List of 35 Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Adaptability Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Common Questions
- 6. Communication Questions
- 7. Compatibility Questions
- 8. Competency Questions
- 9. Conflict Questions
- 10. Diligence Questions
- 11. Direct Questions
- 12. Discovery Questions
- 13. Experience Questions
- 14. Job Satisfaction Questions
- 15. Leadership Questions
- 16. Problem Solving Questions
- 17. Salary Questions
- 18. Teamwork Questions
- 19. Tough Questions
Accomplishment
1.
What accomplishment during your career do you believe was the most difficult for you to achieve?
How to Answer
To get a sense of how you will handle certain challenges in this role as a Nurse Practitioner, your interviewer is posing a question where you can talk about your most important accomplishment during your career. Being able to face a challenge while still gaining some accomplishment is very satisfying. Talk to the interviewer about a time when you were able to come out on top despite being faced with an obstacle to give them a sense that you will be an achiever in this role with their organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"At this point in my career, I feel that the most difficult accomplishment for me to achieve were the two back-to-back promotions in my current facility. Because promotions are granted based on results and education, I had to put in a lot of overtime hours and hustle to get there. In my current role as an APP Supervisor, I manage a team of 12 advanced practitioners in the clinical setting. In this role, I mentor, coach, and evaluate their performance regularly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Entry Level
"I am proud to say that my biggest accomplishment is completing my Master's Degree program while still working full time. It took hard work, dedication, and some sacrifices along the way, but being able to support my family while bettering my career was well worth it in the end."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Experienced
"My most challenging accomplishment during my career was being recognized as an America's Top Nurse Practitioner by the Point of Care Network. Looking back on this achievement, the years of focus that I put into bettering my patient care techniques and their outcomes culminated in the nomination from a great colleague. While I didn't set out with this award in mind, I know that my dedication to this field was the reason for it coming together."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Community Answer
"I believe that earning my Master's degree has proven to be the most challenging accomplishment I have achieved so far while balancing life outside of school."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
You should be very proud of yourself for reaching this milestone. How did you maintain balance through it all?
Adaptability
2.
We expect our Nurse Practitioners to be open and adaptive to change. When was the last time you had to use new methods, equipment or procedures in your work? How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
As a successful Nurse Practitioner, you know that the healthcare field is continuously changing and evolving as new technology and patient care techniques are being developed. Your interviewer is looking to get the sense that you are always open to adapting your practice to best meet the needs of your patients. Before your interview, think back to the last time you had to implement a new change into your practice and talk in detail about how you rolled with those changes with ease. Whether the change was technology-related or procedurally related, make it clear to your interviewer that you saw the good in the change and that you would always be open to change in their practice.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current interventional radiology practice, my organization purchased a new fluoroscopy imaging system, and this type of imaging was brand new to our facility. While some of my colleagues became very nervous about training on and learning a new piece of equipment, I had heard from other colleagues in the field that fluoro imaging was great for providing real-time imaging of patients. I jumped in feet first with excitement to train and learn on the new machine, and my supervisor was very proud of how I handled this, given my years of experience in practice. I am of the mindset that I always need to learn and adapt to provide the best care possible to patients."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Entry Level
"I would honestly point out the different clinical rotations that I went through in my DNP training. Having worked in primary care settings in both a large, urban clinic and a small, rural two provider clinic, I learned very different hands-on care techniques from each practice that were unique in their own way. During my first rotation in the large clinic, I learned a very collaborative team-based approach. Then upon shifting to the smaller practice, I needed to adapt and be way more independent. I think both of these experiences helped shape me into a flexible NP that would be joining your practice."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Experienced
"In my years in an endocrinology practice, the treatment of diabetes surely has changed and adapted over time due to significant research in bettering patient care. In always wanting to provide the best care for patients, I've been very open to moving to non-insulin medications that have been developed as of pretty recently. Drugs like metformin and other inhibitors have drastically changed how patients manage their diabetes for the better. When these new and innovative treatment options come along, I take the time to learn about them and collaborate with my physicians on plans for next steps."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Behavioral
3.
When you suffer a setback as a Nurse Practitioner, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. By asking this question, your interviewer is looking to get a feel for how you will handle diversity when faced with it in this role with their organization. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace. If possible, try to focus on the techniques you use to stay in the right mindset when a setback happens in your work to prove your ability to handle any situation in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens occasionally. If I experience a major setback in my work, I will take a few moments to debrief with the physician on call and discuss what I could have done differently. Then, I move forward with the knowledge that I gained to make myself better when faced with the same situation in the future."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Entry Level
"Setbacks can be trying, but I learned from a young age that you have to learn how to lose before you learn how to win. I don't let any setbacks affect me emotionally but rather use them as motivation to learn and grow. While I never enjoy a setback, I use them as a stepping-off point to something even better."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Experienced
"I used to take things personally and get frustrated when my goal wasn't met. Now, I will go through a mental rundown of what I did wrong or could have done differently. Setbacks can certainly be emotionally taxing, but I also learn a ton from them. I allow myself to feel the frustration and then take my new lessons and share them with others, so they do not experience the same kind of setback as I did."
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Community Answer
"Overcoming setbacks in life can be difficult to handle. I recently got sick and was able to conquer that. As long as I keep my mind open to these possibilities and learn how to adapt to them, it can propel me to be a better person."
Written by an Anonymous User
Our Professional Interview Coach
Rachelle Enns Reviewed the Above Answer
Vaguely mentioning an illness puts the interviewer in a tough spot because, in most regions, they cannot legally ask any further questions. But you know they want to! Whenever possible, avoid this type of scenario by either mentioning further detail or offering a workplace scenario instead.
Behavioral
4.
Have you ever had a time where you couldn't complete all of your necessary tasks in a given day or shift? How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
A busy clinic or inpatient unit can often prove to be too much to handle on some days for Nurse Practitioners, and your interviewer is fully aware of that fact. By asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you are resourceful in handling situations where you get too busy and that you use open lines of communication with your team to ensure that the best care gets provided to patients. As you think of a time when you had to handle a busy clinic or inpatient unit, be sure that you can prove your ability to handle the situation with ease using communication and the resources available to you. To seal the deal for you in this answer, try to also share that you are always willing to help others on your team when they are in a time of need.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Behavioral
5.
Tell me about a crisis situation you faced at work. How were you a part of the solution?
How to Answer
As a Nurse Practitioner, you may face many crises where you need to make quick and sound decisions. Be sure to highlight your strengths and strategies when under pressure to prove to your interviewer that you'll be able to handle these situations with ease at their organization. If possible, share an example that clearly lays out the situation you faced, the steps you took to find a solution, and any lessons you learned from the experience you can bring to this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Behavioral
6.
Talk about a situation where you had to deal with a patient or family member that was upset. How did you handle that situation?
How to Answer
Nurse Practitioners sometimes have to manage a patient or a family member that are upset with their situation or care. By asking this question, your interviewer is looking to hear that you have the ability to handle these situations when they inevitably occur with ease. As you think of a time where you had to handle an upset patient or family member, make sure that your example allows you to clearly point out the entire situation, what your action was, and what the eventual result was. Try to ensure that your example proves your ability to stay calm, cool, and collected and shows a positive outcome for all involved.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Career Goals
7.
Why did you choose to advance your studies beyond your RN degree?
How to Answer
In most regions, a nurse practitioner requires a Master's degree. Your interviewer is looking to hear about your own personal motivations to advance your career to this level, so discuss the details surrounding your elevated degree. This is also an opportunity to highlight your motivations, such as your desire to have more responsibility beyond typical registered nurse duties and be a highly valued member of the patient care team. You may also want to mention why you initially chose the RN career path and how that experience led you to pursue an advanced degree in nursing.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Career Goals
8.
How do you plan to continually grow and learn as a Nurse Practitioner on our team?
How to Answer
You have an advanced degree; however, that doesn't mean that you stop learning once you have reached the top. As you are aware, continuing medical education is vital in keeping you at the top of your field as a Nurse Practitioner. Discuss your plans to take professional courses, obtain new certifications, and focus on personal growth as you look to continue to progress your career forward. You may also want to mention a class or volunteer position to highlight your commitment to professional growth.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Common
9.
What do you know about our organization and what interests you in a practice here?
How to Answer
The interviewer asks you this question to see if you did your homework on the organization or are merely floating your resume. Be sure to read up on the organization you are interviewing with and have a few questions prepared. Ideally, your interviewer wants to hear that you see their organization as a match for your professional goals and personal values, so be sure to talk about both of these pieces as you answer this question.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Common
10.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
How to Answer
Many interviewers will start with this question, which could throw you off a bit. Before your interview, you've done all of this research on the organization and this Nurse Practitioner job to sell yourself for the position. But now, you need to be ready to talk about yourself, so your interviewer gets a personal look into who you are. Ideally, your interviewer is looking for relevant information about your capabilities as a Nurse Practitioner with their organization while also getting a look into who you are as a person. Respond by mentioning your education, how many years of experience you have in your field, and be sure to 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. As this is certainly an open-ended question, don't hesitate to give insight into your personal and family life as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Common
11.
If hired as our next Nurse Practitioner, what is your availability to work nights, weekends and holidays?
How to Answer
Before even applying for this position with this organization, you must have a good feel for what hours this Nurse Practitioner job will be working to ensure that it meets your own personal needs. As you answer this question, you need to walk the fine line of being open and honest about your availability while also meeting the organization's needs. When answering this question, be sure to talk about your understanding of the required hours and then talk about your overall availability if hired.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Communication
12.
How would you rate the communication skills that you would bring to our team as our next Nurse Practitioner?
How to Answer
An efficient and successful Nurse Practitioner in this role will be expected to be a great communicator with many different people. You will have daily communication with fellow providers, nursing staff, and patients, and your interviewer will be expecting to hear that you consider yourself to be a great communicator. As you rate your communication skills, be sure to focus on the facts that you are a great listener, a solid verbal communicator, and an effective written communicator to show to ensure your interviewer that you can be relied upon to keep open lines of contact with everyone that you will be working closely within this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Communication
13.
If hired here, how would you gain the trust and respect from our physician team?
How to Answer
Professional working relationships are essential as a health care provider who regularly works on a multidisciplinary team. As part of the larger care team, Nurse Practitioners serve as both leaders and worker bees, and you need to be able to prove your worth to the physician staff through the respect you earn from them. You can be specific about your process or stay general by sharing some of your best practices around building trust. If possible, share an example of how you have built trust within the patient care team or how you relate to others.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Compatibility
14.
Describe the work ethic you would bring to our organization.
How to Answer
When the interviewer asks about your work ethic, they are looking for specific examples of keywords to which they can relate. When you read the organization's job posting or job description for this Nurse Practitioner role, try to watch out for keywords they look for in a new NP related to work ethic. Talk about their values and how those align well with your own personal work values to prove that you are the right candidate for this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Competency
15.
If hired as our next Nurse Practitioner, would you bring the ability to work independently to our team?
How to Answer
As you are being considered to join this organization, your interviewer is looking to get a sense that you have the ability to work and make decisions on your own with little supervision. Not to be confused with your scope of practice and working with your collaborating physician, talk about your ability to work with little direction and your competence in doing so. If possible, try to give examples of times when you've worked independently to prove to your interviewer that you will be a provider that joins their care team and runs with the work to provide the best care possible to patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Competency
16.
Are there any procedures that you are looking to forward to performing in this role as our next Nurse Practitioner? Are there any that you wouldn't care to perform?
How to Answer
In looking to bring you into their department at this organization, your interviewer will be trying to understand which medical procedures you are comfortable and competent in handling. Before your interview, it will be important for you to research the specific position you are interviewing for so you can speak to your experiences and strengths in performing procedures required for this role. As you answer, think back on your experiences so far in your career to talk about what skills you can bring to this team. Then be sure to be open and honest about any procedures that you are inexperienced with. If possible, try to reiterate to your interviewer that you are open and willing to learn any new procedures that you are not familiar with.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Conflict
17.
How do you handle conflict in the workplace?
How to Answer
When you spend so many waking hours in the workplace, a conflict between co-workers can happen. How you handle conflicts within the workplace is what the interviewer would like to know more about. By asking this question, your interviewer wants to see that you will take accountability for conflict, whether the occurrence is considered your fault or not. Handling workplace conflict tactfully and with grace should be the only option. Give a clear example of a time when you professionally handled workplace conflict. Remember that this is not an opportunity to vent about the current workplace culture you are in.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Conflict
18.
How do you feel when a physician criticizes your work?
How to Answer
Be authentic when answering this question, but try to avoid sounding cynical or begrudged. If you choose to give an example, be sure it allows you to demonstrate your ability to handle criticism with style. Do not use specific names, as the healthcare industry is tight-knit! In the end, make sure that your interviewer walks away from your conversation, knowing that you can handle constructive criticism in a healthy manner that helps you become better as a Nurse Practitioner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Diligence
19.
As a Nurse Practitioner, how do you stay current on new practice innovations?
How to Answer
During your time with them in your interview, your interviewer wants to know that you stay up to date with the changes and trends in healthcare. This question allows you to highlight your commitment to growth and development, both personally and professionally. Talk to the interviewer about how you stay up to date on new trends and education in your field. Don't hesitate to talk about journals you subscribe to, CME events that you've attended, and training you've participated in that show your commitment to learning and growing as a Nurse Practitioner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Diligence
20.
At our organization, we put a great amount of focus on the patient experience. How would you help ensure a positive experience for all patients that you work with here?
How to Answer
The overall patient experience entails the entire range of interactions that patients have with their overall healthcare team. Most healthcare organizations focus on the quality of care they provide to patients, and the patient experience is a cornerstone of that focus. If hired as their next Nurse Practitioner, this organization will expect you to positively influence the experience of the patients you will be working with daily. While there are many aspects of the patient experience out of our control as a Nurse Practitioner, some things to think about as you answer this question are your bedside manner, patient waiting times, and follow-through with patients.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Direct
21.
Do you have any restrictions on your RN or NP license?
How to Answer
At some point during your interview process, your interviewer will ask a point-blank yes or no answer on any restrictions you have on your license or if you have had any malpractice claims during your career. You need to be open and honest as you answer this question because any discrepancies you have will be uncovered during the credentialing process if you are hired for this role. If you have had restrictions on your license, you'll want to be very clear about the timing and resolution of those restrictions. Word also travels fast in the healthcare community, so be sure to be honest and upfront about your past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Discovery
22.
Tell us about your community involvement. How would this translate to this Nurse Practitioner role with our organization?
How to Answer
Most hiring managers prefer candidates who have some volunteer experience giving back to their community. As a Nurse Practitioner, you have a love for helping others, and your interviewer wants to hear how you have taken that passion for helping give back to your community. As you answer this question, share a bit about your core values and your commitments outside of work that show your passion for helping others. If possible, try to research the community efforts that this organization puts forth in their community so you can show passion and support for them as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Experience
23.
Are you familiar with the scope of practice you would be permitted to have as a Nurse Practitioner with our organization?
How to Answer
As you are aware, the scope of practice for Nurse Practitioners differs from state to state, and sometimes even organization to organization, so it is important for you to know and understand the independence you will have in this particular job and be able to explain that to your interviewer. Whether your experience in the state enables you to talk openly about your scope of practice or you need to research further before the interview, talk about your understanding of the procedures and actions that you will be permitted to do in this role and which procedures and actions will require physician supervision. Don't hesitate to talk about your past experiences in working under this same scope of practice.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Experience
24.
How did your experience as an RN, whether in clinicals or on the job, affect how you do your job as a Nurse Practitioner?
How to Answer
While they can tell a lot from your resume, your interviewer is looking to hear firsthand how your experience as an RN shaped you into the NP you are today. Be sure to summarize your experience as an RN and share how it enhances your ability to be an excellent NP. If possible, give a specific example showing how your whole career experience has specifically prepared you for this role to sell yourself to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Job Satisfaction
25.
If hired at our organization, how could we keep you motivated as a Nurse Practitioner?
How to Answer
By proposing this question, your interviewer wants to know what keeps you motivated to do a good job, day in and day out. Take this opportunity to share what motivates you as a professional and its relation to your career path with this organization. At the end of the day, after you have seen car accidents, suicide attempts, and the most depressing sides of human nature, your interviewer wants to hear how you would keep your head up and stay focused on the job if hired for this role. To really sell yourself to your interview for this role, try to focus on your own internal motivations in your work as a Nurse Practitioner and how that motivation will help you provide the best care possible at this organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Job Satisfaction
26.
What type of nursing tasks do you find least desirable, or most challenging?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know about your workplace challenges. This question allows you to highlight your ability to get things done, even if you don't enjoy EVERY part of your job. You can let your personality shine through a bit but keep it light and professional overall. As you answer this question, try to focus on a task that most find undesirable yet find a way to make it fun and interesting.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Job Satisfaction
27.
If you could change anything about your current job, what would it be?
How to Answer
With this question, your interviewer is ideally looking for you to identify a struggle you may have in your work as a Nurse Practitioner and share how you would constructively handle this challenge if you were to join their organization. Before your interview, think carefully about your answer to this question to ensure that you are coming across as positive in your answer. Rather than talk about your own personal shortcoming, you can also think of a roadblock that you face in your work that Nurse Practitioners face wherever they practice. Be careful not to complain. Rather, present a solution to a challenging situation.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Job Satisfaction
28.
What is an issue in the current healthcare system that you would like to see change?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to identify a struggle you may have and share how you constructively handle this challenge in your typical workday. Be careful not to complain. Instead, present a solution to a challenging situation.
Don't be afraid to share a controversial topic, but be aware of your audience. If you know that your interviewer is passionate about nutrition, consider sharing how you have researched the ingredients in feeding tubes for patients who cannot swallow or are in a coma. Talk about how nutrition needs to be a higher priority and how the food quality needs to change. Whatever the issue you decide to talk about, share your knowledge and experience about the topic. Tell the interviewer how you are going to help change this particular issue in healthcare.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Job Satisfaction
29.
What do you like most about being a Nurse Practitioner?
How to Answer
At some point during your time with them, your interviewer will want to know what would keep you motivated to do a good job at their organization, even on the toughest of days. Prior to your interview, put some thought into what drives you personally to be your best on the job. Perhaps you like working with children or diagnosing complicated issues. Discuss your commitment to providing exceptional patient care to prove that you are the best candidate for their next Nurse Practitioner.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Leadership
30.
What qualities do you feel a should leader have?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you understand the qualities that a great leader should possess because the Nurse Practitioner that they hire at their organization needs to be a natural leader on their care team. Highlight your ability to work with a team and actively communicate. If you had a great mentor or supervisor in your past, feel free to mention something specific about what you learned from them that you could bring to this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Problem Solving
31.
As a Nurse Practitioner with our organization, would you be comfortable making tough decisions in regards to a patients care?
How to Answer
At some point during your interview, your interviewer wants to know how you handle difficult patient care situations to get a feel for how you will work as part of their team. Be sure to highlight your ability to think strategically and to make quick, thoughtful decisions. Provide an example of the confidence you have in your decision-making skills in patient care and the tough decisions that come with it to prove your ability to act quickly and soundly in this role.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Salary
32.
If offered this role as a Nurse Practitioner with our organization, do you have any salary requirements?
How to Answer
When asked about your salary expectations, the best thing you can do is be open and honest about what you are currently earning and where you want to be in the future. But you definitely don't want to price yourself out for the role. Before applying for this position, you should conduct as much research as possible on the pay scale that this organization offers for their NP's to ensure that it aligns with your expectations. Sometimes, the pay scale is listed on the job posting on the organization's career site, and sometimes you may have to do some further digging online or with current staff members at the organization. In the end, be sure that your needs align with the position this organization is offering.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Teamwork
33.
If hired as a Nurse Practitioner here, how would you gain our physician staff's trust and respect?
How to Answer
Professional working relationships are essential as a Nurse Practitioner who regularly works as part of a much larger multidisciplinary team. One of the strongest relationships you will need to build in this role will be the physician staff you will be working alongside. You can be specific about your process or stay general by sharing some of your best practices around building trust. If possible, share an example of how you gained trust within the patient care team in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Tough
34.
How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
How to Answer
Be honest. This question is a stress test and one that your interviewer will use to gauge to handle possible curveballs thrown your way as their next Nurse Practitioner. You need to be honest about your feelings about this meeting while maintaining an air of confidence at the same time. It's okay to ask the interviewer to circle back if you aren't pleased with your initial response to a previous question. Doing so will show that you truly do care about making a great impression to secure this job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021
Tough
35.
Why should we hire you over any other Nurse Practitioner for this role at our organization?
How to Answer
This question allows you to go ahead and brag about yourself a bit, but be sure to keep your answer concise and relate it to why you are the best choice for this position. You do not need to recap your resume. Instead, highlight one or two things you are most proud of and make you a great fit for this practice. Don't hesitate to use some unique words that make you a memorable candidate. You need to shine brighter than the rest!
Written by Ryan Brunner on September 14th, 2021