25 Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Many interviewers will start off with this question, which could throw you off a bit. You've done all of this research on the company but have you prepared to talk about yourself?

The interviewer is looking for relevant information about your capabilities as a nurse practitioner. Respond by mentioning your education, how many years of experience you have in your field, and be sure give some details about your most current position. Conclude your response with a statement about what you are looking for in a position at this time.

Rachelle's Answer

"With pleasure! I have over ten years of experience in the healthcare industry and am interested in growing my career to the next level. On a more personal note, I love to read, go hiking and spend a lot of my extra time volunteering with the humane society."

Rachelle's Answer

"“I have a Bachelor's of Nursing from the University of Michigan and am currently working on completing my Masters' degree. I have three years of experience as an RN. My most recent position was at the local children's hospital, and I’m currently looking for a position that will allow me to grow into a leadership opportunity."

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Anonymous Answer

"My family migrated to the US in 2005. I worked briefly as a telemetry nurse. I then moved to Texas which I have been at my current employer since 2006, with 12 years of oncology experience as an outpatient nurse in SCT, and with more than a year as an oncology inpatient nurse. I started my master's degree in the fall of 2016, graduated Dec 2018 and passed the APN exam 3/2019. On a more personal note, I am a mom of 3 good boys ages 16,12 and 7 and I love to read and travel."

Rachelle's Answer

Wonderful answer! You give the interviewer a great overview of your professional career while adding in a touch of personal too.

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2.

Why did you choose to advance your studies beyond your RN degree?

In most regions, a nurse practitioner requires a Master's degree. Discuss the details surrounding your elevated degree. This is also an opportunity for you to highlight your motivations such as your desire to have more responsibility beyond typical registered nurse duties and to be a highly valued member of the patient care team. You may also want to mention why you chose the RN career path initially and how that experience led you to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.

Rachelle's Answer

"While my RN career has been rewarding, I wanted to complete my NP license so that I could have a broader impact on my patients. I am proud to have a deeper knowledge and to be able to interpret diagnostic tests to recommend treatment. Also, I now collaborate with physicians and the leadership team on a more regular basis."

Rachelle's Answer

"I wanted to help with the shortage of physicians in our state and felt that becoming an NP would help the system to move a bit faster for many patients. I can diagnose illnesses, write prescriptions, and perform many tasks that a doctor would normally need to do. It truly relieves wait time for many people, which is very rewarding to me."

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Anonymous Answer

"While my 20+ years of nursing career has been rewarding, I wanted to have a broader impact on delivering care to patients. I decided to invest in myself and pursue higher learning, with the hopes of using the knowledge and skills, in providing exceptional care to our patients."

Rachelle's Answer

Fantastic answer! It's very clear and shows that you continually strive for more.

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Anonymous Answer

"Throughout my career as an RN, mainly while working in Labor and Delivery, my interest in women's health began to grow and evolve. I felt the next step in providing excellent care to women would be to obtain my Master's degree and to transition into a provider role. It was of particular importance to me as I worked with a primarily economically disadvantaged patient population and witnessed how this, unfortunately, directed how care was sometimes given. I made it a personal goal that upon becoming a Nurse Practitioner, I would aim my practice in creating a broader impact in our healthcare system, particularly in underserved populations."

Rachelle's Answer

Your answer is fantastic. Very personal and heartfelt. Well done.

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3.

How do you plan to continually grow as a nurse practitioner?

You have an elevated degree; however, that doesn't mean that you stop learning once you have reached the top. Discuss your plans to take professional courses, obtain new certifications or focus on personal growth. You may also want to mention a class or volunteer position to highlight your commitment to professional growth.

Rachelle's Answer

"I am so happy to have completed my last certification for my nurse practitioner license. I recently enrolled in a weekend course through the American Heart Association that will allow me to teach CPR classes at the local middle school."

Rachelle's Answer

"I never stop learning and believe that, especially in the healthcare industry, one must stay up to date on new trends and discoveries. I plan to continually grow as a nurse practitioner by taking monthly courses on a variety of related topics. If there are any courses you recommend, I would be happy to hear your recommendations."

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Anonymous Answer

"I believe that in healthcare, education never ends. I plan to stay up to date on important topics relating to women's health by keeping current on publications, attending conferences, and completing continuing education courses. For example, this month, I plan to participate in a point of care OBGYN ultrasound course to familiarize myself with basic OBGYN ultrasonography as this is a key component in women's health care."

Rachelle's Answer

The interviewer should appreciate the fact that you are already attending additional courses. This is a wonderful way to show that you believe in continued education and growth vs. just saying so. Well done!

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Anonymous Answer

"I am always eager to learn new knowledge and new skills; I believe that Is important in our profession. I would be able to accomplish this by attending continuing educations, lecture seminars, conferences and continuously interact with our physicians and colleagues and use them as my mentors in this field."

Rachelle's Answer

You have multiple avenues in mind, which the interviewer will like to hear. Nice variety!

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4.

What are your salary requirements?

The best thing that you can do when asked about your salary expectations is to be open and honest about what you are currently earning, and where you want to be in the future.

Rachelle's Answer

"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 $88K plus health benefits. I'd like to earn a bit above that in my next position."

Rachelle's Answer

"As I am new to my career as a nurse practitioner, I am happy to negotiate my earnings based on your typical salary for this role."

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Anonymous Answer

"I have researched what a typical base salary would be, and would be happy to negotiate around what is considered the average for this position, taking into account additional benefits offered as well."

Rachelle's Answer

Perfectly said! You sound well researched, in control, and willing to negotiate within reason.

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Anonymous Answer

"As a new NP, I am happy to negotiate my earnings based on the typical salary for this role."

Rachelle's Answer

This is a good start! If you can, do some research on payscale.com or a similar tool so that you are well researched on the topic of salary in your area, for this role.

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5.

How do you feel when a physician criticizes your work?

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Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

Why did you choose to advance your studies beyond your RN degree?

How do you plan to continually grow as a nurse practitioner?

What are your salary requirements?

How do you feel when a physician criticizes your work?

What accomplishment do you believe was the most difficult for you to achieve?

How did your experience as an RN, whether in clinicals or on the job, affect how you do your job as an NP?

Why should we hire you over any other nurse practitioner?

What do you know about our facility?

How do you gain a physician's trust and respect?

What motivates you as a Nurse Practitioner?

How do you stay current on new medical findings, publications, and innovations?

Tell us about your community involvement.

Are you comfortable making tough decisions in regards to a patients care?

How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?

Rate your communication skills from 1-10 with proper examples backing your given rating.

How do you handle conflict in the workplace?

How would you describe your work ethic?

When you suffer a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?

Do you have any restrictions on your RN or NP license?

Tell me about a crisis situation you faced at work. How were you a part of the solution?

What type of nursing tasks do you find least desirable, or most challenging?

What qualities should a leader have?

If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?

What do you like most about being a nurse?