MockQuestions

Registered Nurse Mock Interview

30 Questions Created By

To help you prepare for your Registered Nurse interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

First Question

30 Registered Nurse Interview Questions

15 Interview Questions With Sample Answers

1.   Tell us about a time 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 your work. Before your interview, think of a time 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 your interviewer of the situation, who was involved in making it a great team effort, and what the outcome was. If you can relate your answer to a direct patient care situation, that is even better. Ensure that your interviewer walks away knowing you would take pride in what you do on the job at their organization.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Working on a large rehab unit currently, we enjoyed many proud moments as a team. But the one that came to mind first was this young patient 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 in our inpatient unit. I felt so grateful to be working the day he took his first steps unassisted after four months in our unit. Many tears were shed that day, both by his family and our staff."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I have been very proud of the team I work with. I remember one of them very vividly. A patient was worried about her husband on the couch in her room. When her nurse asked if he was okay, he would not answer and was unresponsive. That nurse took action and called for assistance from the other nurses on the floor, including me. The husband was pale, sweating, and unable to answer questions. As a team, we worked together to assess the situation and call the code team as we were unsure of what we were dealing with. We checked his Bp, blood sugar, and oxygen levels quickly, which were all within the normal range. I found a bed to transport the man to the ER and assisted in lifting the patient onto the bed to be taken to the ER to be evaluated. I was proud of how fast our team was able to get him help. We worked together seamlessly to get the job done.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

2.   Talk about a time you had to deal with a significant change in your work procedures or 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 constantly emerging to better care for a patient. To succeed as a Registered Nurse, you need to demonstrate that you can navigate change with ease in the workplace, and this is your chance to talk in detail about a specific change you have dealt with in the workplace with a positive outcome. In your answer, reiterate your ability to be flexible and open to change if you join this organization.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 prepared myself under the notion that I can only control what I could 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 made me a better nurse in the end and for that, I am grateful for that opportunity."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

Throughout the years, I have seen changes come often. As nurses, we have to adapt to changes in workflow or patient assignments. The most challenging change I have dealt with in my career was when covid hit and the whole hospital was locked down. It was a very stressful time for everyone, we didn't know what was coming. Things were very fluid and would change day by day or hour by hour. Fear that we would not have the appropriate PPE when covid patients came was prevalent. My years of adapting to things as they come into my job prepared me for this. I feel I handled it well by supporting my coworkers who needed help when the stress was too much in such uncertain times - helping where I could with workflow issues, trying to lessen the pressure on my coworkers, and being a listening ear when they needed to vent.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

3.   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 troublesome for the management. Your interviewer wants the best of both worlds in looking for 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.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 experience, but every unit is different. I can be a self-starter with minimal supervision with regular cardiac catheter patients, but I would like access to supervision with more complicated patients. And I always appreciate supervision and critique from nursing leadership to learn and improve."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I feel 2-3 weeks would be sufficient. I am confident in my nursing skills, but I will need time to get comfortable with your workflow and learn your procedures. This is a new area of nursing for me, but I am excited to learn new things.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

4.   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 provide complicated information and education to patients. Your interviewer wants to hear that you can gauge each unique patient and their understanding of information so that you can take a personalized approach to educate every patient you would be working with. If you have an example of a time when you successfully educated a patient in the simplest terms, be sure to discuss that in your answer.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 the information along to them. Recently, I was caring for a young man with developmental disabilities. To ensure his 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 I had given him, and he walked out of the hospital confident in his ability to recover on his own."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I try to make the education part of my job as easy to process as possible. As nurses, we sometimes forget that using healthcare jargon can confuse patients. I don't use abbreviations when giving instructions. If there is a lot to cover, I will pause and make sure they understand. I will ask them to tell me what they need to do or what to watch for when they get home and then see if they have any questions before moving on to the next section.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

5.   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, communicating effectively with 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 sell your ability to handle delivering bad news to patients, talk about your ability to understand the patient's perspective and be open and available for questions from the patient.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 was hard not to break down with the family in tears, but I knew they were looking at me for the 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."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I have had to let a mother know her baby needed to go to the NICU. It is always a delicate conversation when speaking to a new mom and dad who are tired and emotional. I usually start by saying, "The doctor is with your baby right now. It sounds like they want to take your baby to the NICU to keep a closer eye on him/her. I know that is not what you were expecting, and it can be a bit scary, but our NICU staff will take good care of your baby. I believe the doctor will be in shortly to explain why the baby needs to go to the NICU. Do you have any questions for me?"

I always want to take the time needed with a family for any questions and show compassion for them during such a stressful time.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

6.   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 organization 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 an excellent question for you to do some self-reflection on. 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.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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. I've also been commended for my ability to provide excellent education to patients to help them live a healthier lifestyle; this is one aspect of my work as an RN that I love."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I have been described as knowledgeable, compassionate, and friendly on patient surveys. I strive to put the patient at ease in the hospital.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

7.   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 have 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 ask it. If you don't belong to any nursing organizations, maybe the first question to ask yourself is why not. If you desire a job as a critical care nurse, join a specialty-specific organization before the interview. It's worth it and may tip the balance in your favor. Belonging to organizations brings access to other members and cutting-edge information. There are many nursing organizations to join, depending on your interests and career trajectory. As you answer, talk about the organizations you belong to and discuss any benefits you've received from your membership. This can and should include any educational or training opportunities you have received.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 regularly, and last year, I received my ENPC certification through their online coursework."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I belong to the American Nurses Association. I joined because I want to stay current on what is happening around the United States. I feel it is essential to be aware of changing laws or things being brought up in legislation.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

8.   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 from the job posting you read or the advertisement you saw. Be as honest as possible about your availability regarding evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts. While reiterating that you are open and flexible, make sure that your interviewer knows of any personal commitments you have because these things must be discussed during the interview process.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I am open to working any shift on any day as long as I have the schedule at least two weeks ahead of time. With my husband having a full-time job, I need to be able to plan for childcare during the weekday hours should the need arise. We are fortunate to have a great support system with family and friends if needed."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I can be flexible with my schedule, except I prefer not to work nights. I have done the night shift before, and my body doesn't hold up well with the night shift regularly. I can do any shifts needed during the day and will be happy to rotate through weekends and holidays if that is how your schedule works.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

9.   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 even the best. Most experienced nurses can't know the answers to everything. They want to hear that you can be resourceful in finding a solution. 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 when you had to be creative in your resourcefulness to answer a question, don't hesitate to talk about it.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"To be as prepared as possible for any situation I would encounter at your organization, knowing all on-staff experts would be essential. I would take the time to get to know the charge nurses, nurse educators, and physician staff and their areas of expertise so I could tap into them when needed. I would also get to know my colleagues and their experiences to ensure we can work with each other's strengths daily. If an issue that came up needed further research into policies or procedures, I wouldn't hesitate to do what is necessary by research to seek resolutions."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

To start with, I would ask the charge nurse. If it had to do with a policy, I would look up the policy to make sure I was following it correctly. If it had to do with medication, I would call the pharmacy as they are the best to ask those types of questions. I have no problems asking for help when needed, so I would keep asking or looking for the answer until I found it.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

10.   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 about your past experiences and 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.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"During my career as a Registered Nurse, I have found out that the number of patients I'm comfortable handling is relative to the unit I'm working on. In a highly acute ICU, I've worked with as many as eight patients on a shift and felt this was overwhelming. On a Med/Surg unit, being responsible for eight patients on a unit is low. No matter the unit I work on, I have a great method in place for prioritizing the needs of my patients and making sure that all of my patients' needs are met promptly."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

Over the years, the number of patients allowed per nurse has changed. When I first became a nurse, eight patients were the typical workload on our floor, but ten per nurse was not uncommon. Ten was a bit overwhelming at one time, but I made it work. I feel that patient acuity is more important than the number you have. I have always managed to prioritize my patient's care throughout my shift, no matter how many patients I have.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

11.   How do you approach the documentation of patient records? Do you use specific strategies?

How to Answer

Documentation of clinical encounters in patient records is essential 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 are not documented correctly, 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 you use to improve efficiency.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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. 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 efficiencies, I cannot speak to that. Still, 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."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

Working on a unit can be hectic, so I need a system for my charting. Ideally, I chart after each encounter with a patient. Sometimes this is not possible, depending on the needs of my other patients. So to help me, I keep a cheat sheet of my assessment of a patient, vital signs, and any scheduled or as-needed medications. Then, as I give medication, I update my paper so I know when to check back with the patient. After leaving a patient's room, my goal is to chart that encounter with the patient right away so I don't get behind. If I chart after each patient, things will stay up to date in the chart, and my shift will go much smoother. If I need to go into another room quickly and do not have an opportunity to chart right away, I have a system for helping me to remember. Because I have written down on my cheat sheet what I did, once I chart it, I put a line through it. That guarantees that I will get it charted and will not miss something.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

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

How to Answer

Throughout your interview 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 there as a Registered Nurse. This question allows you to be direct in discussing what drew you to this organization. Before 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 you hold near and dear to your heart to prove your long-term dedication when hired.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"As I began searching for my dream job in a NICU, finding an organization that meets my values was important. As I researched your organization, I was glad to read about the patient-centered care that you provide daily because, in the end, this matters in the work we do."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I am excited about the opportunity to work here. As I read your mission statement and goals, I feel this will be a good fit. My goal as a nurse is to help the people in my community, which is part of your mission statement. I became a nurse because I strongly desired to care for patients with dignity and respect.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

13.   Can you 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 are some of the physical demands of the job. If your interviewer poses this question during your interview, you can expect some physical demands in working as a Registered Nurse for their organization. For the position you are interviewing for, make sure to research the physical demands of the job and point out how you can handle those tasks. Discussing your self-care methods can also be beneficial because being a nurse often requires being in great shape.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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 I can be by jogging regularly, eating healthy, and getting ample sleep every night. I find that by taking care of myself mentally and physically, I come to work prepared for any physical demands thrown my way."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

Yes, I will have no problem with the physical requirements for this job. I like to stay active outside of work to help me with the strain put on my body as a nurse.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

14.   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 last 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 prepared but not rehearsed. Answer in a way that highlights your skills and how they will benefit the organization and its patients. You can also discuss the traits that you feel put you above the competition for the position.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Throughout my career as a Registered Nurse, I have demonstrated that patient care is a top priority in any job I have held. It has always been my dream to work on an obstetrics unit, and I know that everything 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."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

I am a great candidate for this position because I will provide the best care to every patient regardless of circumstance. Everyone deserves respect and quality care while in the hospital without judgment. Showing compassion is just as important as nursing skills, in my opinion. I have strong nursing skills, care, and compassion for each patient I interact with.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

15.   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 to provide quality nursing care. Nursing, while often a very rewarding career, can be exhausting and emotionally draining, so nurses need 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 whether their environment would be a good fit for you. To successfully answer this question, you should describe what motivates you to be the best you can be each day on the job.

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"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."

Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

The thing that motivates me the most is. How would I want my family member or myself to be cared for? I care for each patient as I would like to be cared for or how I would care for a family member. I feel our care will be the best it can be when we do this. I provide this to my patients by giving them respect, comfort, privacy, and dignity in their care while in the hospital.

Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022

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