30 NHS Band 7 Nurse Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NHS Band 7 Nurse interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Table of Contents
- 1. Communication Questions
- 2. Compatibility Questions
- 3. Conflict Questions
- 4. Customer Service Questions
- 5. Diligence Questions
- 6. Discovery Questions
- 7. Education Questions
- 8. Experience Questions
- 9. Leadership Questions
- 10. Scenario Based Questions
- 11. Situational Questions
- 12. Stress Questions
- 13. Teamwork Questions
- 14. Tough Questions
Communication
1. How do you communicate challenging information to a patient or their family members?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a nurse, you will need to communicate information to patients and their family members that may be challenging for them to understand. It may be challenging because they do not understand complex medical terms or may not understand because of cognitive reasons. 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 your process for communicating challenging information.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"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 speak in 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."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
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Communication
2. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a nurse, there will be times when you will have a patient or family member yell at you. Generally, it will not be because of something you did but because they are uninformed, scared, or in pain. The interviewers would like to gain insight into your communication and problem-solving skills and see that you can handle this situation calmly and professionally. Describe how you would speak to a patient or family member if they yelled at you. As a seasoned nurse, you most likely have had this happen before. If so, use that situation and how you responded in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"When a patient or family member yells at me, I want to see why they are upset and resolve the issue. I calmly ask them why they are yelling at me. Once I understand why they are upset, I can decide how to address their concern and resolve the issue. If they are yelling at me because of a medical condition or mental health issue, I address their health or mental health concerns. In my five years as a nurse, I have found that people want to be heard and understood and have their concerns addressed. For me, it's about remaining calm and professional while diffusing the situation and making the patient or family member happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
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Compatibility
3. What are your top three strengths as a nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The NHS health careers webpage lists personal characteristics and skills required for adult nurses. A few skills and characteristics listed include communication, listening, caring, advising, teaching, managing, and counselling. While you might consider additional characteristics and skills as your top three strengths, using keywords off this list is highly recommended so the NHS interviewers can see you have the skills they seek in a Band 7 nurse. After listing your top three strengths, describe how these strengths benefit you and your patients as a nurse.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"My top three strengths are compassion, communication, and the ability to work well under pressure. It takes a lot of compassion to work in this profession and to treat everyone with a caring and kind attitude. Communication and working well under pressure are also essential to effectively communicate with patients and team members in stressful situations. I pride myself on communicating complex medical terms to patients and their family members in ways everyone can understand while actively listening to and addressing their concerns."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
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Compatibility
4. Would you describe yourself as a detail-oriented person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a Band 7 nurse, you must be detail-oriented. You will be responsible for assessing patients, writing reports, leading a team, and managing the budget for the ward. The interviewers want to hear that you pay attention to detail to see that you will be an excellent addition to their team.
If you have a letter of recommendation or performance review from a previous employer that describes your attention to detail, let the interviewer know when responding to this question. When a former employer or supervisor comments on your attention to detail, it carries more weight than when you describe yourself. If you do not have a letter or performance review, give an example of why you consider yourself a detail-oriented person.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I am extremely detail-oriented. I pride myself on catching even the slightest errors in reports and remembering the smallest details when assessing my patients and speaking with their family members. My attention to detail has been mentioned in many performance reviews by my supervisors, and colleagues often ask me to proofread their patient care reports when charting."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
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Compatibility
5. Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question as compassion and empathy are essential traits for a nurse. Focus on ensuring the interviewers understand you are a compassionate person. You can say you are compassionate, but giving an example where you have helped others is a better way to let the interview panel know. 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 your personal example that shows you have compassion for others.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I am very compassionate, which is why I became a nurse. I show compassion to my patients by actively listening to them, acknowledging what they are saying, and helping to solve their problems. I treat all my patients with dignity, respect, and empathy, which is how I would want to be treated if I were in their shoes. 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 hug them. I feel providing compassion is just listening to your patients and giving them what they need at the moment."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Conflict
6. What is the most challenging patient you have had?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your communication, conflict resolution, and critical-thinking skills. When you describe a challenging patient and how you responded, the interviewers can see how you handle diversity and take control of the situation. As a Band 7 nurse, you will be asked to not only work with your own challenging patients but to step in and help your team with a difficult patient when needed. Describe the most challenging patient you have encountered and how you dealt with the situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"The most challenging patient I have had was when I worked in accident and emergency. A male patient was brought in under the influence of an unknown drug. He had been involved in an altercation, was stabbed multiple times, and bleeding profusely from his neck and abdomen. However, he had super-human strength from the drug he was on and fought the entire team. There were seven of us working on him, and we were having difficulty restraining him. Fortunately, I was able to inject him with a sedative so we could restrain him and address his wounds. When the tox report came back, it showed he had a large amount of PCP in his system, which is why he was so challenging to restrain and calm down."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Customer Service
7. You are working as the senior nurse and receive a phone call with a person who wants to file a complaint against one of the junior nurses. How do you respond to this situation?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Scenario and situational-based questions are often asked in interviews to gain insight into how you manage others and perform under pressure. For this particular question, the interviewers also want to see how you communicate with others and use your problem-solving skills to resolve the issue. If you have encountered this situation as a senior nurse, describe how you handled the situation. If you have not had a patient file a complaint against one of your junior nurses, explain how you would respond to the patient following local company policy.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I received a call about six months ago from a former patient's husband who wanted to file a complaint against one of the junior nurses. He was agitated when I spoke to him and said he wanted to speak to a manager. I told him I was in charge and would happily take his call. The husband explained that the nurse he wanted to file a complaint against was rude and told him he could not be with his wife during her surgery. He was upset because he could not be with his wife to hold her hand and comfort her. I calmly explained that our hospital's protocols do not allow visitors with patients during surgery, so the nurse was following protocol. I then apologized for the nurse's rudeness and told him I would speak with her about it and give him a call back after our talk. He said he wasn't informed about the hospital's policy before the surgery. He suggested all nurses inform the family of what to expect before, during, and after surgery to avoid confusion. I thanked him for his suggestion and told him I would call him back after I spoke with the nurse. He was happy with my response, and we ended on a positive note."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Diligence
8. Tell us what you have learned about the NHS.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Before applying to the NHS, you most likely researched the organization to ensure it is where you want to work. The interviewers want to see that you were diligent and did your homework before applying, or at least before your interview. They want to see what you found interesting about the NHS and what made you pursue a career with the UK's largest employer. In your response, it is always good to highlight any accolades the NHS has received in the news, awards they have won, expansions they have made, or the NHS's core values, mission, and vision. Let the interviewers know why you are excited to work for their organization after learning what you did in your research.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my research, I discovered the NHS is the largest employer in the UK and the fifth largest in the world, employing over 1.5 million people across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The NHS was launched on July 5th, 1948, by former Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan, who believed society could not be civilized if a sick person were denied medical care because of a lack of means. Currently, the NHS sees over 1 million patients every 36 hours, which I find astonishing and impressive."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Diligence
9. What is the vision of the NHS?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to see if you have researched the NHS before your interview. You should be prepared to answer any questions the interviewers will 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. It is always recommended to do your homework before any interview and learn all you can about the company.
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 easily respond to this question.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"The vision of the NHS 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 resonates with them."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
10. Who in your life has inspired you the most?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers will ask this question to see if someone motivated or mentored you to pursue a career as a nurse and to hear how you communicate and connect with others. It is best to describe a person you are close to and avoid political or religious figures. You do not know the interviewers' beliefs and do not want to offend anyone.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"The person who has inspired me the most in my life is my brother. My parents were killed in an auto accident when I was ten, and my brother was almost eighteen. He went to court to become my guardian and raised me by himself. He worked three jobs to support us and never once complained. Even though we were both grieving, he was always there and was an incredible role model. He taught me the value of hard work, setting goals, and achieving dreams. He went on to become a physician and is the reason I chose to pursue a career in medicine."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
11. What do you like to do in your free time?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Nurses must care for their mental and physical health to prevent burnout, illness, and stress-related injury. The interviewers ask this question to see what interests you and if you have healthy avenues to decompress from the pressure of being a nurse. They want to know that you have a healthy work/life balance and know how to rejuvenate away from work. Describe what interests and hobbies you enjoy in your free time.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have three children between the ages of eight and thirteen, so my free time is usually spent running them to sports practices, games, and music lessons. Since they are all in school, I take the mornings to do things for myself, like running, going to the gym, or meeting up with friends for coffee. Taking care of myself first is important so I am better equipped to care for my family and patients at work. In the evenings, after the kids go to bed, I enjoy curling up with a good book and a cup of tea, which is also calming and helps to reduce stress."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
12. Which of the 6 Cs in nursing resonates the most with you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"The 6 Cs all resonate with me because they embody the true essence of a nurse. If I could only choose one, commitment would resonate 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."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
13. What is a hobby or skill you have that most people do not know about?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers will often ask questions that may seem unimportant to the position you are interviewing for. However, they want to get to know you more as a person and see if you have a hobby or skill that is transferable to your role as a nurse. For example, suppose you enjoy working with and training bonsai plants. In that case, it shows you have patience, dedication, perseverance, and a calm mind, all desirable attributes to have as a nurse. Describe your particular skill or hobby and why you enjoy it or think it is unique.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"A skill I have that many people do not know about is that I am ambidextrous. I trained myself when I was younger to use both hands to perform tasks because I am left-handed. While my parents supported me being left-hand dominant, I had many teachers who tried to get me to use my right hand only. I learned how to use both hands and can write, paint, play musical instruments, and perform medical procedures using either one."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
14. Why do you want to work for the NHS?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear that you have thoroughly researched the NHS before your interview. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their organization that stand out from others. For example, you may want to work for the NHS because of its reputation as the largest employer in the UK, its opportunity for professional growth and advancement, or its high number of patients seen daily.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want to work for the NHS because of its reputation and opportunities for professional growth. As the largest employer in the UK, the NHS is known for treating employees like family and encouraging and supporting career advancements. I am interested in working for an organization with which I can spend the rest of my career, and I see that possibility with the NHS."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
15. Tell us about your volunteer experience.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Volunteer experience is all unpaid activities and committees you have been involved in. Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience, especially if the experience was with the NHS. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness - all qualities that make a great employee. Talk to the interviewers about your willingness to give back to your community through volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience, you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I started volunteering at 16 with the British Red Cross to see if the medical field were as exciting as I thought it would be. I enjoyed helping others and started volunteering with the NHS as a patient befriender at 18 to learn more about the hospital setting. I volunteered in that position for four years but have not formally volunteered with any outside organizations in recent years. My sister was in a debilitating car accident, and I help care for her and her family in my free time, which does not leave me time for volunteering elsewhere. While I love volunteering, my family is most important during this time of need."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Discovery
16. Why did you decide to choose nursing as a career?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers want to hear your reasons for choosing this profession to understand what motivates you in your career. They want to hear if another nurse mentored you, if you have family or friends who work in healthcare, if you worked in another industry and decided to change careers, or if you or a loved one received excellent care from a nurse.
Focus on giving your personal reason for choosing this career, responding with enthusiasm and passion. There is no right or wrong answer. The interviewers merely want to gain insight into what motivates and inspires you as a nurse to determine if you will be a good fit for the NHS.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I chose to pursue a career in nursing because my mom and aunt are both nurses. I love caring for others and helping make them comfortable when going through difficult times in their lives. I grew up hearing the stories of the people my mom and aunt had helped and even those they could not. Still, I could tell they truly enjoyed their jobs, and I think it's in my blood. I cannot imagine choosing another career path."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Education
17. We see that you do not have a Master's level degree or equivalent. Are you interested in obtaining a Master's degree in nursing?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Most NHS Band 7 nurse positions require a Master's level degree or equivalent. However, some open positions mention that if a candidate does not have this requirement, the NHS will support and encourage their Band 7 nurses to pursue a Master's degree in nursing. You want to be honest with the interviewers, but you will have a better chance of being hired if you plan on furthering your education.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I want to obtain my Master's degree in nursing. I requested and received information from Coventry University last year but was delayed starting their program because of a family emergency. My mother experienced some health issues and needed my help for the past year. She has recovered nicely, and I will now have the time to pursue my Master's degree, which will be completed in the next two years."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Experience
18. What is your experience working as a nurse?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
While interviewers can look at your CV to see your nursing experience, studies show that hiring managers and interviewers only scan a candidate's CV for 6 to 8 seconds. Since such a short time is spent looking at your background, the interviewers may not know your experience and want to see that you are qualified for the Band 7 position. Describe how many years of experience you have and where you gained your experience, showing them you are qualified for the role.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have four years of experience working as a registered nurse with Servisource Healthcare. I spent my first two years working in the ICU, then transitioned to the dementia and Alzheimer's unit, where I spent the last two years. When I worked in the dementia unit, I advanced quickly to a Ward Leader position, gaining my leadership skills and experience supervising a multidisciplinary team. I have worked in a busy, fast-paced environment which has prepared me nicely for this role."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Experience
19. What makes you the best candidate for this position?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to hear what qualities you will bring to the NHS and how you will benefit the organization if hired. Now is your chance to highlight your best characteristics and experience, showing the interviewers you have all the qualifications they require. If you review the job announcement before your interview, you can highlight the qualities, experience, and education the NHS seeks in a Band 7 nurse. 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"While I am sure you have many qualified candidates applying for this position, I am the best candidate because I meet and exceed your requirements and qualifications. I have over ten years of volunteer experience as a patient befriender and active responder with the NHS, and I have been a registered nurse for the past seven years. I have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, which all my references will attest to. I am excellent at problem-solving, am empathetic, 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."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Leadership
20. You are working with a Band 6 nurse who is consistently 15-20 minutes late. What would you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers will ask situational questions like this one to see how you respond to issues in the workplace and how you lead and manage others. How you answer gives the interviewers insight into your communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills. Let the interviewers know how you would handle this situation promptly, professionally, and maturely.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a leader, I do not wait for a team member to be consistently late before I address the issue. I address their tardiness the first time they are late. I would ask the nurse privately why they were late, showing that I was genuinely concerned and wanted to help in any way I could. I would then address the issue, which depends on the reason they were late. If it were a one-off issue, such as car problems, I would make sure they notify me in the future if they will be late again. If it were something that would make them late every day, such as a childcare issue, I would work with them to adjust their schedule so they would not be tardy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Leadership
21. How would you describe your leadership style?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Leadership style refers to the methods and behaviors leaders use when motivating, directing, and managing others. An individual's leadership style also determines how they strategize, develop, and implement plans while accounting for the well-being of their team. While there are many types of leadership styles, the NHS wants its leaders to utilize a collaborative, inclusive, and compassionate leadership style to deliver the highest quality of care to patients. Using these leadership styles as an example, describe your leadership style and how it will benefit the NHS if chosen for the position.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and compassionate. I like seeking diverse ideas, opinions, and thoughts from my team to build strategies and solve problems. I consider my team member's strengths and weaknesses and assign them tasks where they will most shine and feel a sense of accomplishment. I find these leadership styles effective since my team members feel included and trusted and are more likely to take pride in ownership of their work. My leadership style effectively creates a confident and supportive multidisciplinary team that provides high-quality and compassionate care to all patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Leadership
22. A junior nurse arrives for her shift and is crying and scared. She says her partner is thretening to harm her and is following her right now. How do you respond?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to determine how you will respond in an emergency. The question could be asked about a patient, a family member, or a colleague to see how quickly you take action to protect those around you. Your response should include contacting security and the police and ensuring the junior nurse, yourself, your team, and other patients in the area remain safe. Wherever you work will have policies in place regarding situations such as this. Assure the interviewers that you react quickly in emergencies while following company policies and procedures. If you have a real-life example of this situation, describe how you responded and the outcome.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I had a similar situation happen two months ago, except a stranger followed one of my nurses from the parking garage. He had a knife and threatened to stab her if she didn't go with him. She threw her purse at him and ran away, but was unsure if he followed her to work. I immediately called security and asked for a lockdown of the facility until we could determine if he followed her. I then contacted the police, who responded in minutes. Security cameras caught the man returning to the parking garage and getting away after my nurse threw her purse at him. Security unlocked the doors, and work returned to normal. I asked my nurse if she wanted to take the day off or talk with a counsellor, but she said she would rather work and take her mind off what happened."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Scenario Based
23. You have a physician that has written an order for 10 mg of a particular drug, but you know the normal dose is 1 mg. What would you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This situational-based question is asked to see that you are aware when there is a mistake in a patient's drug dosage and how you respond. The interviewers want to hear that you do not let an error like this go unnoticed and will call the physician to clarify the order. You could harm or kill the patient if you fail to contact the physician and give 10 mg instead of 1 mg. On the other hand, if you give 1 mg without calling the physician first, you are going against the doctor's orders. Let the interviewers know how you would handle this situation, using a past example in your response if you have one.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have had this happen in the past where a physician was in a hurry and wrote the incorrect drug dosage in the patient's chart. As a nurse, I am responsible for being aware of the correct drug dosages and questioning the order if it is incorrect. If I fail to clarify the order with the physician, I could seriously harm my patient. When this happened before, I contacted the physician and respectfully asked them to clarify the dosage. They realized they had written an incorrect order and asked me to change it. If this happened again in the future, I would respond the same way."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Situational
24. The ward that you are interviewing for has a history of gossip on the unit. How do you deal with gossip?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewers ask this question to gain insight into your communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Gossip is generally defined as communication between two or more people about an absent third party. Most employers will not tolerate it as it can be construed as bullying or harassment. However, some managers believe gossip can be helpful and seen as a reflection of problems 'behind the scenes.' If this is the case, leaders can use this gossip to determine where issues lie and develop a strategy to deal with it. Since all leaders are different, your way of dealing with it may be handled differently than others. Describe your method and approach to managing workplace gossip as a leader.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"How I deal with gossip depends on the situation. When starting a new job, I pay attention to the gossip to determine if the unit has underlying issues that need to be addressed. Once I determine the issue, I will speak with the person who is the source of the gossip and use my critical-thinking skills to develop a plan of action to resolve the issue. If the source of gossip is mean-spirited and harassing, I will quickly pull aside the people who are gossiping and ask to hear what they have to say about the situation. I will then follow my company's policies and procedures to document and report the harassment. When first starting a job in a leadership position, I like to let my team know that while I am a fair and understanding person, I will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any nature. That way, my team knows where I stand from the beginning."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Stress
25. What part of your career brings you the most stress?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Stress in the healthcare industry can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience. Talk to the interviewers about the most stressful aspects of your career. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (i.e., a healthcare professional should not find caring for sick people the most stressful part of the job).
While you want to mention what part of your nursing career brings you the most stress, you don't want to dwell on it. Instead, mention the stressful part and then talk about how you minimize 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.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when a patient dies. I understand it is part of the job, and I was prepared for that when I started pursuing this career. I 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. I also exercise and meditate regularly, which helps clear my head while reducing my stress levels."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Teamwork
26. What is your definition of teamwork?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The Cambridge Dictionary defines teamwork as 'the combined actions of a group of people working together effectively to achieve a goal.' As a nurse, you understand the importance of teamwork while working with other healthcare professionals on multidisciplinary teams. The interviewers ask your definition of teamwork to know how you view your team and what it means to work together. Your definition does not need to match the Cambridge Dictionary version, but you want to relay the value of working together to achieve a common goal. Explain how you would describe teamwork to someone who did not understand the word.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"My definition of teamwork is working together with others to achieve a common goal. I enjoy working with a team because everyone has a common goal, with different experiences and ideas for achieving it. Working on a multidisciplinary team in healthcare allows me to use my knowledge and experience while learning from others with different opinions, backgrounds, and ideas."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Tough
27. How do you cope when a patient dies on your watch?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a nurse, there will be times when you will have patients that do not survive their hospital visit and will die on your watch. You understand this is not your fault, and you did everything you could for them, but it can still be upsetting when it happens. The interviewers want to hear that you have coping mechanisms to keep from becoming overwhelmed with the loss of life. It is essential for healthcare professionals to have someone they can speak with and have healthy avenues to decompress to prevent burnout, illness, and injury. Describe how you cope when you lose a patient.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"I got into this profession to help people, so it is sad to see them die. While losing a patient is never easy, I knew that was part of the job before becoming a nurse, so I have the mindset that patients will unfortunately not always make it. I cope by knowing I did the best I could for them and had a smile on my face when doing so. If a particular death bothers me more than others, I talk with colleagues or counsellors with the Employee Assistance Program, which always seems to help. I also take care of myself mentally and physically so the grief doesn't take control of my emotions."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Tough
28. Have you ever made a mistake when treating a patient? What did you do?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
It is not uncommon for nurses and other healthcare professionals to make mistakes when treating patients. It is not a good practice to make many mistakes when treating patients, but errors occasionally happen. The interviewers understand everyone is human and know things will happen. They want to hear that you are honest and can own up to your mistakes and that you take action to correct your error. Describe a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it. Additionally, describe what you learned from that lesson.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I made a mistake as a new nurse. However, I learned from that mistake, and it has fortunately never happened again. I was starting an IV on a patient, became distracted, and forgot to release the tourniquet. I realized my mistake a minute later when the IV tubing started backing up with blood. I quickly released the tourniquet, and the IV started flowing. The patient was not harmed, but I did point out my mistake to my nursing supervisor as I was embarrassed I had let that happen. She commended me for being honest and said to pay better attention in the future, which I have."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Tough
29. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge the NHS will face in the next few years?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
According to the British Medical Association, the NHS faces many challenges that they expect to continue for years. They have identified medical staffing shortages, funding, waiting lists for tests, and intensive care capacity, to name a few. The interviewers want to see that you are aware of the current challenges facing the NHS and have used your critical thinking skills to determine what challenges face the NHS in the next few years. Describe what you see as the most significant challenge and give a possible solution to the problem if you have one.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"After researching the NHS and speaking with friends who work for the NHS, I see the most significant challenge as what it is now, staffing shortages. With so many healthcare professionals retiring and fewer healthcare students entering the workforce, I do not see how there cannot be continued staffing shortages in the next few years. The only solution I see is to offer retention packages to current employees to entice them to stay and a marketing plan to encourage students to pursue healthcare careers."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Tough
30. As a Band 7 nurse, what skill would you like to improve upon?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers will often ask various questions about your skills, experience, strengths, and weaknesses. When they ask what skill(s) you would like to improve upon, they want to see that you are humble, self-aware, and confident enough to identify areas of improvement. No one is perfect, and the interviewers realize this. When choosing a skill you want to improve, do not use a skill essential for the Band 7 nursing position, such as leading or mentoring others. Instead, choose a skill such as a particular software or computer program, technical duties, networking opportunities, or mediation skills. Then, discuss why you want to improve this skill and how you plan to do so.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"As an experienced nurse, I constantly strive to improve and learn new skills. One skill I know needs improvement is becoming more comfortable using the newer patient management systems. Where I currently work, we have used the same systems for the past five years. The organization recently upgraded to a newer system without any employee training or introduction, as management believed it would be identical. The interface between the two systems is rather confusing, so I am taking online training on my breaks and days off to learn and adapt to the new systems. I learn new programs rather quickly, so I do not believe it will take me long to be up to speed with the new system."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023