Tell us about your most significant accomplishment as a nurse.

"My greatest accomplishment in my career was receiving the National Distinguished Direct Patient Care Award. I was nominated for the award by my supervisor. It was such an honor to be recognized for the exemplary care I provide my patients and my leadership and mentorship skills."

It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your accomplishments as a nurse. Talking about your most significant achievement will give the interviewer a definite idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future.

Focus on describing your most significant accomplishment as it relates to your career. The interviewer is asking for a professional achievement, not a personal one. Think of any awards or promotions you have achieved.

"My most significant accomplishment as a nurse was being recognized on my unit as the day shift nurse who had been most complimented by patients and their family members during a quarter. I always strive to provide excellent care, and I was happy to know that my patients and their families trusted me with their care."

"My significant accomplishment as a nurse was working in a fast pace environment to provide nursing care to assigned patients in an outpatient hemodialysis setting. This has been my significant accomplishment because my time management and critical thinking skills have improved with the experience provided. I was able to provide safe and efficient care. I was taking care of 12 patients at a time for 2-3 shifts per day. I am very proud of myself for multi-tasking while ensuring my patient's needs are fulfilled."

Are you available to work weekends and holidays when needed?

"Yes, I am available to work weekends and holidays when needed. I understand the nature of this industry and have no problem working weekends and holidays. I take a class every Saturday, but my professor will let me make up the class if I have to work."

As a nurse, you must be flexible and available to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when needed. The interviewer asks this question to see that you are a team player and dedicated to your profession.

Assure the interviewer you understand the nature of the business and that working weekends is part of the job. Tell them you are flexible with your schedule and willing to work whatever hours they need, including weekends and holidays.

"Yes, absolutely. Patient care needs don't stop on the weekends or over holidays, and I am available to work during those times."

How would you describe your communication skills?

"I would describe my communication skills as excellent. I work hard to ensure I speak to my patients in terms they can understand. Medical terminology can be quite confusing for those not in the medical field. After explaining something to a patient or family member, I have them repeat what I said to ensure they understand what I told them. I ask them if they have questions, I actively listen, and I am great at reading body language. My written communication skills are exceptional, as well."

The interviewer asks this question to see that you have the solid verbal and written communication skills required for nursing positions. Your job duties will include speaking to your patients, family members, managers, coworkers, and the public. You will also be responsible for written communications when documenting patient information and communicating by email. The interviewer would like to hear that you have the necessary communication skills.

Focus on describing your written and verbal communication skills. If a former supervisor commented on your excellent communication skills in a letter of recommendation or performance review, use their description in your response. The interviewer wants to know that you can speak clearly with others and explain complex medical jargon in an easy-to-absorb manner while properly documenting reports and other forms of written communication.

"I think that I have excellent communication skills. When I am communicating with patients, I use health literacy strategies like speaking slowly, using plain language, and checking for understanding using the teach-back method. When I am speaking with doctors or other members of the healthcare team, I make sure to be concise but thorough. If I am getting information or an order from a doctor or another member of the healthcare team, I repeat back the information to ensure I understood it correctly. As far as written communication goes, I use a daily checklist to make sure that all of my charting is complete and accurate."

Tell us about your ideal work environment or culture.

"In my ideal work environment, I can suggest ideas, work as part of a diverse team, and am encouraged to grow professionally. I am interested in promoting to a leadership position and like it when my ideas and opinions are valued."

The interviewer will ask this question to determine if your ideal work culture or environment fits their company. Before your video interview, research the company to discover the work environment or company culture offered.

An ideal work environment will depend on what is important to you. Some ideas of a perfect work culture include a collaborative atmosphere, an environment that promotes and fosters professional growth, a culture that is inclusive and diverse, and one where your ideas and opinions are welcome.

"In my ideal work environment, I work with a diverse patient population and with coworkers from diverse backgrounds Coworkers are encouraged to help one another and find joy in their work. The practices we use are examined frequently to make sure that we're always using evidenced-based practices to care for our patients."

Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience in challenging situations?

"Yes, I am a very patient person. I understand that situations are often out of people's control, so it does no good to be impatient and cause further stress to those around me. My patience level is consistent, so I do not need to increase my patience during challenging situations."

The interviewer would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual, as it is a requirement as a nurse. Impatience can cause stress and anxiety in coworkers, your patients, and their family members, so showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.

Interviewers want to hire nurses who are patient and can remain calm in challenging situations. Focus on letting the interviewer know you are patient and professional during difficult times.Avoid saying you are not a patient person. It requires patience to work as a nurse, and the interviewer wants to see that you can remain calm and professional under pressure.

"I am a patient person, both at work and in my personal life. At work specifically, I find it easy to remain patient because I am focused on the best outcomes for my patients. If there are times when something happens out of my control, like the delay in the delivery of a new dose of IV antibiotic for my patient, I take a deep breath and make the calls I need to to keep patient care moving forward."

Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I would comfort patients and their family members during the patient's last moments, brush their hair, hold their hands, and read and sing to them. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization."

The interviewer wants to see if you consider yourself a compassionate person since the agency you are interviewing for values helping others improve their health and well-being and care deeply about those they serve. Companies want to hire like-minded healthcare professionals, so the interviewer will ask if you are compassionate to determine if you will be a good fit for the team.

Focus on ensuring the interviewer understands you are a compassionate person. You can say you are compassionate, but giving an example of how you have helped others is a better way to convince them. You can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, held the hand of dying patients, or comforted a grieving family member. Give an example that shows you have compassion for others.

"Yes, I consider myself to be a compassionate person. On my nursing shifts, my compassion shows up as always demonstrating a caring attitude toward patients and their families. On a recent shift, when I came onto the floor, the day and night shift charge nurses took me aside and told me my patient assignment that day would include a patient who we all knew well. The doctors and the family had recently decided that the patient would go on hospice care, and the patient would likely pass away on my shift. The day charge nurse said, 'We gave you this assignment today because we know you will take good care of the patient and his family.' I appreciated that my nursing team put that trust in me, and I was grateful to assist the patient and his family."

Why do you want to work for our agency?

"I want to work for your agency because your values align with mine. I want to work for a company whose mission is to enable its patients to enjoy long and healthy lives. Being the top-rated training facility for ten consecutive years shows your dedication to your employees. I want to prepare for a leadership position and am excited you offer and encourage professional growth to everyone you employ."

The interviewer wants to hear that you have researched their agency. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their company that stand out from others. You may want to work for their agency because of its stellar reputation, professional growth, and advancement opportunity or because they are a teaching facility for new healthcare professionals entering the field of medicine.

Instead of giving a generic answer to this question, focus on showing the interviewer that you have thoroughly researched their company. For example, if you say that you want to work for their agency because they offer a nursing internship program, that could apply to many other organizations. Instead, say that you want to work for their company because they are one of the best-known names in healthcare and have a reputation for providing the most comprehensive nursing internship program.

"I want to work for your agency because of its excellent reputation. Two of my trusted former coworkers work at your agency now, and they've told me that the nursing leadership is transparent and open to feedback. You're also a leader in cardiac care in Indianapolis, and cardiac care is my favorite area of patient care."

What are the top three skills needed to be an excellent nurse?

"The top three skills one needs are compassion, communication, and problem-solving skills. A great deal of compassion is required when working with sick and injured patients and their family members. Written and verbal communication is essential when writing reports and communicating with coworkers and patients. Excellent nurses are analytical thinkers and able to dissect complex problems, extract data, and problem solve."

The interviewer wants to hear that you have the qualities they are looking for in a nurse. The interviewer asks this question to see what you believe are the top three skills needed in your profession. When you respond, the interviewer will determine that you have those skills since you believe they are essential to your career.

Focus on reviewing the job announcement before your interview and use three of the skills listed in the job description to describe the organization's ideal candidate. If you name three skills mentioned in the job description, the interviewer will see that you have the qualities they are looking for. Be sure to say why these skills are essential to your profession.

"The top three skills needed to be an excellent nurse are flexibility, compassion, and curiosity. Nurses must be flexible to handle shifts in staffing, changes in a patient's condition, and even a brand new assignment during their shift. When I worked as a travel nurse, I sometimes took care of one set of patients from 1900-2300, and then I was floated to a different unit for the remainder of my shift (2300-0700). Although this was very challenging at first, I became very efficient at assessing and administering nighttime medications to one set of patients and completing all of my charting for these patients within 4 hours. Compassion is a must, as nurses are often seeing patients during a very difficult time in the patient's life. And we must have curiosity because we will continually encounter different customs and cultures, as well as changes or advancements in treatments and medical equipment. If we have curiosity, we will be open to learning and implementing new things."

Why do you feel we should hire you over other qualified applicants?

"I am the best candidate for the position because I meet and exceed your qualifications. I have over seven years of experience working as a Registered Nurse with diverse groups and cultures. I am empathetic, compassionate, and level-headed, and I work well under pressure. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and I look forward to bringing my skills and experience to your wonderful organization."

The interviewer asks this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the organization you are interviewing for and how you will benefit them if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing the interviewer you have all the qualifications they require.

Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the organization seeks in an employee. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response so the interviewer sees that you are a highly qualified candidate and places you high on the candidate list.

"I would be a great addition to your unit. I have learned that you take care of patients who have a ventricular assist device (VAD), and I have two years of experience caring for VAD patients. My coworkers describe me as hard-working, kind, and a team player. My supervisors consistently get feedback from patients and their families that I am kind and caring, and that I listen to their needs. I would love the opportunity to learn from your excellent care team and to add in my own skills and expertise."

This position requires you to be extremely detailed. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?

"Yes, I consider myself very detail-oriented. I have always had jobs that required paying attention to the smallest details, which even carries over into my personal life. I have caught errors in reports and patient files that other respectable healthcare professionals overlooked, and I look forward to bringing this skill to your company."

The interviewer asks this question because you must be detail-oriented when working as a nurse. You will be responsible for speaking with patients and remembering important information, writing reports, analyzing data, and giving medications. The interviewer wants to hear that you pay attention to detail to see that you will be an excellent addition to the company.

If you have a letter of recommendation or performance review from a previous employer that describes your attention to detail, let the interviewer know when responding to this question. A former employer's or supervisor's comments on your attention to detail carry more weight than yours. If you do not have a letter or performance review, explain why you consider yourself a detail-oriented person.

"I'm a detail-oriented person, I keep a detailed shift 'cheat sheet' for every shift I work. It helps ensure that I don't miss any orders, medications, charting, or any other aspect of patient care during my shift."

How do you handle conflict with a coworker or superior?

"Over the years, I have found the involved parties can fix all conflicts with honest, open communication. Less conflict happens when both parties can explain why they are bothered by something and decide how to handle the situation maturely. Most conflicts are simply a misunderstanding or lack of communication."

It is not uncommon for coworkers or supervisors to have a dispute or disagreement with someone they work with. The interviewer knows this and would like to see how you have handled disputes in the past. How you respond gives the interviewer insight into your problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution skills, which are essential in any profession.

Focus on giving a detailed explanation of how you handled a past disagreement with a supervisor or coworker. You do not necessarily need to describe the reason for the dispute, just how you dealt with it. The interviewer wants to hear that you dealt with the conflict privately, calmly, and professionally and that there was a resolution.

"Conflict doesn't necessarily mean one party is wrong; it just may be that we are coming to the situation with different points of view. If I have a conflict with a coworker or manager, I try to communicate as clearly as possible. I often use reflexive listening to make sure I correctly understand what the other person is saying--it may be as simple as our misunderstanding one another. If we truly disagree, I will calmly work with the other person to find a solution we can both agree to."

If hired, you will be working with confidential patient information. Tell us about a situation where you had to practice discretion.

"I have worked as a Registered Nurse for the past eight years; I practice discretion every day I show up to work. I strictly adhere to the HIPAA laws that are put in place to protect my patient's confidential information. I do not share anything with the patient's family without their written consent, and never speak about my patients with my spouse, friends, or family."

As a healthcare professional, you most likely understand HIPAA laws and safeguarding confidential patient information. The interviewer asks this question to see that you are aware of the need to practice a high level of discretion. If you have previously worked as a nurse, explain how you practiced a high level of discretion every day you showed up to work. If you are new to the field, give an example from a previous job or school, showing you can maintain discretion when needed.

Remember not to use anyone's name. If you mention someone's name, the interviewer will see that you cannot keep certain information confidential.

"On every shift I've worked as a nurse, I've handled confidential patient information. I've always been diligent about locking my computer when I step away, never speaking about patients in a public place, and ensuring that I don't release any information about a patient unless I have a written consent form in place."

Give me an example of a time you had to be extra diligent in order to meet a deadline.

"I am always diligent when it comes to deadlines. I am organized and prioritize tasks to meet every deadline with ease. My supervisor recently asked me to prepare a company policies and procedures manual for new hires. She originally gave me three weeks to prepare the manual but moved the deadline to one week for an unspecified reason. I stayed up until two in the morning working on the manual to meet the deadline."

Talk to the interviewer about your ability to act diligently on the job. The interviewer would like to know that you are diligent regarding work-related deadlines. They want to hear if you are determined to complete your tasks on time or frequently miss deadlines.

Focus on providing a work-related example of a time you had to be extra diligent to meet a deadline. The interviewer wants to hear that you are organized and manage your time well to complete your tasks. Being a diligent employee shows you are a responsible team player who puts the company's needs first.

"In the last two hospitals where I worked as a travel nurse, I was sometimes floated after the first four hours of my shift. At 2300, I would be expected to be completely finished with all of my tasks and charting from my first unit, and then I was to take on a new patient assignment on a different unit. Although this was challenging at first, being floated four hours into my shift really helped me improve my efficiency in my nursing tasks and charting those tasks."

Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

"I am fluent in American Sign Language as my mother is deaf. I also speak conversational Spanish, but I would not consider myself fluent. I took two years of Spanish in high school and have traveled extensively to Latin countries. I have always been able to understand the language and make myself understood, but I am interested in improving my skills."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if you have additional skills to benefit the company you are interviewing for if hired. Healthcare organizations have many patients who speak foreign languages, and a candidate fluent in any of those languages can serve their patients better.

If you are not fluent in any other language, tell the interviewer about any language classes you have taken and how you would rate your skills. For example, if you had two years of Spanish in high school and can speak a little conversational Spanish, explain that in your response. Be sure to let the interviewer know you are open to taking foreign language speaking classes to improve your skills, showing your dedication to the profession.

"I do not speak any foreign languages fluently. I can get by conversationally in German, as I took three years of German in high school and also two semesters of German in college. I recently started a course in Spanish for medical professionals, so that I will be better able to communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and families."

Tell us about yourself.

"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in various races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit. I recently obtained my nursing degree and am focused on gaining experience, completing my master's degree, and advancing to a senior-level teaching position in the next 5-7 years. I am excited for the opportunity to achieve my goals with your agency."

Interviewers will often ask this question first to break the ice and start the conversation. Take a few minutes to tell the interviewer about yourself, demonstrating essential skills and characteristics that are valuable in this position.

Taking the past, present, and future approach in your response is recommended. Tell the interviewer how you started down this career path, what steps you have taken to get to where you are now, and what your future goals are. Be sure to highlight any promotions or achievements you are proud of and any other work-related accomplishments. You can mention extracurricular activities you are interested in, family life, or volunteer work if it ties in with the qualities needed for the job, showing you are a responsible and dedicated individual.

"Nursing is a second degree for me; I previously obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology and worked as a case manager for adults with mental illness. The experiences of my previous degree and job have been so beneficial to my nursing career; they've helped me better communicate with and provide education to patients and their families. In my free time, I like to run, hike, travel, and read."

Why did you apply for this position?

"I applied for this position because your company offers traveling nurses. My current employer does not offer this, and I am at a time in my career where I want to travel to new places and offer my skills, knowledge, and fifteen years of nursing experience."

The interviewer wants to know your reason for applying to this position to see if you are leaving a current job, switching careers, or getting back into the workforce after some time away. They also want to hear what intrigues you about this position and why you want to work for this particular organization.

Focus on providing your reason for applying to this position. It may be that you have a friend who works for the company and have heard nothing but good things, or you are looking for a place that offers professional growth. Describe what made you choose to apply and interview for this position.

"I applied for this position because I'm moving back to Indiana after working as a travel nurse on the West Coast for a little over a year. Your hospital system is the top-rated system in our area, and I have two former co-workers who speak very highly of your organization. This unit specifically cares for patients after they have had open-heart surgery or other cardiac procedures. I have experience in taking care of these patients, and I enjoy it."

Why did you pursue a career as a nurse?

"I chose to pursue a career in nursing because my mom and dad are both nurses. I love caring for others and making them comfortable through difficult times. I grew up hearing the stories of the people my parents had helped and even those they could not. Still, I could tell they truly enjoyed their jobs, and I think it's in my blood. I cannot imagine choosing another career path."

The interviewer wants to hear your reasons for choosing this profession to understand what motivates you in your career. They want to hear if you were mentored by another nurse, have family or friends who work in the medical field, worked in another industry and decided to change careers, or have a loved one who received excellent care from a nurse.

Focus on your reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewer wants to gain insight into what motivates and inspires you as a nurse to determine if you will be a good fit for their organization.

"My first degree was a Bachelor's in psychology, and I worked as a case manager for adults with serious mental illness. In that job, I worked with some fantastic RNs, NPs, and psychiatrists. When the medical professionals on our team noticed how much I enjoyed learning about medications and educating our clients about their health, these teammates suggested I go back to nursing school. After a few years, I took their advice, and it has been the best professional choice I've ever made. I love being an RN."

We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?

"I am happy to comply with any background check required. My criminal record is clean, but I did have poor credit four years ago. I went through a nasty divorce, and our house went into foreclosure. I have been slowly building my credit and recently qualified for a mortgage to purchase another home. I do not participate in drug use, and I will maintain a clean record if you hire me for this role."

Healthcare organizations need to be cautious about who they hire. All the information you will access is confidential and dangerous if put into the wrong hands. You will be working with employees' and patients' personal information and must maintain confidentiality. As a nurse, you will also work around medications and controlled narcotics. Assure the interviewer that you are willing to comply with any background check, credit check, and drug test they require.

As with any interview question, you want to focus on being completely honest in your response. As embarrassing as it may be, if you do not think you will pass the drug test or have a criminal background, you need to inform the interviewer now. If passing the drug test will not be an issue and you do not have a criminal history or credit problem, assure the interviewer that you will have no problem passing any tests or checks.

"Thank you for letting me know. I will be happy to consent to any background checks, credit checks, and drug screenings. I won't have any incidents that will pop up on these screenings."

What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?

"My greatest weakness is my lack of experience in this field. I am improving this weakness by applying for this position. I just graduated college and received my bachelor's degree in nursing and only have experience from my practicals. My goal is to get chosen for the position to gain hands-on experience. I am a quick learner, and you will not be disappointed in my performance if hired for the position."

The interviewer wants to hear about your greatest weakness as a nurse to see that you are self-aware and can identify an area that needs improvement. When you admit you have a deficiency in a particular aspect of your profession and take steps to improve, it shows the interviewer that you are motivated and inspired to grow professionally.

Focus on a weakness that is related to your profession but not an essential job duty. For example, suppose you say your weakness is your verbal communication skills. In that case, the interviewer may pass you over for another candidate since that skill is essential to being an excellent nurse.

"My greatest weakness is my 'control freak' nature. At work, this can show up as reluctance to delegate tasks to others, as I want to complete all my tasks myself. This can cause unneeded stress for me during my shift. To work on this, at the start of my shift, I am working hard to huddle with the patient care tech who is assigned to my patients. I review any tasks that they might be able to help with, like baths, vital signs, or blood glucose checks. I follow up throughout my shift to make sure they can still complete any tasks they agreed to. I always thank the patient care techs at the end of my shift for all of their hard work. As I work to delegate more efficiently, I am able to better think critically about my patients' overall care rather than being task-focused at all times."

What do you like to do in your free time?

"On my days off, I like going for long motorcycle rides with my husband, eating at new restaurants, and doing yoga and pilates. These activities take my mind off work and rejuvenate me for my next shift."

The interviewer asks this question to see what interests you and if you have healthy avenues to decompress. They want to hear what hobbies and activities you enjoy and know that you spend time away from work, destressing from the pressures of the job.

Focus on describing three or four activities you enjoy. The interviewer wants to see what you are interested in and determine how well you will get along with other team members based on your interests. They also want to determine if you have found a healthy work/life balance, which is necessary as a nurse to prevent burnout.

"In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, and reading. When I have the ability to take time off, I love to travel both domestically and internationally. I was recently able to take a trip with my dad to visit Germany, which is something I'd wanted to do for a long time."

Tell me about your education.

"I am a Registered Nurse and obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing five years ago from Duke University. I have been working as a nurse for the past five years and complete the required continuing education hours needed each year. I am looking into Master's programs right now as I want to continue my education and seek an administrative position in the next few years."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if you have the education required to perform your job as a nurse. They want to hear if you have a degree, certificates, or any other specialized training that qualifies you to work in this field.

Focus on describing your education as it relates to the position. Most nursing jobs require a minimum of a bachelor's degree or completion of a nursing program and work experience. You most likely have the necessary education and credentials, or you would not be invited to an interview. Assure the interviewer you have the required qualifications for the position.

"I am a registered nurse with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from Indiana University School of Nursing. Nursing is my second degree, as I previously obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from IU."

What do like the most and least about your current job?

"What I like most about my job is my team. We have a wonderful working relationship and are more like family than coworkers. My least favorite part is the long commute. When I first started working there, I lived five minutes away. Since then, I have moved an hour away to be closer to my aging parents. That is one of the reasons I applied to this position, as it is only fifteen minutes from my house and will make my commute much shorter."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if you will fit the company culture if hired. They want to hear what you like most and least to see where you will excel and where you may need some encouragement. Be sure not to speak poorly of your coworkers, patients, or supervisor, as that negatively reflects your character.

An excellent answer to what you like least about your job could be something that is not part of your job, such as the commute or the location of where you work. Excellent examples of what you like most about your job could include the patients you work with, the administration, the work hours, or the company culture.

"I love the diverse patient population that we serve. Our patients are diverse in terms of what underlying conditions they have, as well as being of varying ages, races, and cultural backgrounds. Every day is interesting and filled with opportunities for me to learn. Although my hospital has wonderful staff and physicians, I have realized that I don't enjoy working at a privately-owned hospital as much as I like working at a large academic health center. I miss working with residents and medical students, and I enjoy all the research that occurs at an AHC."

Why did you leave your last job?

"I left my last job because there was no room for professional growth or advancement. I want to work in a supervisory position, but that was not possible in my previous place of employment because of the company structure. I gave my two weeks' notice and left on good terms. I have an excellent letter of recommendation if you would like me to send a copy for your records."

The interviewer wants to know why you left your last job to see if you were fired, laid off, or gave notice. If you were fired, they want to know if you will admit why you were fired, if you take responsibility, and what you learned from the experience. If you gave notice, they want to understand what you did not like about your job to see if you would fit in with the company culture.

Focus on being direct and honest, and explain why you left your last place of employment. If you gave notice or were laid off or fired, describe the circumstances behind your departure. Be sure to end your response on a positive note and tell the interviewer that you are excited to have the opportunity to interview for the position with their company.

"I left my last job because it was a travel contract with an expected end date. The company did offer me a contract extension, which I accepted. After that time period was complete, they offered me another contract extension, but I needed to come back home to Indiana to be with my family."

Do you demonstrate leadership qualities even when not in a leadership position?

"Yes, I do. It's so important to lead by example because I never know who is watching. That applies to stepping foot in the unit or behaving on social media when tied to the healthcare industry. No matter the situation or where I find myself, I always act accordingly to be a real leader."

This question challenges you to think about how you act as a leader in your daily life. Even if you're not leading a team, you can still demonstrate the qualities of a leader! The interviewer wants to hear that you have the leadership qualities they seek in a nurse.

If you have previously worked as a nurse, focus on giving an example from your industry. If you are new to the field, provide an example of how you have demonstrated leadership qualities at church, school, sports, or a previous job.

"Yes, I think it's important to demonstrate leadership qualities even when not in a leadership position. In the units where I have worked as a staff nurse or a travel nurse, my teammates have often come to me to bounce ideas off of or for me to help them talk through a task that is new to them. To me, being a leader means being calm, competent, and available to my coworkers, even if I'm not in the charge nurse or other leadership position."

As a nurse, what experience do you have training others?

"I have worked as a nurse educator for the past ten years and have trained the public on first aid, CPR, and AED. I have also taught nursing students at a community college and mentored new nursing graduates at the different facilities I have worked for. I am confident in my teaching abilities and look forward to this opportunity to bring my skills and experience to tour organization."

The interviewer will ask this question if one of the job duties is to train others. It could be that your job would be to train coworkers, the community, or other healthcare professionals. The interviewer wants to determine your experience and qualifications in a teaching capacity to see if you will be a good fit for their agency.

Focus on describing your years of experience training others and in what capacity. Discuss any experience training or mentoring new nurses, providing continuing education training, or training businesses and the community in CPR or first aid.

"As a nurse, I have experience precepting both new nurses on my unit as well as nursing students. I've also made it a point to pay forward the teaching I got when I was a student nurse extern, so I love to provide hands-on opportunities for any student nurse externs I'm working with, or for any patient care techs or nursing assistants who are in nursing school."

Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?

"Yes, I see myself as a leader. I managed teams in two prior roles. I also believe that leadership does not always equate to management. I lead at all times by providing the best model of enthusiasm and work ethic."

Perhaps you have led a team at work, been a coach for a youth sports team, or were on the advisory board for a non-profit organization. Be prepared to show the interviewer your natural ability to lead others. Whether you have led a group of 500 or a team of 2, you must show the interviewer that you can handle the responsibility of being a leader and mentor.

Talk about your desire to be a leader. Focus your answer on sharing with the interviewer that you strive to be a role model for others. Explain that you jump at the opportunity to lead groups, encourage your counterparts, and be the face of the organization when challenges arise.

"I see myself as a leader, both at work and in my extracurricular activities. I was co-captain of the swim team in high school, and I encouraged my teammates to work hard and stay positive. At work, I am generally known as a person on my unit who people can come to with questions. I think a leader maintains a positive attitude and is an example of how to conduct oneself daily."

Can you work independently, or do you prefer to be closely supervised?

"I am comfortable working independently but also enjoy collaborating with others in a team environment. I do not prefer close supervision as I am confident in my skills once I learn something new. If I have a question or require assistance from a coworker or supervisor, I will not hesitate to ask them."

Many companies post they are looking for healthcare professionals who are self-starters and can work independently. While working in a team environment is also required as you collaborate with coworkers and other healthcare professionals, some companies look for healthcare professionals who are confident in their skills and feel comfortable working alone. The interviewer asks this question to see that you can work independently and will not need to be closely supervised if hired.

Tell the interviewer that you work well independently and work well with teams. The interviewer wants to hear that you can work in different types of situations but that you do not need close supervision.

"One of my favorite things about working in the hospital environment is having a team of nurses to work with. When you work on a great team, you have each other's backs and you inspire each other to provide the best care possible. That being said, I of course can independently manage my own patient load--I will at times depend on my team for tasks that take more than one person, such as turns or bed baths. I like to know that management is available for questions and oversight, but I don't need close supervision. I'm able to reach out for guidance if I have a question or need help."

How would your references describe you?

"I have an excellent list of references who will say that I am a hard worker who always brings a positive attitude to the workplace. I learn new concepts quickly and seek out opportunities to help others. I have three copies of performance reviews and letters of recommendation for your file if you would like me to send them after the interview."

The interviewer wants to hear that your references will positively describe you. Think about the constructive things your references have said about you. Be complimentary of yourself; now is not the time to be humble.

If you have past performance reviews or letters of recommendation from your references, review them before your interview. You will be better prepared to answer the question if what they wrote is fresh in your mind.

"My references describe me as a team player, a leader, and someone who loves learning new things."

What are your salary expectations?

"I am currently making $100,000 per year with full medical benefits. I want to stay in the same range or slightly higher, based on my experience and qualifications. I want to earn what is fair in this industry, given my blend of education and expertise."

Be open and honest. Transparency is the best choice when salary-based questions arise. The interviewer would like to know if your expectations are within the company's budget and whether you are willing to negotiate if necessary. The best way to discuss your salary expectations is to use your current earnings as an example.

Focus on explaining your current salary and benefits and how you would like to stay in the same range or slightly higher, based on your experience. If you are more comfortable giving a range, shoot for higher than you want so there is room for negotiations. However, you want to ensure you do not name a range higher than the job description lists, or you might talk yourself out of a job.

"At my last inpatient job in Indiana. I was making $28/hour. Considering my experience, that seems to be about the industry standard, and I would like to stay within that same range."

Describe a time your ethics were tested.

"My ethics were tested at my last job. I was in charge of the narcotics on the floor, and a coworker asked me to do something illegal. I told them I would not participate in illegal activity. I reported them to my immediate supervisor, who told me they were under investigation for something similar. I will not tolerate illegal or unethical activity; I am an honest person who does everything by the book."

As a healthcare professional, you may sometimes be asked to do unethical things. The interviewer asks this question to see that you are honest and have integrity. The interviewer wants to hear that you have morals and can be trusted if hired.

Focus on providing an example of a time your ethics were tested as a nurse. If you are new to this field, use an example from a previous job or school. Some examples could be witnessing someone cheat or steal.

"On a unit where I worked as a nurse, another nurse once told me that an acquaintance of hers was admitted to our hospital, and she asked me to look up some information in our EMR about this person. I was shocked that someone would ask me to commit such a flagrant HIPAA violation. I let my coworker know that I wouldn't look up this information and that I would have to report her request to our supervisor. I did report her actions to our manager."

Describe a high-pressure situation you were put in unexpectedly. Explain how you adjusted while creating a successful outcome.

"I have worked as a Registered Nurse for the past five years and have been put in many high-pressure situations almost every day I have worked. The one that stands out most happened two months ago. I was working in the ICU and heard alarms going off in one of my patient's rooms. I ran to her room and saw her husband trying to smother her with a pillow. I yelled at him to stop, and he pulled out a long hunting knife and said he would kill us both. I pushed the panic button on my badge while calmly talking to my patient's husband. I got him to put the knife down before security arrived, and he was detained without further incident. My patient fully recovered, and no one was physically harmed during the incident."

The interviewer wants to hear how you handle stressful situations since that is a daily occurrence as a nurse. They want to gain insight into your stress management, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills and see that you can quickly adjust while creating successful outcomes.

If you have previously worked as a nurse, you should have many high-pressure examples. If you are new to the industry, you can use an example from a previous position or your post-secondary studies.

"High-pressure situations can pop up unexpectedly at any time on a nursing shift. One recent example is a time a few weeks ago, when I was at the bedside of a patient, getting report from the night shift nurse. The patient was pleasant, alert, and oriented, and he was participating in his report as well. He'd had a basically uneventful night, but as the three of us chatted, the patient said, 'I'm not feeling very well,' and the night shift nurse and I watched on his monitor as the patient became bradycardic, which was a status change for him. Rather than having to code the patient, I was able to call the rapid response team while the night shift nurse monitored the patient. After interventions, the patient did stay alert and oriented for my entire shift."

Describe a time you disliked company rules in your last job.

"We recently implemented split shifts at my current job, which I do not always agree with because they defer from a good work/life balance. With that said, I understand that split shifts cut labor costs and the need to hire additional staff."

Start by telling the interviewer that you follow all the company rules and support the company's leadership decisions regarding regulations. The interviewer wants to hear that you are not a rule-breaker and you support the rules the company has put into place. After all, there had to be some logic to their professional decision! Your willingness to remain a team player shows the interviewer that you respect decisions even when you recognize you would make different choices sometimes.

Focus on a rule you disagreed with and explain that you understand the reason that rule was created. When you show the interviewer you are reasonable and will follow the rules even when you disagree with them, they will understand that you are an agreeable person to work with.

"At one of my previous inpatient nurse jobs, our unit implemented having nurses clock out for lunch. This rule wasn't due to management's concern that nurses were taking advantage or taking too long of a break; instead, management was trying to track and ensure that nurses were actually able to take their full-hour lunch break. Because we were frequently short-staffed, it was already hard to make it off of the unit to take our lunch breaks, and I sometimes found the extra step of clocking out and clocking in to be irritating. However, the reasoning for this rule was sound, and gathering data is crucial to making good policy for our unit, and I complied with this rule.

What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when my patients do not adhere to taking their medications or following their treatment plan. I know if they followed my recommendations, they could live a fuller, healthier life. What I have done to decrease my stress levels in this situation is to do all I can to explain why they have a treatment plan and how following it will get them better results. I communicate clearly and concisely so there is no misunderstanding. I leave it to my patients to do what they feel is best for them."

Stress in the healthcare industry can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about the most stressful aspects of your career. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (i.e., a nurse should not find caring for sick people the most stressful part of the job).

While you want to mention what part of your career brings you the most stress, you don't want to dwell on it. Instead, you should mention the stressful part and then talk about how you reduce the stress, so it does not consume you. If healthcare professionals do not have healthy ways to destress, it can lead to illness, injury, and job burnout.

"When I'm working on an inpatient unit, I find that not having all the needed supplies close at hand to care for my patients brings me quite a bit of stress. To combat this stressor, I've started coming in just a few minutes early for my shift, and after I look at my patient assignment, I check and restock the supply carts outside or inside of those patients' rooms. That small action will make sure I have all of the flushes, dressings, and other items I will need throughout my shift."

Nursing can be a stressful profession. How do you manage your stress?

"I understand this job is stressful, and I am prepared for that. If I feel overly stressed, I will discuss this with my supervisor or a coworker who understands what I am going through. In addition, I eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise, and spend time with my family on my days off. Taking care of myself mentally and physically prepares me to handle stressful situations."

The interviewer asks this question to determine if you are someone who can handle stress on the job. Working as a nurse can be stressful and fast-paced, and the interviewer wants to determine whether you will be a good fit for the team. Talk to the interviewer about your ability to handle pressure in the workplace and techniques you use to minimize job stressors.

Focus on letting the interviewer know you understand how to decompress away from work, so you are ready to mentally handle the pressures of your job. When nurses understand the stress factor of their job and have healthy ways to relieve stress, they are less apt to burn out or become sick or injured from stress.

"While on my shift, I manage my stress by staying hydrated, taking deep breaths when things get tense, being very organized, and asking for assistance when I need it. To manage my stress overall, I run and hike on my days off, and I practice meditation."

How well do you collaborate with others?

"I enjoy working with others and do so very well. I like taking a team approach to healthcare and involving family members, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to develop the best treatment plan for each patient. I believe a team approach accomplishes greater things than working alone, as we can all learn from each other's experiences."

While some of your duties as a nurse will be working independently, most of the time, you will collaborate with other healthcare professionals in a team approach. The interviewer wants to hear that you are a team player and can work well with diverse groups to provide optimal patient care.

If you have experience working as a nurse, describe how well you have collaborated with others in the past. If you are new to this field, use an experience from a former job, sports team, or school to describe how you work well with others.

"Working with others is one of my favorite aspects of inpatient care. I love to be of assistance to my fellow team members, and I appreciate working with other nurses so that we can bounce ideas off of one another and help each other with tasks. Getting the opportunity to collaborate with doctors, PT, OT, dieticians, patients and their families, and so many other people make my day so rewarding."

HireVue Nursing Interview Questions

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1. Tell us about your most significant accomplishment as a nurse.
2. Are you available to work weekends and holidays when needed?
3. How would you describe your communication skills?
4. Tell us about your ideal work environment or culture.
5. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience in challenging situations?
6. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?
7. Why do you want to work for our agency?
8. What are the top three skills needed to be an excellent nurse?
9. Why do you feel we should hire you over other qualified applicants?
10. This position requires you to be extremely detailed. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?
11. How do you handle conflict with a coworker or superior?
12. If hired, you will be working with confidential patient information. Tell us about a situation where you had to practice discretion.
13. Give me an example of a time you had to be extra diligent in order to meet a deadline.
14. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?
15. Tell us about yourself.
16. Why did you apply for this position?
17. Why did you pursue a career as a nurse?
18. We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?
19. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?
20. What do you like to do in your free time?
21. Tell me about your education.
22. What do like the most and least about your current job?
23. Why did you leave your last job?
24. Do you demonstrate leadership qualities even when not in a leadership position?
25. As a nurse, what experience do you have training others?
26. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?
27. Can you work independently, or do you prefer to be closely supervised?
28. How would your references describe you?
29. What are your salary expectations?
30. Describe a time your ethics were tested.
31. Describe a high-pressure situation you were put in unexpectedly. Explain how you adjusted while creating a successful outcome.
32. Describe a time you disliked company rules in your last job.
33. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
34. Nursing can be a stressful profession. How do you manage your stress?
35. How well do you collaborate with others?

HireVue Nursing Interview Questions

1. Tell us about your most significant accomplishment as a nurse.

2. Are you available to work weekends and holidays when needed?

3. How would you describe your communication skills?

4. Tell us about your ideal work environment or culture.

5. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience in challenging situations?

6. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

7. Why do you want to work for our agency?

8. What are the top three skills needed to be an excellent nurse?

9. Why do you feel we should hire you over other qualified applicants?

10. This position requires you to be extremely detailed. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?

11. How do you handle conflict with a coworker or superior?

12. If hired, you will be working with confidential patient information. Tell us about a situation where you had to practice discretion.

13. Give me an example of a time you had to be extra diligent in order to meet a deadline.

14. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

15. Tell us about yourself.

16. Why did you apply for this position?

17. Why did you pursue a career as a nurse?

18. We conduct early-stage criminal background checks, credit checks, and drug tests on all of our candidates. Is there anything you would like to disclose at this time?

19. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve?

20. What do you like to do in your free time?

21. Tell me about your education.

22. What do like the most and least about your current job?

23. Why did you leave your last job?

24. Do you demonstrate leadership qualities even when not in a leadership position?

25. As a nurse, what experience do you have training others?

26. Do you see yourself as a leader? When have you led a team?

27. Can you work independently, or do you prefer to be closely supervised?

28. How would your references describe you?

29. What are your salary expectations?

30. Describe a time your ethics were tested.

31. Describe a high-pressure situation you were put in unexpectedly. Explain how you adjusted while creating a successful outcome.

32. Describe a time you disliked company rules in your last job.

33. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

34. Nursing can be a stressful profession. How do you manage your stress?

35. How well do you collaborate with others?