Tell us about your greatest accomplishment on your journey to becoming a nurse.

"My greatest accomplishment on my journey to becoming a nurse was completing the nursing program at the top of my class. While that alone was a great achievement, I also had a newborn baby during my last year of the program, which added a lot of stress and sleepless nights. My parents stepped in to help since they knew finishing at the top of my class was important to me. I am forever grateful for their helping me achieve my goals, and I look forward to many more accomplishments during my career with the NHS."

The NHS interviewers will ask this question to learn more about your achievements and highlight the value you would bring to the NHS if hired for the Band 5 nurse position. How you respond also shows the interviewers how you view success and if you set high goals for yourself. The NHS wants to hire highly motivated, enthusiastic Band 5 nurses who set professional goals for themselves. Show the interviewers you are a strong candidate for the position by describing your greatest accomplishment during your nursing journey.

"An accomplishment I am proud of and humbled by was receiving a Student Nursing Award from the Royal College of Nursing. One of my lecturers nominated me, who reported that I stand out from the crowd as a patient champion and future leader. There were over 20 nursing students nominated, and I won the award after giving a ten-minute presentation to the panel of judges."

"During my university degree, we completed a module on systematic reviews and the importance of research while we were also completing a 6-week placement. Even though this assignment was difficult and challenging to understand, I remained focused and determined to complete the subject, which resulted in me gaining the highest mark for an assignment in university. This allowed me to understand the importance of evidence-based practice to provide effective care and improved healthcare outcomes for patients while also having great time management skills completing a 2000-word essay while on placement 40 hours a week."

"My greatest accomplishment in becoming a nurse is that during the COVID-19 outbreak, all hospitals were short of masks and I was doing so in Emergency departments. It was stressful at that time but I had an idea to make lots of masks using kitchen towels and distribute them to staff. That time everyone appreciated me, especially our matron, she was quite impressed. That feeling made me really proud."

How do you communicate challenging information to a patient or their family members?

"When relaying information to patients and their family members, I look for clues to determine if they are confused or understand what I am saying. I use simple terms since medical terminology can confuse people outside the industry. After relaying the information, I ask if they have any questions or need clarification. I take the time to ensure they completely understand, and if they do not, I figure out another way to deliver the information."

As a nurse, you will need to communicate information to patients and their family members that may be challenging to understand. Although you are well-researched and knowledgeable, it may be challenging for others to understand as they do not know complex medical terms or may have cognitive difficulties. The interviewers want to learn more about your patience and communication skills and that you take the time to relay information in a way that your patients and their loved ones can understand. Describe how you keep your sentences short, stay on one topic at a time, and explain complex concepts in layperson's terms.

"When communicating information to patients and their family members, I speak in simple terms that anyone can understand. Medical terminology can be confusing, and I only use complex terms if the patient or their family members work in healthcare. After giving the information, I ask if they have any questions. Sometimes, I will write the information down so the patient can refer to their notes. It just depends on the situation and what information I am relaying."

"As a student nurse, I've never had to deal with this situation. However, if I was ever to I would look for clues to determine if they are confused or understand what I am saying. I use simple terms since medical terminology can confuse people outside the industry. After relaying the information, I ask if they have any questions or need clarification. I take the time to ensure they completely understand, and if they do not, I figure out another way to deliver the information. This allows the family to feel more included in their child’s recovery and allows me to understand the importance of listening to families and responding to their preferences so that care is delivered effectively."

After reading the job description, what do you like most about this position?

"There are many aspects of the job description that are appealing. What I like most about this nursing position is being a patient advocate for vulnerable patients. I enjoy educating my patients on the available services and finding the best resources to improve their quality of life. I also enjoy being able to help find respite care for family members and carers who are working around the clock to care for their loved ones."

When reviewing the job description for the NHS Band 5 nursing position you applied to, you will see many duties you will be responsible for performing. Here is one example of an NHS Band 5 Staff Nurse position listed on the UK Indeed website:- Will provide evidence-based care, advice, and information to patients and carers. - Will provide and assist with the health care of clients. - To be accountable for own nursing practice and work unsupervised and on own initiative, but to be responsible to the Lead Nurse for all aspects of their work. - To deliver high standards of comprehensive skilled and evidence-based nursing care to patients. - To be responsible for a delegated caseload of acute patients and provide case management under the guidance of the UCLH@HOME leads. - To contribute to and be competent in the assessment of the needs of the patients on all matters and to provide total patient care using evidence-based nursing models. - To assist patients, support workers, and their families in identifying health and well-being goals. - To support and empower patients, carers, and their families to achieve their health and well-being goals. - To accurately record observations and changes in patients' conditions and report back to the responsible Team Lead / Nurse in Charge. - To assist in assessing and caring for patients with complex and ongoing health and social needs, self-care, and health promotion. - To assist in planning and implementing rehabilitation methods for patients and their carers.As you can see, there are many duties listed in this job description. The interviewers would like to hear that you were diligent and read the job description in its entirety. Describe what you like the most about the position you are interviewing for.

"As a newly qualified Band 5 nurse, what I find most appealing about this position is the responsibility of all aspects of patient care. I am excited to gain more experience assessing and evaluating patients under the supervision of senior staff and to support the Senior Sister or Charge Nurse with monitoring the safety and quality of care."

"As a newly qualified Band 5 nurse my understanding would be we would gain the support and essential skills for beginning while remaining in our competencies so we can gain our confidence. I also read the job description and some points I have identified are working in partnership with the multi-disciplinary team to deliver a high standard of nursing care to the children, young people, and their families on the unit while providing safe and effective clinical practice within both the unit and community settings. I understand that this ward is a generic ward which I am really interested in so I can gain a more well-rounded nursing experience for my skills."

Name three of your greatest strengths related to your profession.

"Three of my greatest strengths as a nurse are my compassion for others, my ability to be empathetic and put myself in others' shoes, and my active listening skills. I have felt compassion for humans and animals since I was a young child. I always felt sad when I would see a person on the streets who didn't have a home and would ask my parents if we could give them food and clothes. The same went for stray animals--I always wanted to take them home. My empathetic nature developed when my family lived in a shelter after our home burned down, and we met other families there in the same or similar situations. Finally, colleagues, patients, and family members have commended my active listening skills. They say I truly listen and feel like they can open up and tell me anything. These skills are highly transferable to my profession, and I look forward to utilizing them as a Band 5 nurse with the NHS."

The NHS Constitution is based on six core values. This Constitution demonstrates the level of commitment and care that must be adhered to by all NHS employees. These core values include:1. Working together for patients 2. Commitment to quality of care 3. Respect and dignity 4. Compassion 5. Improving lives 6. Everyone countsIf you can take the core values as a template and weave in three comparable strengths to formulate your response, you will impress the interviewers and have a better chance of making the shortlist. For example, if I were interviewing you and you said some of your strengths as a nurse included compassion, empathy, teamwork, and communication skills, I would think you were the Band 5 nurse we were looking for. Be sure to give examples of how those strengths are essential for a nurse and how they will benefit the NHS if hired.

"My three greatest strengths as a nurse are my communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills and can explain complex terms in easy-to-understand terms. I have led many diverse groups at work and in a volunteer capacity, and have exceptional listening skills. I look forward to bringing these strengths to the NHS as a Band 5 nurse."

"Communication skills are among my greatest strengths. I believe that learning to communicate effectively is a crucial skill for anyone working in the healthcare industry to be able to provide patient and family-centered care. I am very detail oriented with the tasks I complete so I know they are being completed to a high standard and preserving safety. I am very organized and always have clear set plans of what I’m doing each day, so I don’t start to become overwhelmed in my workplace and am able to practice effectively."

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

"While I am sure you have many qualified candidates applying for this position, I am the best candidate because I meet and exceed your qualifications. I have over seven years of volunteer experience as a patient befriender and active responder with the NHS, and I hold a valid nursing registration for the UK. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which all my references will attest to. I am excellent at problem-solving, am empathetic and enthusiastic, have strong leadership skills, and work extremely well under pressure. I guarantee you will not regret hiring me for this position as I will be a valuable asset to the NHS."

It is hard to know how many candidates apply for NHS Band 5 nursing jobs as many jobs are posted across the UK for various positions. However, it is safe to assume there will be a lot of applicants for the role as the NHS is the largest employer in the UK. The interviewers ask this question to hear what qualities and experience you will bring to the NHS, how you will benefit them, and why they should choose you over other candidates. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and knowledge, showing the interviewers you have all the qualifications they require and that you are the best candidate for the position.Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the NHS seeks in a Band 5 nurse. When I researched the first five NHS Band 5 nurse job openings on the UK Indeed website, I noticed every job posting said they were looking for highly motivated, enthusiastic individuals with excellent communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly in a demanding environment. Other keywords used were eager to learn, reliable, organized, team player, and problem-solver. When you weave a mixture of your personality, experience, and characteristics with what the NHS is looking for, the interviewers will think, 'this is the nurse we want for our team!'

"I am the best candidate for the position because I have a strong work ethic, an inquisitive nature, and an empathetic and compassionate attitude. I have proven that I work well under pressure while holding a full-time job while attending nursing school. I finished near the top of my class and won a Patient's Choice Award for the compassion shown to my patients. Although I am a new nurse, I have the drive and desire to learn all I can and continue offering compassionate care to my patients within the NHS."

"I believe I would be an excellent nurse because I am a good listener and communicator. I am empathetic and enthusiastic, have strong leadership and time management skills, and work extremely well under pressure with the ability to prioritize my own workload. My passion for this role started from a young age. I’ve always wanted to work with children because of how rewarding the job would be. I’ve been through difficult times growing up which is why it has always been a passion of mine to be able to help other children in times of need and be beside them to be that person that can make a difference in their situation. I am a hard worker and believe in teamwork. I believe I could be an asset to the team of pediatric nurses you already have here and always wanted to work within this ward, which has shown through my volunteering here as a play specialist before starting university and coming in to visit the ward again at the weekend since I wasn’t able to complete any placements here."

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. I am consistent with my patience level and do not need to increase my patience during challenging situations. Growing up with three younger siblings taught me to be patient at a young age."

Nursing is a high-stress profession, no matter where you work. While working in accident and emergency (A&E) may be more stressful and fast-paced than visiting patients in their homes, as an NHS Band 5 nurse, you must always remain calm and patient when faced with challenging situations. While patience may not come easy for all, you can learn patience by practising mindfulness, consciously slowing down and taking a step back to reassess the situation, taking deep breaths, or counting to ten. Let the interviewers know you are a patient nurse and describe how you maintain patience when dealing with challenging situations.

"I do consider myself a patient person. I would rate myself an eight out of ten for patience because I certainly have room to grow, but I have a very long fuse. If I need a boost of patience in a challenging situation, I will take a step away, count to 10, and then return to the situation. I recently read a book, 'The Power of Patience' by M.J. Ryan, which also gave me some excellent new coping methods."

How would your references describe you?

"I have an excellent list of references who will say that I am an enthusiastic, hard worker who always brings a positive, compassionate attitude to the workplace. I have a strong work ethic and moral compass and seek opportunities to help others. I have three copies of performance reviews and letters of recommendation for your file if you would like them."

The NHS requires a minimum of two references when applying to a Band 5 nurse position. The NHS website describes needing one reference from your last known employer and a personal reference from a person of standing in the community. The professional reference needs to cover a minimum of three years of employment or training, while the personal reference should be from a reputable person such as a solicitor, doctor, or MP. If you are unsure how your references would describe you, speak with them before your interview and ask them how they will describe you when contacted by the NHS.

"My references describe me as a kind and nurturing individual who always has a positive attitude and a smile. My letters of recommendation describe me as intelligent, hard-working, honest, and reliable. My references have said that if they or their loved ones were sick or injured, they would want me as their nurse as they know they would be in good hands."

The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care to all. 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 their 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 and am happy to see that you also value compassion in practice."

All healthcare professionals who directly care for people should follow best practices when providing care. This means delivering compassionate care and achieving excellent health and well-being outcomes for all patients of the NHS.To establish and maintain quality care, the NHS Commissioning Board developed a method of care known as Compassion in Practice. This introduces the concept of the six Cs, which underpins the strategy and the level of care professionals should provide. As a nurse, you should be familiar with the six Cs before your interview, as you may be asked about them.When responding to this question, you can say you are compassionate, but giving an example where you have helped others is a better way to let the interview panel see your compassionate nature. For example, you can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, held the hand of a dying patient, or comforted a grieving family member. Give an example that shows you have compassion for others.

"Yes, I am a very compassionate person and have been my entire life. I was always the one to bring stray animals home and give my lunch to those less fortunate than me. I believe you need to be compassionate and empathetic to work in this field and feel honored to have the opportunity to provide compassion to my patients and their family members."

"I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local disability group. This allowed me to gain the skills for remaining sensitive to each case while being efficient in providing care and being an excellent communicator. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care by making sure I am listening to parents to answer their concerns and alleviate their anxieties in relation to their child’s care even if the ward is busy. This aids me in building a trusting relationship and extending patient and family centred care."

How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?

"If a patient or family member yelled at me, I would want to see why they were upset and resolve the issue. I would calmly ask them why they were yelling at me. Once I understand why they are yelling at me, I can decide how to address their concern and make them happy. If they were yelling at me because of a medical condition or mental health issue, I would address their concerns. In my short time as a nurse, I have found that people want to be heard and understood and have their concerns addressed. It's about remaining calm and professional while diffusing the situation and making the patient or family member happy."

As a nurse, patients or family members may yell at you. Generally, it will not be because of something you did but because they are uninformed, scared, or in pain. While attending nursing school, you were taught to remain calm, actively listen to your patient, stand up for yourself while remaining professional (if being verbally abused), and put yourself in your patient's shoes. You were also taught that it is best to recognize the warning signs that a patient or family member is about to lose their cool and diffuse the situation before it gets to that point. If you are yelled at, ask your patient to tell you what they need or how you can solve the problem. They will generally calm down when you show them you are paying attention and empathetic to their needs.The interviewers would like to gain insight into your communication and problem-solving skills and see if you can handle this situation calmly and professionally. Describe how you would speak to a patient or family member if they yelled at you using the techniques mentioned or how you have been taught to respond in nursing school.

"I realize that it is common for people to take their anger out on someone near them when they are afraid, frustrated, or in pain. If a patient or their family member yelled at me, I would calmly ask why they were yelling at me. Once I understand what is wrong, I can then work to resolve the issue. I have found that when I remain calm and professional, my attitude usually rubs off on the upset person, and they generally calm down pretty quickly."

"I would calmly ask them why they were yelling/becoming angry at me in a professional manner. I can then decide how to address their concern and resolve the situation. While being a student nurse, I have found that people want to be heard and understood and have their concerns addressed. It's about remaining calm and professional while diffusing the situation and making the patient or family member feel reassured. If they continued to be aggressive or angry, I would escalate this to my SCN or contact security as I need to preserve safety in the workplace and document everything after or datix the incident if needed."

How do you manage conflict with a colleague?

"Fortunately, I have not encountered many conflicts with my colleagues. However, I once recognized an issue I had with a colleague. I approached them and asked if we could speak privately during our lunch break, and they agreed. I explained that I felt I had done something wrong and asked my coworker if I had upset them somehow. I was told I was doing some of their job duties, and they felt I was undermining their position and trying to make them look bad to our managers. I calmly listened to what they had to say and asked appropriate questions to ensure I understood why they were upset with me. I had not realized I was doing part of their job as I thought it was my job duty. I apologized and told them I was unaware of what I was doing and was not trying to make them look bad. After our conversation, we never had another problem and became excellent friends."

The NHS has an extensive online library of quality, service improvement and redesign tools for its employees and managers. One such tool is managing conflict, where the NHS defines conflict 'as behaviour intended to obstruct the achievement of another person's goals.' The NHS further describes conflict as an inevitable part of the change process, so while you cannot avoid it, you can learn how to manage it effectively - even transforming it into a positive force for change. Conflict at work can often take three primary forms:1. Task conflict - includes differences of opinion, viewpoints, and ideas. Some task conflicts can benefit the change process as it enables people to discuss a more diverse range of views and ideas before making decisions. 2. Process conflict - involves disagreement over the logistics of achieving an outcome or change. For example, who takes on which responsibilities or who delegates to whom. 3. Relationship conflict - often the most destructive form of conflict and takes the form of perceived interpersonal incompatibility between people. This may be based on personal values, morals, or personality characteristics.The NHS says this tool will give you practical strategies for managing conflict. The steps in this online tool are identifying the early signs of conflict and taking action, handling the conflict by taking positive steps to resolve the issue, and then monitoring the effects. They suggest listening to the person you have the conflict with, asking open questions to develop an understanding of your colleague's goals, re-framing the dispute to make it less personal, and then collaboratively looking for a solution that incorporates different viewpoints.Using this NHS tool as an example, describe how you effectively manage conflict with a colleague to the interviewers.

"Over the years, I have found most conflicts can be solved with honest, open communication. When both parties can explain why they are bothered by something and decide how to handle the situation maturely, less conflict will likely happen in the future. Most disagreements are simply a misunderstanding or lack of communication. When I have a dispute with a colleague, I ask to speak to them privately to discuss the matter. It is never professional to have a disagreement or conflict in front of others. Then, we discuss the issue until we can come to a mutually agreeable solution."

Can you describe at least one of the NHS values?

"Yes, I can. I noticed on the NHS website there are six values that all staff are expected to demonstrate. Every value resonates with me, which made me excited to apply to the NHS. The first value is the patients come first. All staff members work together for the patients while showing dignity and respect. These are a few of the values of the NHS, which I will demonstrate if chosen for the position."

Suppose you're applying for a job in the NHS or an organization that provides NHS services. In that case, you'll be asked to demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution and how they would apply to your everyday work. The NHS has six values that all staff are expected to demonstrate:1. Working together for patients 2. Respect and dignity 3. Commitment to quality of care 4. Compassion 5. Improving lives 6. Everyone countsThe interviewers ask this question to see that you have researched the NHS before your interview and can name at least one of the six values. However, it is best to memorize all six values in case the interviewers ask you to name them all.

"Yes, I discovered the NHS has six core values that all employees are to follow. The one that stands out the most to me is compassion. Every healthcare professional should show compassion to everyone around them. I was happy to see that the NHS feels the same and that compassion is one of its core values."

"I believe every value is of equal importance and one of them is openness, honesty, and responsibility. Nurses have a duty of candor to be open and honest with patients if an error has occurred. You have the responsibility to escalate the incident to the charge nurse and explain the error to the parents and patient. This is vital because it ensures effective and honest communication is being provided to build a trusting relationship while ensuring patient and family-centered care is maintained. As a nurse, you should always document the incident or datix - which I will demonstrate in my upcoming role."

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your profession?

"I use several ways to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in nursing. Every morning, I listen to a podcast called 'The Nursing Standard' that discusses key issues and advancements in the industry. I also meet with my mentor once or twice monthly for coffee, and we always talk shop. Another thing I enjoy is attending conferences put on by the Royal College of Nursing. The most recent one I attended covered topics such as evaluating change in the industry, new technological advancements, embedding research in practice, and the clinical effectiveness of healthcare interventions. I like having a variety of ways to stay current on the latest trends."

During nursing school, you were taught that this profession requires you to be a lifelong learner. The medical field is constantly evolving and changing, and it is your responsibility to stay current on the latest trends in the industry. The interviewers want to hear what methods you used in the past to see how you learn best and to gain insight into how motivated you are to learn all you can as a nurse. Some strategies to stay current include attending local and national conferences, joining professional nursing organizations, listening to podcasts, subscribing to publications, and meeting and speaking with colleagues. It is also good to mention to the interviewers how you were excited to learn how the NHS offers continuing professional development (CPD) to help employees keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date to ensure they practice legally and safely.

"The internet makes it easy to stay current on the latest trends in nursing. I belong to the Nursing and Midwifery Council and receive emails when there are changes or developments in the industry. I also listen to a podcast that has nurses as special guests who talk about challenges and changes in the profession. I also enjoy attending annual seminars and conferences with a few nursing friends to stay up-to-date on the latest technology and advancements in healthcare."

What is the NHS's vision?

"The NHS's vision is to enable people to live healthier and more independent lives through high-quality seamless care. I love that your vision aligns with mine and is short and to the point. People remember a company's mission and vision statement when it is clear and resonates with them."

The interviewers ask this question to see if you have researched the NHS before your interview. Be prepared to answer any questions the interviewers may have, such as the organization's mission and vision statements, its core values, the population they serve, the Chief Executive of the organization, and the year they were founded. Do your homework before the interview and learn all you can about the organization.The NHS's vision is 'enabling people to live healthier and more independent lives through high-quality seamless care.' Focus on memorizing the vision so you can respond to this question.

"The vision of the NHS is to enable people to live more independent and healthier lives by providing high-quality care. For service providers, the vision is to enable high-quality care for patients and service users and reduce health inequalities by supporting members to work collaboratively within and across local healthcare systems."

Which of the six Cs of nursing resonates with you most?

"This is a tough question because they all resonate with me, and I feel they all go hand-in-hand in this profession! If I had to choose one, I would choose the first one, care. Without care, there would be no future for nursing and no reason for the other five Cs."

The six Cs of nursing were established by the former NHS England Chief Nursing Officer Jane Cummings in December 2017 as the central part of 'Compassion in Practice.' Its purpose is to ensure patients are treated with care and compassion every day. The six Cs are care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, and competence. The interviewers want to see that you have been trained on the six Cs and understand which resonates the most with you, showing a glimpse into your personality and motivation to pursue a career in nursing.

"The C that resonates the most with me is compassion. As a nurse, I see patients at their weakest and most vulnerable moments. It is important to provide compassionate care while trying to put yourself in the patient's shoes. While I may not entirely understand what my patients are going through, I always treat them with kindness, empathy, and compassion, as that is how I would want to be treated if I were in their situation."

How do you expect to make a difference at the NHS?

"I expect to make a difference at the NHS by bringing my two years of nursing skills and expertise to your organization and providing the compassionate care you expect from your team members. I always come to work with a smile and a positive attitude, which rubs off on those around me. I have a strong work ethic, solid communication skills, and an excellent work history with few excused absences. I have volunteered at the NHS for the past four years and understand your core values and how you operate. I love what I do, and I look forward to this opportunity to finish my career with the NHS."

The NHS always seeks enthusiastic, bright, and motivated individuals for their team. They want go-getters, self-starters, and leaders who will positively impact their organization. Let the interviewers know what skills and knowledge you bring and how hiring you will benefit the NHS.

"I will make a difference at the NHS by being a positive role model and steward. I will uphold and demonstrate the core values and vision of the NHS while providing compassionate, non-discriminatory care for all patients. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity and giving them the tools to live healthier, more independent lives."

Why did you pursue a career as a nurse?

"I chose to pursue a career in nursing because my mom and dad are nurses with the NHS. I love caring for others and making them comfortable as they deal with difficult situations. 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 it's in my blood. I volunteered with the NHS as a healthcare assistant to ensure I wanted a career as a nurse, and I loved working with patients and their families. I cannot imagine choosing another career path and look forward to following in my parent's footsteps with the NHS."

A recent article in Nurse Journal describes 16 reasons people should choose a career in nursing. The author states the number one reason people pursue nursing is that nurses make a difference while helping others. Additionally, nurses have high job satisfaction, perform exciting work, work in a respected field, and can choose their speciality, to name a few.Focus on giving your reason for choosing this career, responding enthusiastically and passionately. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewers want to gain insight into what motivated you to pursue this career to determine if you will be a good fit for the NHS team.

"I chose to pursue a career as a nurse after working in the insurance industry for five years. I was selling insurance but was unhappy with my line of work. I had a colleague attending nursing school, and I would help her study on our lunch break. I found the information she was learning intriguing, and she would tell me heartwarming stories about the patients she worked with. I decided that nursing sounded far more exciting than selling insurance. Before committing to nursing school, I volunteered with your organization as a patient befriender for three months to ensure I would like this line of work. I had a wonderful experience volunteering and decided to quit selling insurance and attend nursing school full-time. I am thrilled with my decision and look forward to the opportunity to continue my career with the NHS."

Why do you want to work for the NHS?

"I want to work for the NHS because your vision and values align with mine. I want to work for an organization whose vision is to enable people to live healthier and more independent lives through high-quality care. I also want to prepare for a leadership position and am excited you offer and encourage professional growth to your employees. Another appealing aspect is you recognize the importance of family and provide childcare and school support for working parents. It will be refreshing to work for an organization that values family life while allowing staff to keep their personal commitments while holding down a career."

The NHS employs over 1.3 million people and is the largest employer in the UK. The interviewers want to hear why you chose the NHS over other organizations to work for. They want to see that you have done your research and can give solid reasons for selecting the NHS. Reading online NHS staffing blogs shows employees feel the NHS is one big family working towards the same goal. There are many jobs and requirements for various skills, and many different shifts are offered. The NHS is flexible with staff attending school and working towards their professional goals. Childcare and school support are provided so family life will not be affected by personal commitments. Respond with enthusiasm and passion in your voice to show the interviewers you are excited about the opportunity to work for the largest employer in the UK while giving your reasons.

"I have wanted to work for the NHS since I was a child. My parents both work for the NHS and have created a wonderful life for our family. I just started a family of my own and want to work for a stable organization that values its patients and employees, offers a flexible schedule, and provides childcare for working parents. My long-term goals are to work in a managerial and teaching position, and I will be able to achieve my goals with the NHS."

What do you like most about working as a nurse?

"It's hard to choose just one thing I like the most about working as a nurse since I enjoy many aspects of the job. However, if I had to choose one part of the job I like the most, it would be comforting patients and their families during the worst days of their lives. I worked in accident and emergency for one year and saw devastating illnesses and injuries. It made me feel good to comfort patients with my voice, demeanour, and soothing words. Seeing the patient relax and sometimes even smile tells me I have chosen the right profession."

The interviewers ask this question to see what inspires and motivates you in your career. They want to know that you got into nursing for the right reasons, such as helping patients when they are most vulnerable. Interviewees who answer that they like the money, the benefits, or the schedule the most won't stand out to interviewers as the best candidate for the NHS Band 5 nursing position. Instead, mention that you love having a meaningful career, enjoy comforting patients and their families, or like being challenged daily.

"What I like most about working as a nurse is working with babies. I love assisting in the infant's birth and caring for them afterwards until they are ready to go home. I have always loved children and worked as an au pair before attending nursing school. So, it seemed a natural fit to become a pediatric nurse, and I cannot think of another job I would rather do."

What do you like to do in your free time away from work?

"In my free time, I like going for long motorcycle rides in the countryside with my husband, trying new restaurants, and doing yoga and pilates. I also recently joined a ceramics class since I am interested in learning how to make pottery. I enjoy doing fun things on my days off that reduce stress and rejuvenate me for my next shift."

A recent article in an online nursing journal reports that critical care, oncology, and intensive care nurses have the highest burnout cases due to the high-pressure environment of these specialities. However, it can happen to nurses in any speciality due to the nature of the job. The interviewers ask this question to see what interests you and if you have healthy avenues to decompress away from work. Having ways to unwind in your free time shows you have a healthy work/life balance and will be less likely to burn out from the stress of working as an NHS Band 5 nurse.

"On my days off, I volunteer at my son's school, work in my garden, and go for long runs with my husband. I also enjoy visiting with my sister and nieces and nephews when we have the same days off from work. Spending time with family is one of the best ways for me to relieve stress and get reenergized before returning to work."

What can you tell us about yourself?

"I have wanted to be a nurse since I was ten years old and hospitalized with a severe staph infection. The nursing team was incredible during my three-week stay, and that's when I decided I wanted to help others as they helped me. I graduated from the Royal College of Nursing six months ago, then immediately went overseas to volunteer with a medical NGO that helps underserved communities. It was the best experience, as I learned so much from seeing how the rest of the world lives and how other healthcare systems work. I returned to the UK last month and immediately applied for this position. I look forward to starting my nursing career and am excited to do so with the NHS."

Interviewers often ask this question at the beginning of the interview to break the ice and start the conversation. Take a few minutes to tell the interviewers about yourself, demonstrating essential skills and characteristics that are valuable as an NHS Band 5 nurse.Taking the past, present, and future approach in your response is recommended. Mention how you decided to become a nurse, what steps you have taken to get to where you are now, and your future goals within the NHS. Be sure to highlight any achievements you are proud of or 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.

"I grew up in a small town in Ireland playing Gaelic football and hurling. These sports taught me the importance of teamwork and how every person has specific skill sets to lead a team to victory. I also learned teamwork is built on leadership, trust, and collaboration. Over the years, I suffered injuries that prohibited me from playing these sports. Undergoing the process of diagnosis and treatment allowed me to gain an appreciation for the multidisciplinary teams that helped me heal. I decided to pursue a career in nursing to help others, as my teams did for me. I can now enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and hiking due to the exceptional care I received from my nurses, physicians, and therapists. I am very excited to be interviewing with the NHS as it will help me achieve my goal of helping others with their quality of life and overall well-being."

Have you ever made a mistake when treating a patient? What did you do?

"Yes, unfortunately, I made a mistake in nursing school. I saw in a patient's chart that they were at high risk for falls, and I forgot to turn on the bed alarm when I left their room. About five minutes later, when I checked on another patient whose bed alarm had gone off, I realized I had forgotten to turn on my other patient's alarm. I asked a colleague if they could assist me with my patient so I could return to my previous patient's room to check the alarm. Sure enough, I forgot to turn it on. Luckily, the patient had not tried to get out of bed, and everything turned out well. That lesson taught me to be more diligent and pay more attention to detail. Since then, I have never forgotten to turn on a bed alarm."

It is not unusual for nurses and other healthcare professionals to make mistakes when treating patients. The most common reasons nurses make mistakes are inexperience and fatigue, causing momentary impairment. Making mistakes when treating patients is not a good practice, but mistakes happen occasionally. The most common mistakes nurses make are medication errors, incomplete information when charting, incomplete reports, forgetting to set a bed alarm for patients at high risk of falling, and calling the patient the wrong name. The interviewers understand everyone is human and things will happen. They want to hear that you are honest, can own up to your mistakes, and take action to correct your error. Describe a time you made a mistake and explain how you handled it. Additionally, describe what you learned from that lesson.

"Yes, I made a mistake in nursing school when treating a patient. I had a patient with an IV that was supposed to be infused at 100 mL per hour. I thought I had figured out the drip rate accurately, but I calculated it at 200 mL per hour. When I checked on my patient an hour later, the IV had almost run dry. I quickly changed the IV bag and recalculated the drip rate. I spoke with my proctor and explained what had happened. We figured out how I miscalculated the drip rate, and it is something that has never happened again. Now, I double and triple-check my calculations to ensure I am always correct."

Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

"I am fluent in British Sign Language as my sister is deaf, and I am fluent in Irish as my family is from Ireland. I also speak conversational Spanish, but I would not consider myself fluent. I took two years of Spanish in high school and have travelled 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 Office for National Statistics (ONS) is the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and is the recognized statistical institute of the UK. The ONS has produced data that shows over the next 25 years, net international migration will account for almost three-quarters of the UK's population growth. Since it is the responsibility of NHS service providers to ensure translation and interpretation services are available to all patients who do not speak English as their first language, the interviewers are keen on hiring candidates who speak additional languages. Discuss any foreign languages you speak fluently and even those that you have some understanding of.

"No, I do not speak any foreign languages. However, I would be happy to take courses in a particular language if it is required for the job."

What is your experience working as a nurse?

"I recently graduated with my adult nursing degree from the University of Liverpool. During my last year and a half of training, I provided direct patient care alongside my proctors. In addition to my 18 months of hands-on nursing experience at university, I have volunteered as a nurse's aide with the NHS for the past four years. I am excited for this opportunity to gain more experience and progress my career as a Band 5 nurse with the NHS."

The job announcement should say how many years of experience the NHS requires for the position. Since this is an entry-level position, they may only require you to hold a valid nursing registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), as you will be under the guidance of a Band 6 staff nurse. The interviewers would like to hear about your experience and training to ensure you are qualified for the position. Give examples of how many years of experience you have (if any) and who you have worked with previously.

"I have two years of experience working as a registered nurse at Harcourt Gardens, Harrogate. Harcourt Gardens is a home offering residential, dementia, and respite care. As a nurse, I wrote and implemented person-centred care plans, maintained resident records, and administered medications. I enjoyed my time there and gained invaluable experience, but I am ready to move into a faster-paced work environment with the NHS."

Describe a challenging patient you have had and how they helped you develop as a nurse.

"I had an overly flirtatious patient who would make rude and unacceptable remarks when we were alone in his room. When another team member was in the room, he refrained from making those comments. It got to the point where I did not want to enter his room alone, but our unit did not always have sufficient staff to take someone with me. Finally, I had enough, and I went into the patient's room alone to give him his medications. The minute he said something rude, I stopped him and set much-needed boundaries. He was amazed that I stood up to him and apologized for hurting my feelings and being rude. After that, he never made a rude remark and was respectful for the rest of his hospital stay. That situation helped me grow as a nurse because I was new to the field when this happened, and I did not know how to stick up for myself. This lesson taught me that I am strong and in charge and do not need to be disrespected. I always treat my patients with dignity and respect, and I deserve the same."

Working as a nurse will present you with challenging patients. Some might be frustrated with waiting so long to be seen, while others may be in pain or suffering a mental health emergency. Successfully handling these patients requires a calm, professional demeanour, creating a suitable environment where they feel comfortable, listening empathetically, and providing compassionate care. Often, working with complex patients helps you grow as a nurse by teaching you patience, empathy, and even the art of negotiation. The interviewers want to hear what you have learned and how you have grown after working with a challenging patient.

"I had a challenging patient that could not talk due to a traumatic brain injury. He would become frustrated when I did not understand what he was trying to tell me. I worked with this patient for almost a year, so I started understanding what he needed over time. He helped me grow as a nurse because I had to use critical thinking skills and develop a better communication method. I ended up making flashcards with things that my patient would ask for. When he wanted to communicate, he would show me the flashcard. He became much less frustrated with me once our communication issue was solved."

What can you tell us about safeguarding as a nurse?

"As a nurse, safeguarding means protecting my patients and other citizens from harm, including emotional, physical, sexual, and financial harm or neglect. Safeguarding applies to all populations but is especially important with children, older adults, and those with learning or emotional disabilities. If I suspect harm is being done to someone, I must report my suspicions to the appropriate authorities."

As a nurse, safeguarding means protecting the citizen's health, well-being, and human rights. You must also enable them to live free from harm, neglect, and abuse. The NHS strongly believes this is an integral part of providing high-quality health care and that safeguarding children, young people, and adults is a collective responsibility.The NHS also believes those most in need of protection include children and young people, adults at risk, people with physical, sensory, and mental impairments, and those with learning disabilities. Describe to the interviewers what you know about safeguarding as a nurse.

"It is my duty as a nurse to protect my patients and other members of the community from harm, which is called safeguarding. If I suspect someone has been physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially harmed, I must report it to the appropriate authorities."

What do you find most challenging as a nurse?

"The most challenging part of working as a nurse is the constantly changing schedules. I might work the day shift one week, and the following week, I will be scheduled on nights. It was difficult to find a good sleep pattern or schedule anything with friends or family. I purchased black-out curtains to trick my brain into thinking it is nighttime when it is daytime so that I can get better rest on my days off. My family and friends now know to ask me about my weekly schedule and plan accordingly."

While nursing can be lucrative and rewarding, it is like any other profession in that it comes with challenges. Nursing challenges are difficult experiences, situations, or expectations that are common in the nursing field. These challenges can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional health if not identified and dealt with. Some common challenges in nursing include long shifts, volatile patients, changing schedules, emotional attachment, physical demands, and constant exposure to chemicals and illness. Let the interviewers know what you find most challenging as a nurse and how you overcome this difficult part of your job.

"What I find most challenging is watching loved ones grieve when a patient dies. It is especially challenging when the patient is a young child, as I have two young children. However, I knew this was part of the job going in. When faced with this situation, I remember that the family needs my support and strength. I cannot let my emotions get in the way of my job. I understand the different stages of grieving, and let family members grieve how they need to while offering words of support."

You have a dentist appointment in an hour that you scheduled six months ago. It is time for your shift to end, but your replacement has not arrived. What would you do?

"If my replacement did not show up, I would try calling them to see where they were. If I could not reach them, I would ask my colleagues if they had heard from my replacement. If I hadn't heard from the person replacing me, I would notify my supervisor to see if they had heard from my colleague. I would only leave my post and my patients with proper relief. If I had to miss my dentist appointment, I would contact their office and reschedule my appointment."

Situational interview questions like this are designed to present the candidate with a hypothetical situation and ask how they would handle it. How you respond gives the interviewers insight into your problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Interviewers do not want to hear that you immediately go to your supervisor without trying to contact your replacement first (unless your hospital protocols tell you otherwise) or leave your post without having a replacement. Show the interviewers that you are responsible by contacting your replacement, asking colleagues if they have heard from your replacement if you cannot reach them, and then notifying your supervisor if you cannot reach your replacement. Assure the interviewers you would not leave your post until you had relief, even if it means rescheduling your dentist appointment.

"If this happened to me, I would first try contacting my replacement. If I could not reach my replacement, I would ask my supervisor if they had heard from them. I would not leave my patients until I had the proper relief and would call my dentist's office to reschedule my appointment if needed."

What would you do if a physician prescribed a medication for you to give a patient, but you were unsure if it read 2 mg or .2 mg?

"I have had that happen several times in my career, as many physicians are in a hurry when charting. If I am unsure of the medication dosage or other patient care instructions, I contact the physician to clarify. The last thing I want to do is harm my patients by giving them an incorrect dosage or improper treatment."

This question might seem like it has an obvious answer (ask the physician to clarify before administering the medication). Still, you would be surprised by how many candidates I have interviewed who said they would give what dosage they felt was correct from their training and experience. While your training and expertise are essential to being an excellent nurse, you must also know when to ask for help and clarification. It could be the difference between life and death if you give an inaccurate drug dosage, so you should always err on the side of caution.

"Whenever I am unsure what a physician or another healthcare professional writes down regarding patient care or drug dosing, I contact that person directly to clarify. I would not rely on someone else to interpret the physician's writing, as it could be misinterpreted and dangerous for the patient."

Being a nurse is stressful. How do you handle stress on the job?

"I understand I chose a stressful career and am prepared for that. If I feel overly stressed, I will discuss this with a colleague or supervisor. However, I rarely get stressed as I know how to care for myself. 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."

Working as an NHS Band 5 nurse can be stressful and fast-paced, and the interviewers want to determine if you will be a good fit for the team if hired. Common sources of stress in nursing include complex patients, time constraints to complete work, conflicts with management or colleagues, and heavy workloads. Stress leads to fatigue, detachment from work, illness, and burnout, leading to patient safety concerns. The interviewers ask this question to determine if you are someone who can handle stress on the job. Talk to the interviewers about your ability to handle pressure in the workplace and techniques you use to minimize job stressors. Also, be sure to mention how you decompress on your days off from work to alleviate stress. 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.

"I work very well under pressure and do not get easily stressed as a nurse. I take a deep breath when faced with a stressful situation and use my critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop a solution. I also have a solid work/life balance and take care of myself on my days off, which helps reduce my stress levels at work."

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

"After growing up in a family of nurses, I know the part of my career that will bring me the most stress is when a patient dies. I understand it is part of the job and I am prepared for that. I know it stressed my parents and aunt when hearing them talk about a patient not making it, and I am also empathetic and compassionate like them. I plan to handle this stress by taking good care of my physical and mental health and not being afraid to talk to my family, colleagues, or a therapist if the stress becomes overwhelming."

The most recent 2019 NHS staff survey shows that nursing staff are overwhelmed and working in overcrowded departments and experience bullying, harassment, and violence at work. The interviewers want to see that you realize nursing can be a stressful career and hear what part of your job will be the most stressful. 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 should mention what part of your career will bring you the most stress, you don't want to dwell on it. Instead, you should mention the stressful part and then discuss how you plan to 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. Some ways to reduce stress are meeting for coffee or tea with colleagues after work, meditating, listening to music, exercising, or speaking with peer support groups.

"The part of my nursing career that brings me the most stress is when we are short-staffed, and patient care is compromised. I always want to give my patients my undivided attention, but that is difficult when I have double the workload. When faced with this situation, I found it helpful to be honest with my patients and tell them we are short-staffed and I am trying my best to take care of their needs. When they see that I am working hard to attend to all my patients, they are less impatient, which helps reduce my stress levels."

NHS Band 5 Nurse Interview Questions

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1. Tell us about your greatest accomplishment on your journey to becoming a nurse.
2. How do you communicate challenging information to a patient or their family members?
3. After reading the job description, what do you like most about this position?
4. Name three of your greatest strengths related to your profession.
5. What makes you the best candidate for this position?
6. Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience in challenging situations?
7. How would your references describe you?
8. The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care to all. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?
9. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
10. How do you manage conflict with a colleague?
11. Can you describe at least one of the NHS values?
12. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your profession?
13. What is the NHS's vision?
14. Which of the six Cs of nursing resonates with you most?
15. How do you expect to make a difference at the NHS?
16. Why did you pursue a career as a nurse?
17. Why do you want to work for the NHS?
18. What do you like most about working as a nurse?
19. What do you like to do in your free time away from work?
20. What can you tell us about yourself?
21. Have you ever made a mistake when treating a patient? What did you do?
22. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?
23. What is your experience working as a nurse?
24. Describe a challenging patient you have had and how they helped you develop as a nurse.
25. What can you tell us about safeguarding as a nurse?
26. What do you find most challenging as a nurse?
27. You have a dentist appointment in an hour that you scheduled six months ago. It is time for your shift to end, but your replacement has not arrived. What would you do?
28. What would you do if a physician prescribed a medication for you to give a patient, but you were unsure if it read 2 mg or .2 mg?
29. Being a nurse is stressful. How do you handle stress on the job?
30. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?

NHS Band 5 Nurse Interview Questions

1. Tell us about your greatest accomplishment on your journey to becoming a nurse.

2. How do you communicate challenging information to a patient or their family members?

3. After reading the job description, what do you like most about this position?

4. Name three of your greatest strengths related to your profession.

5. What makes you the best candidate for this position?

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

7. How would your references describe you?

8. The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care to all. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

9. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?

10. How do you manage conflict with a colleague?

11. Can you describe at least one of the NHS values?

12. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in your profession?

13. What is the NHS's vision?

14. Which of the six Cs of nursing resonates with you most?

15. How do you expect to make a difference at the NHS?

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

17. Why do you want to work for the NHS?

18. What do you like most about working as a nurse?

19. What do you like to do in your free time away from work?

20. What can you tell us about yourself?

21. Have you ever made a mistake when treating a patient? What did you do?

22. Do you speak any foreign languages fluently?

23. What is your experience working as a nurse?

24. Describe a challenging patient you have had and how they helped you develop as a nurse.

25. What can you tell us about safeguarding as a nurse?

26. What do you find most challenging as a nurse?

27. You have a dentist appointment in an hour that you scheduled six months ago. It is time for your shift to end, but your replacement has not arrived. What would you do?

28. What would you do if a physician prescribed a medication for you to give a patient, but you were unsure if it read 2 mg or .2 mg?

29. Being a nurse is stressful. How do you handle stress on the job?

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