MockQuestions

Critical Care Nurse Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Critical Care Nurse interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Critical Care Nurse Interview Questions

10 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Do you feel like you have strong relationship-building skills?

How to Answer

Building strong relationships is essential for the success of any business. The healthcare industry is no exception. Share why you think you have good relationship-building skills.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I do feel like I have good relationship-building skills. I like people and enjoy getting to know them."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I have often been complimented on my relationship-building skills. I like to get to know people and ask them questions about themselves; I find it's a great and simple way to start building rapport with others. I consider myself a strong relationship builder and take pride in my people skills."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"I believe I have strong relationship-building skills. I value the opinions of others and try to show respect to them. I find that having a caring attitude and a willingness to learn about others helps build relationships."

Written by Darby Faubion

2.   Have you ever been in a situation in which a co-worker put a patient in jeopardy? If so, how did you handle it?

How to Answer

If you have ever been faced with a situation that resulted in you having to make a judgment call that may have affected the job of a friend or co-worker, you know how disheartening it can be. However, nurses are bound by law to protect patients and co-workers by reporting anything inappropriate or dangerous. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of identifying and reporting a situation if needed.

Written by Darby Faubion

Entry Level Example

"I have never been in a situation that required me to report a co-worker. Honestly, I hope I never experience a situation like that."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I have experienced a time that I had to report a co-worker to my supervisor. One of my peers had a diabetic patient who had an insulin order per sliding scale. The nurse gave insulin to the patient without checking his blood sugar level first. She told me and asked me not to tell anyone. However, I knew that patient safety is the responsibility of everyone. So, I did notify the supervisor."

Written by Darby Faubion

Experienced Example

"When I worked at a long-term care facility, one of my co-workers was using a lift to transfer a patient. He did not have the belt fastened correctly, and the patient slipped onto the floor. This was an accident that could have been prevented. I had to write an incident report and turn the situation over to a supervisor."

Written by Darby Faubion

3.   Have you ever received negative feedback, and how did you handle it?

How to Answer

Receiving negative feedback can be discouraging, but it doesn't have to be something that leaves you feeling incapable of doing your job. The important thing to remember when answering this question is don't talk negatively about the person who gave you the feedback. Rather state what was said and how you grew from the event.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I once received negative feedback when I was working the ER. One of my patient's mother was very upset that her child was not being treated as quickly as she thought and she complained to my supervisor that I was not doing my job. After talking with the supervisor, I asked if I could spend some extra time with the patient and his mother so that she could experience the good care that we give. Fear and uncertainty is often a reason that people lash out. Sometimes a gentle word is all that one needs to help relieve a stressful situation."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I remember when I first began my nursing career, I thought I had to do everything for everyone. I ended up taking on too many tasks and falling behind with my assignments. One of my supervisors told me that a patient had complained because I seemed too rushed and asked for a new nurse to be assigned to her. I was so embarrassed because I didn't want anyone to feel like I couldn't do my job. I apologized to the supervisor and to my patient and explained that I had taken on some extra assignments, but that I didn't mean to make her feel neglected. When I apologized, the patient agreed to let me continue caring for her. I learned from that experience that it's ok to want to give more, but that I should not stretch myself too thin and risk
compromising patient care."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"I am sure that anyone who works in the healthcare industry for any amount of time will learn that receiving negative feedback is not always a truly 'negative' thing. People respond to situations differently. I recall I once received a negative rating on one of my evaluations. It was a disheartening experience because I really pride myself on doing good work. I scheduled a time to sit and talk with my supervisor and understand his point of view with regard to the negative rating and made a plan of action to improve on the issue."

Written by Darby Faubion

4.   Tell me about a time you were trusted with confidential information regarding a patient's care.

How to Answer

Working within the medical career field you are trusted with sensitive information each day. Don't fall into this trap and answer this question with a story containing confidential information, people will view your answer negatively and view you as not being trustworthy. If you choose to tell about a situation be sure to be vague and not use names or too many details.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I am expected to keep all information confidential every day, so there is not just one instance that I can refer to. I believe in practicing within legal and ethical bounds and keeping patient's confidence is one way I do that."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I'm trusted with confidential information every day. I make a point to leave my work at work and not discuss patients outside of the office. By not discussing confidential information about the patients I'm ensuring that I'm not breaking any rules and giving information to those that are not on a need to know basis."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"Every day I work is an example of me being trusted with confidential information. HIPAA regulations were set in place with good reason and I appreciate the idea behind them. I strive to stay well within the bounds of legality with regard to patient privacy."

Written by Darby Faubion

5.   Do you participate in any outreach or volunteer work?

How to Answer

Although being a community volunteer is not a requirement for employment, willingness to give your time and resources to others without compensation shows the interviewer that you have a sincere desire to serve others. If you have volunteered, share a positive experience you had as a volunteer. If you have not volunteered, it is not necessary to embellish your answer. Stating that you have not volunteered previously will not disqualify you from employment.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I have volunteered at MedCamps for kids a few summers. I do think community involvement is important."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I love to volunteer! A group of ladies from my church volunteer at a soup kitchen close to my home once a month. There is nothing like giving to someone you know cannot give back to you! Are there opportunities for employees to volunteer through the hospital?"

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"I serve on the admissions committee for my university and have done so at various institutions over the past ten years. I'm on several other committees, as well. I also make it a habit to do outreach to support groups and health fairs."

Written by Darby Faubion

6.   Do you feel comfortable working with clinical nursing students in the critical care setting?

How to Answer

While not every nurse is required to mentor students, most healthcare facilities have nursing and other healthcare students who rotate through different departments to achieve their required training hours. If you are comfortable mentoring or would like an opportunity, this is a good time to share that with the interviewer.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I am new to critical care, and although I have every confidence in my skills, I think I would prefer to have a little more personal experience as a critical care nurse before I mentor students in that area."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I would love to mentor students! At my previous employment, clinical students were assigned only to those nurses in supervisory positions. I understand the reason for scheduling students with supervisors but always hoped to have an opportunity to precept students."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"I do feel comfortable mentoring students in critical care. When I worked at my previous employer, several rotations of clinical students came through our various departments. I always volunteered to be a mentor and would love the opportunity to do it again."

Written by Darby Faubion

7.   What are some aspects of your specialty that make it unique compared to other specialties?

How to Answer

This question gives the interviewer a chance to see your thoughts regarding being a critical care nurse. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. This is another opportunity to show what you thought was special about this specialty that led you to choose it as a career.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"I am new to critical care, so I may not be qualified to make comparisons. I feel comfortable saying that I chose to work in critical care because I have a focused interest in pathophysiology and its associated medical conditions and treatments. I also have a desire to assist patients in critical situations, whether it is to optimize their health or, at least to make end-of-life a gentler process for all involved."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I suppose all nurses could tell one thing or another that makes us feel like the area we work in is unique. All nursing departments have their own uniqueness."

Written by Heather Douglass

8.   Nurses at our facility often work on rotation. Are you willing to work, nights, weekends, holidays, or overtime if needed?

How to Answer

Being flexible with the schedule you are willing to work is always a plus. However, many people work more than one job or have a one parent home which requires them to have a flexible schedule. Others simply prefer to work one shift rather than another. Being upfront with the interviewer about what schedule suits your preference could help prevent conflict later on. It is easier to plan a schedule you can agree on than it is to fix problems that arise due to fear of being rejected. Be honest and direct.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"While I am not unopposed to working overtime or extended schedules such as holidays, I would like to have the opportunity to spend time with small children, as well."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I am not married and have no children at this time. So, I am pretty flexible with my schedule. If I had a choice, I would prefer the late shift, as I am a bit of a night owl. However, I am excited about the opportunity to become a part of this team and am willing to work where I'm needed."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"Yes, I am prepared to work that type of schedule. My family and I always plan special events around my work schedule. Also, part of us giving back has always been that I like to offer to work some extra time for those who have small children or other responsibilities."

Written by Darby Faubion

9.   Have you ever considered relocation? If so, what area would you be willing to travel to?

How to Answer

While relocation may not be a determining factor for employment, larger companies almost always ask this question. The important thing to remember is if you are 100% confident that you are willing to relocate, answer yes. However, if there is any hesitation, there are ways to answer this question without an emphatic NO.

Written by Darby Faubion

Entry Level Example

"I love to travel, so I am open to traveling for work. My goal is to find a position within a company where I can grow. So, if I am offered a position with your company, I would be happy to discuss what area I would be most valuable to the company."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I have never really thought about relocating. However, I think it would be something I would consider within reason."

Written by Darby Faubion

Experienced Example

"I have not considered the idea of relocation. My parents are older, and my brother and I help one another care for them. I prefer to stay within a 50-mile radius of where I am located now, if possible."

Written by Darby Faubion

10.   Do you anticipate any significant changes in your life within the next two to three years that may prevent you from continuing employment here if you are offered a position here?

How to Answer

Knowing what goals you have and any changes you anticipate in your life will allow the interviewer to evaluate two things - what positions are available that won't disrupt your plans and if you are interested in having a long-term relationship within the company. Either way, being upfront and honest is always appreciated.

Written by Heather Douglass

Entry Level Example

"My goal is to find a position that will allow me to work long term. I do not anticipate any significant changes that would affect that. I have family that lives nearby and close ties to the community."

Written by Darby Faubion

Answer Example

"I recently became engaged. Although we have not set a date yet, we have agreed to wait twelve months before the marriage. My fiance' just passed the Bar exam here and has been offered an opportunity to join an existing law firm. Presently, our plans are to stay where we are and build a career, not just work a job. Also, we do not plan on having children for at least two years after our marriage. We both feel that being able to become established in our careers and save for our future would be the responsible thing to do before starting a family."

Written by Heather Douglass

Experienced Example

"I have no plans of relocating, and all of my family live close by. I have traveled before and have come to a place in my life where I want to find a stationary position and grow with a company. With those things in mind, I do not see a predictable circumstance that would cause me to be unable to continue employment."

Written by Darby Faubion

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