Registered Nurse Interview Questions

Registered Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

To view our answers examples, please upgrade.

1. 1.

   If hired at our organization, how would you ensure that patients receive education and information in terms that they understand?

   How to Answer

   As a Registered Nurse, you will often be in a position at this organization where you will be providing complicated information and education to patients. Your interviewer wants to hear that you have the ability to gauge each unique patient and their understanding of information so that you can take a personalized approach to educating every patient that you would be working with. If you have an example of a time where you successfully educated a patient in the simplest of terms, be sure to talk about that in your answer.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As an RN that takes the time to get to know my patients on a personal level, I can gather a lot of information on them to make the best determination on how to pass information along to them. Recently, I was caring for a young man that had some developmental disabilities. To ensure his own proper self care following his discharge, I took the time to print and walk through many different rehab protocols for him. This included exercises and diet recommendations for him. On the morning of his discharge, I had him walk me through his exercise routines based on the information that I had given him and he walked out of the hospital confident in his abilities to recover on his own."

2. 2.

   What makes you the ideal candidate to join our organization as a Registered Nurse?

   How to Answer

   Often one of the final questions during your interview, this is your final chance to sell yourself to the interviewer on why you are the best candidate to join their organization. This is a good question for you to have a prepared, but not rehearsed. Answer in a way which highlights your skills and how they will benefit the organization and their patients. As well, you can discuss your personal traits that you feel put you above the competition for the position.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "Throughout my career as a Registered Nurse, I have demonstrated that patient care is a top priority in any job that I have held. It has always been my dream to work on an obstetrics unit and I know that everything that I have worked for in my career has brought me here. My compassion and drive to succeed in this position make me the top person for this job and you'll find quickly that I will be a top contributing member of your obstetrics nursing team."

3. 3.

   How do you prioritize your work when multiple patients and procedures demand your attention at once?

   How to Answer

   Working in any patient unit or clinic can be overwhelming on the Registered Nurses. During these times, nurses are often the glue that holds everything together in the department to ensure that medical support run smoothly. Your interviewer is asking this question to determine how you manage situations like this and how you will be able to manage these types of situations at this organization. To successfully answer this question, be able to talk about a particular situation where you had to prioritize multiple patients at once and describe how you handled the situation with a great outcome.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As a nurse in the emergency department, there are times when the action is crazy with patients coming in. During these times, I always remember that the needs of the patient come first so my triage skills come into use to prioritize which patients are the highest priority and which ones can wait. During these particular times, communication is extremely important for patients. If they are going to have a time period to wait, I communicate that to them and check in with them when I can. As well, during these busy times, it is equally important for our team of nurses and physicians to stay in communication. From there, I stay calm and handle patients with quality care one at a time."

4. 4.

   What motivates you to provide quality nursing care and how will you bring this to our organization?

   How to Answer

   No matter how many years of experience a nurse has, they must stay motivated in order to provide quality nursing care. Nursing, while often a very rewarding career, can be exhausting and emotionally draining, so it is important for nurses to be able to stay motivated in their current work environments. Your interviewer is proposing this question to determine what motivates and drives you internally and to determine if their environment would be a good fit for you. To successfully answer this question, you should describe what motivates you to be the best that you can be each day on the job.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "When I began my pursuit of a nursing career in college, I knew that I was born to help people when they are at their most vulnerable. In any environment, whether it be outpatient, inpatient, or skilled nursing, making a positive difference for each of my patients is what drives me to become a better nurse, and it makes all the hard and emotional days worth it. Because I know I am making a difference in the lives of others, it is easy for me to get up and come to work each day."

5. 5.

   Talk about the most stressful situation you've had to deal with in the workplace. What did you learn from that situation that you can bring to our team?

   How to Answer

   Registered Nurses can find themselves in very stressful working conditions from time to time due to a variety of reasons. With this question, your interviewer is looking to see how you personally manage those stressful situations in the workplace to get a feel for how you will handle these times as a part of their organization. Think of a specific time you had to manage a stressful situation, describe how you handled it, talk about what tools or resources you used and explain what the outcome was of the situation. If possible, talk about specific coping techniques that you used to help you through that particular situation.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As an emergency nurse, I was working a night shift during the winter where a bus accident brought in 10 critically injured patients. When we received the call that the ambulances would be showing up, I went into immediate triage mode with our current patients. This mode continued when the accident victims arrived as well and I prioritized those with the most traumatic injuries first and worked down the line. I try to remember that I am one person who can only truly focus on one task at a time. In these situations, this sage advice keeps me focused on the patient in front of me and not letting my mind wander to the other patients."

6. 6.

   Talk about a time that you had to deal with a significant change in your work procedures or in your workplace. How did you handle that change?

   How to Answer

   The healthcare industry is always in a constant state of change. Organizations merge, laws change and new technology and processes are always emerging to better care for a patient. To succeed as a Registered Nurse, you need to be able to demonstrate that you can navigate change with ease in the workplace and this is your chance to talk in details about a specific change you have dealt with in the workplace with a positive outcome. In your answer, be sure to reiterate your ability to be flexible and open to change if you were to join this organization.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "In my last job, my organization went through a buyout to become the current organization that it is. Upon the buyout, nearly everything about my job changed. We were working on a new EMR, our pay structure changed, our benefits changed, our leadership structure changed and some of our work processes did too. Knowing about the buyout ahead of time, I was able to prepare myself under the notion that I only can control what I can control. As I saw other coworkers complain, cry and even look for new jobs, I took this as an opportunity to embrace change and become a better organization. Learning a new EMR and learning new work processes did end up making me a better nurse in the end and for that, I am grateful for that opportunity."

7. 7.

   What aspects of our organization drew you to apply here as a Registered Nurse?

   How to Answer

   Throughout your interviewer process, your interviewer wants to hear that you are attracted to their organization and hold similar values. This will help prove that you will be dedicated to your work their as a Registered Nurse. This question is allowing you to be direct in your approach to talking about what is drawing you to this organization. Prior to your interview, be sure to research the mission, values and goals of the organization and make sure that you put some serious thought into what you feel hits close to home for you in working for them. As you answer, talk about the values of the organization that you hold near and dear to your heart to prove your long-term dedication when hired.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As I began to search for my dream job in a NICU, it was important for to find an organization that meets my personal values. As I researched your organization, I was glad to read about the patient-centered care that you provide on a daily basis, because in the end, this is what matters in the work that we do."

8. 8.

   Tell me about a time when you committed a medical error in your nursing career. How did you handle that situation and what did you learn from it that you can bring to our organization?

   How to Answer

   No matter the career or profession, mistakes happen in the workplace. The repercussions of medical errors that Registered Nurses can commit can range anywhere from minor to very severe and life-threatening. When a medical error is committed by a Registered Nurse, it is important that they immediately report the error and do not attempt to cover it up. To successfully answer this question, be prepared to talk about a situation in your career when you committed a medical error and explain how you took action to resolve and report the situation in a timely manner. In the end, be sure to include details of what you learned from the error, and how learning from the situation will prevent you from making the mistake again.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "Since I am a new nurse, I am very watchful in my practice, but I did make a very serious medical error when I first started working on my own on the peds floor at the hospital. In pediatrics, weight is usually documented in kilograms, since recommended medication doses are documented in kilograms. Upon intake, I entered the patient's weight in the system, and when it automatically converted to kilograms, I thought it was a mistake, so I adjusted it up so it would reflect the patient's weight in pounds. This was a big mistake on my part because the patient would receive more medication than they were supposed to. At first, I didn't realize what I had done, but later while I was entering history and physical on another patient, I realized my mistake, and as soon as I was finished with this patient, I immediately went and informed my supervisor of my mistake. Luckily, the patient had not received medication yet, but an error was still documented and I went through a training program to ensure I understood how to properly document weight."

9. 9.

   How do you make seamless transitions on shift changes?

   How to Answer

   In almost any nursing setting, handing off a unit at shift change time in a smooth fashion is important. Your interviewer is looking to see how you handle the transition during shift changes to get a feel for how you will handle this task at their organization. It is important for you to showcase your communication and listening skills and talk about how you take information and put it to work. Walking step by step through your previous employers' handoffs can be beneficial as well because it will reassure the interviewer that you are familiar with sound processes in these situations.
   
   

    Answer Example

   To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "At my current position, we have a process for transitioning at shift change. To start, the RN's coming off shift and those coming on have a huddle that is led by the unit supervisor at each shift change. In the huddle, any significant issues with patients are discussed. Next, if any work remains to be done with a patient, we communicate to each other one on one to ensure that the needs of our patients are met."

10. 10.

    Tell me about a time you had to communicate bad news to a patient. How did you effectively communicate that news and what was the outcome?

    How to Answer

    As a Registered Nurse, the need to communicate effectively to a patient is vital and this is no more evident than when delivering bad news to a patient. By asking this question, your interviewer will be looking to see how you handled yourself in a particular instance by showing empathy and composure. Think of a time when you had to do this and talk about an instance that had a great outcome to prove your ability to do this if hired at their organization. To really sell yourself in your ability to handle delivering bad news to patients, talk about your ability to understand the patient's perspective and being open and available for questions from the patient.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As a pediatric nurse early in my career, my physician received lab results from a young patient found to have a brain tumor. When the patient and family were called in for their consult, the physician and I were both in the room when the news was delivered. In that situation, it is hard not to break down with the family in tears but I knew that they were looking at me to be the person with strength and have answers to their questions. The physician and I were able to walk them through their next steps and options moving forward with their child's diagnosis and they truly appreciated that."

11. 11.

    What IV skills as a Registered Nurse would you bring to our team?

    How to Answer

    One of the skills that Registered Nurses will be expected to have at this organization is starting intravenous lines (IVs). IVs can be used for many purposes including administering fluids, blood transfusions, and medications. Proper delivery of IV therapy is important because if the therapy is delivered incorrectly, the patient's life could be put in danger. In order for IV therapy to be properly administered, the IV must be inserted into the vein properly, which requires a specific skill-set and the ability to follow protocols. To successfully answer this question, you should elaborate on your ability and experience in starting and managing IVs. A more successful answer would include an example of when the candidate successfully handled a difficult circumstance while starting and/or managing an IV.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "The RN position I held before my current job in pediatrics was at an infusion center, and there I spent most of my days starting and managing patient IVs as they received their infusion medications. Because I worked in the infusion center for so long, starting them is almost second nature to me. Many times, I find that patients are anxious about getting IVs, even in an infusion center environment, where they come in every so many weeks to get their medication. Since anxiety and stress can cause vasoconstriction in these patients, I do everything I can to explain the procedure and help the patient feel comfortable. I also take additional measures to make starting IVs easier on myself and the patient, such as placing a warm compress on the site to dilate the veins and, if possible, offering the patient water to help them hydrate. All these interventions help make the IV process easier for me but it also helps patients relax and become more comfortable."

12. 12.

    If I were to talk with some recent patients that you interacted with, how would they describe you?

    How to Answer

    Because the interactions that Registered Nurses have with their patients at this organizations are vitally important, your interviewer is looking to hear how you value your interactions with patients by asking this question. As you answer, talk openly and honestly about your strengths in your interactions with patients by speaking from the perspective of the patients that you work with. This is a great question for you to do some self reflection as well. If you have examples of direct feedback that you've received from patients or survey data, don't hesitate to talk about the positive feedback that you've received.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "During my career, my patients have always loved my kind hearted demeanor and my approachability. This feedback has been given to me directly from patients, my managers and through patient survey data. As well, I've also been commended for my ability to provide excellent education to patients to help them live a healthier lifestyle and this is one aspect of my work as an RN that I really love."

13. 13.

    Have you ever had a time where you were proud of your healthcare team? What role did you play in that effort?

    How to Answer

    By asking this question, your interviewer is ideally looking to hear that you would join their organization with a sense of pride in the work that do both yourself and as part of a larger team. Prior to you interview, think of a time when you felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in a team effort during your time as a Registered Nurse. Try to paint a clear picture for you interviewer on what the situation was, who was involved in making it a great team effort and what the ultimate outcome was. If you can relate your answer to a direct patient care situation, that is even better. In the end, make sure that your interviewer walks away knowing that you would take pride in what you do on the job at their organization.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "Working on a large rehab unit currently, there have been many proud moments that we enjoyed as a team. But the one that comes to mind first was this young patient who was in our unit following a car accident. With his original diagnosis being paralyzation from the waist down, our team of therapists, physicians and doctors worked with him for over three months on our inpatient unit. I felt so grateful to be working the day he took his first steps unassisted after four months on our unit. Many tears were shed that day, both by his family and our staff."

14. 14.

    If you were working as a Registered Nurse at our organization and didn't know the answer to something, what resources would you use to find the right answer?

    How to Answer

    Your interviewer fully understands that Registered Nurses are often the go-to for questions from patients and their families and they also know it's impossible for even the best and most experienced nurse to know the answers to everything. What they are looking to hear is that you can be resourceful in finding an answer. As you answer, talk about your willingness to tap into physicians, colleagues, policies or any other materials to best help answer questions that may come your way. If you have an example of a time where you had to be creative in your resourcefulness to answer a question, don't hesitate to talk about it.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "To be as prepared as possible for any situation I would encounter at your organization, it would be extremely important for me to know all on-staff experts. I would take the time to get to know who the charge nurses, nurse educators and physician staff are, and what their areas of expertise are so I could tap into them when needed. I would also get to know my colleagues and their experiences to ensure that we can work with each other's strengths on a daily basis. If an issue that came up needed further research into policies or procedures, I wouldn't hesitate to do what is necessary by way of research to seek resolutions."

15. 15.

    What is your preferred role in working as part of a larger team of Registered Nurses on a unit?

    How to Answer

    During your interview with their organization, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you can be the ultimate team player if you were to be hired. You know that Registered Nurses don't work alone in silos and that the success of the greater good relies on a true team effort. While being open and honest about the type of role that you are most comfortable in playing as part of the larger team in this role, discuss how flexibility and cohesiveness are important in a true team effort. As well, don't hesitate to reiterate that you can function well in both a team setting and working alone.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I'm a firm believer that working as a team provides the best possible outcome for patients. Every staff member has their own unique experiences and knowledge and looking at problems from many points of view is the best. When working on a large team, I am comfortable stepping in and giving my thoughts on things and I'm also never hesitant to reach out to others for their advice. I have both the ability to lead others and the ability to take direction as well, and the ability to do both of these with ease has helped me be a successful RN."

16. 16.

    If you noticed a colleague not taking proper safety precautions on the job here, how would you handle that situation?

    How to Answer

    Safety is of the utmost importance at the organization you are interviewing for. When it comes to patient safety, Registered Nurses are at the frontline of providing a safe environment for both patients and staff. By proposing this question during your interview, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you will be an advocate for safety at all times. Whether you notice a colleague not washing their hands before and after seeing a patient or about to administer an improper does of a medicine, reiterate to your interviewer that you wouldn't hesitate to intervene immediately. As you answer, make sure to stress that you understand why a focus on safety is important in the role that you would play with this organization.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "In the healthcare field, the safety of everyone in a medical facility really comes down to simple and easy actions on a consistent basis. When I see my coworkers not taking precautions seriously, I make sure to talk with them immediately and in a positive frame reminding them of the importance of safe work habits. If I notice a coworker even skip a handwashing, for example, I would talk to them in private and explain the importance that hand hygiene plays in keeping all patients and staff safe. If it came to continued blatant disregard, I would take the issue to my supervisor as quick as possible."

17. 17.

    How do you stay current on the latest news, breakthroughs and education in the field of nursing?

    How to Answer

    The healthcare field is continually changing with new technology, new patient care techniques and up-to-date research methods. Due to this, most healthcare organizations require their Registered Nurses to attend continuing education courses. On top of required education, many nurses choose to stay up to speed in their field by attending training, reading publications or participating in workshops. To successfully answer this question, be ready to talk about one of the most recent training sessions you attended and expand on your particular interests in learning more in the nursing field and how you educate yourself on a regular basis.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As part of my continuing education requirements, I recently attended a Child Maltreatment training. Working in a Family Practice clinic, this training was extremely useful as it educated me on how to spot potential child abuse in patients that I see. As well, I learned new changes in law about mandatory reporting if child abuse was suspected. I am also a subscriber of the 'Journal of Pediatric Nursing' and enjoy reading and learning about new research in the field."

18. 18.

    Describe your typical relationship with physicians you work with. What would your ideal physician relationship be at our organization?

    How to Answer

    As a Registered Nurse, you have had close working relationships with many physicians throughout your careers. This question will enable you to showcase your relationship with the physicians that you have worked with and what your communication style is. As a nurse, building trust with physicians is important as well, so some examples of how you've built that trust can be beneficial. To really seal this answer for your interviewer, describe what an ideal relationship with a physician would look like if you were hired at their organization.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "During my career, I've taken great pride in being able to communicate and relate to the physicians that I have worked with. Together, we ultimately work as a team to provide the best care that we can for each patient and our working relationship is key in accomplishing this goal. At your organization, my ideal relationship with the physicians involve open communication, friendliness and a mutual respect for the care we each provide to patients here at your organization."

19. 19.

    Talk about a time where you had to handle an irate colleague or patient. How did you handle that situation and what were the results?

    How to Answer

    Registered Nurses often deal with patients, their family members, and co-workers during very stressful times. These stressful times can lead to emotional outbursts like rage or sadness. Prior to your interview, think of a situation you have been in where you can clearly demonstrate your ability to diffuse a high-conflict situation. In dealing with someone who was angry, it is important to demonstrate your listening skills, problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm and collected to not escalate the situation.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "As a nurse in the pain clinic, we had a patient in one day that was demanding more narcotics for her pain. She had walked into the clinic without an appointment to demand another prescription. As the only nurse in a small clinic that day, I sat the patient down to talk to them. I used a calm voice and listened to what they were asking for. After listening, I explained that I would need to check their records for their last prescription and speak with the attending physician in the clinic that day. After seeing that their last prescription was written many months ago and the patient had missed their last appointment, I was able to talk to the physician to get another prescription written. Once prescribed, I explained to the patient how it was important for them to keep their regularly scheduled appointments and she walked away happy."

20. 20.

    Describe a recent issue you had with a doctor or co-worker's decision. How did you handle it?

    How to Answer

    In the fast-paced world that a Registered Nurse lived in on a daily basis, you won't always agree with the decisions that are made by your co-workers or physicians that you work with. When a disagreement happens, you have to make a decision whether it is something to take issue with, or leave alone. Show your interviewer that you trusted your final decision and the outcome of the situation was acceptable.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "During my time working at a skilled nursing facility, we were short-staffed one evening during medication passing. Our standard operating procedure was to pass medications to patients in teams of two to ensure that proper medications were being given to each resident. My co-worker told me to do two of the wings alone to save time and I immediately told her that I was uncomfortable going against policy for the safety of the patients. Another co-worker and I teamed up to complete the pass in the entire facility in a timely fashion with no incidents."

21. 21.

    During you career as a Registered Nurse, have you been open to participating on any project teams or other administrative projects?

    How to Answer

    While the primary focus of a Registered Nurse is on patient care, administrative duties are often a part of the job, especially if a you choose to transition into a management position at some point in your career. There are many nurses who are great in working with patients on a daily basis but struggle with the administrative duties that their employer asks of them and this can lead to performance issues. Your interviewer is proposing this question to assess your ability to successfully complete administrative duties and tasks. To successfully answer this question, you should describe any administrative tasks or projects that you have worked on in the past. A stronger answer to this question would include an example of when you led or spearheaded an administrative project.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "Two years ago, when the company I was working for was undergoing their EHR upgrade, my manager put me in charge of ensuring that all clinicians, nurses, and staff on my unit were trained on the upgraded product. Since there were three separate required training classes, each offered at multiple times and dates, it was difficult to keep up with who had attended which session. To make it easy for me to track who had attended the training sessions, I created a tracking spreadsheet on Excel with validations and dropdown boxes, so I could easily visualize who had completed each training and who had not. I posted this spreadsheet on my unit's share drive so each employee could update it accordingly, and weekly, I would verify the information with the training office's records."

22. 22.

    What patient education skills would you bring to our team as a Registered Nurse?

    How to Answer

    Your interviewer is asking this question to assess your overall ability and skill level in providing education to the patients. Providing patient education and/or discharge instructions cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, as patients have varying capacities for comprehending information. Registered Nurses should demonstrate an ability to adjust their delivery of patient education. To effectively answer this question, you should specifically explain how you deliver instructions to patients. A stronger answer to this question would include a specific example of how you adjusted the delivery of educational information or discharge instructions to ensure the patient understood what was being communicated.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "Being a patient flow nurse, giving patients their discharge instructions is a big part of my job. Each time I am assisting with a patient discharge at the hospital, I review the written discharge instructions with both the patient and any family members or other advocates they have present. In these situations, there have been times that the patients are unable to understand and comprehend their aftercare instructions, they fully understands the instructions by having them explain back to me the instructions I just gave them. For one particular patient recently, I took extra time printing and highlighting specific instructions on his daily therapy that the physician was recommending so he could easily reference the important exercises he should be doing every day."

23. 23.

    Tell me about a time when you cared for a patient whose values or beliefs were different from your own. How did you handle the situation?

    How to Answer

    In the healthcare arena, diversity and inclusion is at the forefront of patient care and your interviewer is asking this question to assess your ability to set aside your own personal biases and provide care for patients whose values and beliefs are different from your own. By being employed in the healthcare field, Register Nurses will encounter patients from all walks of life and from all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds as well as genders, sexual orientations, religions, and other belief systems. In order to provide the best care to all of your patients, you should always be aware of any conscious or unconscious biases you may have and set them aside while providing care. To successfully answer this question, you should give a specific example of a time when they recognized a patient had values and beliefs different from your own and explain how you worked with them in a compassionate and caring manner.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I am very active in my church, and I consider myself a very devout Christian. At the hospital that I work at, I often care for patients who have much different religious belief than my own, as I work in a very culturally diverse area. I enjoy taking care of all people, and feel like it is my calling, no matter who they are or what religion they practice. I strive to give the best care possible to all my patients, despite how different their beliefs, religious or otherwise, may be from mine."

24. 24.

    If hired for this position, what would you say is your ideal patient load that you are able to handle comfortably and effectively?

    How to Answer

    This is a question where you can open up and be honest with your past experiences and talk about what you feel comfortable working with as a Registered Nurse. Each facility/unit/department has different patients with different acuity levels, so the exact number of patients can vary from department to department. This is a good time to emphasize how you keep yourself organized in your work and let the interviewer know what kind of workload you can manage.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "During my career as a Registered Nurse, I have found out that the number of patients that I'm comfortable handling is relative to the unit that I'm working on. In a highly acute ICU, I've worked with as a high as 8 patients on a shift and felt this was overwhelming. On a Med/Surg unit, 8 patients on a unit that I'm responsible for is low. No matter the unit that I work on, I have a great method in place for prioritizing the needs of my patients and make sure that all of my patient's needs are met in a timely manner."

25. 25.

    What is your work availability? Are you able to work nights? Weekends?

    How to Answer

    Heading into your interview with this organization, you should have a pretty good idea of the scheduling expectations of the position through the job posting that you read or the advertisement you saw. In truthfulness to yourself and potential future employer, you should be as honest as possible in what your availability is in regards to evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. While reiterating that you are open and flexible, make sure that your interviewer knows of any personal commitments that you have because it is important that these things are discussed during the interview process.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I am open to working any shift on any day as long as the schedule for particular shifts is out at least two weeks ahead of time. With my husband having a full-time job, I need to be able to plan ahead for childcare during the weekday hours should the need arise. We are very fortunate to have a great support system with family and friends if needed."

26. 26.

    Are you able to handle the physical requirement of this job as a Registered Nurse?

    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. If your interviewer is posing this question during your interview, you can expect some physical demands in working as a Registered Nurse for their organization. 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 shape.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "During my first four years as a Registered Nurse, 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. I find that by taking care of myself both mentally and physically, I come to work prepared for any physical demands that are thrown my way."

27. 27.

    What supervising or mentoring experiences would you bring to the nursing team at our organization?

    How to Answer

    For Registered Nurses, there are ample career opportunities to mentor peers or advance into leadership positions where they will supervise their colleagues. Your interviewer is asking this question to assess your experience in mentorship and/or supervision to determine how these skills could potentially be utilized at their organization. To successfully answer this question, talk about any experiences you have in formally supervising others and any experiences you have in mentoring colleagues and/or students. If you do not have experience supervising or mentoring other nurses, a supervision or mentorship experience in another setting would suffice for your answer.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I just recently finished nursing school, so I have not yet had the opportunity to formally supervise or mentor other nurses in a professional position. However, before I returned to school to train as a RN, I worked in another career. I was considered a mature student and for that reason many of my peers in school looked up to me for advice. Because I believe in helping others, I helped these academic colleagues and mentored them while we were in school and while we were doing our clinical rotations. While this mentorship experience is not directly connected to a job, I feel like I will be able to use this experience at your organization."

28. 28.

    How do you approach the documentation of patient records? Do you have specific strategies that you use?

    How to Answer

    Documentation of clinical encounters in patient records is extremely important at this organization and much of this responsibility rests on the shoulders of the Registered Nurses. If clinical encounters, medications, procedures, vital signs, and other information is not documented properly, unintended consequences could occur, some being dire. Your interviewer is asking this question to determine how seriously you take accurate and timely documentation and to see if you use any methods to improve efficiencies for documentation. To effectively answer this question, be prepared to talk about how you approach documentation, from beginning to end, and give examples of any strategies that you use to improve efficiency.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I am new to nursing, as I just finished nursing school, but I understand how important clinical documentation is. During my clinical rotations, when I had the opportunity to document my clinical encounters, I made sure to document everything, and before signing the note, I would double-check to ensure everything was correct. Since I am new to this and have not had a chance to develop my own efficiencies, I cannot speak to that, but I can say that my background in IT project management will allow me to think outside the box, and I can see myself coming up with ideas for standardization. If hired at your organization, learning and mastering the EMR would be one of my first goals during orientation."

29. 29.

    What professional nursing organizations do you belong to and which ones would you like to join in the future?

    How to Answer

    You may or may not get this question posed to you in an interview, but not belonging to any is not the answer that your interviewer is looking to hear if they do ask it. If you don't belong to any nursing organizations, maybe the first question to ask yourself is why not. If you are desiring a job as a critical care nurse, then join a specialty-specific organization before the interview. It's worth it, and it may tip the balance in your favor. Belonging to organizations brings access to other members and cutting edge information. There are lots of nursing organizations to join depending on your interests and career trajectory. As you answer, talk about the organizations that you do belong to and discuss any benefits that you've received from you membership. This can and should include any educational or training opportunities you have received.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I have belonged to the Emergency Nurses Association since I started my career path in emergency medicine six years ago. I love reading their articles on a regular basis and last year I received my ENPC certification through their online coursework."

30. 30.

    How much supervision do you feel you would need in your initial months on the job here at our organization?

    How to Answer

    This is a tricky question, so think it through ahead of your interview and be prepared to give an answer that illustrates that you are 'coachable' without being too dependent or needy. You also want to project that you are confident and competent without being arrogant or trouble for the management. Your interviewer wants the best of both worlds in looking at a new Registered Nurse to join their team, so be prepared to describe your competency, initiative, and willingness to both ask for and receive supervision and direction.
    
    

     Answer Example

    To view our professional answer example, please upgrade.
Ryan Brunner wrote: "I think it depends on the length of orientation I receive for the position. I am confident that I bring a level of competency to the position with my past experience, but every unit is different. I can be a self-starter with minimal supervision with regular cardiac catheter patients but would like access to supervision with more complicated patients. And I always appreciate supervision and critique from nursing leadership to learn and be better."