This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for us?

"Thank you for asking. Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, when would you like to have this position filled? And second, what types of career growth opportunities would follow this position?"

The interviewers want to make sure that all of your questions about the NHS or Band 6 nursing role are answered during the interview. It is best to ask at least a question or two, showing the interviewers your eagerness to learn all you can. Of course, you want to review the job announcement and thoroughly research the NHS beforehand so you are not asking questions that could be found during your research.You should focus on asking questions specific to the role you are interviewing for or the company culture and work environment. Examples of good questions are asking the interviewer how you performed in the interview or if you need to clarify anything, asking what the interviewers like most about working for the NHS, how the nursing shortage in the NHS will affect you if hired, or if they have any hesitancy about hiring you for the nursing position. To make yourself stand out, thank the interviewers at the beginning of your response for letting you ask questions. They will think that it is respectful and it shows you have good manners.

"How could I impress you in the first 3 months?"

"Thank you for asking, and yes I have a couple of questions. When I get the job, how long will I be a supernumerary nurse, and during this period, will you allow me to coordinate the unit?"

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

"My ten-year goal is to be working as the head of clinical education for an NHS trust. As a Band 6 nurse, I have had significant involvement in teaching nursing students and the community in medical education. Over the next three years, I will obtain my Master's Degree in Clinical Education. This degree will give me the educational background I need along with my professional qualifications and experience to apply for the position."

Interviewers will ask this question for several reasons. First, they are interested in your career goals and want to hear where you see yourself in ten years. The second, and probably the most important reason, is the interviewers want to know if you see yourself with the NHS in ten years. A recent study shows the NHS spends 12,000 pounds on replacing a fully-trained nurse, which turns out to be 3.6 million pounds per year per Trust to replace nurses. The interviewers want to see if you will be worth their investment if chosen for the position and that you aspire to grow professionally in your career.

"I see myself in a managerial role within this department, as that’s my goal. I want to learn more and would love to do a master's degree at some point."

"My aim is to become an advanced nurse practitioner in the NHS. It is my passion, to achieve a master's in nursing. I look forward to fulfilling the criteria for reaching my goal. I believe enrolling in the ACP course will help to achieve my goal, along with my experience, professional qualifications, and knowledge."

"Hopefully in a permanent Band 6 role having gained lots of experience in managing the ward and staff. I want to have a role in facilitating the process of education and development within the team and I want to contribute to the development of clinical practice. I’d like to be seen as a role model for the unit."

"I always believe that learning is continuous. In this regard, I see myself as either an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, who completed a 2-year ACCP training program or a Charge Nurse, who has completed a Master's Degree. Being a Band 6 is my stepping stone to achieve either of these goals."

How do you respond if you disagree with a doctor's orders?

"If I disagreed with a doctor's orders because I thought it would jeopardize my patient's health and well-being, I would follow my company's policy. During nursing school, I was taught that some organizations require their nurses to speak with a charge nurse or another superior who can then speak with the doctor, while others have the nurse who questions the order contact the physician with their concerns. I prefer speaking directly with the physician, but I will follow the NHS's protocols regarding this situation."

As a nurse, you may not always agree with a doctor's orders if it may jeopardize the patient's well-being. The interviewers understand this and want to see how you communicate with a physician when questioning their orders. Explain why you might disagree with a physician's orders and how you professionally and diplomatically approach them or your superior based on the company's protocols.

"I would be honest and inform the doctor that I did not agree with his orders as a nurse, we are the ones in the front line seeing the patients day in and day out. I would ask them to give me more information on why they were suggesting what they had, however, I would not be afraid to speak to someone higher (depending on the doctor in question, would discuss with a registrar/consultant for clarity)."

"I would challenge them respectfully, wanting to understand the reasoning behind their decision. I would be entitled to a second opinion if I still disagreed."

"As a patient advocate, I always find the courage to respectfully disagree with a doctor's orders when I feel that they will not benefit the patient. In my current trust, during doctor's rounds and in the presence of a Sister or Charge Nurse and a multidisciplinary team, our Consultants always ask if we have any concerns. This is my cue, to either challenge or clarify their orders, which our Consultants are more than happy to amend or confirm their plans."

The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care for all of our patients. Please describe how you are a compassionate nurse.

"I show compassion to my patients by actively listening to them, acknowledging what they are saying, and helping to provide a solution to their problem. I treat all my patients with dignity, respect, and empathy, which is how I want to be treated. If they are cold, I bring them a blanket. I bring them food or a beverage if they are hungry or thirsty. If they want to cry, I will hold their hand or give them a hug. I feel providing compassion is just listening to your patients and giving them what they need at the moment."

The NHS Leadership Academy describes how 'the NHS was founded on the core value of compassion and a commitment to providing care for those who need it regardless of status, wealth, ethnicity, age, or gender.' They further describe how compassion is the care given based on empathy, dignity, and respect. The interviewers want to hear that you are a compassionate nurse and be assured that you will be a good representation of the NHS if hired for the role. Describe how you provide compassionate care to your patients.

"I love listening to patients and their respective families to learn as much as I can about them, so I can provide patient-centered care. I enjoy delivering individualized care that is best for the patient."

"I always go the extra mile when providing care to my patients. Simple things like offering them breakfast, making them tea, or getting them a sandwich make a great difference because I can see and feel how grateful they are for these simple gestures. If we have an EOL patient, I always make sure that the patient is pain-free and that the relatives can stay beside the patient anytime."

In your opinion, what characteristics and skills are essential for nurses to possess?

"I believe nurses should be kind, honest, and compassionate. Nurses should be able to remain calm under pressure, think quickly on their feet, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This profession requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with a positive demeanor. I possess these skills, which is part of the reason I chose this career. I wanted a job where I could help others while utilizing my hard and soft skills, and I know that I have made the right career choice."

The NHS website has an entire page dedicated to the personal characteristics and skills required to work as an NHS nurse. These skills include being highly organized, flexible, observant, and able to prioritize effectively. They also mention daily that you will use a broad range of skills, such as communication, teaching, advising, counseling, caring, managing, and judgment. Interpersonal skills are also essential as you will reassure and advise patients, relatives, and carers during challenging situations where they may be having difficulty coping.While the interviewers ask your opinion, using some of the skills and characteristics mentioned on the NHS website in your response is recommended to show the interviewers you have the skills they seek in a Band 6 nurse.

"Being calm, caring, empathetic, and sympathetic. Nurses must be fairly organized and good with time management. They must be able to plan and be able to adapt quickly to changing situations."

How would your references describe you?

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

When reviewing the candidate's guide to the NHS employment check standards on the NHS website, it shows that a minimum of two references covering a minimum of three years of employment and/or training is required. These references should include your current or most recent department head or manager and a personal reference from a person of good standing in the community, such as a doctor, MP, or solicitor. Review your letters of recommendation before your interview. You will be better prepared to answer the question if what your references wrote is fresh in your mind. Even if you submitted letters of recommendation with your application, it is good to have copies for the interviewers if they would like a copy for their files.

"I have good references, who will say that I am a compassionate nurse and a role model. I always am honest, kind, and hardworking. Also, they will mention that I am punctual, with good morale, and willing to help others."

"A very experienced top band 5 nurse adept at doing her job well. She’s a great team player and a popular team member. She has a great sense of humor and contributes to keeping morale high amongst her team. She has tremendous communication skills and can talk and discuss things easily with all members of the wider team. She talks to patients and their families in a way that they understand and can teach others in a way that they understand."

"My references know me as always eager to learn new things, able to remain calm in difficult situations, able to adapt to changes, and always happy to give a helping hand to colleagues. One of our aspiring Consultants told me he wants me to be a Band 6 because I know what I am doing and always plan ahead."

This post requires you to work weekends and public holidays. Will that be an issue for you?

"I saw that requirement listed on the job announcement. No, working holidays and weekends will not be an issue. I work weekends and some holidays at my current position, so I am used to this type of schedule."

As a nurse, you should be used to working odd and unusual schedules unless you have only worked in a clinic or doctor's office with a traditional schedule. The NHS makes every effort to be flexible with your schedule and allow their team members to have a healthy work/life balance. However, some positions require you to work weekends and public holidays, which will be listed on the job announcement. The interviewers want to see that you read the job announcement in its entirety and understand you would be required to work public holidays and weekends.

"Absolutely not, I’m very used to working shifts and I’m quite adaptable at swapping shifts to suit the unit."

"I have no problem working on these occasions. I am also more than happy to cover shifts or get extra shits if I am needed."

How would your colleagues describe your interpersonal skills?

"My colleagues would describe my interpersonal skills as above average. I have been complimented on my strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills and have been told I am naturally good with people. My colleagues would also attest that I can handle conflict professionally and maturely; I am an excellent leader, actively listen to my team and patients, and always bring a positive attitude to the workplace. I look forward to bringing these skills to the NHS workforce."

Interpersonal skills are defined as 'the skills required to effectively communicate, interact, and work with individuals and groups.' With the current emphasis in the NHS promoting overall wellness, healthcare professionals should seek to improve their interpersonal skills to benefit their patients. This would ensure patients have more positive experiences, encouraging better patient outcomes and satisfaction. The interviewers want to hear how those closest to you (your colleagues) would describe how you interact with them and your patients to see if you would be a good fit for the NHS team.

Would you please convert 1575 micrograms to milligrams?

"Yes, I would be happy to. If I had 1575 micrograms, that is equal to 1.575 milligrams. These are commonly used conversions I use in nursing."

During NHS nursing interviews, interviewers commonly ask you drug dosage or medication calculation questions to test your competency. Some questions may be more challenging than others, and the interviewers might even supply you with a pen and paper. This question should be quite simple for you to answer as an experienced nurse, as you will move the imaginary decimal point at the end of 1575 over three spaces to the left. (1575 micrograms ? 1,000 = 1.575 mg, or 1 microgram = 0.001 milligram)

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

"I have had this happen many times in my career. Usually, when a patient or family member yells at a colleague or me, it is because they are in pain or are frustrated with their situation. I always remain calm and do not take it personally. I ask them what they are upset about and what I can do to help them. When I take the time to actively listen to them, ask questions, and come up with a solution, they will calm down and stop yelling. Sometimes, the patient or family member may have a mental issue or be under the influence, requiring a physician to evaluate them and prescribe medication to calm them down. Either way, I remain calm and professional and do not exacerbate the situation by yelling back or ignoring them."

As a nurse, you can expect to be yelled at by patients or their family members. It is not always because you have done something wrong but because they are in pain, grieving, or frustrated with their situation. While you should never let people verbally abuse you, you must understand that you cannot take them yelling at you personally. You must remain calm and professional when handling the situation. The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communications skills to determine if you will be an excellent asset to the NHS team. Let them know how you have handled patients or family members yelling at you in the past.

"I have had this many times during my career, and I have not once responded in a way to start a conflict. I listen to what they have to say and then try to find a solution. However, on one occasion, the relative had to be removed as they would not calm or listen to what we had to say. Relatives usually raise their voices because they are angry and frustrated, but also because having a relative in the hospital is daunting and frightening and you need to take this into consideration."

"Stay calm and listen to their concerns. Allow them time to explain how they feel. Try to give them a private space to do the above. I would then explain my reasons for doing whatever it is that’s upset them, maybe apologize."

What would you do if you witnessed a nurse administering an incorrect drug or dosage?

"If I witnessed a nurse administering an incorrect drug or dosage, I would quickly stop them while keeping a calm and professional attitude in front of the patient. While the patient has a right to know if they were given the wrong medication or an incorrect dose, I would not want to alarm them until the situation was resolved. I would pull the nurse aside and determine if the medication or dosage was, in fact, incorrect. If it were not the correct dosage or drug, I would have the nurse call the patient's physician or the attending physician and explain what happened and see what the doctor wanted the nurse to do to fix the situation. If the wrong drug or dosage were given, the incident would need to be documented in the patient's chart, and the patient would need to be told what happened."

Situational questions are often asked during nursing interviews to see how you respond in certain situations, communicate, and use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When you have a situation where you witness a nurse administering an incorrect drug or dosage, you must react quickly and stop the nurse from administering the medication. While stopping the nurse, you also want to keep your professional demeanor so as not to alarm the patient if they are awake. Be sure to mention how serious of a situation this is and how this incident would need to be documented in the patient's chart, and the physician would need to be immediately notified (if the drug were given).

"I would tell them. I would do it in a calm and professional manner and try to find out why, is it a drug they are not familiar with. I have had someone try to give the wrong dose of IV medication and I asked if they had realised. It was one they hadn’t dealt with before, which is why."

"Immediately stop them without scaring the patient or the nurse in question. I’d take them aside and explain their mistake and try to understand why they did it, try to understand their knowledge behind it. Teach them how to do it properly."

Could you describe a time you had to quickly make a decision regarding a patient?

"As an experienced nurse, I often make quick decisions regarding my patients. One of the most recent examples happened two weeks ago. I was walking past a patient's room to check on another patient when I heard the sounds of vomiting coming from the room. I entered the room and found the patient on their back, unresponsive with projectile vomiting. I immediately pushed the nurse's call button and rolled the patient onto their side so they would not aspirate. I then grabbed the suction unit at the head of the bed and started suctioning the patient's mouth. After suctioning the patient, they started waking up, and my colleague walked into the room to see why the call button was pushed. I believe I was in the right place at the right time, as the patient could have aspirated or choked if I hadn't been walking by."

A skill that is essential to have as a nurse is the ability to think and act quickly. Depending on where you work, you will have to make decisions regarding patient care quickly, sometimes more often than other nurses. For example, if you work as a nurse in accident and emergency, you will have to quickly make decisions more often than nurses who work in a non-urgent setting. Regardless, the interviewers would like to hear of a time you had to quickly make a decision regarding a patient, what the situation was, and the outcome.

"Making quick decisions about patient care is already part of a critical care nurse's daily routine. In my experience, I noticed that the intubated, ventilated, and sedated patient's cardiac monitor was alarming. When I checked, it showed that the patient was in ventricular fibrillation. I immediately checked if the wirings got detached and also checked the patient's carotid pulse. There was no pulse, so I pressed the emergency button, lowered the head of the bed flat, and started CPR. The medical team came in and we took turns performing CPR, giving adrenaline and shocks until the patient had attained ROSC. I always stay vigilant at work so I can render high-quality nursing care to my patients."

In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing the NHS?

"I believe the NHS's most significant challenges are staffing, funding, and retention issues. In my opinion, the three issues go hand in hand. When there is a lack of funding, it is hard to retain staff because they will look elsewhere for a higher-paying job. Funding also prevents new personnel from being hired, leading to increased employee stress, burnout, and overall low morale. I feel the best way to start fixing these issues is for the government to allocate more funds to the NHS."

If you have done your research, you will have noticed the NHS is under scrutiny and facing significant challenges. A 2022 article by the British Medical Association (BMA) describes the NHS as experiencing some of the worst pressures in its 70-year history, with the COVID-19 pandemic being the tip of the iceberg. These mounting pressures include chronic understaffing, poor retention, declining well-being of employees, and insufficient funding, to name a few. Show the interviewers you have done your research while explaining what you see as the most significant challenges facing the NHS. Then, show the interviewers that you are a forward-thinker and offer a possible solution to fixing these challenges.

"Staffing and recruitment, finances, and chronic under-provision."

Which of the 6 Cs in nursing resonates the most with you?

"The 6 Cs all resonate with me because they embody the true essence of a nurse. If I could only choose one, commitment resonates the most. This is a challenging field, and we must be committed to our patients, our employers, our patient's carers and relatives, our colleagues, and our families. We must also be committed to caring for our mental and physical health, as this can be a very stressful job and can easily lead to burnout."

The 6 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 6 Cs are (1) care, (2) compassion, (3) courage, (4) communication, (5) commitment, and (6) competence. The interviewers want to see that you have been trained on the 6 Cs and hear which resonates the most with you, showing a glimpse into your personality and motivation to pursue a career in nursing.

"Communication as it’s definitely one of my strong points."

What are the six core values of the NHS?

"The six core values that are part of the NHS Constitution and which all team members are expected to uphold are working together for patients, treating everyone with respect and dignity, committing to high-quality care, having compassion for everyone, improving lives, and everyone counts. I love these values and want to work for an organization with a vision and values that align with mine."

The NHS belongs to the people and is founded on a standard set of values and principles called the NHS Constitution. The six core values in the NHS Constitution are:1. Working together for patients 2. Respect and dignity 3. Commitment to quality of care 4. Compassion 5. Improving lives 6. Everyone countsThe interviewers want to see that you have researched the NHS and understand the values you will be asked to uphold if hired for the Band 6 nursing position. Show the interviewers that you are diligent and have done your homework by reciting the six values.

"Respect and dignity Commitment to quality care Compassion Improving lives Working together Everyone counts"

Why are you looking for a new place of employment?

"I am looking for employment with the NHS because the private practice I am currently with is closing down at the end of the month. The physician I work for is retiring and decided to sell the building rather than sell his practice. I am excited about this opportunity and am ready for a career change. I believe the experience and skills I gained working in private practice will transfer nicely to the NHS."

The interviewers want to know why you are looking for new employment to see if you were laid off or fired from your job, if you were unhappy for some reason, or if there are other circumstances behind you looking for employment with the NHS. If you were fired, they want to know if you will admit why you were fired, if you take responsibility, and what you learned from the experience. If you have given notice, they want to understand what you did not like about your job to see if you will fit in with the NHS company culture.Be direct and honest while explaining why you are looking for a new job, but avoid saying anything negative about your previous employer, supervisor, patients, or colleagues. Speaking poorly of others shows the interviewers that you have poor character and talk about others behind their backs.

"I enjoy working in my current workplace because we are like a family supporting each other; however, I also value professional growth. We currently do not have an available Band 6 post, and as soon as I saw your post, I grabbed the opportunity and applied. I believe that I can apply the knowledge and skills I have learned in my current workplace to this new environment."

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

"I am the best candidate for the position because I meet and exceed your qualifications. I have over seven years of experience working as a charge nurse with diverse teams and cultures. I am excellent at problem-solving, have strong leadership skills, and work extremely well under pressure. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which all my references will attest to. I guarantee you will not regret hiring me for this position as I will be a valuable asset to the NHS."

The interviewers ask this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the NHS and how you will benefit their organization if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing the interviewers you have all the qualifications they seek in a band 6 nurse.Review the job announcement before your interview and highlight the qualities, experience, and education the NHS requires. Then, focus on using those keywords in your response. When describing how you meet their job requirements, the interviewers will see that you are a highly qualified candidate and place you high on the list.

"I have experience working in stroke rehabilitation and feel that my knowledge and skills are paramount for this position. I am caring and considerate at all times, and I am compassionate about nursing. My interpersonal skills are perfect for this position."

"As an experienced nurse in critical care, I’m organized and dependable. I’ve had some great mentors over the years who have taught me a lot. I pride myself as a valued member of our team. Patient care is a top priority, and my compassion and drive to succeed in this role make me the person for this role."

What is your favorite part of working as a nurse?

"My favorite part of working as a nurse is helping my patients feel more comfortable when they are sick or injured. When a patient is in pain, I love when I can give them pain medication that helps make them feel better. If a patient is cold, I like bringing them warm blankets. I will bring books or magazines if they want something to read. If a patient wants something cold to drink, I will bring them a cold beverage. I grew up with eight younger siblings and have always been a nurturing person, which is why I pursued a career in nursing."

Nurses love their jobs for many reasons, such as the ability to make a difference in their patients' lives, improving health and well-being, the work schedule, the opportunities for professional growth, the pay, and the benefits. The interviewers want to hear what you like most to ensure you will be a good fit for the NHS. Most NHS Band 6 nurse positions say they seek a compassionate, motivated, and enthusiastic nurse in the job description. If you respond that you love the pay or benefits the most, the interviewers will determine that your passion is to make money and not to make a difference in your patients' lives.

"As a nurse, I love to help my patients when they are in need. It can be medicine, or personal care, which makes them more comfortable. I feel so content when they express their gratitude with words or a smile. By the end of the day, it provides me with complete satisfaction."

"It's being part of the team who rendered quality care to a once critically ill patient who was then stepped down to a regular ward. I also feel great when I get to give a helping hand to colleagues in need without expecting anything in return."

What experience do you have working with our target population?

"I have three years of experience working with the pediatric population. I started as a newly registered nurse in a private pediatric practice, then transferred to a children's hospital where I worked with pediatric oncology patients. At this point in my career, I am confident and comfortable with my nursing skills and rapport with pediatric patients and their families. I am excited for the opportunity to interview for this position and know I would bring an added benefit to the NHS as a Band 6 pediatric clinical lead nurse."

A quick internet search showed many NHS Band 6 nurse job openings in various populations. The jobs found on the UK Indeed website include community psychiatric nurse, integrated sexual health nurse, pediatric clinical lead, registered general nurse, and intensive therapy nurse, to name a few. The interviewers want to understand your experience working with their target population to determine if you are familiar with this particular group or if you may need additional on-the-job training. Describe your experience working with the population you are interviewing for. If you do not have experience working with this specific population, explain how your experience as a nurse will allow you to adapt quickly to working with this particular group.

"I have years of experience in taking care of the adult population in this country and abroad. Also, I have been working as a Band 6 Sister, for more than 2 years, in the acute admission unit. I have been chosen as a charge nurse, as I have good nursing skills and interpersonal skills, which are reflected in all the care I am providing. So, I am confident to take care of the adult population, who comes to your trust."

"I worked for 10 months in the Care of the Elderly before transferring to the Critical Care Unit. I have been working here for a little more than 3 years now, where I have learned knowledge and skills in rendering high-quality nursing care to critically ill patients. At this point in my career, I am confident that I possess the qualities of a Band 6 nurse you are looking for."

Why did you choose to apply to the NHS?

"I chose to apply to the NHS because I want to work for an organization that respects its employees and makes them feel like family. I like that you offer childcare, flexible schedules, and encourage professional growth. Your core values resonate with my values and morals, and I cannot think of another company I would rather spend the rest of my career working for."

The NHS is the largest employer in the UK, with over 1.7 million people employed in various roles. When clinical and non-clinical workers were asked why they enjoyed working for the NHS for a blog article, one of the main reasons reported was the sense of satisfaction they felt knowing they are caring for people. Contributing to the well-being and health of thousands of people every day is why many chose to pursue a career with the NHS rather than working a typical office job. Other reasons employees enjoy working for the NHS are because of its core values, flexible schedules, pay and benefits, and room for professional growth. While you may have chosen to apply to the NHS because of the salary or benefits, it is best to avoid telling that to the interviewers, as you may look like you are in nursing for the wrong reasons.

Why did you pursue a career in nursing?

"I chose to pursue a career in nursing after being a patient for two years in and out of the oncology unit. I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was seven years old and spent much time in and out of the hospital. While my physicians were incredible, my nurses impacted me the most. Most of my time was spent with the nurses, who were compassionate, funny, and empathetic. I vowed that once I beat my cancer, I would become a nurse and help others like my nurses helped me. I cannot imagine choosing another career path and look forward to spending the rest of my nursing career with the NHS."

A descriptive study was found online where 348 nursing students were asked why they chose nursing as a profession. A whopping 90.3% of students responded that they pursued a career in nursing to help people. According to research studies, the students said they 'would be happy to help and provide assistance to people.' The second and third reasons students entered nursing were to work in the health profession and find easy employment, as nurses are in high demand.The interviewers want to hear why you became a nurse to see if you have entered the profession for the right reasons. If you say you pursued a career in nursing for the pay, benefits, or job security, the interviewers may feel that you do not have the empathetic and compassionate nature they seek in a band 6 nurse. If you entered this profession to help people, be sure to expand on your answer since most candidates will probably have the same answer, and you want to stand out above the others.

Do you have experience training other nurses?

"Yes, I have worked as a nurse educator for three years and trained the community on First Aid, CPR, and AED. I have also taught nursing students at a local college and mentored new nursing graduates at the facilities I have worked for. I am confident in my teaching abilities and look forward to this opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the NHS."

As a Band 6 nurse, you have many years of training and experience as a registered nurse and may also have more specialized training than a Band 5 nurse. At this point in your career, you should feel confident enough to train nurses who are newer to the profession if that is something that interests you. Some nurses prefer to solely provide patient care throughout their careers, while others enjoy teaching others. If you are asked this question during your interview, it will have been specified in the job announcement that this is one of the job duties. Describe what experience you have training others. If you do not have prior experience training other nurses, explain that while you have no previous experience, you feel ready for this due to your expertise in educating your patients over the years.

"Yes, I have completed the student learning course that is expected of me, one that is set by the trust. I have had several students work alongside me over the years and they have always given excellent feedback about my professionalism and how I have helped to shape them into the nurses they are today."

"Yes, I’ve been training others like junior nurses and student nurses throughout my career, I’ve recently been a mentor to a student nurse who thanked me with a card at the end of her placement."

Describe your leadership style.

"I describe my leadership style as collaborative and inclusive. I like seeking diverse ideas, opinions, and thoughts from my team to build strategies and solve problems. These leadership styles are effective since my team members feel included and trusted and are more likely to take pride in ownership of their work."

There are many different leadership styles: autocratic, democratic, servant, pacesetting, coaching, collaborative, inclusive, compassionate, and more. The NHS prefers that its leaders have a collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate leadership style to deliver the highest quality patient care.Collaborative leadership is a management practice that brings staff, executives, and managers together and shares information organically. Inclusive leaders are individuals aware of their biases and actively seek out and consider alternative perspectives to inform their decision-making and work more effectively with others. Compassionate leadership involves listening to your colleagues, understanding their challenges, and empathizing with them. Since the NHS is vocal about its leadership style on its website, you want to focus on describing your leadership style as one or all of the three styles. You want to show the interviewers you have the leadership qualities they seek in a Band 6 nurse.

"Fair but firm. I like to involve everyone in decision-making when able. I like to stay calm and delegate well when needed. I’m adaptable and find it fairly easy to solve problems."

How would you handle a team member who is consistently 5-10 minutes late for their shift and they fail to notify you they will be late?

"I always follow the policies and procedures of the organization I work for, which are generally the same regarding employee tardiness. I do not allow team members to get to the point where they are consistently late. I like to nip it in the bud the first time someone is late and ask why they were late and why they did not call and notify me. I am always concerned if a team member is late and want to make sure nothing bad happened to cause them to be tardy. If it were something simple, such as inclement weather or heavy traffic, I would let the incident slide with a warning to contact me if they were going to be late in the future. If they had a warning and the behavior continued without notifying me they would be late, I would document the incident, give the employee a verbal reprimand, and involve human resources if there was no improvement with the team member."

As a Band 6 nurse, you will require excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The interviewers would like to hear that you address this situation before it becomes a consistent issue while also having compassion for your colleagues. As an interviewer, I like hearing that senior nurses will address tardiness the first time it happens. Asking your team member why they are late shows that you have leadership skills and that you are concerned about what caused the staff member to be late. If the reason is valid and the employee is not typically late, you can shrug it off while reminding them to call you if they will be late again. If the employee continues to be tardy, let the interviewers know how you would follow the NHS policies and procedures for an incident, such as documenting the incident, reprimanding the employee, and involving human resources if the tardiness continues.

"I would ask to speak to them privately and find out why this might be and to come up with a solution. It is possible to have hours that suit your situation. It is important to find out all the information first to come up with a solution before doing anything else"

"I would chat with them privately to try to understand the reasons why they’re always late. Are there things going on at home for example. I’d try to help them problem solve and encourage them to be on time as it’s very important to the whole team. Also, encourage them to ensure they let us know if they’re going to be late. If things didn’t improve then I’d escalate to my line manager."

What do you do when a team member does not show up for their scheduled shift?

"Whenever I am in a senior or managerial position, I will follow my company's policy regarding employee issues. Generally, if a team member does not show up for their shift, I will see if I received a text, call, or email from them. If I did not have a message, I would call them to see where they were. If I could not reach them, I would leave a message reminding them of their shift. I would let the team member they were supposed to be relieving know of the situation and ask them to stay until I could reach their relief or another team member to cover the shift. I would work on getting a replacement to cover the shift and document the missed shift in the employee's file."

The interviewers want to gain insight into your leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving skills to see if you will be a good fit for the NHS Band 6 nursing position. Band 6 nurses are recognized as senior, junior sisters, deputy ward managers, or specialist nurses. Depending on the job you are hired for, your role may entail managing and disciplining others. Describe how you would handle a team member who did not show up for their scheduled shift while mentioning that you always follow company policy regarding this issue.

"I would try and contact said team member to find out what was happening, and if it was happening time and time again, I would escalate to the ward manager and to Human Resources. I have had many nurses (bank or agency) not turn up for their shifts over the years, and I escalate to the site matron for staffing to be able to come up with a solution - usually, we get a nurse from another ward to cover."

"Ring them at home and gently remind them that they need to be at work. It’s usually a mess up with their off duty or they forgot, but could be some more serious reason, so I’d worry especially if I couldn’t get hold of them."

What is the most challenging part of being a nurse?

"The most challenging part of being a nurse is watching family members grieve over losing their loved one. I understand how hard it is to watch someone you love die, as it has happened to me. It used to be challenging to maintain my composure because it brought up what I went through, but after two years of grief counseling, it has become easier. Now, I can comfort the family while remembering they are grieving, not me. I feel my experience has made me a more compassionate and empathetic nurse. While it was challenging to go through what I did, it has made me stronger and more capable of handling grieving families."

Laura is a Band 7 Bed Manager nurse with the NHS. She recently wrote in a UK nursing blog that although nursing is an extremely rewarding career, nurses face challenges. If you are aware of these challenges, you will be better prepared to manage them when they happen. Laura mentioned inadequate staffing, nursing shortages, long hours, difficult patients, and being overworked. The interviewers understand nurses face challenges, and they want to see what you find to be the most difficult part of your job and how you handle this challenge to ensure you will be a good fit for the role.

"Remaining compassionate, calm, and composed when patients or their families are rude to us or aggressive patients."

What are your salary expectations?

"I noticed the salary range mentioned in the job announcement and would like to start at the high end of the range based on my qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to being a Registered Nurse for almost six years, I possess 60 credits at Level 6 in Critical Care Nursing. I have attended assessor and supervisor training to support pre-registration students in clinical placements, and I am aware of the NHS and Infection Control issues and policies. I believe starting on the high end of the salary range is reasonable since I possess the essential skills and experience needed for the job."

The interviewers would like to know your salary expectations to see that you have read the job announcement and what you expect for compensation based on your years of service. The NHS Band 6 nursing positions start at 33,706 pounds and rise to 40,588 pounds per annum for those with more than five years of experience. Band 6 nurses generally include Senior Nurses, Health Visitors, Deputy Ward Managers, and various specialty nurses. The NHS website also mentions that all Band 6 and above roles require increasingly specialized skills, qualifications, and experience.

You are working as a senior nurse and walk into a patient's room to check on them. As you enter, you notice a newly hired Band 5 nurse putting something from the patient's bedside into her pocket while the patient sleeps. What would you do?

"I had something similar happen at my current place of employment. I witnessed a junior nurse put a patient's medication in his pocket after the patient refused to take it. I slyly followed the nurse to our employee break room and watched him put the medication in his backpack. I was the Deputy Ward Manager and told the nurse I had seen him put the patient's medication in his backpack, and he denied doing so. I immediately called my Managing Director to report the incident and contacted security to pull the surveillance tapes. After an investigation, the nurse was found guilty, and he was let go. I do not tolerate stealing or dishonesty, and I have no problem confronting any staff member doing anything inappropriate and unethical."

This situational question is asked for many reasons. First, the interviewers want to gain insight into your conflict resolution, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. Additionally, they want to see that you are honest and have a strong moral compass, as the NHS does not tolerate inappropriate behavior or stealing. When responding, describe what you would do in this situation, using a real-life example if you have one. If you use an example from your past, be sure you do not name any names.

"Immediately take them aside and calmly challenge them."

How well do you handle stress in the workplace?

"I handle stress very well. I understand I chose a stressful career and was prepared for that when I started working as a nurse. I talk with my colleagues or manager if I ever feel overly stressed. 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 easily handle stressful situations in the workplace."

The interviewers ask this question to determine if you are someone who can handle stress on the job. Working as an NHS Band 6 nurse can be stressful and fast-paced, and the interviewers want to decide whether or not you will be able to handle the stress if hired for the position. Talk to the interviewers about your ability to handle pressure in the workplace and techniques you use to minimize job stressors.Also, focus on letting the interviewers know you understand how to decompress away from work, so you are ready to mentally handle the pressures of your job. When nurses understand the stress factor of their job and have healthy ways to relieve stress, they are less apt to burn out or become sick or injured from stress.

"I deal with it well, I like to chat with my colleagues to offload. I’m very good at leaving most work stress at work. I enjoy my time off with my family and friends and I’m good at getting plenty of rest, which enables me to deal with work stresses well."

What is your greatest weakness as a nurse? What are you doing to improve?

"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."

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 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."

"I lack confidence in public speaking and I’m not great with IT. I’m hoping in the role of band 6 that I will improve my computer skills and have more opportunities to teach small groups, which in turn would improve my confidence."

NHS Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions

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1. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for us?
2. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
3. How do you respond if you disagree with a doctor's orders?
4. The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care for all of our patients. Please describe how you are a compassionate nurse.
5. In your opinion, what characteristics and skills are essential for nurses to possess?
6. How would your references describe you?
7. This post requires you to work weekends and public holidays. Will that be an issue for you?
8. How would your colleagues describe your interpersonal skills?
9. Would you please convert 1575 micrograms to milligrams?
10. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
11. What would you do if you witnessed a nurse administering an incorrect drug or dosage?
12. Could you describe a time you had to quickly make a decision regarding a patient?
13. In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing the NHS?
14. Which of the 6 Cs in nursing resonates the most with you?
15. What are the six core values of the NHS?
16. Why are you looking for a new place of employment?
17. What makes you the best candidate for this position?
18. What is your favorite part of working as a nurse?
19. What experience do you have working with our target population?
20. Why did you choose to apply to the NHS?
21. Why did you pursue a career in nursing?
22. Do you have experience training other nurses?
23. Describe your leadership style.
24. How would you handle a team member who is consistently 5-10 minutes late for their shift and they fail to notify you they will be late?
25. What do you do when a team member does not show up for their scheduled shift?
26. What is the most challenging part of being a nurse?
27. What are your salary expectations?
28. You are working as a senior nurse and walk into a patient's room to check on them. As you enter, you notice a newly hired Band 5 nurse putting something from the patient's bedside into her pocket while the patient sleeps. What would you do?
29. How well do you handle stress in the workplace?
30. What is your greatest weakness as a nurse? What are you doing to improve?

NHS Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions

1. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for us?

2. Where do you see yourself in ten years?

3. How do you respond if you disagree with a doctor's orders?

4. The NHS prides itself on providing compassionate care for all of our patients. Please describe how you are a compassionate nurse.

5. In your opinion, what characteristics and skills are essential for nurses to possess?

6. How would your references describe you?

7. This post requires you to work weekends and public holidays. Will that be an issue for you?

8. How would your colleagues describe your interpersonal skills?

9. Would you please convert 1575 micrograms to milligrams?

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

11. What would you do if you witnessed a nurse administering an incorrect drug or dosage?

12. Could you describe a time you had to quickly make a decision regarding a patient?

13. In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing the NHS?

14. Which of the 6 Cs in nursing resonates the most with you?

15. What are the six core values of the NHS?

16. Why are you looking for a new place of employment?

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

18. What is your favorite part of working as a nurse?

19. What experience do you have working with our target population?

20. Why did you choose to apply to the NHS?

21. Why did you pursue a career in nursing?

22. Do you have experience training other nurses?

23. Describe your leadership style.

24. How would you handle a team member who is consistently 5-10 minutes late for their shift and they fail to notify you they will be late?

25. What do you do when a team member does not show up for their scheduled shift?

26. What is the most challenging part of being a nurse?

27. What are your salary expectations?

28. You are working as a senior nurse and walk into a patient's room to check on them. As you enter, you notice a newly hired Band 5 nurse putting something from the patient's bedside into her pocket while the patient sleeps. What would you do?

29. How well do you handle stress in the workplace?

30. What is your greatest weakness as a nurse? What are you doing to improve?