20 Enrolled Nursing Assistant Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Enrolled Nursing Assistant interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Do you have any questions about the job description here at Harmon House?
How to Answer
Yes. You do. And this is your time to ask the reasonable, thought-out questions you've prepared in advance. That means you've done your homework and read the job description and online reviews available and organized the most meaningful questions because you cannot ask them all. Usually, this question comes at the end of the interview, so listen carefully to everything they have told you because usually most of your questions will have been answered. This is not the time to ask random nonsensical questions that showcase your lack of preparation.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I appreciate all the information you've shared with me about Mt. Sinai, and I have read the job description. I do have some questions, and I appreciate the opportunity to ask them. Are there any nursing assistant organizations here that I could join? What are the opportunities for advancement? (Try to make your questions enthusiastic and demonstrate an interest in a long relationship with the organization.)"
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
2. How do you think the bulk of your patients would describe you?
How to Answer
This question requires thought and introspection from the interviewer. Take some time to think about your patients as a whole group might think of you, not just your favorite patients. Were you kind, pleasant, efficient, selective, gossipy, or talkative? Think about your employee reviews. Were there common themes of conduct? Choose strong words that convey confidence, strength, and integrity. Being the fun aide doesn't convey professionalism but being a pleasant, timely, kind, and efficient aide conveys respect and professionalism.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe that my patients would say that I was kind, professional, and gave them excellent care as that is always my goal."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
3. What would you do if you witness one of your CNA coworkers be abrupt and impatient with a patient?
How to Answer
Empathy can and should be extended to everyone, but the patient takes priority in this instance. Everyone has a bad day, and maybe your co-worker is having a terrible day. But their terrible day can cost the patient, and that is not good care. Your responsibility is to the patient to provide the best care and being a silent witness to substandard care damages everyone. Your role is to be the patient's advocate.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"If the co-worker was my peer and I was with them, I feel that I would need to address it in some way. I would probably tell the patient, "
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
4. What are some personality characteristics would you bring that would enhance the workplace environment?
How to Answer
There are two types of work skills. Hard skills are proficiency with job tasks such as being very good with taking vital signs or transfers. Soft skills are more difficult to measure but are equally as important such as integrity, communication skills, collaboration, and patience. The ideal employee is a combination of both great clinical and interpersonal skills.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I've always been described as the energizer bunny, so I definitely bring lots of energy. I like to think that I bring enthusiasm too! It is really important to me to add value to my workplace in all ways. I want people to really light up to see my name on the schedule instead of groan. I thrive in a team environment and like to pull my own weight on the team."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
5. How do you enter a patient's room?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for observation skills and respect skills with this question. First, the interviewee must include the necessity of knocking before entering the room, even if the door is open. This is a demonstration of respect for the patient. Second, the interviewer is looking for the interviewer's expanded view of the patient and the patient's environment.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I always knock before I enter and announce who I am and what I need to do. When I enter the room, I scan the room from general to specific. First, I look at the big picture and look for things that look out of place such as big safety or patient concerns like wires, beeping IVs, Foley bags on the floor. I do this quickly and then I zoom in on the patient and look for safety concerns. I do this in a quick eye sweep of the room. I go directly to them, introduce myself if needed, and ask them how they are doing before I tell them what I need to do."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
6. Have you ever been disciplined or at risk of losing your certification for any reason?
How to Answer
Hopefully, you haven't but if you still have your certification then you have a chance at the job. However, you must be transparent and not make excuses. It is helpful not to overexplain or underexplain. Briefly describe what happened and how you rectified it.
Your answer should be brief and specific to the disciplined action with no excuses or rationale even if a direct answer risks the chance of employment. The interviewer will appreciate a direct and honest response.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes. At my previous employment, I was cautioned for performing duties, not in the scope of my practice. We were very busy, and the LPN asked me to what a patient's medication cup back to her as I was going into the room. I gave her the medication cup and the patient looked in the medication cup and told me it was the wrong medication. I had no way of knowing. It was reported, and thankfully the patient knew her medications and real injury was avoided but I almost lost my certification for it. I was new and wanted to be liked and helpful. That was very flawed thinking and I almost paid dearly for it with my hard-earned certification. I will never make that mistake again. When in doubt, I ask."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
7. This position requires bending, lifting, standing, and transferring patients. Is there anything that we need to know that may prohibit you from performing these duties?
How to Answer
Some CNA positions are not as intensive, but most require basic minimum requirements for duty. If there are current or future reasons (such as advancing pregnancy, scheduled elective surgeries, or others) that may impact the ability to perform job duties in the future. If you have a previous back injury that requires frequent trips to the chiropractor, it may be helpful to be transparent about that. Particularly if it was an issue for your previous employer.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"No, not presently. I have had previous treatment for a low back injury several years ago but followed my treatment plan and do back strengthening exercises to keep my back healthy. I've not missed a day of work for one year due to injury of any kind."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
8. What was your favorite topic in your coursework for certification?
How to Answer
This is not a top question but one that interviewers may ask to assess your interest and enthusiasm for learning and so this is an opportunity to show them.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I am very happy that I invested in myself and became certified. I learned so much and feel certification standardizes care. I liked learning basic techniques because I feel I can use those skills with all patients. I really liked the coursework on communication, and it's helped me in both my professional and personal life."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
9. How would you handle a patient who refused care?
How to Answer
Patients are in pain, crisis, confused, or perhaps just difficult and refusal of care can be confusing and disruptive to a busy certified nursing assistant's day. Patients refuse care despite the best efforts of the worker. It's normal so it's great to have a ready answer for the interviewers. Most interviewers are seeking employees who are readily able to effectively manage situations such as these. Your response should demonstrate interpersonal skills, empathy, and communication skills at the very least.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I try to put myself in their shoes and have empathy for their situation. Even if I am busy, I take the time to explain the need for care and how it will help them. When possible, I give them choices. For example, if it's a shower that's in question, I ask them if they would like to take their shower now or later. I can't always do that. I always sit at eye level with them for a minute and ask them how I can help them feel better about the task, or what is it that they need from me."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
10. How do you feel about rotating shifts?
How to Answer
This is one question that may deserve a counter-question and clarification. Clarify what they mean by rotating shifts. Does it mean all three shifts? Is there any consistency in the schedule? It is important to be clear about what you can reasonably expect from the scheduling. As appealing as the job may be, you won't last long if it doesn't work for your life. It's great to be enthusiastic and accommodating, but clarity is your power in this scenario so ask the questions. Interviewers appreciate direct and honest answers.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"Can you clarify exactly what this means in your organization? I am excited about the possibility of working here, but the consistency of scheduling is very important to me as I have other responsibilities as well. I feel that I work best with a consistent schedule and also that I have the opportunity to learn my duties and my patients better. Of course, I would be more than willing to be flexible when possible, but I prefer and require a consistent schedule. If the shifts are rotating every two weeks from day to evening or day to night, that is possible but it would be difficult if it varies wildly from week to week."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
11. Tell us about yourself.
How to Answer
This question appears simple enough, but it can make or break an interview. This is not the time or place to go free-styling back through memory lane and go long on how your pulled yourself together after your chaotic divorce, or that your favorite past-time is skydiving and drinking wine on the weekends. Every word of the interview occupies prime real estate, and an opportunity to showcase why you are the best candidate for the position. Prepare your answer to illustrate qualities that show your skills and traits that make you a great candidate. Tell them about your skills, your likes, your accomplishments, and add something unique so that they remember you.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I was raised on a farm with seven siblings, so I know hard work and how to get along with people. Growing up on a farm gave me a strong work ethic and real respect for life. I like to think that the lessons I learned there really helped me thrive and problem solve in both my personal and work lives. I worked at the farm store while getting my certification. I always knew that I wanted to care for people so being a certified nursing assistant was the perfect job for me. In my spare time, I like to read books. Long days at the farm shows gave me ample time for reading. One year I read a book a week!"
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
12. How do you function as a member of the healthcare team?
How to Answer
It depends on the position and the facility, but many jobs require the CNA to function as a team member with other members of the interdisciplinary team. Even with whirlwind days, the CNA interfaces with multiple members of the patient's team from occupational therapy, nurses, doctors, physical therapy, and even dieticians.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I always arrive about 10 minutes early to schedule and plan my day. I look at my patient assignment and look at their schedule and see what is happening that day. That helps me figure out how to optimize my time. I like working with a bigger team. I appreciate that they all have their jobs to do so I do my best to try to make their day pleasant and easy too."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
13. How much supervision do you feel you require initially?
How to Answer
Interviewers are looking for a nice blend of 'self-starter' and coachable employee. The employee. The best answer indicates that you have solid basic skills that are transferrable to any clinical situation but would need supervision and guidance to fine-tune those skills to the position applied for.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel competent in basic CNA skills but feel that I would benefit and require both an orientation to the unit and several weeks with a mentor. What is the procedure and orientation process offered with the position?"
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
14. Can you tell us about a weakness?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for introspection and the ability for the candidate to demonstrate insight into possible weaknesses. This is not the place to spill the beans or to diss yourself. Come to the interview prepared with an honest answer that is not a deal-breaker for the interviewer such as 'I get overwhelmed easily. I have trouble being on time. I am sensitive to criticism.' The interviewer may read future difficulties into these answers. Your answer should include 'weaknesses' that are workable for the interviewer and the organization.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"Sometimes I overthink situations and spend a lot of time researching the right thing to do. I like to read up on things before work but sometimes that isn't possible so I end up asking a lot of questions which can be annoying to some people. I also sometimes worry that I have done enough for my patients and take my work home with me. I am working on getting better at that."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
15. Can you describe your strengths?
How to Answer
Come to the interview prepared with your best answer to this question. When possible, align your strengths with the primary types of patients the facility serves. Your strengths may be with dementia patients, but that won't be a real asset in a facility that primarily does cardiac rehab. So instead of highlighting your work with dementia patients, pick out the strengths and qualities that help you succeed with dementia patients, such as patience, good communication skills, organization, cooperation and collaboration with expanded team members, or the ability to give a good report.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I feel that one strength is my enthusiasm for learning, and another is being a great team member. I've worked very hard to learn the skills necessary to work with all kinds of patients in need. I have great organizational skills and am a self-starter when possible. It is important for me to be an asset to both the patient and my fellow team members."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
16. Are there any assigned duties that you are unable or willing to perform?
How to Answer
Certified nursing assistants are usually required to meet certain physical expectations such as lifting and bending requirements and the stamina to last long shifts on their feet. In addition, their job description includes certain tasks that are sometimes unpleasant or uncomfortable to some people, such as working with sick or infected persons or cleaning up stool or vomit. The CNA can certainly refuse any task that they feel incompetent to perform and should request supervision or training, and all tasks that do not fall within the scope of practice for their certification requirements such as administering medications or doing invasive procedures, for example.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"There are no tasks within the scope of practice for my certification that I am willing to perform. When I am in doubt of my ability to do something safely, I will ask for supervision with instruction. I make sure that all my tasks are within my job description, though, and won't short-cut patient care."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
17. Why do you think you would be a good fit for our organization?
How to Answer
It always pays to take some time to research the organization and review the mission statement. Tailor your answer so that it aligns with some aspect of the primary values of the organization. Always be authentic with your answer.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"Mount Sinai has a solid reputation in the community and has really served this community well and I would be proud to be part of this organization. I've heard so many great things about Mt. Sinai from people who work here or have worked here, and the patients glow about the care they receive. That aligns with my values and I would be really proud to be part of this organization."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
18. What kind of experience do you have working in patient care?
How to Answer
Even if you are a newly certified nursing assistant, you can still use your experience in clinical rotations or your experience as a private duty aide, or personal experience. The interviewer would like more specific information to determine if you are a good fit for this position. If you've worked in facilities that serve the elderly, be specific about the kind of patients. It is not sufficient to say that you worked with the elderly when you could say that you had experience with dementia patients, hip replacements, or perhaps ventilator patients.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I worked in a skilled nursing facility that had both long-term care and sub-acute patients. I worked on both floors and really like switching between the pace of long-term care and the challenge of sub-acute where the patients were incredibly diverse. I learned so much from my experience working there and improved my clinical skills."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
19. Why did you decide to become a CNA?
How to Answer
There are lots of reasons a person may choose to become a certified nursing assistant and the act of seeking certification implies a dedication to standards of care for the industry. Think through the reasons that you became certified and explain them to your advantage in the interview. Although the pay may be better, that should never be the driving force behind your decision. It is better to lead with information about your dedication to being excellent in your field, using certification to explore the possibility of advancing into a nursing career. This is a good question to answer regarding your love of caring for people and wanting to add value to your work.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
Answer Example
"I chose to become a CNA because I really like helping and working with people and I wanted to do it right. After all, we are working with people's lives. Becoming certified allows me to achieve a higher standard of care that I'm proud of."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
20. What are your qualifications?
How to Answer
Most candidates will come to the interview with the basic qualification of being certified as a nursing assistant, but this question allows you to expand on your qualifications and showcase what makes you stand out as a candidate. Prepare for this question even if you just graduated. Take the time to assemble life experiences that enable you to do the job better than other candidates. This may mean a volunteer position, caretaking experience for a family or friend, or helping at the local soup kitchen.
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In addition to being certified as a nursing assistant, I have several years of experience working in different facilities with different clientele. I have worked on the head injury floor of St. Jude's and in long-term care in the dementia unit."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Although I just received my certification, I feel that my life experience has prepared me to do an excellent job. My instructors gave me great recommendations! My work experience includes child-care at a daycare, and I worked retail at the mall which requires organization and a lot of people skills."
Written by Ryan Brown on June 28th, 2021