to handle that situation."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If a colleague and I had a confrontation, I would be sure to address it as soon as possible and away from the patients. I would take a confident and empathetic approach with the colleague and not take things personally. I realize that we can all get stressed on the job and would use direct communication to help make the situation better moving forward."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

15.   What experience with blood glucose monitoring would you bring to our team?

How to Answer

Now looking to get into your technical skills as a Certified Nursing Assistant, your interviewer is asking you to describe any experience you have in checking the blood sugar levels of a patient. If you have direct experience and training in this, clearly describe your experiences and how you can bring these skills to the team. If you don't have direct experience, there is no need to fret. Tell your interviewer what you know and that you are confident in your ability to be trained. To seal your answer for your interviewer, talk in detail about the machines you have used and then clearly definite the documentation procedures necessary after testing a patient.

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"My current employer did provide formal training on blood glucose monitoring for me a few years back, and I do get to put these skills to work when we have diabetic patients on our unit. When I need to check a patient's levels, I use a new lancet on a finger that I cleaned off well. I have to ensure that the correct code key is used with new test strips to ensure accurate results on the blood glucose meter. When the results come through, I document them right away in the patient's chart because the physician, nursing, and dietary staff closely monitor the patient's levels each day."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"While I don't have direct experience monitoring blood sugar levels since I received my nursing assistant training, I did receive some education on it during my training. I remember being trained on a blood glucose meter and would be able to pick this skill up quickly with some training once I started here."

Written by Heather Douglass on August 10th, 2021

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