30 Nurse Anesthetist Interview Questions & Answers
1. Why are you the best Nurse Anesthetist for us?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know why they should hire you, versus another candidate. Focus on unique skills that you have as well as particularly strong achievements or professional accolades.
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. What questions do you have for me?
How to Answer
Before your interview, do your research! Make sure you have questions ready for the interviewer. Review the website to make sure the answers are not obvious. The last thing an interviewer wants to hear is a list of questions you could have found the answers to from simply watching a video on their company site! Think of questions that are relevant to the industry. Some of your questions may be asking for clarifications about something. Other questions might be delving deeper into something that interests you about their vision or their company culture. Put together a list of up to ten questions so that you are prepared!
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. How would your co-workers describe you?
How to Answer
The interviewer can see your experience on your resume, now it is your opportunity to tell the interviewer about your professional relationships. Think about the professional traits that your coworkers possess that makes it a joy to work with.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My coworkers would say that I'm dedicated to my work and care very much about my patients. Everyday I bring my very best to work to inspire my jr. Anesthetists and others around me."
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. Give me a specific example of a time when you were unable to complete a project on time.
How to Answer
Remember, the interviewer isn't here to condemn you. Provide an honest answer. With that said, try to stay away from a severe deadline you may have missed in your life. The interviewer is looking for a simple deadline, and what you learned from your mistake. Did you simply under estimate your time? Did you face a distraction at work? Were you in over your head? Whatever the situation was, you had to have learned from the outcome, and it had to make you better in someway. Explain that to the interviewer.
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. On a scale from 1 to 10, how honest are you?
How to Answer
Do you feel that you are a very honest person or do you have room for growth? This could be a tricky question as nobody is always 100% honest. Answer to the best of your ability and back your reply by speaking about your personal ethics.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I would love to give myself a 10/10 for honesty but truthfully - nobody is 100% honest all of the time. I will give myself an 9 because I always do my best to be as honest as possible."
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. How do you handle communicating bad news to a fellow worker or subordinate?
How to Answer
One of the toughest parts of communication can be delivering bad news to people that you work with and care about. Whether it is delivering a less than positive work review or terminating someone - it doesn't come easy. Assure the interviewer that you are able to handle this type of task in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I certainly do not enjoy communicating bad news to a co-worker but I do have experience in doing so. When this type of task is required of me, I make sure to practice empathy. Truth is always key, so I will be honest and clear when communicating the news. For instance, if I am to deliver bad news in a particular case they are close to, I will bring great empathy to my delivery."
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. What are your salary expectations?
How to Answer
The best thing that you can do when asked about your salary expectations, be open and honest about what you are currently earning, and where you want to be in the future.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I can share with you what I am currently earning, and where I would like to be in my next position. Currently, I am earning a base salary of $178K plus benefits. Last year my earnings were $185K and I'd like to earn a bit above that in my next position."
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback I will take a few moments to debrief with my manager and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move on!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. Tell me about your greatest work related accomplishment.
How to Answer
Talking about your greatest accomplishment will give the interviewer a strong idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!
Here is an example answer: "The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating University as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This showed me that I am able to dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating University as an honors student while still working full time in a related field. I was top of my class, and working full time. This showed me that I am able to dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals that I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
Written by Rachelle Enns
10. Why did you choose the field of anesthesia instead of other advanced practice fields?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about your motivations for selecting your specialty in anesthesia. Show the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in this particular practice. Feel free to share a story that highlights your motivation and passion for the field.
Written by Rachelle Enns
11. Tell me about the continuing education you've completed since finishing your Nursing degree.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to understand how committed you are to continued education and ongoing professional development. Show the interviewer that you are proactive in driving your own personal development.
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. Walk me through your career as a Nurse Anesthetist.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to fully understand your career path so far. Take a few minutes to bring your resume to life for them. Highlight your education and other specific achievements.
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. What do you dislike most about being a Nurse Anesthetist?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to understand what you dislike about your profession. Your answer will also help the interviewer know how to motivate you on the toughest work days. Make sure to complete your answer on a positive note as you do not want to sound like you are complaining about your job.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The unpredictable and variable work schedule can make it difficult to manage work-life balance and personal commitments. Although this is a challenge, the pro's outweigh the con's because I find my career to be incredibly fulfilling."
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. What do you enjoy most about being a Registered Nurse Anesthetist (RNA)?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know what drives you to do a great job at work every day - even on the toughest of days! Your answer should reflect your genuine passion and enthusiasm for what you do.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I enjoy the high degree of autonomy and professional respect RNA's command. The role carries a high degree of responsibility but the work is very gratifying. I also enjoy the additional responsibilities of research and being an educator - contributing to the development of students in a clinical setting brings a great deal of satisfaction."
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. Why did you become a Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNA)?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for further insight into the personal reasons you became a Nurse Anesthetist. Bring passion to your answer and discuss what brought you to this career path
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. Describe your role as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see that you fully understand your role as a Nurse Anesthetist. Briefly, describe what are the most important details of your role as a nurse anesthetist. Feel free to share a story that highlights your experience as a Nurse Anesthtist.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"The role of a nurse anesthetist is broad and diverse. I see my role as being an educator, and a life-long student; continually increasing my knowledge and expertise. I see my role as critical to the success of any procedure because I monitor anesthesia levels so the patient is safe and not experiencing pain. Anesthesia is an area which can cause a great deal of anxiety for patients, particularly the elderly. This means that an important part of my position is listening to patients, and trying to reduce their anxiety."
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. What type of situations cause you the most stress? How do you handle that stress?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking for your ability to be reflective and self-aware. Discuss your triggers when it comes to stress, and the methods you employ to manage that stress.
Written by Rachelle Enns
18. Describe the techniques you have used to manage patient airway or pulmonary status.
How to Answer
The interviewer will see your qualifications and work history on your resume so a few technical questions may be asked of you. Here is a sample interview answer that you can use to show the interviewer that you have the right skills to be their next Nurse Anesthetist.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"With a difficult airway intubation, place the patient in a sniffing position, use pillows to elevate."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Good!
19. What are the differences between first degree, second degree type 1, and second degree type 2 heart block?
How to Answer
There will be times during your interview that the interviewer tests your knowledge. This question may be asked so be sure to keep it brief and to the point.
Written by Rachelle Enns
20. What is the first thing you would do if you saw a patient with second degree, type 2 heart block with low blood pressure?
How to Answer
The interviewer is assessing your knowledge as a Nurse Anesthetist. You can keep your answer brief, and to the point.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"If the patient is symptomatic treat the bloop pressure with fluid, the vasopressor agent if fluids do not work."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Good--it sounds like you understand the best steps to take in this situation.
21. To your knowledge, what increases intracranial pressure (ICP)?
How to Answer
The interviewer is assessing your knowledge as a nurse anesthetist. You can keep your answer brief, and to the point.
Written by Rachelle Enns
22. In your professional opinion, what is normal intracranial pressure (ICP)?
How to Answer
The interviewer is assessing your knowledge as a nurse anesthetist. Keep your answer brief, and to the point. Feel free to share a story that challenged this situation within your career.
Written by Rachelle Enns
23. In your opinion, what are appropriate interventions for cardiogenic shock?
How to Answer
The interviewer is assessing your knowledge as a nurse anesthetist. You can keep your answer brief, and to the point. Walk the interviewer through the steps for cardiogenic shock intervention.
Written by Rachelle Enns
24. Talk to me about Digoxin and how it works.
How to Answer
The interviewer is assessing your knowledge as a Nurse Anesthetist. You can keep your answer brief, and to the point.
Written by Rachelle Enns
25. As a nurse anesthetist, you have many employment options. Why did you apply to our health care facility?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to be assured that your career goals align with what they can offer at their facility. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you see a long-term fit there. Be as specific as possible.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Your facility stands out from the others in many ways. I was especially drawn to the clinic because of its reputation for offering advanced education opportunities, and the many benefits available for staff including childcare and gym membership. I absolutely see a strong, long term fit here."
Written by Rachelle Enns
26. What do you know about our health care facility?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see that you have done your research on their organization prior to the interview. Talk to the interviewer about your research by discussing recent articles or news related to their facility. Highlight any awards the facility has won and that you want to be apart of their team.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I know that your facility is the newest facility in a 150-mile radius. You currently care for upwards of 3,000 patients per day and I am very familiar with the Board for this facility as well. The reputation of this facility is strong and I look forward to joining such a seasoned and professional health care team."
Written by Rachelle Enns
27. As a nurse anesthetist it's very important to manage your time well. How do you ensure you are always on task?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see that you are able to maintain focus and produce quality work at the same time. Discuss the ways that you keep on task and on time.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"Stay focused and utilize the time wisely to document."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
These are great time management strategies, but this response should be more detailed and less vague. How exactly do you stay focused? What strategies or systems have you used to juggle competing priorities? What strategies do you have for documentation? More details will help your interviewer feel confident about your ability to manage your time successfully.
28. What aspect of being a nurse gives you the most satisfaction?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know more about what satisfies, and drives you, in your career as a nurse. Discuss your passion for being a nurse anesthetist! Choose a unique reason to set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"When my patients wake up and ask me if the surgery is over and they feel great. A smooth induction and emergence signify patient satisfaction."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Great! It sounds like you really prioritize patient comfort and safety.
29. As a nurse anesthetist, how do you maintain your own moral compass?
How to Answer
In a healthcare setting, there are many governing rules and regulations to ensure confidentiality and ethical practice. Show the interviewer that you are able to keep an unwavering moral compass while also maintaining a strong knowledge of the rules and regulations of the industry.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"I stand my ground, speak clearly, and convey the message I desire to get across to the other person."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
Standing your ground, speaking clearly, and conveying a message are important qualities to have; it sounds like you're a strong communicator. However, this response doesn't quite touch on how this helps you to maintain your own moral compass (which obviously is a critical aspect of being a nurse anesthetist.) To strengthen your response, I suggest sharing a specific example of a time when you maintained your moral compass, and then state the specific qualities (standing your ground, speaking clearly, etc) that have helped you in this area.
30. As a nurse anesthetist, ethics are incredibly important. Provide an example of when your ethics were tested.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see evidence that you are an ethical individual. Give an example of a time when you chose to do the right thing in the face of an ethical dilemma.
Written by Rachelle Enns
User-Submitted Answer
"My ethical principle was tested when a co-worker asked me to give her my waste and she would waste and record it for me. Ethically and morally it was wrong and I could not allow her to waste my anesthesia medications for me."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Stephanie Cafaro Reviewed the Above Answer
This sounds like a tricky ethical situation that you navigated at work! To close out your response, you should include another sentence or two to show the decision you made and its impact. For example: "I told her I was unable to accommodate this request and alerted my supervisor. Although this was a challenging decision to make because I worried that it might impact my relationship with my co-worker, I prioritized ethics. Fortunately, my colleague was understanding and never made an unethical request of me again."