30 Nursing Student Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Nursing Student 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.
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What an exciting, yet nerve-racking point in your career journey! Many competitive nursing programs require formal interviews as part of their admission process, and investing the time upfront to properly prepare for your interview will help you stand out from other applicants of the program.
First, understand that there could be a variety of interview structures to be prepared for. The interview process may look different depending on the school. For example, it could vary from one to several one-on-one interviews via phone, in-person, or virtual platforms or you could have a round of panel interviews, with multiple interviewers present at one time. Asking questions upfront about the interview process and gathering as much information about the structure as possible will help you better prepare and know what to expect.
In interviews for nursing programs, there are typically a variety of questions asked by the interviewer, so it's important to practice and be prepared for all types of questions. It's likely there will be some discovery, or get-to-know-you, open-ended type of questions to start. These are designed as warm-up questions that help you get comfortable and overcome some of the nervousness or anxiety you may be feeling. These types of questions also allow the interviewer to gain some insight into your personality. Along those lines, discovery questions may come up about why you chose this specific program. Make sure that you have thoroughly researched the nursing program you're applying to, as there will likely be questions that explore your knowledge and interest compared to other applicants.
You will likely be asked behavioral questions about how you've handled a certain situation in the past. These types of questions allow interviewers to learn more about your communication, interpersonal, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills that would transfer well into nursing. Ethical questions may come up and these give you a chance to show that your values and morals would align well with the program. Behavioral and ethical questions often start with the phrase "tell me about a time," and it can be difficult to think of examples on the spot. Review the practice questions and have a few examples prepared. It's best to respond using the STAR method, which is a technique that gives an answer by telling a story by explaining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This approach helps you stay on track and give a concise and direct answer.
Lastly, you will likely be asked situational questions where the interviewer seeks to understand how you would respond to a certain hypothetical question. Think about the qualities, skills, traits, characteristics, technical and soft skills that interviewers will be looking for and weave those into your responses.
Let your personality and passion for nursing shine in your responses, be genuine, avoid speaking negatively about past or current coworkers or employers, give a direct and concise answer, and try to avoid rambling (which is easy to do when you're nervous!) and just be yourself! The nursing program interview process can be stressful, but by asking questions about the interview process, preparing, and practicing, you will give yourself every opportunity to make a positive and lasting first impression on the interviewer!
Behavioral
1. What qualities do you think make a good nurse, and why?
How to Answer
Nursing is a demanding profession; the interviewer wants to see if you know what skills you will need to succeed as a nurse. Stick to 2-3 important qualities and give examples as to why nurses need these qualities. It is also good to reference these qualities in later questions when talking about yourself.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"Good nurses have compassion and good communication skills. As a nurse, you never know who you are going to encounter that needs care. A good nurse is compassionate because they see a variety of people and circumstances. The diversity of patients is tied to the need for good communication skills. Every patient is different, and you cannot approach every patient in the same way. Good nurses can tailor their communications with the patient to that patient's needs."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Behavioral
2. Medical practice is always evolving. As a result of people needing to quarantine, the availability of telehealth services has increased dramatically. Do you think high standards of care can be achieved without physically seeing patients?
How to Answer
It can be easy to memorize methods of answering general questions. Interviewers will ask topical questions like this to see if you can form an opinion and provide reasoning to support it based upon your own beliefs. There is no wrong answer as long as you answer the question entirely.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"It has been interesting to see the rise of telehealth. I have used telehealth services during the pandemic and have enjoyed my experience. I would say that telehealth services are a tool that should remain available after the pandemic is over. In cases where patients have follow-up appointments to monitor conditions like diabetes and discuss medications, it would be possible to maintain care standards. However, telehealth medicine cannot completely replace in-person visits when problems are more acute."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Behavioral
3. What does ethical behavior in the workplace mean to you? How can you demonstrate ethical behavior on the job?
How to Answer
Nurses must adhere to high ethical standards, no matter the setting they work. Working with people every day requires a strong moral compass to ensure the highest quality of patient care and compliance with many laws and regulations. Talk about why ethics are important, what that means to you, and how you can demonstrate ethical behavior as a nurse in the workplace.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Being an ethical nurse would mean that I have a strong conviction of right and wrong. As a nurse, I have a duty to protect patients and to promote their safety, health, and well-being. I will demonstrate ethical behaviors in the workplace like being truthful to patients, immediately reporting abuse, harassment, or theft, maintaining accurate documentation and records, protecting patient privacy, and making good decisions in patient care."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"Ethical behavior in the workplace means always doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. It means protecting patients and doing what is in their best interest. Ways I can demonstrate ethical behavior in the workplace include honoring a patient's wishes, respecting differing cultural or religious beliefs, protecting patients from illness and diseases by proper handwashing and wearing PPE, maintaining truthful and accurate documentation, and protecting patient privacy."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
Behavioral
4. What qualities do you have that will help you succeed in nursing school?
How to Answer
The goal of a nursing program is for students to graduate. When answering this question, be sincere. Recognize that there will be difficult periods during nursing school, but emphasize the abilities you have to rely on to push you through when things get tough.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"One ability that will help me in nursing school is my positive attitude. It has helped me in the past. It can be easy to look at the negative side of things, especially when you get a bad grade or you do not get a job that you really wanted. However, I always try to remember the positive of any situation and appreciate the unpleasant outcome as a lesson learned rather than a failure."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Behavioral
5. What do you have to offer if you attend our nursing program?
How to Answer
Nursing school is competitive, and there are lots of qualified candidates that the program could accept. Show them what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the program or to the other nursing school students. This question evaluates if you are a personality match for their program.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"If I were admitted to your nursing school, I would bring my strong organizing and leadership skills. I often fill the role of the group organizer in these types of settings. Usually, I am the first to get everyone's number to study together and stay on track of our work. I find it very important to form a positive collaborative learning environment so that we all are achieving our best result and that no one in the class is left behind."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Behavioral
6. How do you handle constructive criticism and feedback?
How to Answer
As a nursing student, you will need to be able to accept criticism and feedback throughout your training and clinical program. The interviewer needs to know that you have an open mind when it comes to receiving feedback, that you are coachable, and that you don't have a know-it-all attitude. The ideal candidate will view feedback as an opportunity to improve and grow; someone who responds negatively to feedback will be a red flag to the interviewer.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"In my previous jobs and when I played sports in high school, I welcomed feedback from my peers, managers, and coaches. I appreciated regular feedback to know what I was doing well and what areas I needed to improve. I find that it's important to be open-minded and to truly listen when receiving feedback from others. I try to take time to digest the information, self-reflect when I receive criticism, and find ways to implement changes or improve my performance."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I always try to manage my response by leaving emotion out of it and not getting defensive. I actively listen and try to put myself in their shoes so that I can better understand their perspective. If I'm unclear on the message, I will ask for specific examples so that I better understand the feedback. I take the feedback seriously, consider the potential benefits of the information, self-assess and try to implement the changes asked. I usually follow up with the person to ensure I've made the expected changes and am on the right path."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
Behavioral
7. How do you approach giving someone bad news?
How to Answer
This question asks you to evaluate two things: your communication skills and your ability to be compassionate. Give an example where you could deliver bad news while still considering the other person's feelings. Illustrate to the interviewer that you would give bad news to a patient but still express care for them.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"As a mom, one difficult conversation that I have had with my kids is telling them that a pet has died. To deliver the bad news, I go to my kids and ask them to sit down with me. Once we are at the same level, I tell them the bad news that their pet has died. I give them the opportunity to talk about any emotions that they may be feeling or if they do not want to speak; we sometimes just sit together while they are processing the news."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Behavioral
8. Tell me about your favorite teacher in school.
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about which teacher had the greatest impact on you and why. Your response gives them insight into what you find valuable in a teacher and what types of people you work well with. Give a genuine answer and share which teacher was your favorite and why.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Looking back, my English teacher was my favorite, even though she was tough on us! She had a strenuous syllabus and strictly adhered to her deadlines. If you were even five minutes late on an assignment, she would not accept it, and you got a zero. At the time, I found her to be so difficult, and I didn't understand why she was so strict. As an adult, I appreciate the lessons she taught me on accountability and time management. Those lessons have helped me to succeed as an adult and I feel will continue to help me succeed if given the opportunity to enter this program."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"My science teacher was definitely my favorite. He was always so positive and encouraging and never got frustrated with anyone. He was always willing to spend extra time with a student who didn't understand something and never put anyone on the spot or went out of his way to embarrass anyone if they were falling behind. I always thought to myself what a great example of a leader he was, and I have always aspired to be more like him as a professional."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
Compatibility
9. What aspect of nursing do you think will be the most challenging, and why?
How to Answer
There are aspects of nursing that are grueling. The interviewer evaluates whether or not you are knowledgeable about what nurses actually do and have considered the hard parts of the job before deciding to apply to nursing school. You could talk about the long shifts, heavy patient loads, or extensive charting. Just be thoughtful in your response.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I have thought a lot about this, and for me, working long hours will be an adjustment. It can be hard to maintain the required focus and concentration over so many hours. To prepare me for this challenge, I have started meditating before my job as a Tech at the rehabilitation facility. I have noticed a significant improvement in my focus that lasts the length of my work shift."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Compatibility
10. Nurses often have to work long shifts and shifts in the evenings, during the night, on weekends and holidays. Are you prepared to work this type of schedule?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to ensure you understand the demands of being a nurse and that you are prepared to work off-shifts, overtime, weekends, and holidays. Assure the interviewer that you are familiar with the scheduling requirements and that you are prepared and willing to work those required shifts.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"My mother was a nurse, so I'm very familiar with the demands of the job. I understand that nursing is an around-the-clock job, and there will be times I have to work off-shifts, come in early, stay late, and take my turn on weekends and holidays. I have no problem doing so and will not have any obstacles that prevent me from committing fully to my classes and eventually my shifts."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I understand that patients need care 24/7, and as a nurse, I'll be required to work various shifts and hours, including weekends and holidays. I am eager to start my journey and am willing to work whatever shifts necessary to gain experience and skills as a new nurse."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
Compatibility
11. How often do you call off work or miss classes?
How to Answer
Healthcare organizations rely on their nursing staff to be at work when they are scheduled so that patients are cared for. The interviewer wants to know that you take this seriously and are a reliable person who will not miss class or scheduled shifts as a professional. Discuss your commitment to the program and speak to times you've had to call out of work in the past. If you don't have work experience, think about times you've missed class, internships, or other volunteer responsibilities. No matter the situation, demonstrate that you handle these types of situations with professionalism.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Since I have not had a paying job before, I do not have prior work history to share with you. I have held responsibilities in a volunteer capacity in the past and also attended high school full-time, and I took those commitments seriously. I rarely missed class, and if I did, it was once or twice a year because I was not feeling well. In my volunteer role, I understood that anytime I would miss an event or project, it created a heavy burden for others, so I did not call out from my responsibilities. If I need to miss class, I will notify my instructor right away."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have called off from work twice in the last year, but only when I was very ill and with a doctor's note. If I am not feeling well, I notify my manager with as much advanced notice as possible so that my shift can be covered. I am very committed to this program, so rest assured that I will be at my classes on time and when expected."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
Competency
12. Time management is an essential skill for nurses. Tell me how you practice good time management skills.
How to Answer
Much of a nurse's workday is spent multitasking and prioritizing tasks. The interviewer wants to know if you can manage your time to prepare you for your future patient load and to see if you will be able to manage your obligations while you are in nursing school.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"As a single mom, time management has become an important skill set for me while balancing work, family, and taking care of myself. I love using schedules to track my time and remember all of my obligations. In my schedule, I outline all of the day's tasks, and I can set up reminders that go to my phone. It has really helped me not miss any family events and stay ahead of work deadlines."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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I prioritize what I need to have accomplished and what needs to be done right away which assists me in meeting deadlines."
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Competency
13. Have you ever fallen behind in class? If so, what did you do?
How to Answer
The nursing program can be very demanding and fast-paced. The interviewer is asking this question to see if you're easily overwhelmed by coursework, and if you do get behind, do you give up or persevere and ask for help? It's okay to admit if you've fallen behind before. It's more important that you demonstrate you could take ownership and create a plan to catch up.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"In high school, I took a few college prep classes in the evenings. There was a time that I felt very overwhelmed with my regular coursework and extracurricular activities, and I began to fall behind in a few classes. I realized that my grades were failing, and I had to quickly create a plan to overcome the challenges. I gathered my syllabus for each course and used a planner to map out the course assignments and due dates to give me a clearer idea of expectations for each course. I color-coded my planner based on priority and blocked off time each day to complete certain tasks distraction-free. I also asked a peer to study with me on weekends and provide extra support in a math course that I was struggling with. Putting this time management and tutoring plan in place greatly helped me get back on track."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have always struggled in history class as it was my least favorite. I found that I would often put the class assignments on the back burner, and I would do other homework and assignments that I enjoyed more first. I began to fall behind, and my grades slipped in the class. My parents were disappointed in my grade, and it helped me realize how important that class was to my overall GPA, and I knew I had to figure out a way to get back on track. I found some apps on my phone that were engaging and helped me study. I set up notification alerts that reminded me to study each day and also alerted me to upcoming project deadlines to help me stay on track. I found that supplemental tools like these helped increase my interest in the course and helped me improve my grades."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
Discovery
14. What made you choose to our nursing program in particular?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to better understand what factors impacted your decision to apply to their particular school and program. Perhaps you knew someone who attended the school or did research and compared their program success rates and reviews to other schools. Try to avoid giving a generic answer, even if you've applied to other schools as well.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have several friends who have gone through the program at your school, and they shared nothing but positive feedback. They spoke highly of the coursework, instructors, and clinical experiences. I have looked at some of the professor and faculty profiles on LinkedIn, and I was impressed by their background and experience. Overall, I've been very impressed by the information I've found on the school and the program."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I live locally, and the nursing program is well-known and respected in our community. I researched a few other programs, but yours was the highest rated, and I appreciated all of the information the school provided on its website about the program and vision for students. Affordability is also important to me as I live on my own and work part-time to support myself. I felt like the program offers high-quality courses and instructors for a reasonable price."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
Discovery
15. What type of setting are you most interested in working?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to see if you've thought about the types of settings you would like to work in. Maybe you enjoy working with a certain patient population more than others; children, adults, geriatric, special needs, etc. Nurses can work in many settings, including home health, hospice, nursing homes, emergency rooms, cardiac units, oncology, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and many more. Share what settings you are most interested in, but also acknowledge that you may have to explore other opportunities as you start out your career.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"During high school, I had a friend who was diagnosed with cancer and went through chemotherapy. I often visited her in the hospital and witnessed firsthand the impact the nurses had on the children in the oncology unit. That sparked my interest in becoming an oncology nurse, and I have always had a passion for working with children, so I think the pediatric unit would be the natural fit. I realize that I may need other nursing experience before that role, so I'm open to working in other settings that will allow me to gain the necessary experience and skills."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have always enjoyed working with the geriatric population, and as a CNA, I have worked for several years at our local nursing home on the long-term care unit. I hope to stay at the facility I'm at and continue working in long-term care as a nurse eventually. I'm also open to working on the memory care, assisted living, or post-acute rehab units at the facility. If none of those are an option, I'm willing to explore other settings and opportunities that would also me to start my career."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 18th, 2023
Discovery
16. Why do you want to be a Nurse?
How to Answer
Many schools want students to see a career in nursing as a calling rather than just a paycheck. Describe your personal and authentic reasons for pursuing nursing school. Focus on your motivations for pursuing nursing and what makes it the best option for you.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I feel called to join this profession because I want to care for people directly and compassionately. While doctors and other members of the medical team are essential, they do not have the same ability to build relationships with their patients in the manner that nurses do. When I was in the hospital, I found that my nurse could make me feel cared for through small gestures of comfort or taking the time to talk to me. I want to have that direct interaction with patients and take an active role in their recovery."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Discovery
17. What was your favorite non-nursing related class?
How to Answer
Sometimes people get nervous when interviewers ask questions that do not appear directly related to nursing school. Don't be nervous! There is no correct answer here either. Use it as an opportunity to leave an impression with the interviewer and showcase other interests that were not addressed in your application.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"My favorite class that was not nursing-related was culinary arts. My high school offered it as an elective class. I learned a lot about food, and I was able to specialize in making pastries. The knowledge that I gained I still use today when I bake desserts for my family and friends. I have even been asked to bake a wedding cake!"
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Discovery
18. Do you believe that our medical system would be improved or harmed by moving to a universal healthcare system?
How to Answer
Opinions about medicine and healthcare are always changing. The purpose of this question is to see if you are engaged with societal discussions about healthcare. There is no right answer to this question. It is only important that you can explain your position on the topic.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I think that our medical system would be improved if we moved to a universal healthcare system. Access to healthcare is a big problem in our country, and a universal system could alleviate some of those problems. It would definitely be a big undertaking, but looking at countries like the United Kingdom and Canada, I believe we could create a system that helps people more than it harms."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Discovery
19. Why did you apply to this nursing program?
How to Answer
The purpose of this question is to evaluate how well you have researched this nursing program. Schools want to know that you aren't applying blindly and have taken the time to understand how the program operates. Be sure to read the program's mission statement and reference it in your response. It is also good to talk to current students of the program and mention the things they said that you liked about the school as well.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I was attracted to this program because of the school's commitment to integrity. A lot of what you do as a nurse is based upon acting with integrity. Another factor that drove me to apply to this program over others is the feedback I received when speaking with current students. They all seemed to enjoy the learning experience and their interactions with professors."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Discovery
20. What do you see yourself doing as a nurse in 5 years?
How to Answer
Likely, you will not stay at your first nursing job for more than a few years. The admissions team wants to see if you have thought about your long-term career goals. This question tests your motivation for nursing school since you are likely to be more motivated to finish if you have a future goal in mind.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"In my fifth year of practice, I hope to be CCRN certified and working in a trauma ICU. I have always been attracted to critical care nursing because of the dynamic nature of the care and how you can give patients individual attention. Nurses who work in trauma ICUs build robust skill sets and have the opportunity to learn new things because trauma cases can vary widely."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Discovery
21. Can you describe a nursing industry trend that has caught your eye? Why does it interest you?
How to Answer
Healthcare is a very dynamic field, and nursing is no different. Nurses work in a lot of different areas, not just at the bedside. The interviewer wants to see if you have thought about long-term career goals and stay updated on what is happening in the field.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I am very interested in technology and how it integrates with health for more positive patient outcomes. As a result, one area of nursing that has caught my eye is nursing informatics. There are many different things you can do in nursing informatics, like engineering or brain mapping. Though I would wait a few years after graduating, I would be very interested in pursuing coursework in this area."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Experience
22. Do you have any special training or certifications that you feel will benefit you as a nursing student?
How to Answer
Many nursing school applicants have some form of experience in healthcare, either through high school courses, jobs, or through volunteer experience. The interviewer would like to know if you have any training (informal or on-the-job) or certifications that will benefit you in the program. Consider areas like CPR, first-aid, lifeguarding, phlebotomy, home health aide, certified nursing assistant, medical receptionist, etc.)
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"In high school, I volunteered for the American Red Cross during my senior year. Through that organization, I obtained my CPR certificate and learned how to use the defibrillator. I think both of these gave me knowledge and skills that would benefit me in the nursing program."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I have worked part-time as a receptionist at my local nursing home for the past year. While I didn't earn any special certifications in that role, I learned a lot about healthcare, medical terminology, and the roles that CNAs and nurses play in that setting. I think being exposed to healthcare in this way gave me skills and knowledge to help me be successful in this program."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
Experience
23. In school, did you participate in any extracurricular activities? If so, do you feel you learned anything from those programs that will help you be successful in nursing school?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to learn more about your interests as well as your ability to function well as part of a team. Those who are successful in extracurricular activities understand how to work well with others to achieve common goals and likely possess interpersonal skills and effective communication skills. Consider activities you've participated in and describe ways those may benefit you in the nursing program. If you haven't, it's okay to be honest. Try to think of another area you could use in your example, like volunteer experience or student leadership opportunities you may have had in school.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I was our class secretary for two years, and in this role, I developed strong communication skills that I feel would transfer well into the nursing program. I learned to create written announcements and memorandums that clearly communicated updates and events to the student body. I also learned how to actively listen during meetings and to take exceptional notes. I believe all of these skills will help me work with patients and to adhere to documentation best practices."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I played many sports all four years of high school, including basketball, volleyball, and track. Doing so as an underclassman taught me how to be a follower and how to learn from others to develop my own skills. As an upperclassman, I was able to then coach and mentor the younger students on the team. I learned how to communicate effectively, be a team player, and resolve conflicts within the team. I feel all of these skills will transfer well into nursing school and help me be more successful as a student nurse."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 16th, 2023
Experience
24. Describe a time that you worked on a team. What went well, and what didn't?
How to Answer
From working with doctors to relying on the other nurses on your unit, nursing is a team sport. Explain the qualities that lead to a good team with a good outcome and address the qualities that teams should avoid. The goal is to illustrate to the interviewer that you can contribute to a team environment and contribute to improving team outcomes.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"When I was in college, I participated in a pitching competition as a requirement for my business class. The professor assigned our teams, and I worked with four other students to create a proposal for an anti-bullying campaign. The thing we did well as a team is delegate tasks so that no one person carried more responsibilities than the other. An area that I think we could have improved upon is group communication. We showed up and presented successfully, but I felt that it was four parts that were not well connected. If we had spent more time talking to each other and brainstorming together, the project would have been more cohesive, and we would have placed better with other groups who had better-developed ideas."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Situational
25. Tell me about a time you failed to reach your goal. What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?
How to Answer
The interviewer is looking to see how you handle failure. In nursing school, there will be moments of failure, personally or academically. Show the interviewer how you are willing to learn from your failures rather than give up when things get difficult.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I set a goal for myself to pass my CNA exam on the first try. Unfortunately, I made a mistake during the skills portion and did not pass. I was devastated when I found out that I did not pass. However, I tried not to dwell on my failure and instead used it to motivate me to work harder. I practiced all the skills with friends and family and created a flashcard study routine to remember all of the information. These actions allowed me to pass the exam on my second try."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Situational
26. You are a new nurse working in a busy ER department. You go into the medicine room and notice the senior nurse slip medication into her pocket. How do you respond?
How to Answer
Ethical questions that schools may ask can also involve peer relationships at work. They want to test your ethics in situations that have different power dynamics. Discuss your thought process when answering this question so they can see how you came to your conclusion.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"As a new nurse, this would be a tough situation to encounter. I would expect more experienced staff to be a role model of what I should do as a nurse. I do not know why the nurse took the medication or what the drug was, and it could be something like Tylenol or a more controlled substance. In this case, I think it is important to talk to the nurse that day alone and tell her that you saw her take the medication and that you will have to report her to the nursing manager. I would also use that conversation to say to her that I am here for her personally if she needs support through whatever caused her to take the medication in the first place."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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27. A cousin you are close to is admitted to the hospital at which you work. Your aunt asks you to look into her chart because she does not think that the doctors are honest about her test results. What do you do?
How to Answer
Besides questions about your personality, many nursing school programs will ask you an ethical question to see how you make moral decisions. Be sure to discuss all sides of the decision, but keep in mind your obligations as a nurse and your responsibility to maintain patient confidentiality.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"This scenario shows the difficult positions that I may encounter as a nurse. I empathize with the aunt in this situation. She's concerned about her child and wants to make sure that she is receiving the best care possible. It is also difficult for the nurse because family pressure can be intense. However, as a nurse, your first responsibility to your patients and their rights when receiving care. I would tell the aunt that I cannot look at the cousin's chart because it violates the patient's rights and wrong for me to do ethically. Instead, I would suggest that she speak with the cousin's nurse or ask for a family meeting with the doctor."
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28. Can you tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient?
How to Answer
A nursing school does not want to accept students that are only going to do the bare minimum. Show the interviewer that you can do more than expected, even if your work is not recognized. It is an excellent opportunity to show how you can take the initiative and be selfless as a nurse.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"There was one patient who was homeless and did not have many possessions. They were going to be discharged soon, but social services were not going to supply them with clothes before their departure. I got together with some of my co-workers, and we put in money to get him some outfits and some shoes before his transfer to the new facility. It was gratifying to see how much joy and relief this simple act brought him, even if it was not directly medical services. "
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29. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult patient experience and how you resolved it?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you can stay professional under pressure. It is also a chance for the interviewer to evaluate how well you can problem-solve under stress. When answering this question, it is important to highlight how you overcame whatever difficulty occurred.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"I worked as a CNA in a local hospital. There was one patient who was very demanding and asked me to do things that were not associated with their care, like calling numerous relatives from out of state and bring them freshly made coffee every single hour. After trying to talk to the patient independently, I had to ask the nurse to speak to him with me. Having another voice who could be an intermediary between the two of us, the patient relaxed their demands and was amicable for the rest of their time in the hospital."
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30. Describe the most stressful work or academic situation you have been in, and tell us how you dealt with it?
How to Answer
Dealing with stress is a large part of nursing school and working as a nurse. This is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you can handle stress and describe the stress-management techniques that will help you in the future. The STAR method is an excellent approach to answering the question.
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
Answer Example
"One of the most stressful academic situations that I have ever been in occurred my freshman year, where I missed a class final. I was devastated because it was entirely my scheduling error, and you could not pass the class without taking the final. After shedding a few tears, I immediately contacted my professor and discussed letting me take the exam on another date. I was able to have it rescheduled but with an automatic penalty on my grade. It was a very humbling experience. It taught me that even small mistakes can have drastic consequences and that you need to be detail-oriented and always check behind yourself."
Written by Makayla Donigan on December 23rd, 2020
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Questions to ask during your nursing school admissions interview.
Before your interview, thoroughly research the program, staff, personnel, facility, and any other relevant information you can find. Make note of anything that stands out to you and questions you may have as there will likely be a point at the end of the one-on-one or panel interview where the interviewer(s) give you an opportunity to ask questions. Interviewers genuinely want to help clarify anything you may not understand about the program or process, so take this time to ask questions. Actively listen during the interview and ask any follow-up questions you might have based on what the interviewer has said.
Here is a list of 5 meaningful questions you could consider asking: