30 Nursing Aide Interview Questions (with Answers)

1.

How would your coworkers describe you?

Questions such as this one are asked with the aim of getting you to discuss some of your qualities, perhaps hidden that you wouldn't have mentioned if you weren't asked. Remember to share positives, but not sound conceited.

Darby's Answer #1

"My colleagues will tell you that I am a team player and that I am someone they feel comfortable coming to when they need an extra hand or someone to talk to."

Darby's Answer #2

"I believe those that have worked with me would say that I am approachable and that I am willing to work hard to make teamwork effective."

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2.

Do you anticipate any changes in your life within the next 12-24 months that may cause you to have to relocate or leave this job?

Knowing what goals you have and any changes you anticipate in your life will give the interviewer an opportunity to evaluate two things: 1. what positions are available that won't disrupt your plans and, 2. are you interested in having a long-term relationship within the company? Either way, being upfront and honest is always appreciated.

Darby's Answer #1

"I recently became engaged. Although we have not set a date yet, we have agreed to wait twelve months before the marriage. Presently, our plans are to stay where we are and build a career, not just work a job. Also, we do not plan on having children for at least two years after our marriage. We both feel that being able to become established in our jobs and save for our future would be the responsible thing to do before starting a family."

Darby's Answer #2

"My hope is to find a position that will allow me to work long term. I do not anticipate any significant changes that would affect that."

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3.

How do you handle stressful situations?

Stress management will be essential for you to be able to handle tight deadlines, long hours and demanding patients. Before answering this question, think of some tools that have helped you manage your stress. What will you do when you can't take a break when you need it? How will you stay calm when dealing with those challenging personalities? Share any helpful techniques that you use every day to remain clear-headed in some of the most stressful scenarios.

Darby's Answer #1

"I've learned not to take words or actions of stressed patients personally. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a deadline and being pulled in too many directions, I can ground myself knowing that I'm providing the best customer service and caring for my patients the best way that I can."

Darby's Answer #2

"When I am under pressure on the job, I try to focus on the job at hand. I like to make lists and prioritize activities that I need to accomplish."

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4.

What is one of the most difficult things about being a nursing aide?

Working in the healthcare field means there are days that are exciting and fun, and there are days that are sometimes difficult or sad. Being able to identify things that are difficult to you and learning to adjust to those difficult times while still performing your job well is an important skill for a nursing aide to learn. The interviewer wants to know what you consider 'difficult' and how you cope with those times.

Darby's Answer #1

"As with most jobs, I'm sure we all have things that we wish we could change or find a way to make better. For me, one of the most difficult things is having a patient who has no family or friends to visit them. As a nursing aide, I have a number of people to care for daily and time is often of the essence. When I have a patient who has no one to come by and check on him or spend time with him, I find myself wanting to spend extra time with that patient. It is difficult sometimes, because time does not always allow for that."

Darby's Answer #2

"One of the most difficult things for me has been having a patient who had no family to visit him, knowing he was dying. It is a hard thing and it happens more often than people realize. If I have a situation like that, I always try to get my work done and spend as much time as possible with that patient."

5.

Tell me about a time you were trusted with confidential information.

Working as an nursing aide, you are trusted with sensitive information each day. Don't fall into this trap and answer this question with a story containing confidential information, people will view your answer negatively and view you as not being trustworthy. If you choose to tell about a situation be sure to be vague and not use names or too many details.

Darby's Answer #1

"I'm trusted with confidential information every day. I make a point to leave my work at work and not discuss patients outside of the facility. By not discussing confidential information about the patients I'm ensuring that I'm not breaking any rules and giving information to those that are not on a need to know basis."

Darby's Answer #2

"I am expected to keep all information confidential every day, so there is not just one instance that I can refer to. I believe in practicing within legal and ethical bounds and keeping patient's confidence is one way I do that."

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6.

How would you deal with an angry patient, and why?

Knowing how you will handle a difficult situation will tell the interviewer if you have the the right attitude for this job. Being a clinical lab technician means you have to deal with people from very different backgrounds and with varying personalities. Give the interviewer an example of how you would handle an angry patient.

Darby's Answer #1

"I believe acting calmly and speaking rationally is a great way to calm someone who is angry and I try to be the voice of reason without making someone feel that I am belittling them."

Darby's Answer #2

"I think it is important to try and find out what has made the patient mad. If it is something such as not being called as quickly as he had expected, a simple explanation regarding what caused the delay may help calm him."

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7.

Have you ever thought about furthering your career and becoming a nurse?

Many times an interviewer will ask about your education aspirations to get a feel of whether or not you plan on staying within the healthcare arena. Additionally, some employers offer opportunities for employees to continue their educations while still working, often with tuition assistance in exchange for contract work.

Darby's Answer #1

"There have been times when I considered nursing school, but at this point in my life, I really don't know if that is something I want to pursue. One thing I like about healthcare is the fact that, if I do ever desire to continue my education, I can continue to care for people."

Darby's Answer #2

"I actually enrolled in college with a non-healthcare related major. After a few semesters, though, I really felt like I wanted to pursue something that would allow me to care for people and be actively involved with helping them achieve better health. Becoming a nursing aide has been a great opportunity. I really don't have any plans, at this time, to get an additional degree."

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8.

In your opinion, what personality type is best suited for being a nursing aide?

Each person you meet has his own personality. Certain jobs require specific characteristics of those who are performing the job. The interviewer really wants to know what you would consider a valuable characteristic or trait of someone who is a nursing aide..

Darby's Answer #1

"Being a nursing aide seems to be a world of its own sometimes. We take care of some of the patients who can't take care of themselves.. I believe that someone who works in this specialty needs to be very compassionate and know how to exercise patience."

Darby's Answer #2

"I believe healthcare providers, as a whole, should have a caring and compassionate personality. We see people at their worst. They are sick and often afraid. It is up to us to be patient and kind as we are working and caring for others."

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9.

What would you describe as your biggest weakness?

This is probably one of the most dreaded questions in a job interview. Answering this question requires self evaluation and honesty. Remember, whatever weakness you decide to share, make sure it is not a key characteristic needed to perform your job.

Darby's Answer #1

"I think one of my biggest weaknesses is that I can get sidetracked easily. I recognize that in myself and have made a conscious effort to plan my day as much as possible and to stay on target."

Darby's Answer #2

"One of my weaknesses is that I often get nervous around people I don't know. I know we all do that to a certain degree, but for me, it has become something that I am aware of. I now try to attend social activities where I know there are going to be opportunities to meet new people so that I can overcome social anxiety."

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10.

What are some of the most difficult patients to work with as a nursing aide?

Being a nursing aide means that you are caring for people, often at their worst. Diseases and disabling conditions often make people seem to have a change in their personality and outlook on life. The interviewer doesn't just want to know that a particular patient is difficult, but how do you approach giving effective care to that patient.

Darby's Answer #1

"Some of the most difficult patients to work with are often those who have the middle or latter stages of Alzheimer's disease. It's not that I don't know how to care for them. The difficulty comes with seeing the changes that occur in these patients. Many of them have no memory of people they knew and loved. They lose their ability to care for themselves at all. It is a very disheartening condition to see someone affected by."

Darby's Answer #2

"Some days are easier than others, no matter what type of patient I am caring for. I think one of the most difficult to work with are those who have suffered some kind of injury or illness that has left them paralyzed or unable to speak. It is difficult because it is obvious that these patients want to do for themselves, but some part of their body doesn't allow them to. I try to be encouraging and offer assistance as needed."

11.

Do you feel like you have strong relationship building skills?

Building strong relationships is essential for success of any business. The healthcare industry is no exception. Share why you think you have good relationship building skills.

Darby's Answer #1

"I have often been complimented on my relationship building skills. I like to get to know people and ask them questions about themselves; I find it's a great and simple way to start building rapport with others. I consider myself to be a strong relationship builder and take pride in my 'people skills'."

Darby's Answer #2

"I do feel like I have good relationship building skills. I like people and enjoy getting to know them."

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12.

Being a nursing aide requires a great deal of attention to detail and often multi-tasking. What do you do to help keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed?

Nursing aides are often assigned several patients to care for in a day. The ability to multitask and ensure all details are checked and double-checked is important..

Darby's Answer #1

"I am very detail-oriented. One of my strengths as a nursing aide is to manage multiple tasks with professionalism and good follow-through."

Darby's Answer #2

"I have learned to recognize the things that may cause me to feel overwhelmed and try to address them before a situation gets out of hand. For example, I always like to check my daily assignments at the end of my shift and then again the next day before a new shift begins. This helps me to stay on task and prepare for events in a timely manner without leaving me feeling overwhelmed later on."

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13.

How long have you been a nurses aide?

Length of experience will help an interviewer determine what strengths you may have and what area your skills may be most well utilized. Rather than just giving a specific amount of time, also share what your primary responsibilities were during that time.

Darby's Answer #1

"I have been a nursing aide for X years. The majority of my experience as a nursing aide has been working in long-term care facilities. I do have some experience working as a home health nursing aide, as well."

Darby's Answer #2

"I just recently became certified as a nursing assistant. I love caring for others and am really looking forward to the experience of being a nursing aide."

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14.

If you were the person responsible for hiring new employees, what qualities would you look for in a candidate, and do you think you possess those qualities?

There is more than one reason for asking this question. First, the interviewer wants to know what qualities you think are important to perform this job. Second, and most importantly, your answer will tell the interviewer if you hold yourself to the same standard as you do others. If you want to see certain characteristics in your peers, you should be able to tell the interviewer with confidence that you possess those traits, as well. This question is one that interviewers often use to distinguish sincerity on the part of the candidate.

Darby's Answer #1

"I believe that honesty is important no matter what job title a person holds. I have found that being honest with people creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Those qualities, I feel, are essential when building rapport with patients and co-workers."

Darby's Answer #2

"If I were hiring someone, I would look for someone who is passionate about the job and about patient care. I also feel that being approachable and willing to learn is very important."

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15.

In addition to providing care to patients/residents, nursing aides often have to talk with stressed out, and sometimes demanding, family members. How do you approach offering support to family members?

Patients in a hospital or nursing home are often facing uncertain outcomes. Family and patient supporters are naturally concerned and often anxious. Communicating your compassion and knack for comforting others will show an interviewer how well-rounded you are as a nursing aide.

Darby's Answer #1

"Caring for family members often requires as much patience as caring for our patients. They are naturally afraid of a possible difficult outcome with regard to their loved ones. I always try to speak kindly and offer time to answer questions and give family members an opportunity to talk about what concerns them. While every day does not offer as much free time as others, a few minutes can often make a big difference to a concerned family member."

Darby's Answer #2

"I know what it's like to be the family member who is worried about a loved one requiring critical care. I remember when my father was very ill. He had some nurses and nursing aides who were very kind and approachable. He had a few that were not so kind. I always try to remember how I felt when I was the one in need of support and to treat those family members with the same kind of respect and kindness that I wanted."

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16.