Do you have any questions for our team?

"I was wondering about the nurse-patient ratio on the medical-surgical unit and the staff turnover rate. Can you tell me anything about the day-to-day operation of the unit that could help me make my best decision? What are the chances that I am pulled to another floor, and will I be cross-trained?"

Sometimes applicants are so relieved that the interview is concluding that they forego the opportunity to ask questions. Arrive prepared with questions to ask! Asking questions allows you to gain clarity and is an opportunity to shine. Do your homework, and ask meaningful and thoughtful questions that will help the interviewer remember you without challenging the interviewer.Ask what their favorite thing is about the hospital. Ask if there are any interesting perks not readily known at the hospital. Ask about the local area and interests. Ask about the staff turnover rate. Ask about in-house nursing leadership programs.Do not hesitate to ask questions relevant to you wanting to accept the position. As much as nursing is a passionate vocation, it is also a business transaction. You will be trading valuable hours of your life for hours worked for payment, so you want to ensure that your first career inspires you to continue. Ask the hard questions that are important to you.It is wise to have a mental list of intriguing questions that not only give you an answer but allow the interviewer to think about what they like about working there! Most of the nuts and bolts questions are available online, so take this time to humanize the interaction and build rapport with the organization. The hard questions about insurance and other important considerations can be asked in the second round. Get through the first interview door in a way that authentically represents you and your career needs.

"Thank you for the opportunity to interview today! I have two questions. Is it possible for me to arrange a time to shadow a nurse on this unit for at least four hours, so I can have an idea of what a typical shift looks like? How long does it typically take a new grad nurse to feel fully up to speed on your unit?"

Tell me about a time someone placed unreasonable expectations on you. How did you respond?

"One semester, I had a communications course that was very challenging. I was assigned an in-depth presentation with three other students and the project itself included about forty hours of research, writing, memorization, and public speaking. We only had three weeks to complete the project and prepare to present it to the class of about 100 students. My team worked together to delegate tasks and create a strategy, however, at the end of the first week, my three teammates dropped the class, leaving me alone on the project. My professor wouldn't reassign me to another group and expected me to complete the project alone. I requested a meeting with my professor, and I went in with a calm demeanor and factually explained the hardship I was facing with such a large project to complete on my own in such a short amount of time. I proposed that the project be modified in some ways and offered alternatives to certain aspects of the project. Together, we were able to come to a compromise and solution that we both felt was fair. If faced with this situation as a new grad nurse I would follow the same approach. I would remain calm, approach my supervisor in a professional way, discuss the challenges, and provide alternatives or solutions to the problem at hand. Through communication and collaboration, I would hope this would help resolve the issue at hand."

Questions like this allow the interviewer to gain insight into your professionalism, attitude, communication skills, and ability to problem-solve. The reality is that healthcare can be challenging because facilities are often short-staffed, which means heavier workloads and times when it will feel like the volume of patients to care for or tasks to complete in a shift are not possible. The interviewer wants to know that you can handle the pressure of challenging situations and that you can remain calm and communicate effectively when things are overwhelming. Give a description of a time that you've experienced this in the workplace, during clinicals, in school, or even in a volunteer capacity if you don't have work experience. Try to use the STAR method when responding to this question, which will help you stay on track as you talk through the situation, task, action and result. Focus on skills that you used that would transfer well into this role.

"During clinicals, I was working on a busy pediatric floor of the hospital. I was assigned the most patients that day and I found my list of duties to be very extensive. As I looked at the acuity of patients and the responsibilities I needed to address during my morning shift, I realized it would not be possible. I tried to evaluate my workload and see what could be reprioritized, however, there were no alternatives. I quickly approached my supervisor and let her know that I felt like patient safety was in jeopardy with the volume of patients I had and asked if there were any other students available to provide extra support. I assured her that I'm a team player and was by no means complaining, but I felt that I could not address each of the patient's needs in a timely manner. By taking this approach, she was able to delegate some of the duties appropriately. I thanked my team members for supporting me and assured them I would be there for them if they ever found themselves in a similar situation."

Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a coworker. What steps did you take to resolve the issue? What was the outcome?

"When I worked in retail, I had a colleague who was always late and sometimes never showed up for her shift at all. It was very frustrating. She was friends with the manager, so not much was ever done about her tardiness, which made me even more frustrated. One evening, we were assigned to work the cash registers together and the customer flow was very slow. I took that opportunity to mention that I noticed she was late a lot and asked her if there was anything going on in her life that was causing her hardship. She told me that she was a single mom and didn't have reliable childcare or transportation. While I empathized with her, I shared the impact that her being late or not showing up for her shift was causing the rest of the team, myself included. I wanted to be a part of the solution and help her, so I offered to help research daycares in the area as well as available public transportation. I know what she was going through was difficult and it was also difficult for our team when she wasn't at work, so I wanted to help find a solution that would benefit everyone. She was able to line up both daycare and transportation and it really benefited the entire time because she was able to be at work on time and reliable for her shifts."

Possessing the skills to handle difficult situations and people in the workplace is essential. Think about a time you had a difficult situation with a coworker and what made that situation challenging or uncomfortable. Avoid being overly negative about the colleague, but instead, focus on the situation and how you handled it. Think about the job description of a nurse and focus on highlighting qualities that will transfer well into the role (IE compassion, empathy, effective communication, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, etc.).

"I once had a colleague who was very negative and constantly complained throughout the shift. It was really taking a toll on me, to the point where I didn't even want to work the same shift as this person. I felt like I had a good working relationship with this colleague, so I asked him to grab coffee one day. I asked him how things were going both at home and work, and he shared a lot of frustrations and problems he was having. I was gentle but honest with him about how he was perceived at work and the impact he was having on the team. I let him know that as a senior employee on the team, others looked up to him and often followed his lead and attitude. I wasn't sure how he would take it, but I felt like I had to have an open conversation with him and give him an opportunity to self-reflect and make changes before going to my manager. I feel like he appreciated me coming to him one-off and having the courage to have the tough conversation, and by talking about it openly and in a non-confrontation way, he was receptive. He committed to leaving his personal life at home and really made strides in improving his attitude in the workplace and it greatly impacted the morale of the rest of the team."

What do you think it takes to create a patient-centered team environment?

"During my clinical rotation, I was able to observe many different healthcare teams. In my opinion, the most successful patient-centered teams were those that were high-energy, positive, encouraging, empathetic, open-minded, and respected one another. Many teams were made up of nurses and staff that were junior to senior in experience, but they were still able to find common ground and worked together to achieve common goals of providing top-notch patient care. They set personal differences aside and came together to ensure everyone was on the same page with patient care and treatment plans, that updates were communicated timely and worked to support each other when they were short-staffed or at max census. I am looking for a team like this to join as a new nurse. I want to be able to learn from others, yet add value and contribute to providing the best patient experience possible."

Many healthcare organizations follow a patient-centered model of care. This means that they work together to provide care to patients and meet all of their needs. Talk to the interviewer about what you feel contributes to a team environment and one that focuses on the patients' needs. Perhaps you have some feedback and observations from your clinical rotation or perhaps you have experience in this area if you've worked in healthcare already prior to becoming a nurse.

"Patients who are in the hospital will interact with nurse aides, phlebotomists, nurses, doctors, radiologists, therapists, and many other healthcare staff. In a patient-centered environment, each person recognizes the value that they bring to the team and the patient and the value that all others do as well. They know that through each person's strengths and skills, they are all able to work together to improve the quality of life and outcomes for patients. This requires the team to respect one another, communicate effectively, be supportive, and to value the opinions and duties of each person on the team. In the patient-centered approach, the staff are committed to putting the needs of patients first, both physical and emotional.""

For 18 years in a row, the Gallop poll has rated nurses the highest in honor and ethics. What does integrity mean to you?

"I believe that when I preserve my integrity, then decisions because easier. Integrity defines my character, and when I say what I mean and mean what I say and do the right thing for myself and my nursing license, everybody wins. I want people to identify me as someone who can be counted on to do the right thing and not just the easy thing. I believe that sometimes the right thing is ultimately the easiest in the end, even when it doesn't seem like that from the beginning. When you are responsible for a patient's life or health in some way, there is no other option for me."

The definition of integrity is having the qualities of honesty, fairness, and high moral principles. Nurses have been voted in the Gallop Poll as the most honest and ethical profession for 18 years in a row, and there is good reason for that. Nurses follow a code of ethics and demonstrate high levels of integrity by being authentic, consistent advocates for their patients and working well within the confines of their state's Nurse Practice Act. Integrity is about doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right individual with the right motives. Answer this question carefully and authentically, if asked.

"Integrity means always being honest and straightforward. Patients and their families must believe that when we say something, it's the truth."

How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?

"Even though I was just a nursing assistant, I dealt with many difficult physicians while I worked at the nursing home in college. One physician, in particular, was extremely difficult and seemed to have a problem with anything and everything anyone did for a patient, including the nursing assistants. There were days when this doctor would come and yell at me for patients being in the incorrect position or not being changed, even though they had just been changed. It was frustrating, but I had to take it all in stride, reminding myself that the physician only had the patients' best interests in mind and that he had a lot of pressure on him and was probably dealing with it to the best of his ability. If I had the pressure of a physician on me, I don't know how I would react, so I try my best to keep it all in perspective."

Physicians have very stressful jobs and are under significant pressure daily. This sometimes causes them to be short with their support staff, and some develop the reputation of being difficult to work with. At times, situations between nurses and physicians can become very heated, and disagreements can arise. However, it is up to the nurse to facilitate a positive working environment with the physicians around them, despite any past conflicts. The interviewer asks this question to determine how the candidate will react to physicians known to be demanding and difficult, as it will determine how successful they will be in their nursing career. To effectively answer this question, indicate you would not take the physician's behavior personally and would continue to build positive, professional relationships with them, even if there have been uncomfortable situations with particular physicians in the past. Try to include an example from your career or clinical experience where you dealt with a difficult physician, superior, or colleague but maintained a positive, professional relationship with them.

"Sometimes it will feel intimidating to call physicians, especially after hours. I think the most important thing to do when interacting with doctors, whether in person or on the phone, is to be prepared and be clear about what I'm looking for from the interaction. When I was in one of my extended clinicals, my nurse preceptor had me practice calling one of our patient's doctors. We discussed ahead of time how I would identify myself, identify the patient, explain the situation, and ask for an order to increase the dose of the patient's beta blocker. I was nervous during that interaction, but it was professional and buoyed my confidence. I believe that if I can be calm and concise and remember that the communication is about my patient's needs, I will be able to work well with the physicians on my shift."

Where do you see yourself in your nursing career in ten years?

"Since I enjoyed caring for the elderly patients at the nursing home while working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I would eventually like to pursue a career as a geriatric nurse practitioner. However, I will need to obtain several years of experience in bedside nursing before I can do so. I hope to be able to go back to nursing school for my master's degree in about five years, but until then, I am looking forward to working on your geriatric unit as a floor nurse."

This question is essential for the interviewer, as they are asking it to determine the career path you intend to pursue within the nursing profession. If you eventually want to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist, they may not want to hire you for a position at a family medicine clinic. The interviewer is asking this question to ensure the opportunities available at their organization match your career goals. To effectively answer this question, you should be honest about how you would like to see your nursing career unfold and not merely tailor your answer to what you think the interviewer wants to hear.

"Since I am technically inclined, I hope to one day get involved in nursing informatics or quality improvement, even if it is just at the level of my unit. While I look forward to gaining entry-level nursing experience over the next few years, I hope that I will eventually be able to expand my practice to working with data and quality improvement projects."

"I have always enjoyed teaching people, like when I taught swim lessons in high school. In ten years, I would love to be a nurse educator, working with nursing students as they start their careers. To get to that point, I will need lots of clinical experience as a bedside nurse. In five or so years, I want to return to school to obtain my Master's degree in nursing to work toward my goal of being a nursing instructor."

"I see myself having gained experience as a nurse. I hope to be a very confident and competent nurse continuing my education through certifications and growing in my role. One day I hope to move into a manager or leadership role on the unit."

Where would you like to be in five years professionally?

"I would like to get started in nursing with an amazing organization that offers tuition reimbursement. Right now, I am not sure what type of nursing I would like to pursue. I want to get the best well-rounded nursing foundation I can, and I think that this hospital is the perfect place. Eventually, I would like to take advantage of the amazing tuition benefits and start to take part-time graduate courses towards my MSN."

Healthcare is ever-evolving and expanding, and that should be your career plan as well. Be prepared with an answer that demonstrates your commitment to learning. Discuss your plan to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program or your goals to obtain your BSN or MSN. When researching the organization's leadership structure, take note of any opportunities to become involved with in-house nursing groups and make mention of those groups during the interview. Interviewers love candidates who want to do and be better. It's good for the organization and advances nursing as a whole.

"Five years from now, I hope to have developed expertise as a cardiac med/surg nurse. On my unit, this expertise will allow me to precept nursing students and new hires to our unit and work as a charge nurse on some shifts. I also hope to be accepted into the master's program at IUPUI's school of nursing so that I can begin the steps toward becoming a nursing instructor."

On a scale of 1-10, please rate your communication effectiveness and explain why.

"I believe that nurses have to be able to relay information to patients in a way that they understand and retain in oral and written forms. I work very hard to listen to understand and ask for feedback from coworkers and patients on their perception of what they heard. I look at the situation quickly to see what obstacles might influence the outcome, like environmental noise, culture, or emotions. People don't retain information when they are in heightened emotional states. I try to find common ground first so that communication can be direct and effective. I listen first and then try to be solution focused if there is a problem. I find it helps when information is written down for patients, in addition to giving clear verbal directions. Pairing those together leads to better outcomes, in my opinion."

Poor communication is one of the leading reasons for medical malpractice. Good nursing care depends on effective communication that is prompt, direct, and respectful. Communication can be verbal and non-verbal such as body language, facial expressions, gesturing, and even the distance between you and your patients. If the distance between you and your patient is too close or too far, communication can break down. A patient may miss the message if you are talking across the room or become frightened or intimidated if you have breached their personal space. The best answer is authentic and introspective, which leads to an action plan for improvement. Remember, your answers are a real-time demonstration of your communication skills.

"I would rate my communication effectiveness an 8 out of 10. When I listen to someone, I summarize their points and repeat them to ensure I understand their questions or statements. If I'm speaking to someone in person, I watch for clues that they are taking in what I'm saying. Whether speaking to someone in person or over the phone, I check with them to make sure they've understood what I've said, and I ask if they have any questions. In my written communication, I try to be thorough but concise."

Do you have any hobbies or interests?

"Yes, I do! I am a beekeeper and have seven hives. My grandfather taught me beekeeping, and I've been active in the Lycoming Valley 4-H program since I was young and now mentor new beekeepers. Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby. To me, it's part meditation, part agriculture, and part horticulture. You have to know your local flora to keep bees. Beekeeping is very scientific, and I learn something new every day."

Nurses have lives outside of the job! Work-life balance is critical, and so are your answers to these types of questions. Provide answers that demonstrate commitment, flexibility, service, or soft skills you would like to illustrate. For example, being on a softball team may suggest you are a team player, and being a coach suggests leadership skills. Taking improv comedy classes may reflect your ability to step out of your comfort zone and take critique. Being a beekeeper showcases your verve. In any case, this is an important question, so be prepared with your best answer. Interviewers are not impressed with individuals who live for the job. This is your opportunity to showcase your uniqueness and also illustrate other skills.Our answer example illustrates more than just a hobby. It shows sustained interest in a hobby, giving back and contributing to the community, and a commitment to learning.

"I love to travel, both domestically and internationally. I like to read, especially suspense novels. And I enjoy running, hiking, and strength training."

Which nursing theorist do you align most with?

"I love Watson's Theory of Caring. I also believe that caring is mutually beneficial for both patient and the nurse. The caring interaction between the patient, nurse, and other team members enriches everybody, and the benefits are immeasurable. I love that."

It is not a bad idea to be prepared to discuss your favorite nursing theorist during your interview. Whether it's Nightingale, Peplau, Orem, Watson, or anyone in between, know which theory you most align with and be prepared to support it. Take the time to review the organization's mission statement and determine if its mission aligns with the values and concepts of your nursing practice.

"I align with Florence Nightingale's approach, especially her thoughts about the importance of a patient's environment to their recovery. Medication and therapies are key to recovery from surgery, but so are good hygiene, adequate nutrition, and rest. As a nurse, I hope to help make my patient's hospital environment conducive to rest and recovery."

Why do you think you are a great fit for our hospital?

"St. John's has long been known as the go-to hospital for pediatric care, and I love that. I reviewed your hospital website and liked the nurse interviews. The nurse leadership program is amazing, and I aspire to be employed by a magnet hospital where I am constantly encouraged and challenged to do better. I like fast-paced, challenging environments, and the resident rounding program at St. John's is one of the best. In addition to graduating near the top of my class of 200, I bring enthusiasm and energy to the workplace."

Nursing interviewers want to hire people who do their homework. This question is an opportunity to showcase that you've done yours. It is also an opportunity to express yourself vibrantly and show off your communication skills. Nurses work in all kinds of environments. Most entry-level positions likely will be more medical-surgical, as this is where most new nurses gain their basic nursing skills.There are many options within medical-surgical 'bedside' nursing, and new nurses sometimes get hired in the ICU, telemetry, or psychiatric. Your answer may vary, depending on the job for which you are applying, but in general, know the organization's philosophies. Know the culture and mission of the company and know your worth. You are interviewing this company as much as they are interviewing you and the benefits are mutually inclusive. You are hoping to gain a job that you love, and they are hopeful to gain an essential, quality employee with longevity. If you are a relaxed, laid-back person who likes to sit and braid their patient's hair, then a fast-paced ICU may not be the optimal choice for you. After you have done your homework on the culture and mission of the healthcare organization and matched it to your own philosophical and life goals, craft your best answer to reflect on why you are the best choice.

"As I've completed several clinical rotations here and worked as a student nurse extern here at Methodist, I've gotten along well with the nurses and other staff. On the unit where I worked as an SNE, the nurses told me they appreciated my hard work and good attitude. You are also known for your excellence in cardiac surgery, and I'm very interested in taking care of post-op cardiac patients."

Nurses typically work long shifts, often working 12-hour days rather than the traditional 8-hour workday, and oftentimes are required to work overtime. Tell me why you think you are prepared for these long days.

"I feel like I will be able to handle the long shifts as a nurse because I was in a similar situation in nursing school. While in school, I worked my shifts as a certified nursing assistant and went to school, often on the same day. So, most days, I had to juggle school, class, studying, and my personal life. I often had commitments for more than fourteen hours a day. I feel that this busy life has prepared me for the nursing life, and I will be able to endure the long, stressful shifts."

The nursing profession can be exhausting due to the long hours nurses are expected to work. Many times, to staff inpatient care facilities, nurses are scheduled for 12-hour shifts, and due to the nature of the job, they often cannot leave at the end of their shift, so they stay longer and accrue overtime. The long hours required from nurses can be a difficult adjustment for new nurses, especially if they are unprepared for such. The interviewer asks this question to understand if you are prepared for the long shifts you will face as a nurse. To effectively answer this question, discuss why you feel prepared for the long shifts using examples from your life to explain how you have endured long days. A successful answer would include specific examples of your professional career when you have successfully worked long shifts.

"While my career as an accountant is much different than my nursing career will be, it has prepared me for the long, stressful days in my nursing career. As an accountant, especially during the first quarter of the year, the days were very long and stressful. Again, I understand that nursing is different, as it is more physical and patient lives are in your hands, but I have experience working multiple sixteen-hour days in a row, and I feel this experience has well prepared me for the long days of a nurse."

"During nursing school, I've had several opportunities to have 12-hour clinical shifts. Two of my advanced med/surg clinical semesters and my capstone clinical had us working the entire shift with our nurse preceptor. It was a great way to experience the entire shift, from taking reports at the beginning of the shift to reporting at the end of the shift. Working such a long shift takes stamina, but you're also so busy the whole time that it tends to go pretty fast. I also work out in my downtime, and being in good physical shape will help me as I work long shifts."

What do you feel is your strongest clinical skill and why?

"Even though I am a new nurse, my strongest clinical skill is starting an IV. In nursing school, I was able to master this skill with ease before any of my peers. In my clinical rotations, I never had an issue starting IVs, and during one of my rotations, my preceptor asked me to help her start an IV on a patient that she was struggling with. My preceptor was a seasoned nurse with over two decades of experience, and while she couldn't find the patient's vein and start the IV, I could easily. While I have a lot of room to improve my other clinical skills, I feel like starting IVs is one I have already mastered."

Entry-level nurses typically have minimal experience working clinically and using their newly licensed skills. These nurses' experience is usually limited to the time they spend in their clinical rotations. While clinical rotation experience is limited, nurses can practice their clinical skills during this time and finish these rotations with a few strong clinical skills. The interviewer asks this question to determine how comfortable the candidate is with their clinical skills and how advanced their strongest clinical skill is. To successfully answer this question, you should be honest about your skills, even if they are not very advanced. When explaining why the particular skill is your strongest, you should describe your experience in conducting the skill and how you have been successful.

"I can perform many clinical skills at this point in my training, but I feel most comfortable taking and monitoring my patients' vital signs, such as taking their blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and even assessing their pain levels. At first, it was difficult to trust my ability in taking vital signs, but through my clinical training, I became much more confident. While this is not the most advanced skill, I feel that it gives me a good foundation to build upon as I get more experience in nursing."

"So far, my strongest clinical skill is starting a Foley catheter, even when it is initially challenging to find the patient's urethra or insert the catheter. I've had lots of practice in clinicals and as a student nurse extern."

"It would be setting up an IV because I had a lot of practice under the supervision of my preceptor during a hematology placement. I learned to focus on carefully and accurately preparing medication according to the medical order, label the IV bag, and prime the IV line to remove air or bubbles. It is important with IV antibiotics because I do not want to waste any of the medication through priming."

Our company sees patients in multiple specialty areas, and many times we ask our nurses to cross-train to different specialties. Tell me how you will respond if you are asked to cross-train.

"I look forward to the opportunity to cross-train in other departments because I want to learn as many clinical skills as I can. If I am ever asked to cross-train, I will be eager to learn and volunteer to help with as many processes and procedures as I can during cross-training, so I can learn and get enough practice to work independently in the other department when I am needed. If the opportunity is available, I hope to cross-train to multiple departments, not only so I can be of help but also to advance my skills."

Cross-training nursing staff members is common within hospitals and multi-specialty clinics. Cross-training allows nurses to learn and practice their skills in different areas; however, the experience can sometimes be stressful, especially for entry-level nurses. The interviewer asks this question to determine how the candidate will respond in situations where they may be required to cross-train. For organizations in which cross-training is essential to maintain operations, it is especially important for the interviewer to feel the candidate will be willing to do so. To effectively answer this question, indicate that you would be willing to cross-train in other departments and describe the methods you use to learn and retain new skills. A more successful answer to this question would include an example of when you were previously cross-trained in your career and how you successfully managed to learn and retain two different professional skill sets.

"I would be happy to cross-train. I would approach the situation as I have in other instances in my career where I have been asked to help in other departments. Although my previous career was in corporate accounting, and I was primarily responsible for managing the books for my company, when needed, I also assisted with payroll, project management, and technical upgrades. Each time I was asked to assist in a different department or become involved in a project, I would research and learn as much as possible about the project so I could be well-prepared. I also had to approach these instances with a good attitude and flexibility to be successful. If asked to cross-train in other departments, I will draw from these previous experiences to ensure I can learn the skills and do the best job possible."

"As a new graduate nurse, there is so much for me to learn. I already know that I like cardiac care because of the variety of patients and conditions in that area. Cross-training in other areas and specialties can only help me further my knowledge and understanding, and I will look forward to those opportunities. When I am asked to cross-train in a different specialty, I will pay attention to all information given to me and ask questions about things I don't understand."

What nursing organizations do you belong to, and why did you choose them?

"I belong to the American Nurse's Association and love reading about nursing leaders and the profession. I am so excited about the possibility of attending their annual conference someday. Are there any in-house nursing organizations that I could join here?"

Interviewers love candidates who belong to nursing organizations such as the ANA because professional development is an important phase of lifelong learning. Healthcare changes almost daily, so nurses that keep up-to-date on all things nursing have a competitive edge over those who do not. Nursing organizations empower nurses to stay at the leading edge of their profession.

"I'm planning to join the American Nurse's Association very soon. The educational resources they provide to nurses, as well as the influence they can have on legislation, make the ANA a valuable organization to be a part of."

Can you tell us your top three considerations when choosing a possible employer?

"I am looking for a position in a magnet hospital where the opportunities for advancement and growth are constant. Tuition reimbursement is very important to me, as I would like to begin working on my master's in a year or so. I want to work in a hospital with strong nursing leadership."

A solid answer to this question will reflect your philosophy of nursing and commitment to quality of care. Even if the hospital's pay and benefits package is the best, compensation should not be mentioned in your top three considerations. The interviewer already knows where the organization ranks in terms of salary and benefits. They are looking for more thoughtful answers that reflect your character. Read through the hospital's mission statement and the types of care offered, and craft your response to complement those features.

"When I am looking at a potential employer, the top three things I consider are feedback from current employees--do they consider this to be a good place to work, the average seniority/turnover time for nurses in the hospital, what the orientation portion of my employment entails, and the benefits of the job."

Why do you think that you are a great fit for our organization?

"Your organization's mission statement resonated with me. I feel I would be a good fit for the graduate nurse position in the ICU.I received top grades in my clinical work and am an enthusiastic learner. I am easy to get along with but stand my ground ethically. I worked hard to get my license and won't jeopardize it. I am careful and thorough and ask for help when I need it but can also work independently. I feel that my work ethic, people skills, desire to learn, and overall commitment to quality make me a great candidate for this position."

Before your interview, take some time to research the organization. Find the mission statement and be prepared to provide answers that align with that statement. There are many places online to review potential employers and the associated work environment. Highlight your academic prowess, soft-skill attributes, customer relations experience at Victoria's Secret, or volunteer experience at the animal shelter. Take the time to organize your strengths and life experiences into an elevator pitch that showcases why you are the best match for this position.

"I completed many of my clinical rotations here. I could see that the nurses are hardworking and caring, and they work cooperatively with the doctors, the PAs, the NPs, and other healthcare staff. I also see that all of the nurses love to keep learning and improving patient care. I am hardworking and like to continuously learn, so I think I will be a great fit for the hospital culture."

Describe one of your weaknesses.

"When I was in school, I did not exercise great self-care because I was always studying or helping someone else figure something out. When people ask for my help, sometimes I put my needs aside to help them. I loved learning about Orem's Theory of Self-Care, and I am learning to be better about that myself!"

This is a tough one and needs to be carefully prepared for. You want an authentic answer that reflects something you've identified as a weakness but with a paired possibility of improvement. Interviewers want self-reflective candidates who will take ownership and responsibility for their work. This is not the time to admit that you are very sloppy and can never find your car keys! Your answer should mirror something the interviewer will resonate with as a possible strength.

"There have been times in previous jobs where I struggled to delegate; I want to complete all tasks on my own. This isn't always a problem, but if complex situations crop up, not wanting to delegate tasks can come back to bite me. As a nurse, I know that I will need to rely on other nurses on my unit, as well as patient care techs and other staff. I will continue to work on my ability to delegate and rely on others."

In your opinion, what are the three most important qualities a nurse should possess?

"For me, the first foundational, necessary quality is caring, and from that stems empathy. Right now, at this stage of my career, I would answer a willingness to learn and attention to detail. I have a lot to learn from those who mentor me, and I feel that being precise and paying attention to detail when someone's health or life may depend on it is an essential quality."

Hospital or health organization interviewers identify and encourage specific nursing qualities in candidates for hire. Many strong attributes contribute to great candidates, and any combination could be a great answer. However, the best response would be one that mirrors the organization's mission statement. To optimize the interview outcome, the interviewee should review and reflect on the organizational mission statement, and mirror those values in their answer. Possible attributes are caring, attention to detail, stamina, problem-solving skills, communication skills, willingness to learn, critical thinking skills, time management, empathy, leadership skills, and even a sense of humor. The potential hire may answer differently if applying to a fast-paced ER position as opposed to the geriatric unit.

"I think the three most important qualities a nurse should possess are compassion, openness, and a strong work ethic. We must be compassionate because we care for patients at various stages of health concerns, and patients deserve respect and great care. We have to be open because healthcare knowledge and treatments change constantly. We need to be willing to learn new evidenced-based ways of doing things. And we have to be hard-working because nursing takes stamina and effort. Even when my patient assignment isn't extremely demanding, I will need to be willing and able to help my co-workers with their patients' needs."

Where would you like to be in five years personally?

"I recently got engaged, and we have a wedding date in two years. Since we both graduated, we are dedicating ourselves to getting a good start on our prospective careers. We love this area because our families are here, so we are eager to stay. We are hoping to purchase a home in the valley once we save up for a down payment."

This is a great question and deserves a great answer! The best response is always the truth, but if your truth is that you are going to marry Danny next month and start a family, this might not be the best answer. Always remember that it takes a lot of time, money, and energy for an organization to invest in and onboard a new employee. Even the best organization with the best employee support would be reluctant to hire someone who may exit within the year. Keeping that in mind, provide an authentic answer that is true for you and demonstrates your investment in the organization's potential investment in you.

"In five years, I hope to have purchased a home here in the Indianapolis area. I also hope to improve my German skills and become truly fluent in the language."

Describe one of your strengths.

"I do well with critical thinking tasks. I like to think things through efficiently and figure things out. I like to think that I am a great problem solver."

You could name any academic, organizational, professional, or relational strength that highlights who you are and what you're good at and is directly related to the nursing profession. All interview questions should be answered in a way that optimizes your chance to secure the position, so choose a strength that mirrors the values in the organization's mission statement or the work environment. While it may be true that you are efficient and organized and write amazing poetry, focusing on the former is a better match for an interview as an emergency room nurse.

"I love to learn, and I take feedback well. Although I've received a great nursing education and know my experience as a student nurse extern will be valuable, I don't know everything! My desire to learn as much as possible from my continued reading, orientation, and the nurses and physicians on my unit will allow me to continue to improve as a new nurse."

Who influenced you the most in your life?

"My mother was my biggest influence. When I was small, my father was in a terrible accident and was paralyzed from a brain injury. It was such a frightening and daunting time. My beautiful mother, in her pearl earrings and pumps, had to rise to the occasion and take over. And she did. Our lives changed that instant. My mother didn't even drive before my father's accident. Everything about our lives changed that day but love. I remember her saying that we would be okay if we just took it a day at a time. She ordered a set of Popular Mechanics, and I would watch her learn to repair her lawnmower. She brought my dad home so we could be a family. I learned love, resilience, patience, and stamina from my mother, and I am grateful."

To answer this question, you could name anyone who played an impactful role in your life--your father, grandmother, coach, teacher, etc. Be prepared to describe an individual, their impact on you, and the outlook on life you gleaned from the mentorship or interaction with this individual. The important thing is to pair authentic growth and connection with someone who led you to a nursing career or changed your perspective in some way.

"I didn't consider a nursing career when I was younger. I started college with my sights on interior design. Starting my second year, I was tired, dizzy, and miserable. I passed out at a couple of parties, which was scary and overwhelming. I woke up in the ER with all the bells and whistles, and I remember a nurse telling me it would be alright and that my blood sugar was high. She was so reassuring. I was diagnosed with diabetes and spent a week in the hospital. I was so miserable and cranky and scared, but the nurses were so kind and competent. They cared but made me do the right thing, and I learned about my blood sugars and injections and everything I needed to thrive. They were this amazing combination of steel and satin, in my opinion. Soft and firm and just effective. I loved that. And that was the beginning of how I started my nursing career."

"My dad has been one of the biggest influences in my life. He's a high school science teacher, and he values education highly. Throughout my childhood, he often said to me and my brother and sister, 'Anything worth doing is worth doing well.' I had these words from my dad in my head as I worked hard at high school, as a member of the swim team, at my high school and college jobs, and in my college courses."

What value can you add to our team in terms of personal attributes, education, and skills?

"I graduated with honors from Duke School of Nursing and am proud of my student clinical work and education. I have a strong work ethic; I worked at Hollister as a supervisor through nursing school, where I learned how to make the customer and my team of 17 people happy and satisfied. I am proud of my work there, as well. I learned a lot as a supervisor in a high-volume retail business. I learned to listen to people's needs so that I could problem-solve the situation. I was able to work through the Christmas schedule and meet everyone's holiday needs in a win-win situation. Everybody was asked to concede a little, and we all gained a lot."

Your diploma and GPA and the reputation of the school only tell the interview part of your broader story. Organizations are looking for their employees to have soft skills and people skills, as well. Nursing has been described as both an art and science, and interviewers are searching for a candidate that combines hard and soft skills. Soft skills refer to how a person works and interacts with others. They include interpersonal skills, communication skills, listening skills, time management, empathy, teamwork, adaptability, networking, and problem-solving skills. Nearly every job in healthcare involves some customer interaction, so relational, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills are highly desirable traits.Soft skills are often transferable skills that allow the employee to adapt to new work situations and environments quickly.

"I believe that I bring a variety of skills to each job in addition to my nursing degree. I come from a family of seven kids and know how to compromise and share things! I have a strong work ethic. I worked part-time at a daycare to pay for my college, which was challenging and inspirational work. For some reason, I was always assigned to the toddler room, and you have to have eyes in the back of your head in that room. It was so much fun trying to figure out with my co-worker how to keep Jonny happy and quiet while the others had nap time. He didn't like to sleep, but we made it work and had fun doing it!"

"I've always been known for my enthusiasm and team spirit. In high school, I was the swim team co-captain, and my coaches and teammates appreciated how I helped everyone succeed. As a student nurse extern, I've tried to have that same attitude. I know our unit is made up of many people working together toward the common goal of providing excellent patient care. On the unit I'm hired on, I know I will work hard to support my fellow nurses, patient care techs, and others so that we can provide safe and effective care to our patients."

Most nursing positions are not your typical nine-to-five jobs. Tell me about your willingness to work non-traditional hours.

"Since I have been working as a CNA for a couple of years, I already have experience working evenings and weekends, although I have never worked the night shift. Things slow down a bit late in the evenings, and it typically isn't as stressful. Because of this, I hope I will have the opportunity to work nights for the first few years of my nursing career so I can get my bearings during the slower time. When I get more experience, I may feel more comfortable moving to days, but, as of now, I am happy to volunteer for evenings."

Many nursing jobs require evening and weekend shifts, especially in inpatient facilities, rehabilitation facilities, emergency departments, and urgent care facilities. Because of this, nurses are not guaranteed a typical nine-to-five schedule. For new nurses, non-traditional work schedules can be a difficult adjustment, especially if they consistently work evening shifts. When answering this question, be honest about your feelings and concerns about working non-traditional shifts. Express your willingness to work evenings and weekends during your nursing career.

"I'm used to working long hours and weekends, especially during the first quarter of the year, so working non-traditional hours won't be much of a change. However, I have a family and commitments with my children, so if I am expected to work evenings or weekends, I will need to know in advance. Otherwise, I am completely open to it and don't foresee it being an issue."

"Hospitals are open 24/7, and I knew that when I decided to get into nursing. When my grandpa died the weekend after Christmas one year, my family and I were grateful to all the hospital staff that was so kind and compassionate to him and us. I understood in a way I hadn't before how nurses and others at the hospital are giving care both day and night, 365 days a year. There are some perks to working odd shifts, too. In nursing school, when I had a weekend night shift clinical, I liked working out first thing in the morning as I got off shift. The gym wasn't crowded, and it felt great to know I'd taken care of my physical health for the day."

Because nursing is a very challenging career, many nurses face burnout. How will you prevent becoming burned out?

"While in nursing school, I became informed of nursing burnout. I never thought about burnout before, so when I first learned of it, it was quite a surprise. However, while doing my clinical rotations, I quickly saw why nurses become burned out so quickly. Being a nurse can be very stressful, tiring, and emotionally taxing, and if you don't do something to counteract these things, you will get burned out. I am big on being mindful, practicing yoga, and taking care of my overall wellness. I feel if I continue to focus on these aspects of my life, I will be able to stay more in tune with my nursing career and prevent myself from becoming burned out."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if the candidate is aware of nursing burnout and if they are already preparing themselves for the prevention of such. Burnout is a significant concern in the nursing industry, as nurses often become burned out from the stress, emotional toll, and long hours. To effectively answer this question, you should express that you are aware of nursing burnout and provide examples of ways you are preparing yourself to mitigate burnout. Try to include an example from your career/schooling where you avoided getting burned out in a job or project using specific techniques.

"As an accountant, I have experience working in a career with a high burnout rate. However, I have always been able to avoid becoming burned out by not allowing work to consume my entire life. While work is important, and I am completely dedicated to my job while I am working, I spend a lot of time volunteering outside of work for other causes that are important to me. The time I spend volunteering allows me to decompress and focus on something else, which prevents me from becoming burned out at my job. When I become a full-time nurse, I intend to continue my volunteer work, which I think will help prevent me from burning out in my nursing career."

"One of our critical care professors explained that she saw many of her fellow ICU nurses coping with the stress of critical care nursing by developing unhealthy habits, like excessive drinking. This professor said that she had initially fallen into this trap until she realized how destructive alcohol was to her health. She felt that having healthy outside coping skills is essential to prevent nursing burnout. This particular professor used training horses as her healthy outside coping skill. I like to run and hike, and I find that these activities bring balance to my life."

What inspired you to pursue a career in the nursing field?

"I have always wanted a career where I could help people, but when I first started college, I wasn't sure exactly what that meant. However, I was drawn to nursing after volunteering at a hospital one summer. I feel like nurses are the backbone of the clinical system; not only do they keep the system running, they provide care to patients and their family members when it counts the most. Once I decided on nursing, I never looked back, and so far, it has been one of the best decisions of my life."

Nursing is not meant for everyone, and the interviewer is asking this question to learn more about your motivation behind pursuing a career in nursing. A career in nursing can be both physically and emotionally challenging; it takes a person with compassion and a willingness to care for others in their most vulnerable states. To effectively answer this question, respond honestly, but focus on your passion for people and caring for others. A more successful answer would include a specific personal experience that inspired you to pursue nursing as a career.

"I am a career changer; I worked as a corporate accountant in the hospitality field for over a decade. However, when my mother was undergoing treatment for cancer several years ago, I was inspired to pursue a career in nursing. Seeing the nurses care for my mother so compassionately through all stages of her cancer treatment made me realize I needed to devote my career to something more meaningful. I have nothing against accounting; it is a great career, but I feel my time will be better spent caring for others instead of sitting behind a spreadsheet."

"My desire to become a nurse was two-fold. I have been inspired by the many nurses in my life and wanted a career like theirs where I could care for others every day. The other reason I wanted to pursue nursing is the variety of opportunities available to nurses. Nursing offers me the opportunity to work in an inpatient setting, an outpatient setting, in case management, informatics, and so many other areas. As a nurse, I know I will always be able to learn and grow while staying in the same field."

"All of my life I thought I wanted to deliver babies; I used to wake up early before school when I was 7 or 8 years old to watch birth day or birth story because I was just fascinated by birth and newborns and all of it. When I started working on the postpartum unit I realized I really enjoyed everything about that population. Then during my maternity rotation, I saw that labor and delivery is a lot of waiting around. Although I loved watching the births, I found myself more interested in the baby more so than the mom. That hospital had a level 2 NICU and although it was a very small unit and I did not get to see a lot of critical babies, being in the environment and getting to see what working in a NICU is like, made me realize that that is want I want to do. I want to work in a job where I feel I am truly needed and making an impact. These babies depend on you for everything and I would be blessed to be able to make such a difference in their lives and care. I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare because I thrive on caring for others. When my uncle was in the hospital after a bicycle accident, I really saw how the nurses treated him and my family and I knew I wanted to be that for other families."

"Believe it or not, I used to be very shy and couldn't even talk to strangers when I was little. Somehow I got a job with a paramedical company, and I worked there for a few years before becoming an RPN. I was required to see clients in their homes for insurance purposes every single day. I had to fill out health questionnaires for them, so I had to talk a lot. Soon after I started the job, I found out I enjoy talking to people. Being able to learn the different perspectives from different people was always inspiring. During my first year of employment with this company, my clients told me many times that I should be a nurse. I felt like I should be doing more than just filling out questionnaires for people, so I applied for the nursing school one year into the job. I got in and never looked back."

Describe your strongest non-clinical skill that will be most beneficial to you in your nursing career.

"My strongest non-clinical skill is my ability to adapt to any situation. I feel like I have always been quite adaptable, but while working as a nursing assistant during nursing school, I built upon my adaptability skills. The environment was rarely the same day-to-day, and I was always doing something different. I would often be pulled to a different unit or wing to help out, which may have been difficult for someone less adaptable. Any time this happened to me, I would take it in stride and use it as an opportunity to learn."

While nurses must have strong clinical skills, they must also be strong in other non-clinical areas. Strong abilities in areas such as time management, data analytics, adaptability, ethics, and communication will complement a nurse's clinical skills and make them more successful. The interviewer asks this question to learn more about the candidate's strengths related to non-clinical skills. To successfully answer this question, be honest about your skills and avoid simply telling the interviewer what you think they want to hear. After identifying your strongest non-clinical skill, explain why you feel you are strongest in the skill using real-life examples that demonstrate your strength.

"My strongest non-clinical skill is time management. While I was in nursing school, working and going to school full-time, I sharpened my time management skills, as I had to juggle so many things. This experience was tough at the time, but I would not do it differently because it taught me how to be extremely efficient in my work and showed me how many tasks I could effectively complete if I stayed focused and managed my time. This skill will be extremely beneficial if I get the opportunity to work with your company because I know it is a fast-paced and demanding environment."

"One of my strongest non-clinical skills is the ability to teach in a variety of ways. I've had teaching practice as a lifeguard and swim instructor, as an after-school tutor, studying with my fellow nursing students, and working with patients and families in clinicals and as a student nurse extern. I can get feedback from people as I go and adapt my teaching style to their needs. For example, if I'm verbally explaining what protein sources are available to a patient on their cardiac diet, I can use a teach-back method to see if they're following what I'm saying. If my verbal explanation doesn't work for the patient, I can bring in a written or picture explanation of protein for a cardiac diet or find a relevant video on the computer in the patient's room."

"My strongest non-clinical skill would definitely be my adaptability. While I was working as a ward clerk and personal care assistant, it helped me to adjust to an acute care setting quickly, because the working environment would change every shift. For example, during the placement, I was proactive in sourcing the equipment and materials required for a procedure from a different ward, whereas it may not even occur to a person who was less adaptable to do that."

What was the most challenging part of your nursing education?

"The greatest challenge I faced in nursing school was learning how to create an effective care plan. Some of my classmates mastered this with ease, but I struggled. It seemed no matter how much work I put into the care plans I created, they were always wrong. At one point, I thought I had to change my major because of my difficulty with care plans. But, instead of giving up, I put in extra work, met with my professor, got extra help from a teaching assistant, and soon, I was able to master care plans as well."

Nursing school at any level is a very challenging endeavor. Students often struggle with various parts of their nursing education, such as learning to create care plans, but they may also struggle with the workload itself. The interviewer asks this question to determine if you can identify your greatest challenge while pursuing your nursing education. When answering this question, you should be honest about your struggles while pursuing your education and specify what challenged you the most. A successful answer to this question would include a summary of what challenged you and specific details regarding how you overcame the challenge.

"Being an older student and a career changer, the most difficult part of nursing school for me was balancing the full-time job, my full-time courseload, and my family obligations at home. It was a challenging few years, and I sometimes wondered if I could do it for the long haul. However, when I felt like giving up, I would recenter myself and refocus on my goals, and that would give me the motivation I needed to carry on."

"The greatest challenge in my nursing education was retaining cellular function concepts like the sodium-potassium pump and cellular respiration. I'm not sure why it took me extra work to grasp these concepts; maybe it was because it was hard to relate them directly to patient care. I attended extra study sessions offered by my professor and studied in small groups with my fellow students to understand the material. In the end, I passed those portions of my class and moved on to my next courses."

"The most challenging part of my nursing education was learning how to study and do well on nursing exams. It was really an eye-opening experience because the nursing tests are not what I was used to at all. It took me a couple of semesters to really figure out my studying techniques and how to properly study and be able to achieve the best grade possible."

"The most challenging part of my nursing education was time management. In addition to nursing school, I also have a family, and I was always working a minimum of two jobs. It was always a challenge to find time to study and make sure everyone is happy. I used to be the kind of last-minute-study student. Soon after I started nursing school, I found out my old way of studying was no longer working. So, I began to plan out my study for the whole semester as soon as I found out all the due dates and everything I need to do for that semester. In addition to the scheduled dates from school, I also put my due dates on my calendar. I reviewed my calendar several times a day to ensure I stayed on my schedule, which worked well for me. It is very satisfying to look at all of the tasks that I have accomplished over the years."

What was your favorite clinical rotation during nursing school?

"My favorite clinical rotation was in family medicine. I liked family medicine so much that I went back towards the end of my clinicals for an extra week in the clinic. I enjoyed family medicine the most because I got to work with patients of all ages, not just one age group. I also liked that patients visit their family medicine practitioners often, which means the nursing staff could get to know the patients and form relationships with them. I hope that I will be able to work in family medicine since I enjoyed it so much during my clinical rotations."

Nursing education programs include clinical rotations, better known as clinicals, which are supervised clinical sessions where students gain real-world nursing experience in rotating specialty areas. Clinicals allow students to apply the concepts they have learned in the classroom and get an idea of what specialty areas of nursing they may want to pursue after graduation. The interviewer asks this question to identify which specialty areas of nursing you may prefer. To effectively answer this question, discuss which clinical rotation was your favorite and explain why.

"Going into my clinicals, I thought I would enjoy oncology nursing best since oncology nurses initially inspired me to go into nursing. However, now that my clinicals are over, I can honestly say that labor and delivery was my favorite rotation. It isn't that I didn't enjoy oncology, but the excitement, challenges, and unfortunately, even the heartbreak of labor and delivery made it feel like much more of a team environment and one I could see myself working in."

"My favorite clinical rotation was the cardiac step-down unit, where patients recover after heart surgery. Because heart disease can have so many causes--diabetes, congenital heart disease, lifestyle factors, kidney dysfunction, and other causes, I learned about multiple conditions and treatments. I appreciated the ability to care for and learn from a diverse patient population. I liked this unit so much that I was fortunate to be hired as a student nurse extern on that unit."

"My favorite clinical rotation was definitely my OB rotation. During this rotation, I was on an LDRP unit which also had a level 2 NICU. It was during this rotation that I really solidified that I was more interested in the neonate than the mother. I found I enjoy critically thinking and working in a fast-paced setting with high acuity patients."

"I completed my consolidation for my degree at a general surgery unit, and I can't deny I love it most. Wound care is always my favorite. With general surgery, I've got to care for patients' wounds and educate them on how to care for them. My wonderful preceptor has taught me a lot in a short few months, and I could function as an independent nurse by the end of the placement."

Can you tell me about your academic background and any additional training or certifications?

"I recently graduated from Ohio State University where I completed my BSN and graduated in the top 5% of my class. I am CPR certified. Prior to becoming a nurse, I worked as a nursing assistant and had my CNA certification for six years."

Share with the interviewer more insight into where you completed your nursing program, what degree you graduated with, and if you received any honors during your program. If you won any awards as a student or received any other recognition, now is the perfect time to share that. If you've obtained any certifications or additional training upon graduation, give the interviewer some details about that as well. If you worked in healthcare prior to becoming a nurse and possess(ed) any certifications that would add value, feel free to include that information in your response.

"I recently graduated from X community college with my BSN. I carried a 4.0 GPA and graduated with honors, which I'm extremely proud of. I am CPR certified and passed my NCLEX about two months ago. I'm looking forward to completing my BLS soon and eventually, I would like to pursue my ACLS."

Tell me about your prior work experience prior to completing nursing school.

"My senior year of high school, I volunteered at the local hospital ten hours per week. I would operate the switchboard, deliver mail, newspaper, and flowers, assist with wheeling patients back and forth from radiology, and other miscellaneous tasks in the kitchen. I loved working at the hospital and while in my first year of college, I took the CNA training course and obtained my certification. I worked part-time at the same hospital on the cardiac unit while I completed my nursing program. I've always been passionate about helping others and found my true calling while working at the hospital."

The interviewer would like to learn more about your employment history prior to completing nursing school. If you worked in healthcare, that's great experience to share, even if it was in a volunteer or administrative capacity. That exposure to medical terminology and other aspects of patient care will add value in your first nursing position. If you don't have healthcare experience, that's okay because you likely have transferable skills from other roles that would also add value. For example, perhaps you possess strong customer service and communication skills because you worked at a call center, or perhaps you worked in a restaurant, so you possess the ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

"Prior to nursing school, I worked as a waitress and in a retail clothing store. I enjoyed working in both positions as I'm very outgoing and like working with the public and meeting new people. Both of these positions helped me further develop my interpersonal and communication skills as well as build my customer service skills. I truly believe all of these skills will transfer well into my first nursing position."

Aside from your clinical rotations, tell me about your experience caring for patients.

"Once I decided to change my major to nursing, I obtained my nursing assistant license and got a part-time job at a nursing home. During the last two years in college, I worked at the nursing home and cared for patients by changing them, bathing them, helping them to the restroom, taking vital signs, and getting them up to socialize and attend daily activities. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it allowed me to get experience caring for patients, and I was able to care for some great people."

While required clinical rotations that are a part of nursing education programs ensure entry-level nurses have hands-on practical experience, employers like to see additional patient care experience on a candidate's resume. This experience does not have to be nursing experience, especially for entry-level nursing; you can mention your experience as a nursing assistant, care partner, paramedic/EMT, hospital volunteer, or other position that provides direct patient care. This patient care experience gives entry-level nursing candidates a competitive edge over candidates without such experience. The interviewer asks this question to determine if you have additional patient care experience and to what extent. When answering this question, you should be honest about your experiences providing patient care, as your experience will be reflected in your job performance once hired.

"My official experience caring for patients is limited to my clinical rotations, as I had to maintain my full-time job as an accountant while in nursing school. However, while I do not have additional official experience caring for patients, while my mother was undergoing cancer treatments, I was her primary caregiver. I was there to care for my mother on her best days, her worst days, and all days in between. I know this isn't what you are looking for, but I believe this experience will help me empathize with the patients and family members I am caring for when they are facing their best and worst days."

"During the final year of my program, I worked as a student nurse extern on the cardiac step-down floor. During most shifts, I assisted the nurses by taking vital signs, obtaining blood glucose readings, and helping patients bathe and use the bathroom. On some shifts, I was assigned to be the sitter for a patient who was confused or a fall risk. As the nurses on the unit got to know me better, they often pulled me into a patient room to help them with other skilled tasks, like IV insertion, inserting a urinary catheter, or changing a dressing."

"I became a CNA before I started nursing school. I worked in an assisted living facility before getting a per diem position on a postpartum unit. I learned many valuable skills and gained experience through my time at both positions. Time management, prioritization, and critical thinking were all skills I gained experience of."

How do you maintain confidentiality in the workplace?

"Protecting the patient's right to privacy is extremely important to me. I have a personal practice of checking in with myself to ensure that I have honored that responsibility in practice. I check in with myself a couple of times a shift, especially if I am busy, to ask if I am being mindful and responsible. I like the idea of 'the clean desk.' Did I close out my computer? If I need shift 'cheat sheets,' I am careful not to write patient names on the paper, but maybe their initials. I have the practice of mentally checking out as I leave the unit for lunch in that I don't chat with other nurses about patients in common areas. I am mindful of how my voice carries in a patient room. I always ensure that family members in the room are allowed to hear health information before I ask the patient questions."

Confidentiality and privacy in health care protect patients and maintain trust between patients, staff, and doctors. It is a way of reducing liability and promoting the quality of care. Everyone learns about HIPAA in nursing school, so reciting a cerebral definition is not necessarily what the interviewer wants here. The interviewer wants to hear your deep understanding of how HIPAA is violated in the workplace by not being mindful and intentional in your practice.

"I think maintaining confidentiality in the workplace is fairly easy if I always have patient needs at the forefront of my mind. When I've been on a nursing unit during clinicals or working as a student nurse extern, I never share my EMR passwords with anyone. I lock a computer if I'm leaving it. I don't speak about patients in hallways, elevators, or other public patients. If I speak to someone about a patient, I make sure they are another healthcare team member with a 'need to know' about a patient's care. As a student, I haven't yet spoken to a patient's family or loved one on the phone, but when I am in this situation, I will make sure that I have the correct release of information in place to allow me to speak to anyone about a patient and their condition."

What routines or tools do you use to keep yourself accountable at work?

"As a nurse, I am accountable to my patients per the professional code of conduct. For me to do that, I need to be accountable to myself and my coworkers as well. I take my health and wellness seriously so I can bring my best self to the job. I enjoy hobbies like crocheting, which is very peaceful and good for my mental health. I enjoy family time. I organize my week with this awesome planner and prioritize Sunday meal prep so I don't eat junk. Every couple of days, I schedule three or four hours of downtime so I have time to enjoy or handle urgent tasks that come up. I cannot plan everything, but I do my best to find a balance so I can bring my best to the job. I bring my brightest and healthiest self to work and use that as a platform to build an organized and productive day for my patients and coworkers."

Prospective employers seek employees who can manage themselves with oversight. Being able to prioritize and organize your day to maximize results are powerful attributes. Nursing is part art and science, and no two days are alike. Employees seek individuals with organizational aptitude and creative problem-solving, so your answer here should demonstrate your organization and flexibility.

"I have a shift 'cheat sheet' that I developed based on the cheat sheets of two different preceptors I worked with. These allow me to ensure I've done all of my assessments, given all medications and treatments, and that all of my charting is complete before the end of a shift."

Nurses experience vast diversity when caring for patients. How do you deal with different perspectives and philosophies in the workplace?

"In nursing school, we learned about cultural diversity, and I learned so much about myself. I strive to understand and honor my patients' culture and beliefs toward healthcare. I have a personal philosophy of leaning in and trying to understand a different perspective. I always ask myself what I can learn from a situation. If the situation is tense, I try to work out my emotions before so I can enter the conversation with a positive attitude. I realize I have a lot to learn about nursing, so I am more intrigued rather than annoyed when someone has strong differing opinions. I am just so curious about other perspectives. Learning about how others think makes me a better nurse, and I always entertain the possibility that maybe they're right. I'm clear about the scope of my nursing practice and ask for guidance when uncertain, but I do like to hear other perspectives!"

Nurses deal with all kinds of people from different backgrounds and with those from different cultures. Some cultures allow a family member to speak and dictate all medical care, which may seem unethical to an American nurse. Certain cultures may exhibit eye contact differently or follow different kinds of diets the nurse might find unusual or even resist or refuse care. Healthcare places a great emphasis on employees knowing and practicing cultural diversity for good reason. You should think your answer through to this question, as the interviewer is seeking a candidate who is aware of potential biases and shows an openness to embracing new cultures.

"One of my favorite things about working in healthcare is the diversity that I get to experience, both within our patient population and within the staff at the hospital. I think it's endlessly interesting to learn about cultures other than my own. I always strive to treat my patients' and co-workers' cultural perspectives with respect. If there are times when a request from a patient seems unsafe to me, or if it's against hospital policy, I can consult with the charge nurse or nurse manager to get their feedback."

As an entry-level nurse, tell me how you will handle situations where more experienced nurses on your team may not be very welcoming or helpful to you.

"This would be a tough situation, but I know it often happens in the nursing field. While I was in school for my RN, I heard many stories from fellow students who were already working as LPNs and had previously been in similar situations when they first started working in the nursing field. Because I was made aware of these circumstances early on while I was in nursing school, I have been preparing myself for quite some time. I hope I will luck out and join a very welcoming and helpful team. If not, I will not take it personally and will take it all in stride. The challenges I face in this circumstance will make me a stronger nurse, and I will remember that, even on the toughest days."

On nursing teams, it is not uncommon for entry-level nurses to feel unwelcome and to feel the more senior nurses are not helpful to them. This is something administrators are well aware of; unfortunately, it is a complicated situation. Entry-level nurses must be aware of the dynamics they may face with more senior nurses. The interviewer asks this question to get an idea of how aware the candidate is of such dynamics and how they will respond. To effectively answer this question, you should indicate that you are aware of these dynamics. Rather than telling the interviewer you would attempt to change the dynamic, you should say you would not get caught up in interpersonal conflicts and instead wait until you are welcomed by the other members of the team. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example of how you handled a similar situation in your career where you were not initially welcomed.

"Since my cousin is an administrator, she has warned me about the environments entry-level nurses often find themselves in, so I know what I may be facing. However, I have faced similar situations as an accountant in my first job in shared services. I was not in an entry-level position, but instead a manager; however, I felt singled out every day as all the other managers on staff were unwelcoming, unhelpful, and seemed unhappy that I was there. I'm not going to lie, the situation was uncomfortable at first, but I had a job to do, and that was most important. Instead of getting caught up in unnecessary dramatics, I waited it out and eventually was welcomed in. I imagine it will be a similar situation as an entry-level nurse, and I plan on taking a similar approach."

"The unit where I worked as a student nurse extern was welcoming to both students and new graduate nurses. I hope to find myself in a unit like that. However, if some of the nurses on my unit aren't welcoming to me, I'll be able to deal with it. In any new job, one way to get others to warm up to you is to be helpful. I will work hard to take care of my patients and make myself available to my coworkers to help with patient turning, assisting with bedside procedures, and anything else I can. It can be uncomfortable to be the 'new kid' in any job, but I get along easily with most people, and showing that you want to be useful to your coworkers usually goes a long way."

"I will try not to take it personally because you never know what someone else is going through or dealing with. I will communicate with the nurse about why they may feel a certain way and try to figure out a way we can work together better as a team in order to provide the most quality patient care possible."

How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?

"I try to show empathy and understanding for their frustration, and when possible, offer a blanket apology that they are experiencing this and allow them to vent if possible before I start talking. I stay kind, focused, and direct and am mindful of my personal space. I always try to pay attention to my words and body posture. I don't touch them or give them false assurances. I try to remain in their space as much as possible and be a kind, calm presence for them."

This question allows an opportunity to showcase your calm demeanor. Nurses are front-line workers and witnesses to some of the most distressing and vulnerable times in people's lives. Patients are often in pain, frightened, alone, and overwhelmed. Nurses deal with vulnerable people daily, so they must know how to handle the situation and optimize it. You also have the opportunity to share an example of a time you successfully found common ground with a patient.

"I observed a patient disagreeing with my preceptor during one of my clinical shifts, and I hope to handle the situation the way she did. The patient was in our unit after open-heart surgery. Their doctor had added a new medication to their daily meds based on the patient's heart rhythm. The nurse explained to the patient what the medication was and the rationale behind taking the medication. The patient declined to take the medication, saying he felt he was on too many medications already. The nurse was calm and empathetic and reiterated why the medication was important for the patient. The patient still declined to take the medication. The nurse called the patient's doctor and explained that the patient wasn't willing to take the medication. The nurse documented interactions with the patient and the physician and calmly and kindly cared for the patient for the remainder of our shift. When patients don't agree with me or their plan of care, I hope to help them understand the reasoning behind their plan of care. If I can't get the patient to agree, I will communicate efficiently and respectfully with the patient and their doctor and document all communication ."

How would you respond if you are asked to perform a clinical procedure or task that is within your scope of work but you feel uncomfortable with.

"I think it would depend on what type of task or procedure it was, but if it could harm the patient, I would ask my supervisor or someone on my team for help. This reminds me of a time during my clinical rotations when I was working on the burn unit and had to change a patient's dressing. The dressing was stuck to the patient's severe burn, and since they were in so much pain, I was unsure how to proceed. I didn't want to make the injury worse for the patient or cause the patient a significant amount of pain, so I asked my preceptor for help. I would approach a task or procedure I was unsure about the same way at my job because my priority is to provide the best care possible to the patient."

An entry-level nurse may have a scope of work that is quite vast, especially if they are a Registered Nurse, but they may not feel comfortable performing all the clinical procedures and tasks within the scope of their license. This is not uncommon, and it is not an indication that the nurse is not skilled but simply a testament to their inexperience. The interviewer asks this question to determine how the candidate will respond in such situations, to ensure they will not put the patient at risk due to their inexperience. To effectively answer this question, you should indicate you would ask for assistance if you are unsure how to proceed with the clinical task or procedure, especially if it could potentially harm the patient. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from your career or clinical rotations where you asked for assistance with a task because you were unsure how to proceed.

"If I was unsure how to proceed with the procedure and afraid I would harm the patient, I would stop and ask for assistance. Patient care is not something to use a trial-and-error system on. To avoid harming the patient or putting them through multiple procedures, even if it would not harm them, I would ask for help. Sometimes asking for help can be difficult, especially when you are new and trying to prove yourself, but at the same time, asking for help is the only way to learn, and it protects those we are caring for."

"I know that during my clinical orientation, I will be asked to demonstrate that I can perform clinical tasks safely. If there is a task that I later don't remember how to perform correctly, or I'm not sure how competent I feel, it will depend on the exact situation. If there's time, I can review the steps using the hospital's clinical education available in my nursing unit. If I still don't feel confident in my ability to perform the requested task safely, I would ask the charge nurse or another nurse on my unit to please coach me on completing the task correctly."

Nursing can be a high-stress, unpredictable, and fast-paced environment. Tell me about your previous experience working in such an environment and how it has prepared you for a career in nursing.

"While I do not have much past work experience in high-stress environments, I can say that many of my clinical rotations have given me an idea of how unpredictable and fast-paced a career in nursing can be. When I was on my clinical rotation in an inpatient unit at the local hospital, I got to experience this because there were constant acute needs from patients, alarms going off, and requests coming in; at the same time, the nursing staff had to continue their daily clinical and administrative tasks. Fortunately, this experience did not scare me away from the profession; instead, I feel like it helped prepare me, and I look forward to working in such a challenging environment."

Many entry-level nurses find it challenging to adjust to the unpredictability, stress, and fast pace under which they are working. The stress of nursing can take its toll, and each entry-level nurse must be prepared for the change of pace they will soon face. The interviewer asks this question to determine if the candidate has experience in such an environment. To effectively answer this question, describe previous environments or situations that have been challenging, stressful, and fast-paced and explain how those situations prepared you for nursing. You should choose examples rooted in work experience, but if you don't have previous work experience, another example will be acceptable.

"One of my college jobs was working in a small restaurant near campus. Although the stakes at a restaurant are not as high as in the hospital, the environment was fast-paced at times. I had to juggle customer orders, keep tables clean, helping to cook orders, and do other tasks. This job helped me learn to prioritize tasks and learn to work efficiently. My work as a student nurse extern (SNE) has also taught me to manage the shifting priorities that can come with patient care. As an SNE, if I was in a room to help a patient with their bath, the nurse might have me take the patient's vital signs before starting their hygiene care. There were times that I had to alert my patient's nurse to the patient's high blood pressure, and I observed that getting that blood pressure under control took priority over bathing at that time."

"Previously I had worked in a lab environment while having to carry out routine tasks like running quality control for the reagents for the tests. I also had to run blood gases for their results, prioritize samples from ED/ICU and pediatric. In placement, I have assisted my preceptor in a very stressful situation where she was the only chemo-trained nurse on the ward. I was checking a patient's vitals every half an hour while they were on chemo, answering requests, administering meds, and assisting another patient with a high risk of delirium. I felt motivated by that experience and I am prepared to work in a challenging environment."

Entry-Level Nursing Interview Questions

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1. Do you have any questions for our team?
2. Tell me about a time someone placed unreasonable expectations on you. How did you respond?
3. Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a coworker. What steps did you take to resolve the issue? What was the outcome?
4. What do you think it takes to create a patient-centered team environment?
5. For 18 years in a row, the Gallop poll has rated nurses the highest in honor and ethics. What does integrity mean to you?
6. How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?
7. Where do you see yourself in your nursing career in ten years?
8. Where would you like to be in five years professionally?
9. On a scale of 1-10, please rate your communication effectiveness and explain why.
10. Do you have any hobbies or interests?
11. Which nursing theorist do you align most with?
12. Why do you think you are a great fit for our hospital?
13. Nurses typically work long shifts, often working 12-hour days rather than the traditional 8-hour workday, and oftentimes are required to work overtime. Tell me why you think you are prepared for these long days.
14. What do you feel is your strongest clinical skill and why?
15. Our company sees patients in multiple specialty areas, and many times we ask our nurses to cross-train to different specialties. Tell me how you will respond if you are asked to cross-train.
16. What nursing organizations do you belong to, and why did you choose them?
17. Can you tell us your top three considerations when choosing a possible employer?
18. Why do you think that you are a great fit for our organization?
19. Describe one of your weaknesses.
20. In your opinion, what are the three most important qualities a nurse should possess?
21. Where would you like to be in five years personally?
22. Describe one of your strengths.
23. Who influenced you the most in your life?
24. What value can you add to our team in terms of personal attributes, education, and skills?
25. Most nursing positions are not your typical nine-to-five jobs. Tell me about your willingness to work non-traditional hours.
26. Because nursing is a very challenging career, many nurses face burnout. How will you prevent becoming burned out?
27. What inspired you to pursue a career in the nursing field?
28. Describe your strongest non-clinical skill that will be most beneficial to you in your nursing career.
29. What was the most challenging part of your nursing education?
30. What was your favorite clinical rotation during nursing school?
31. Can you tell me about your academic background and any additional training or certifications?
32. Tell me about your prior work experience prior to completing nursing school.
33. Aside from your clinical rotations, tell me about your experience caring for patients.
34. How do you maintain confidentiality in the workplace?
35. What routines or tools do you use to keep yourself accountable at work?
36. Nurses experience vast diversity when caring for patients. How do you deal with different perspectives and philosophies in the workplace?
37. As an entry-level nurse, tell me how you will handle situations where more experienced nurses on your team may not be very welcoming or helpful to you.
38. How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?
39. How would you respond if you are asked to perform a clinical procedure or task that is within your scope of work but you feel uncomfortable with.
40. Nursing can be a high-stress, unpredictable, and fast-paced environment. Tell me about your previous experience working in such an environment and how it has prepared you for a career in nursing.

Entry-Level Nursing Interview Questions

1. Do you have any questions for our team?

2. Tell me about a time someone placed unreasonable expectations on you. How did you respond?

3. Tell me about a time you handled a difficult situation with a coworker. What steps did you take to resolve the issue? What was the outcome?

4. What do you think it takes to create a patient-centered team environment?

5. For 18 years in a row, the Gallop poll has rated nurses the highest in honor and ethics. What does integrity mean to you?

6. How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?

7. Where do you see yourself in your nursing career in ten years?

8. Where would you like to be in five years professionally?

9. On a scale of 1-10, please rate your communication effectiveness and explain why.

10. Do you have any hobbies or interests?

11. Which nursing theorist do you align most with?

12. Why do you think you are a great fit for our hospital?

13. Nurses typically work long shifts, often working 12-hour days rather than the traditional 8-hour workday, and oftentimes are required to work overtime. Tell me why you think you are prepared for these long days.

14. What do you feel is your strongest clinical skill and why?

15. Our company sees patients in multiple specialty areas, and many times we ask our nurses to cross-train to different specialties. Tell me how you will respond if you are asked to cross-train.

16. What nursing organizations do you belong to, and why did you choose them?

17. Can you tell us your top three considerations when choosing a possible employer?

18. Why do you think that you are a great fit for our organization?

19. Describe one of your weaknesses.

20. In your opinion, what are the three most important qualities a nurse should possess?

21. Where would you like to be in five years personally?

22. Describe one of your strengths.

23. Who influenced you the most in your life?

24. What value can you add to our team in terms of personal attributes, education, and skills?

25. Most nursing positions are not your typical nine-to-five jobs. Tell me about your willingness to work non-traditional hours.

26. Because nursing is a very challenging career, many nurses face burnout. How will you prevent becoming burned out?

27. What inspired you to pursue a career in the nursing field?

28. Describe your strongest non-clinical skill that will be most beneficial to you in your nursing career.

29. What was the most challenging part of your nursing education?

30. What was your favorite clinical rotation during nursing school?

31. Can you tell me about your academic background and any additional training or certifications?

32. Tell me about your prior work experience prior to completing nursing school.

33. Aside from your clinical rotations, tell me about your experience caring for patients.

34. How do you maintain confidentiality in the workplace?

35. What routines or tools do you use to keep yourself accountable at work?

36. Nurses experience vast diversity when caring for patients. How do you deal with different perspectives and philosophies in the workplace?

37. As an entry-level nurse, tell me how you will handle situations where more experienced nurses on your team may not be very welcoming or helpful to you.

38. How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?

39. How would you respond if you are asked to perform a clinical procedure or task that is within your scope of work but you feel uncomfortable with.

40. Nursing can be a high-stress, unpredictable, and fast-paced environment. Tell me about your previous experience working in such an environment and how it has prepared you for a career in nursing.