What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a nurse associate?

"A major challenge is the emotional rollercoaster that can come with working with patients on hospice or palliative care. While building relationships and providing care for patients at the end-of-life stage can be rewarding, it can also be heartbreaking. Sometimes it's hard to leave those emotions at work and not bring them home with you, so I usually use my time driving home to reflect on the day and work through how I'm feeling and cope with the events of the day. I also have a good support system at home though, so I'm able to leverage that when I need to as well. Another challenge can be all the electronic charting sometimes. Charting is critical to document patient information, of course, but sometimes it's difficult to try and have a conversation with a patient and maintain eye contact when you're trying to keep up with making notes on your computer in real-time. I try to repeat back what I hear to demonstrate that I'm actively listening as well as to ask probing questions and empathize throughout the conversation so they feel like I'm present in the conversation and not just typing."

Nursing can be a challenging profession, and the interviewer wants to hear what obstacles or experiences you feel are the hardest to overcome as a nurse associate. In your answer, be open and honest about some of the difficulties you experience in the workplace or with patients, and describe how you navigate or overcome them. Refrain from speaking negatively about an organization or other employees and focus on your efforts to overcome a specific challenge.

According to our NHS Constitution, compassion is one of our core values. How do you provide compassionate care to patients?

"I try to relate to my patients and their families by listening to their stories, concerns, and complaints, empathizing, striving to understand their emotions, and trying to put myself in their shoes to gain perspective. It can be a very stressful time for patients to be in the hospital or care home, so I want to reduce their anxiety and demonstrate that I genuinely care about them and their well-being. If a patient is sad or lonely, I take the time to sit with them, to listen if they want to talk, and to make an effort to make them smile, even if it's just grabbing them an extra snack from the kitchen or helping them find their favourite television program. My motto is always to treat my patients like I'd want my family member to be treated, even when I'm busy or have a lot of tasks to do."

All healthcare organisations, the NHS included, value and promote compassionate care for patients, whether in a care home with nursing, GP's office, hospital, home health, or mental health clinic. Compassion can be shown to patients in several ways, such as going the extra mile to ensure they are comfortable, building trusting relationships with them and their families, or showing genuine interest when interacting and listening when they need someone to talk to. Gives ways, big or small, that you demonstrate compassion and empathy to your patients in the workplace.

At the NHS, we're committed to working together for the betterment of our patients and it's part of our core value system. As a nurse associate, how will you promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration?

"Nursing can be extremely stressful, especially if you are short-staffed. Once I can complete my critical tasks, I approach my colleagues to see if they need assistance or support. Perhaps another nurse associate is behind on administering medication or needs to get vitals on multiple patients but hasn't had time. I'm happy to jump in and support others to make sure all patients are cared for, no matter who they are assigned to on the shift. No task is below me, and I'm willing to help anyone who needs it. I promote teamwork and collaboration by setting the example for other staff members, promoting everyone to be supportive and encouraging of each other."

The NHS leadership team promotes collaboration and teamwork as part of its core values. As a nurse associate on the team, you will work alongside other nurse associates, RNs, physicians, and other clinical care providers. When the clinical care team works together for the good of their patients, the quality of care and outcomes improve drastically. Describe ways that you promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and how you will contribute to supporting these core values.

How do you like to be recognized in the workplace?

"I value kind words, and when someone takes the time to send me a handwritten note or email. I also appreciate public recognition, like a shout-out in a staff meeting or kudos on the community kudos board. I also appreciate it when someone asks me to teach someone else something or to mentor them. That always makes me feel valued and appreciated that someone trusts me to train another person."

Employers like the NHS want to ensure their employees feel recognized and rewarded for their achievements. When employees feel recognized, morale and performance are boosted. Individuals have different preferences regarding how they like to be recognized, so be honest and genuine in your response. Consider various ways recognition is given (public praise in a staff meeting, a private email or chat from your manager, monetary rewards, employee of the month, etc.) and include those you enjoy receiving.

One of our core values at the NHS is "everyone counts." What does this mean to you?

"I know that at the NHS, all citizens have a right to receive quality care, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Everyone matters and that includes their voice, opinions, concerns, and access to the quality care and treatment that they need. For me, it also means that we work and function as one unit. No matter your job title at the NHS, you are important and matter to other staff and the patients we serve. Every person on the team can make an impact in one way or another. Every employee should be able to voice their thoughts, opinions, and concerns and feel valued in their contributions."

This core value emphasizes that all patients can access care at the NHS, regardless of their financial status. "Everyone counts," means that no one is discriminated against or treated unfairly when seeking care at an NHS facility. Be sure to include this in your answer and also provide what else that value could mean to you personally. Perhaps you relate it to the interdisciplinary healthcare team, and every employee on the team counts toward making a difference in the lives of patients or maybe you feel it means everyone has a voice; employees, patients, and their caregivers alike.

The scheduling for our nursing staff, to include nurse associates can be demanding. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

"I try to maintain a regular schedule at home and work, avoiding working more overtime than I can handle. I'm happy to pick up extra hours and shifts when necessary and keep an open line of communication with my manager to express when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I ensure that I'm eating regular meals to keep my blood sugar stable and my body functioning at its best. During my shift, I try to take at least one break to recharge and de-stress for a few moments. At home, I like to read and take walks regularly to get some form of exercise and fresh air, which really helps me refocus. Taking time for myself to unwind and recharge helps keep me from feeling burnt out."

Healthcare workers, and nurse associates, in particular, are prone to burnout due to the natural stressors of the job. Many organisations like the NHS are now being proactive in preventing this among their teams, as turnover is a significant issue in the nursing field. Give examples of how you try to maintain a healthy work-life balance and include elements in the workplace and at home. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email where appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.

How do you promote patient safety?

"Patient safety is something I take very seriously and make every effort to promote. During my apprenticeship, I realized the extensive amount of patient education that nurse associates do regularly on various topics. We often forget that patients aren't as knowledgeable about medication use and side effects, the benefits and impact of exercise and healthy dieting, the use of adaptive equipment, etc., as we are. Taking the time to educate patients to ensure they are taking medications correctly and effectively or ensuring they have safety precautions in place at home promotes a culture of patient safety and reduces risk. Reducing falls is another area in that I will promote patient safety by completing fall risk assessments and adhering to safety precautions like a two-person assist when ambulating a patient."

As a nurse associate at the NHS, you will be responsible for patient safety, and that includes protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. Healthcare organizations like the NHS promote a culture of patient safety, and the interviewer would like to learn more about your level of commitment to this mission and core values. Think about safety holistically, and consider speaking about ways you keep patients safe while they ambulate or transfer from wheelchair to bed, how you prevent medication errors, keep patients safe from electrical hazards, protect patient information, etc. Give specific examples from your professional experience or experience as a student or apprentice.

Are you actively interviewing with any other organisations?

"I've just begun my job search, so I'm exploring different organisations and opportunities. I'm actively interviewing but do not have any formal offers at the moment. I'm really most interested in working for the NHS because of the size and stability and reputation of the organisation. I appreciate your time today and feel like this opportunity would align well with my skill set, formal education, and career goals."

Be honest about your status and if you're passively or actively job searching. Be open about whether you are interviewing with other companies or organisations and if so, what stage of the interview process you are in and if you have any pending offers. This gives the interviewer a better idea of how seriously you're pursuing other opportunities, how soon you're looking to make a move, and how quickly they need to make a decision after the interview. If you are interviewing elsewhere but the NHS is your preferred employer, don't be afraid to share that information.

Can you list the six core values of the NHS?

"I'm very familiar with the NHS Constitution and the guiding principles and values. The six core values include respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and the belief that everyone counts. I align with all these core values of the NHS and live them out each day in the work that I do as a nurse associate. These values allow us to have a standard expectation and drive quality and excellence in care."

The NHS places a great emphasis on their NHS Constitution, which contains their guiding values and principles. The interviewer will likely ask a question to test your knowledge of the six core values, as it will be an expectation that you demonstrate them if offered a position. These are important to know so that you can weave your alignment into not only this answer but also other relevant questions throughout the interview.

An expectation of staff is the confidentiality of personal information of patients. In what ways do you ensure patient information is protected?

"As a nurse associate, there are several ways that I protect confidential information. Anytime I walk away from my workstation or computer used to chart, I ensure I'm logged off so that no one without authority accesses the system. At the nurse's station, I make sure patient files, prescriptions, lab orders, and even post-it notes that I may have jotted something down that contained a date of birth or name, and test results are secured and not in plain sight to a passerby. When I deal with a patient's family and friends inquiring about patient statuses, I always check their file to see who they have consented to be given that information."

All employees at the NHS must be knowledgeable about when and how to protect sensitive or private information. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of protecting patient information in the workplace and consider ways you ensure patient information is not left in public places or stored inappropriately. Perhaps you speak in a lower voice when relaying confidential information so other patients don't overhear, or maybe you lock your computer when you leave your workstation. When responding, give an overview of your experience in healthcare protecting this type of data and examples of ways you ensure patient information is safe.

AT NHS, our goal is to improve the lives of others. As a nurse, how do you advocate for your patients?

"Patient advocacy is a core competency of being a nurse associate. I play a major role in their care and treatment, so I ensure the patient has a voice and speak up for them when necessary. This could be related to concerns with medication, questions for the general practitioner, or even helping connect them to necessary community resources. It could also mean that if a patient comes to me with concerns about going home or tells me they are being abused, I am the voice for them and bring those things to light. That could be reporting the issue to authorities, or if the patient is having trouble communicating with family, it could be as simple as me having a conversation with the family on their behalf about their wishes. During my apprenticeship, I focused on building this skill, and I plan to do the same at the NHS."

No matter the department or setting you work in as a nurse associate, you will have an opportunity and expectation to be an advocate for your patients. Consider ways you advocate for your patients or have observed nurse mentors championing for patients during your time as a student in clinicals or in your apprenticeship. Aspects like patient education, document integrity, protecting patient rights, giving patients a voice or being a voice for patients, ensuring safety, and connecting patients to community resources are all great examples to speak to!

Can you give two examples of best practices relating to infection control?

"Infection control is extremely important in this setting to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of infection. A very simple example of a best practice is proper hand washing throughout the day. The WHO recommends handwashing before touching a patient, before performing a clean/aseptic procedure, after any bodily fluid exposure risk, and after touching the patient or the patient's surroundings. Proper handwashing should be done for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap, followed by drying with a clean and disposable paper towel.Another best practice is the safe management of linens. Clean linens should be stored in designated areas, away from soiled or contaminated linens. If linens are used or soiled, they should be placed in laundry bins near you to reduce the movement of contaminated items. It is essential that any infectious or contaminated linen is immediately placed in a water-soluble bag, safely secured, and tagged. Following these best practices will prevent or reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases among the patients and staff."

Infection Control is becoming increasingly important in recent times as there has been a rise in the number of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAI). Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 7% of all patients admitted into healthcare facilities will acquire at least 1 HAI. The interviewer at the NHS will want to ensure you're familiar with infection control practices and may test your knowledge by asking you to give two specific examples. Consider topics like placement and infection assessments, hand hygiene, safe management and care of environment, safe management of lines or equipment, cough and respiratory hygiene, or PPE usage.

As a nurse associate, how do you demonstrate professionalism in the workplace?

"As a nurse associate, I can display professionalism in the workplace in several ways. The first is by demonstrating respect for the RNs that I work under. This includes not undermining their directives, being able to take direction and feedback while communicating effectively and respectfully throughout the day. Another is through my overall conduct. I never engage in gossip or speak negatively in the presence of other professionals or patients. I maintain a positive attitude, treat others with kindness, and practice effective communication and listening techniques when interacting with others. My uniform is always in good condition, free of stains or rips, and my appearance is tidy. It's important to set an example for others and demonstrate a high level of professionalism to instill trust in our clinical team and staff."

Nurse associates can demonstrate professionalism through behaviours, communications, actions, and patient care. In this role, you interact not only with patients but also with other staff and visitors in the healthcare setting, so professionalism must be demonstrated in all aspects. When responding to this question, give examples of ways you demonstrate professionalism in your day-to-day work and incorporate some of the NHS's core values in your answer.

Describe your ideal manager.

"I appreciate a manager with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Our jobs require constant communication amongst the team regarding staffing changes, patient updates, physician directives, etc.; having someone who can streamline that communication and ensure everyone is on the same page is important. Along those same lines, a manager who is responsive and follows up when they commit to getting back to me is also appreciated. Lastly, I work best under a manager that promotes collaboration amongst the team by encouraging everyone to have a voice and provide input and feedback and to support one another with the day-to-day responsibilities that come with providing care to patients."

The interviewer is trying to better understand your preferred style of management and in some cases, the person interviewing you could be your potential manager, so this will help them understand if you would align well with them. Be sure you research the NHS's culture and if possible, try to do some research on the background and education of the person you're interviewing with.Consider past employers and the best leader you had. Think about what traits or habits they demonstrated that made them someone you enjoyed working with. In your response, explain some of the qualities you're looking for in a leader but also demonstrate that you're flexible and work under different types of management styles.

What questions do you have for me?

"I really appreciate your time today and the information you provided throughout the interview. I noticed you have been with the NHS for ten years. Can you tell me more about your growth with the organisation and what you feel it takes to be successful there?Can you also tell me more about the schedule requirements? Is it a set schedule published a week, two weeks, or a month at a time? What is the schedule pattern and are there weekend or overtime requirements?"

It's always a great idea to have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the NHS website and other online resources to ensure your questions are not mundane or redundant. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of items you could have found the answers to from merely watching a video on their company site!Actively listen during the interview and ask meaningful follow-up questions you might have based on what the interviewer has said. Consider asking follow-up questions about the interviewer, the company, the position itself, and when you can expect feedback from the interview.

What interested you in becoming a nurse associate?

"Growing up, my mother was a registered nurse, so I was introduced to healthcare and nursing from an early age. I loved to hear the stories my mom would tell about the interesting cases she would see in Accident and Emergency and the impact she had on patients through her interactions and care. In secondary school, I discovered my own interest in healthcare as I began volunteering at the local hospital. I loved working with people of all ages and really went above and beyond to create a positive experience for patients that came into the facility. I decided to pursue a career in nursing and just recently completed my nurse associate program."

The interviewer wants to learn more about why you chose the healthcare industry and, more specifically, the nursing path as a career. This question is very personal, so briefly give the interviewer some insight into what motivated you to pursue becoming a nurse associate. Perhaps you interacted with a nurse in the past, and that interaction led to your decision, or maybe you have family or friends who have been nurses, and they inspired you. If you have a unique story that led to your decision, feel free to share that and give a meaningful answer demonstrating your passion for the field.

What do you know about the NHS Constitution?

"I'm very familiar with the NHS Constitution and have read about the principles, values, and responsibilities and rights of patients and staff members. I think having a document like this that describes in detail the shared values and principles, helps set expectations and standards for all. I personally align with all core values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality care, compassion, improving the lives of others, working together for patients, and making sure everyone counts and I look forward to promoting these values and other NHS principles in the workplace if given the opportunity."

The NHS Constitution is something you must be familiar with as it's a foundation of the organisation. The NHS Constitution "sets out the principles and values that guide how the NHS should act and make decisions. It also explains the rights and responsibilities of staff, patients and the public, and the NHS's pledges to them." There are a lot of sections to this document, so familiarize yourself with it before your interview so you can speak to your basic understanding of what the NHS Constitution is and what it means in the workplace.

What qualities or characteristics do you feel make you a good nurse associate?

"As a nurse associate with two years of experience, I would bring many strengths to the team. I'm passionate about serving others, and that's the mentality I would bring regarding patient care. I'm reliable, having had perfect attendance during my nursing apprenticeship. I'm also open-minded, coachable, and team-oriented, and I have a positive attitude, even when the environment is stressful. I'm knowledgeable but also desire to learn and grow, and my drive to succeed will add value to the team in the long run."

Nurse associates must possess many technical, interpersonal, and soft skills to be effective and successful in any healthcare setting within the NHS. Review the job description and note keywords like "compassionate, confident, extroverted, team-oriented, able to perform under pressure, etc., to give you an idea of the specific skills the interviewer is looking for. In your response, provide a mix of the value you bring to the team through your technical skills, personality, experiences, and soft skills.

What do you know about the NHS?

"I understand that the NHS is the umbrella term for publicly funded healthcare systems in the UK and is also the largest employer. This means that the NHS belongs to the citizens and is there to support them physically and mentally. Patients are treated on an as-needed basis instead of their ability to pay for care, so no one is neglected because of their financial hardship. I feel that I personally align well with the NHS values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality care, compassion, improving the lives of others, and working together for patients."

The interviewer wants to see if you've taken the time to research the NHS and learn more about why they do what they do, their mission, and their core values. Demonstrate that you're being intentional about applying to organisations you're interested in and not just any job that's posted. Take the time to speak about what you've read about the NHS, its leadership team, its mission, what they value, and the patients they serve. Perhaps you know someone who works there, or maybe you've been a patient of theirs in the past. If so, share that experience! Also, being able to speak to any specific awards or achievements the NHS has earned is an added bonus!

How would you describe the role of a nurse associate?

"I understand that the nurse associate at the NHS would work under the supervision of an RN. From studying the job description, the day-to-day responsibilities would include supporting the assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care planning & risk assessments with service users on admission. Nurse associates often ensure all interventions are documented clearly and comprehensively in clinical notes, care plans, and risk assessments. From a more holistic view, the nurse associate is responsible for providing quality and compassionate care to patients in all that they do."

To be able to answer this question effectively, you must be familiar with the scope and duties of a nurse associate from a technical perspective as well as a holistic perspective. Be sure you've read the job description to understand the role the nurse associate plays within the particular clinic, hospital, or another setting, and give some insight into what you think you would be responsible for in this role. Be sure to also include soft skills that you will need to demonstrate in this role, like providing compassionate care to patients or ensuring the safety and wellness of patients both physically and emotionally.

What does your typical workday look like?

"In my current role, I have many various responsibilities. I perform and record clinical observations and vitals such as blood pressure, temperature, respirations, and pulse. I also discuss and share information with registered nurses on patients' conditions, behaviours, activities, and responses. As a nurse associate, I also interact with patient families, providing updates when necessary and education on certain illnesses, diagnoses, or conditions. Lastly, I help answer patient call lights, provide care and assistance with ADLs and ensure the privacy and safety of patients at all times."

The interviewer would like to discover more about your day-to-day responsibilities and duties. If you are coming from another healthcare organisation, it's likely similar to what would be required in the position with the NSH; however, it's important to describe in detail what your daily activities look like. Consider whether you spend time checking patient vital signs, performing ECGs or venipuncture, or supporting individuals and their families when faced with unwelcome news and life-changing diagnoses. Read the job description thoroughly, and discuss the areas of responsibility you have experience in and perform daily. Keep a positive tone as you describe what your current role entails each day, and refrain from complaining about certain duties or feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

"I became a nurse associate in 2015 and have worked in a mental health care clinic since graduating. I plan to pursue my registered nurse license in the next 2-3 years and hope to continue working with patients needing mental health support. On a more personal note, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two golden retrievers. We are very outdoorsy and like to hike, bicycle, kayak, and visit local parks."

The interviewer would like to get to know more about you on a personal level. Give an overview of how you got into nursing, your education and experience, your current role, and what brings you to the interview with the NHS. Engage the interviewer by telling your story with enthusiasm! Consider sharing a skill you developed that will be useful for this position. In your answer, also add in a hobby or personal interest, but avoid giving too many personal details (marital status, how many children you have, etc.), and keep your answer brief (no more than a couple of minutes).

Tell me about your experience using computers and other forms of technology in the workplace.

"In my two years working as a nurse associate, I've used the computer every day in my duties and use them to complete a variety of tasks. I frequently do my charting electronically and access medical records on the computer. Other technology I use in the workplace includes portable monitors, wearable devices like holter monitors, smart beds, and multi-line phone systems. I enjoy using state-of-the-art equipment and am very open to learning to use new tools or platforms that allow me to provide a higher quality of care for my patients."

With most healthcare charting and records, diagnostic and treatment techniques, and patient/provider communications being digital nowadays, nurse associates must be proficient and continually keep up to date with technology in the workplace. Describe your experience with computers and other technology in the workplace and give specific examples of what you've used and in what setting. If you're a new grad or unfamiliar with these resources, be honest but demonstrate your desire and ability to learn.

What healthcare settings do you have experience in?

"As a nurse associate, I have four years of experience. The first two years after I graduated, I worked in a mental health clinic supporting the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care planning & risk assessments with service users on admission and at appropriate intervals and under the supervision of the registered nurse. Currently, and for the last two years, I have been working in palliative care. In this role, I provide safe, personal, and effective care and support patients and their families. I support the registered nurse and participate in assessments, care planning, and execution of treatment programmes."

This question allows the interviewer to explore your healthcare background and what environments you have worked in to understand if your background aligns or if you've worked in an environment where your skills would transfer well. Give an overview of the settings you've worked in (care home, hospital, consultant's office, general practice, etc.) and include the range of patient populations you've worked with. You can also include details about the pace of the environment or give insight into the size of the organisation or even the volume of patients you care for in that setting.

This opening is for our virtual care team. What experience do you have with telehealth?

"I have three years of experience working in a telehealth setting providing support to mental health clinic patients. I'm comfortable using a computer and have used platforms like Immedicare to provide services to patients. Many of our patients were seen through telehealth for routine visits or medication check-ups, but other times we would use telehealth for urgent and acute visits. I worked closely with other community services and specialist nurses to support patients to remain at home while receiving care."

The NHS does offer opportunities for nurse associates to join their virtual care team from time to time. The role involves using technology to remotely monitor patients to promote self-management and independence with long-term or chronic conditions. Discuss with the interviewer if you've used telehealth platforms, provided care virtually to patients and to what extent, and worked among a virtual team to support patients to remain at home. Provide some insight into what interests you in this type of position.

Have you ever dealt with an aggressive or combative patient? How did you respond?

"Most of my background includes experience working with those with patients experiencing severe mental health crises. Because of this, I have experienced many times when a patient has been combative, and I have been slapped and even had my hair pulled. It's important that as a nurse associate, you don't take these types of behaviours personally, that you do everything possible to reduce the risk of this occurring, and you take precautions to protect yourself at all times. This includes being alert, never letting your guard down, and knowing the warning signs of an agitated patient, and knowing when to give them space or how to de-escalate the situation. Never put yourself in a situation where you're confined in close quarters with a patient who has these tendencies or put yourself in a situation where they have access to sharp items that could cause you harm. If it does occur, it's important to try to calm the patient and never raise your voice or be physical in return. Try to find another colleague who can assist you with providing care and alert your supervisor of the situation so it can be documented and so they can provide guidance."

Unfortunately, it's likely that you have or will encounter an aggressive or combative patient in your career, and this can present a challenge to providing care or treatment. In your response, demonstrate that you do not take it personally and you understand that aggressive or combative behaviour likely stems from a medical or mental health issue or a combination of them both. The interviewer wants to know that, when faced with this type of situation, you will be able to maintain your composure and handle the incident professionally. Give an example of a time you dealt with this situation, and if you have not, describe the steps you would take if faced with this situation.

How would you manage a conflict you have with a supervising RN?

"When I first became a nurse associate, I frequently had a conflict with my assigned supervising RN. She often told me I wasn't keeping up with the pace and I was spending too much time conversing with patients. I asked for a one-on-one meeting with her to discuss the feedback. I came with a list of times she'd provided the feedback, along with the day's events, so that I could show her where my time was spent and better understand her expectations. I kept my emotions out of the conversation and focused on facts and events. I came with an open mind and listened to her feedback and guidance on how much time it should take to complete an assessment or to gather vitals. She also reminded me that when I get behind, it puts a burden on other team members. I hadn't thought of it that way, as I'm very outgoing and I often find myself in conversations with patients or family members so I acknowledged that perhaps I needed to evaluate the time I was spending in each room. She asked me to focus on keeping conversations to the task at hand and trying to stick within desired target times when completing certain tasks with patients. I worked closely with her that next week as I made little modifications to my time management, and I would check in with her to receive feedback. I also asked for a follow-up one-on-one two weeks from then to touch base and make sure I wasn't making the necessary changes to meet her expectations. As a new nurse associate, I was still finding my way and learning to organize my time better and I appreciated her feedback and direction."

When working in a healthcare setting, many providers can be on the care team, so collaboration is important. The interviewer wants to better understand your interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Give an example of a time you disagreed or had a personal conflict with your supervising RN and how you resolved the disagreement. Refrain from speaking negatively about the supervising RN or the company you worked at when giving your answer.

Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.

"I once had a new inpatient on my unit, and it was an elderly man who seemed to be having a hard time being away from home. I noticed he didn't have any friends or family coming to visit, so when I was doing my regular patient care rounds, I spent a few extra minutes engaging him in conversation. He opened up about being worried because he had a cat at home and hadn't expected to be admitted. He didn't have anyone to check on his house or his cat, and it was causing him a lot of distress. I found out that he actually lived just a few blocks from my own house, and I offered to check on his cat each day and feed and water her while he was receiving care. His neighbor had a spare key, so she would let me in once or twice a day to check on his cat and make sure all was well in his house while he was away. This really provided him with relief, and he was able to focus on his treatment and care so that he could regain the strength to return home. We kept in touch, and I would bring him meals and run errands for him from time to time for about two years before he passed. I actually adopted his cat when he passed, and I've had her ever since!"

It's evident from the NHS's core values that they strive to provide high-quality, accessible care in a compassionate manner that advances the health and well-being of their patients. Customer service and excellence are part of its framework for success. As a nurse associate, you can deliver excellent care through effective communication, respect and compassion, accommodation, engagement, and more. Think of specific ways you have gone above and beyond for patients to promote this culture of excellence. Give a specific example when responding to the interviewer.

How do you de-escalate and provide care for an agitated patient?

"There are many reasons a patient may be agitated. It could be a side effect of medication, frustration with being hospitalized, or perhaps a result of cognitive impairment or disability. It's important to remain calm and cautious. I first assess their immediate needs and whether or not they are a threat. If I feel they might be aggressive or violent, I will ask another staff member to come into the room while I provide care or treatment. If it's more about their personal frustrations, I take the time to listen to their concerns without interrupting and address them appropriately. I never let their emotions or stress affect me, and I remain calm and professional. I seek to provide them comfort and care from a holistic approach, meeting their physical and emotional needs."

As a nurse associate, you will likely encounter an agitated patient at some point, no matter which healthcare setting you work within the NHS. The interviewer can learn a lot from your answer about your communication skills, ability to de-escalate situations, work under pressure, and problem-solve. Assure the interviewer that you understand the potential reasons a patient may be agitated, then give examples of settings where you've worked with agitated patients and techniques used to calm them and de-escalate the situation.

How do you care for a patient who has communication barriers?

"Just because a patient cannot speak or is in a vegetative state, does not mean that they cannot think and feel. It's important to remember that when caring for non-communicative patients and to treat them with the same respect and care you would with other patients. For example, I always knock when entering the room and introduce myself and explain why I'm in their room. I will explain each step of what I'm doing; for instance, if I'm checking their vitals, I explain what I'm going to do before I do it and as I move through the clinical process. I look for non-verbal cues for signs of pain or discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Often, patients can still communicate with a smile, a nod, etc., so it's important to be on the lookout for nonverbal cues. I also use close-ended questions that require a yes or no, if they can shake their head. Lastly, if they can write, I will provide a pen and paper to communicate, and I'm very patient throughout the process."

As a nurse associate, you may care for patients who are nonverbal due to a stroke, dementia-related illness, or other injuries or disabilities. It's important to demonstrate that you treat them with the same level of respect and deliver the same quality care that you would to other patients. You can acknowledge that these patients may require a little more time, patience, and reassurance. Give examples of ways you communicate and care for these types of patients. Perhaps you know sign language, communicate with pen and paper, read lips, or look for nonverbal signals like a smile, head nod, etc.

NHS Band 4 Nurse Associate Interview Questions

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1. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a nurse associate?
2. According to our NHS Constitution, compassion is one of our core values. How do you provide compassionate care to patients?
3. At the NHS, we're committed to working together for the betterment of our patients and it's part of our core value system. As a nurse associate, how will you promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration?
4. How do you like to be recognized in the workplace?
5. One of our core values at the NHS is "everyone counts." What does this mean to you?
6. The scheduling for our nursing staff, to include nurse associates can be demanding. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
7. How do you promote patient safety?
8. Are you actively interviewing with any other organisations?
9. Can you list the six core values of the NHS?
10. An expectation of staff is the confidentiality of personal information of patients. In what ways do you ensure patient information is protected?
11. AT NHS, our goal is to improve the lives of others. As a nurse, how do you advocate for your patients?
12. Can you give two examples of best practices relating to infection control?
13. As a nurse associate, how do you demonstrate professionalism in the workplace?
14. Describe your ideal manager.
15. What questions do you have for me?
16. What interested you in becoming a nurse associate?
17. What do you know about the NHS Constitution?
18. What qualities or characteristics do you feel make you a good nurse associate?
19. What do you know about the NHS?
20. How would you describe the role of a nurse associate?
21. What does your typical workday look like?
22. Tell me a little bit about yourself.
23. Tell me about your experience using computers and other forms of technology in the workplace.
24. What healthcare settings do you have experience in?
25. This opening is for our virtual care team. What experience do you have with telehealth?
26. Have you ever dealt with an aggressive or combative patient? How did you respond?
27. How would you manage a conflict you have with a supervising RN?
28. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
29. How do you de-escalate and provide care for an agitated patient?
30. How do you care for a patient who has communication barriers?

NHS Band 4 Nurse Associate Interview Questions

1. What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a nurse associate?

2. According to our NHS Constitution, compassion is one of our core values. How do you provide compassionate care to patients?

3. At the NHS, we're committed to working together for the betterment of our patients and it's part of our core value system. As a nurse associate, how will you promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration?

4. How do you like to be recognized in the workplace?

5. One of our core values at the NHS is "everyone counts." What does this mean to you?

6. The scheduling for our nursing staff, to include nurse associates can be demanding. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?

7. How do you promote patient safety?

8. Are you actively interviewing with any other organisations?

9. Can you list the six core values of the NHS?

10. An expectation of staff is the confidentiality of personal information of patients. In what ways do you ensure patient information is protected?

11. AT NHS, our goal is to improve the lives of others. As a nurse, how do you advocate for your patients?

12. Can you give two examples of best practices relating to infection control?

13. As a nurse associate, how do you demonstrate professionalism in the workplace?

14. Describe your ideal manager.

15. What questions do you have for me?

16. What interested you in becoming a nurse associate?

17. What do you know about the NHS Constitution?

18. What qualities or characteristics do you feel make you a good nurse associate?

19. What do you know about the NHS?

20. How would you describe the role of a nurse associate?

21. What does your typical workday look like?

22. Tell me a little bit about yourself.

23. Tell me about your experience using computers and other forms of technology in the workplace.

24. What healthcare settings do you have experience in?

25. This opening is for our virtual care team. What experience do you have with telehealth?

26. Have you ever dealt with an aggressive or combative patient? How did you respond?

27. How would you manage a conflict you have with a supervising RN?

28. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.

29. How do you de-escalate and provide care for an agitated patient?

30. How do you care for a patient who has communication barriers?