Clinical Nurse Specialist Interview Questions

I recommend digging into this answer further and treating it as a 'tell me about a time when...' type of question. Think of a story the describes a time when you showed integrity and then deliver the story-example using the STAR framework.

The interviewer should be happy to know that you are reliable and present when expected. You may want to consider giving a qualifying statement at the end of your response. I have provided an example below.

"Last year, I did not take any sick leave. I have taken unpaid parental leave for childcare due to covid. I consider myself a very reliable individual, and you can count on me to be present at work and on time."

You sound very confident in your ability to handle uncomfortable situations! If you'd like to elevate your response from 'telling' to 'showing AND telling,' I recommend adding a story-based example in the end. I have provided a starter for you below.

"Uncomfortable situations don't upset me because I fully understand that any work environment has the possibility of conflict or tense situations at times. It can be challenging when colleagues are not interacting or communicating properly. If an uncomfortable situation arises, I tend to face it being open and honest but tactful. One example of my ability to deal with discomfort is when...(give a brief story-based example using STAR)."

These are all terrific ways to build rapport and maintain good relationships with coworkers. If you'd like to elevate your response from 'telling' to 'showing AND telling,' I recommend adding a story-based example in the end. I have provided a starter for you below.

"I enjoy the people I work with and can get along with most co-workers. I do this by maintaining a positive attitude for my team. I pay attention to my co-workers and spend time listening to them speak. I also work to find common ground. One example of my relationship-building skills is when...(give a brief story-based example using STAR)."

It's good that you have bounced back from the roadblocks that you faced! This shows that you have determination and grit. It would be great to include details regarding the actions you took to get yourself back on track. I have provided a suggestion for you below.

"I am pleased with my career and my experiences so far. I have faced roadblocks such as managing work/life balance and financial crisis; however, these challenges did not throw me off course for long. To overcome these difficulties, I (discuss the actions you took to stay on track). Through these experiences, I learned important lessons (such as?), and I grew as an individual and professional. I am proud to say that I bounced back nicely and am excited that this particular position will take my career exactly where I have pictured it to be."

Wonderful! The details you provide the interviewer will help them to understand how you operate and the type of work environment you appreciate.

"It feels so great to know that my hard work is appreciated. Kind words from co-workers and superiors will keep me motivated and performing at my best."

It's a great idea to include a patient story at the end! If you'd like to return to this question with your story example, I can provide more feedback :)

"Yes, my patients and colleagues have often commented on my level of compassion. It is easy to become hardened after serving in the medical field for an extended time. However, I choose to smile during the day and offer my patients kind words. I have noticed a remarkable change in their health and their impression of our services through these actions. One example of my compassionate nature was when...(give a brief story-based example using STAR)."

Your leadership qualities sound wonderful! Leading from the front, showing respect, and recognizing achievements are the best ways to maintain momentum and motivation. Well done!

Great! To further strengthen your answer, go into more detail about your abilities to communicate both verbally and through the written word. There's an old workplace adage when it comes to communication, 'Message sent is message received.' As a clinical nurse specialist, your communication skills could be a matter of life or death. So how do you ensure your communication, in all forms, is thorough and is sending the message you want received?

"I am very thorough with both. If it is written communication, I am very thorough, choose my words carefully, and proof my work for any errors. I never pass on written communications unless I am sure it sends the message I want. When it comes to verbal communication, I make sure everything they say adds up to a communal understanding. That is why I frequently repeat it once I am certain they understand, confirming we’re on the same page, or often ask them to repeat it back to me. I think mirroring is a very useful technique in this regard."

Terrific! It sounds like you have many leadership skills and a history of taking the reigns when opportunities to lead and mentor arise. To strengthen your response, I recommend adding a specific story-based example at the end. I have included a starter for you below.

"Throughout my career, I have had many opportunities to mentor students and guide newly qualified staff members in the ward. I have taught skills and supervised activities such as dressing, ECG, catheters, cannulation, and more. I have taken the lead in teaching lateral flow covid tests in our department for staff members on our unit, which I really enjoyed. Recently, I had the opportunity to teach a co-worker to...(provide a story-based example using the STAR framework)."

It's great that you are so familiar with the hospital and its offerings! I recommend beginning your response with your personal knowledge and thoughts, then perhaps jump into the fact that your husband also works there. This suggestion is based on two main reasons. First, you'll want the answer to remain focused on you (the interviewer may interject, 'Oh! Who is your husband?' and then the conversation can lose focus. Second, you will want to ensure no conflict of interest with this organization employing spouses (some have restrictions in place, and some do not). I have offered a suggestion for you below.

"I am very familiar with (hospital name) and know that this facility is a top leader in this region, offering advanced services (Such as? Include details of these services to showcase your knowledge). I also understand that (hospital name) offers a teaching facility (Be sure to mention your perceived benefit). I feel inspired to work at (hospital name) because of its strong reputation for patient support. For instance, (provide a measurable example of patient support you have witnessed or learned of). Also, my husband is employed here, and he has said many positive things such as...(give a specific example of his positive feedback)."

Good answer! It's clear that you are familiar with this job's physical demands, and you sound confident in your ability to meet these demands. Great idea to have a rest when you are documenting patient notes.

"I have been working in very busy environments for the past 21 years, which I have really enjoyed. I fully understand the physical demands on me, and I can meet these demands, such as moving and handling patients. If I have the chance, I will sit down while documenting patient notes. This brief break is often beneficial on more physically demanding days."