How to Answer: Are you able to handle the physical requirement of the job?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nursing job interview.
8. Are you able to handle the physical requirement of the job?
How to Answer
The nursing profession can be physically demanding. Standing and walking for long stretches, assisting in lifting patients and staying awake for odd hours and long periods of time are some of the physical demands of the job. For the position that you are interviewing for, make sure to research what the physical demands are for the job and point out how you are able to handle those tasks. It can also be beneficial to discuss your self-care methods because being a nurse often requires being in great
Written by Elisabeth Walter
1st Entry Level Example
"I know that as I enter a nursing career, I will be asked to do some pretty extreme physical activity. Lifting patients and standing for long hours at a time comes easy to me as I've participate in sports all the way through high school and continued this through college. Being in great shape and eating healthy is a lifestyle choice that I have made and it will definitely help me in my nursing career moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2nd Entry Level Example
"One of the reasons I chose to change my career from a desk-job to nursing is so I would be more physically active and would not have to sit all day. My previous career in business was a marathon in sitting, so I am looking forward to the active and strenuous environment that my new career in nursing will offer. While I know that the physical activity that I have endured during my clinical training in nursing school is nothing compared to the physical work I will endure as a full-time nurse, I have enjoyed the physical nature of the job. In order to prepare myself for full-time nursing, I have been getting myself into shape, been using a standing desk, and ensuring that I get at least 45-minutes of cardiovascular activity on a daily basis."
Written by Kelly Burlison on March 17th, 2019
1st Experienced Example
"Through my nursing career, I have spent many long hours on my feet and working shifts at non-traditional times. To be able to do this with ease, I have worked hard to be in the best physical shape that I can be by jogging on a regular basis, eating healthy and getting ample amounts of sleep each and every night."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
2nd Experienced Example
"In my nursing career, I have always handled the physical requirements of the job with ease. Before lift systems were standard in inpatient rooms, we physically lifted patients into and out of their beds when needed. The long hours and standing for long periods of time come easily to me as well. I realized early in my career that I needed to care for myself and my physical well-being outside of work and I continue to do this to this day."
Written by Ryan Brunner
3rd Experienced Example
"I am accustomed to the physical demands and requirements that nursing has. Over my years as a nurse, I have learned the importance and value of self-care for my overall health. I maintain a regular exercise routine so that my body is physically ready to work and so that my mind has the chance to rest and recover from what can be at times stressful days."
Written by Tabitha Cumpian on January 31st, 2023
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
About the Author
I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function, and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.
I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse, and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 50 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!
Learn more about Jaymie Payne