What is your greatest weakness as a nurse? What are you doing to improve?
This is one of the most common interview questions to be asked during an interview, as well as asking about your greatest strengths. This question is asked to see that you are self-aware and humble enough to recognize you have a weakness as a registered nurse.
As an interviewer, the most common weaknesses I hear from nurses are spending too much time doing paperwork, lack of clinical experience, difficulty delegating or prioritizing tasks and paying too much attention to detail. I like to hear that you realize you have a weakness, do not let it interfere with your job, and are taking steps to turn your weakness into a strength.
"My greatest weakness as a nurse is a hesitancy to delegate. I know what I want to be done and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow as a senior nurse. I understand I need to delegate tasks to my team, so I have been working on strengthening this weakness. I am reading a book called 'Don't Do, Delegate' by James Jenks and have been practicing his exercises. My propensity to hold onto control has decreased since starting the book, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
My greatest weakness is, that I always take up multiple jobs, and sometimes find myself stressed out to complete them. I always manage to finish it on time, but it makes me work more, as I take up other jobs.
Jaymie's Feedback
It's not uncommon for people to be team players who tend to take on more than they should sometimes, so this is an acceptable weakness to share. What is important when responding to this question is to focus on how you're working to overcome this weakness and ways that you're growing in this area.
Unlock all 30 NHS Band 6 Nurse questions
Unlock expert responses to clinical scenarios and leadership questions NHS panels expect.
Get Started