50 Situational Nursing Interview Questions & Answers

Table of Contents

1. Adaptability Questions
2. Communication Questions
3. Competency Questions
4. Conflict Questions
5. Creative Thinking Questions
6. Critical Thinking Questions
7. Customer Service Questions
8. Diligence Questions
9. Discovery Questions
10. Leadership Questions
11. Management Questions
12. Operational Questions
13. Performance Based Questions
14. Problem Solving Questions
15. Role-Specific Questions
16. Scenario Based Questions
17. Situational Questions
18. Teamwork Questions
19. Tough Questions

Situational questions are asked so the interviewer can gain insight into your thought process, how you problem-solve, and how you communicate in the workplace. Situational nursing questions can include inquiries about drug dosages, procedures, or specific signs and symptoms of a patient and how you would proceed. Additionally, interviewers can ask how you would respond when faced with an ethical dilemma, a challenging colleague, or when abruptly put into a leadership role.

While these questions can be challenging, there are a few ways to prepare before your interview. First, think about your interview as having a chat with a friend. They ask you what you would do in a particular situation, and you respond using your knowledge and experience. Additional tips include the following:

1. Make sure you understand the question. If you are unsure how to respond, ask the interviewer to clarify.

2. Use your critical-thinking skills if asked about a situation you have not encountered in your career.

3. Use real-life examples as often as possible.

4. Practice answering these types of questions with a friend or colleague.

5. Be honest with the interviewer. If you are unsure of the answer, let the interviewer know that while you do not know the answer, you will find it after the interview.

If you would like more practice questions to review before your interview, we have many great resources at Mockquestions. Here are 50 General Nursing Interview Questions that will help you prepare for many different kinds of nursing interviews. We have specific Behavioral Nursing Interview Questions as well! For more modern virtual nursing interviews, we have HireVue Nursing Interview Questions. Additionally, we have interview questions for a Registered Nurse that will help you better prepare for your interview than just our general nursing questions.

Remember to approach your interview as if you are having a professional discussion with a friend. If you have successfully completed nursing school, you can ace your interview! Best of luck!

Adaptability

1. How do you handle being asked to do a nursing task you've never completed before?

How to Answer

Most situational interview questions are best answered using the STAR method which involves thinking about the situation, task, action and result and providing solid and thorough answers. This is not the time to say that you would jump in with both feet. The interviewer is not looking for someone who just jumps when someone says jump, but someone willing to jump with confidence and competence. Your job is to provide an answer that illustrates this difference.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I really want to be liked and be a contributing member of the team, but I always stop and do a check-in before enthusiastically saying I'll do something I'm not sure about! I know the basics of nursing skills, so if I can look it up in the policy and procedure manual, such as a simple but different dressing change, I am able to do that independently. If it's totally novel, I will ask for supervision when first performing it so that I always work within the scope of my nursing practice."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If I'm asked to complete a nursing task I've never done before, I will use our hospital's intranet site to read about the procedure and/or watch a video about completing the procedure. If I feel comfortable doing the task after looking up the instructions, I will do so. If the task is complex or very different from something I've done before, and I don't feel competent to do it without supervision, I will ask for help. I would ask either another floor nurse or the charge nurse to review the steps with me and supervise me while I perform the task. That way, I can make sure that I'm learning about a task that I am responsible for completing while ensuring that my patient receives safe care."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Communication

2. You are talking with a patient during rounds, and the patient tells you she does not understand what the doctors tell her and she is unsure of what is going on with her health. Tell me how you respond to the patient.

How to Answer

Unfortunately, these types of situations are very common in the healthcare system, as patients are often confused or misinformed about their health. This is particularly true for elderly patients and/or patients without someone present to advocate for them. In this situation, the nurse should take time to help the patient understand what is going on with her health. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate would take initiative to help the patient; and to effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate they would explain the medical situation to the patient in layman's terms. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the nurse's career where they helped clarify a diagnosis, procedure, or other medical-related situation when a patient was confused.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"This type of situation has to be so frightening for a patient, and unfortunately, it happens so often. I would take time to explain the patient's medical condition to them at a level in which they could understand, and I would not leave until I was sure they understood. I have dealt with this many times in my nursing career, but one time in particular sticks out to me. I was caring for a patient who had been admitted after a car accident, and after she had a CT scan on her head, a mass was found on her pituitary gland. The doctors did not think the mass was cancerous, and the patient was told it was likely benign; but unfortunately, she didn't know the meaning of benign. Later, when I went to check on the patient, she was devastated and thought she had brain cancer. Luckily, I was able to help explain the situation to her, just like I would do in the situation with the patient you described to me."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"In the hospital, it can be common for patients to feel confused and scared about their medical condition. Patients may be dealing with pain or poor sleep, which can make it difficult to focus on information from doctors or others in the hospital. Also, regardless of patients' education or socioeconomic status, we can't assume that we know a patient's 'health literacy,' which is their ability to understand health and medical information. So, I have encountered scenarios a lot like this at the bedside. In this case, I would stay in the patient's room and pull up her most recent clinical notes from her primary team and consulting teams. I would explain what their assessments are in simple terms, avoiding healthcare jargon. I would ask the patient if she now feels that she understands her condition and plan. In most cases, just taking the time to explain things in clear terms relieves much of the patient's anxiety."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Sadly this is not uncommon! I would take the time to review the diagnosis, tests done or to be done and why they were performed as well as results, blood work, plan, and along the way ask if she understands. Print out educational material about diagnosis or new meds. Ask if there is a language barrier can use a translator next time or provide educational materials in the native language or have a caregiver present when the doctor assesses."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! If this is a common scenario, you may want to add an example from your experience. Have you had a similar situation? How did you respond? Did your response solve the problem?

Communication

3. How would you explain a complex task to someone using verbal instructions?

How to Answer

Teaching patients in a way they can understand is an integral part of nursing. Healthcare is increasingly complex, so it makes sense that the instructions can be, as well. This question provides a chance to showcase your talent to take a complicated idea and explain it without losing the integrity of dumbing it down.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I read once that most newspapers are written at a 5th grade level so that most people can understand the message. I think that today we are inundated with verbal messages and written messages, so what we choose to say should be prime real estate. That means no filler or fluff words for me, and to speak in a way that the patient or family can understand. Nurses are so used to throwing big words and acronyms around, and personally I am mindful not to do that. I break the information down into bite sized pieces and frequently check in with the person to see if they are understanding. I ask them to repeat back what I explained to them. I also watch them closely for non-verbal signs of confusion. I always feel so good when the patient is able to understand my instructions right away!"

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"Because we can't know always know a patient's health literacy level, it's important to try to explain concepts about a patient's care in a way that anyone can understand. When I have to explain a complex task, such as how to check your own blood glucose, verbally only, I make sure to use simple terms and avoid healthcare jargon. I 'chunk' the main points so that I'm not explaining too many concepts at once. I speak slowly. And I ask the patient to repeat back the instructions to me, so I can check for understanding."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"See what their baseline is and then fill in knowledge gaps from there. Break it down into smaller or simpler steps and frequently check in with the person to see if they understood. If I can use props or visuals I do. Teach back method is very effective and asking how they learn best so you can help make it easier for them to retain the info."

Cindy's Feedback

Good start. This question is well suited to using an example that shows your approach in action. Can you think of a recent example to share?

Communication

4. You were recently transferred to another unit and notice a fellow nurse consistently displaying incompetency in their work. How would you proceed?

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to gauge your level of professionalism and ability to handle difficult situations in the workplace. It's essential to approach this question with tact and diplomacy, as you don't want to come across as overly critical or negative toward your colleagues. Instead, focus on how you would approach the situation in a constructive and positive manner, such as subtly offering to help the coworker improve their skills or suggesting additional training opportunities to a supervisor. Ultimately, the goal is to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and supportively with your team, even in challenging circumstances. However, while you want to display that you can work well with others, you also want the interviewer to understand that the patient's safety is of utmost importance. If your colleague is incompetent to the level that it compromises patient care, you want to quickly bring it to the attention of a charge nurse.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"If I encountered a fellow nurse who I believed was struggling with their duties, I would approach the situation with empathy and understanding. I would first try to understand the root cause of their incompetence - whether it be a lack of training, personal issues, or being overwhelmed.

Once I understand the situation better, I would offer my support and assistance in any way I can. This could include providing additional training, offering to help with their workload, or simply being a listening ear if they need to talk.

It is essential to prioritize patient safety above all else. If a fellow nurse cannot provide safe and effective care, action must be taken to address the issue. If, after offering my support, I still believe their incompetence is putting patients at risk, I would bring my concerns to a supervisor or manager.

Ultimately, my goal would be to approach the situation with kindness and empathy while prioritizing our patients' safety and well-being."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"If I recently transferred to another unit and encountered a coworker exhibiting incompetence, I would first try to assess the situation and determine the extent of their shortcomings. Depending on the severity of the issue, I might consider discussing the matter with my supervisor or seeking guidance from a more experienced colleague. However, I would always approach the situation with tact and sensitivity, recognizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and that we all have the potential to learn and improve. My goal would be to ensure the highest standards of patient care are being met and that my colleague is given the resources and support they need to succeed."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Communication

5. A coworker left her computer open with sensitive information on the screen. You are the only one in the nurses' station. How would you address this with her?

How to Answer

Patient confidentiality must be honored, and leaving a computer open even to run to the bathroom for a minute risks a serious breach of patient confidentiality. Even though you are the only person in the room, you should not have access to patient information that you have no need to know. Even if you wouldn't say a word to anyone and you are a professional nurse with integrity, you should not be able to see possible protected information on a patient that you are not personally taking care of. Leaving a computer wide open is a serious risk to confidentiality.
If you see this, you could gently close the computer so that the screen is not visible and discuss the seriousness of this when your coworker returns. You must protect your license and you should report to supervision. It's uncomfortable to do so, but a nurse always takes the action that protects and advocates for the patient.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I would immediately close or cover the computer. I would not look at the information, of course. If I wasn't sure where the coworker was or when he or she left, I would be compelled to report it to supervision because someone could have accessed the information. It's a tough call and may cause some coworker tension, but as a nurse, I must do what is best for my nursing license and the patient, and that is to protect the confidentiality of the patient."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I would lock my coworker's computer without looking at anything on the screen and then let her know that I did so. If I knew for sure that no one looked at her computer screen while she was away, then I would remind her of the importance of locking her computer when she steps away. If I couldn't verify that no one had access to the sensitive information, I would have to let my supervisor know what happened. Potential violations of patient privacy are very serious."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Communication

6. Give an example of how you may connect and find common ground with a patient to gain understanding.

How to Answer

All patients are different and come from different backgrounds and life experiences. Sometimes, the patient will have biases and reject you as a competent individual. Learning how to connect and find common ground with a patient quickly can improve patient outcomes. There is always something that you can find in common with someone. It could be the weather, good or bad, a comment on a crossword they are completing, admiration for their turquoise necklace, anything that is authentic and sincere to start to build a bridge or connection. It doesn't have to be a colossal sharing of souls, but just looking quickly for similarities instead of differences can have real impact. Take the time to learn conversational techniques that can elicit conversation and build rapport.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I try to establish conversational rapport with each patient and humanize our interaction a little bit. I want to be seen as a professional and competent nurse, but also as a warm and caring human being. I don't think idle chitchat is helpful overall, but I do believe an authentic comment about a picture of their dog or maybe a sweater they are wearing can leapfrog into more personalized conversations. I think that it makes people feel seen by the nurse and that helps."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"There are so many ways to connect with a patient during my shift. I think it always starts with identifying myself and my role. It sounds simple, but I always say a variation of 'Good morning, I'm Kate and I'll be your nurse until 7 p.m. today' when I first meet a patient. Over the years, many patients have told me that they feel frustrated or confused when people enter their rooms and just start talking without identifying themselves. Identifying myself to the patient in a friendly way helps to establish trust right away. After that, I may ask them about any drawings done by kids that I see in their room, the sports team they're watching on TV, the sodoku puzzle they're working on, or whatever type of Indiana weather we may be having. Talking about everyday things can help us develop a rapport that will be useful as we need to talk about medications and other aspects of treatment later."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I start by asking the client about what they usually do when they aren't sick. What's their job? What music do they like? Do they have kids or pets? Are they wearing anything unique like jewelry or tattoos? I let them guide the depth of the conversation while I do my assessment or give medications. It's hard losing that feeling of control in a restrictive hospital room."

Stephanie's Feedback

You provide a strong example of how you find common ground with your patients. You come across as compassionate and authentic. I have just one small suggestion for strengthening your response. I suggest adding a concluding sentence to wrap up your thoughts (for example: "Finding ways to connect with my patients as people helps me to understand them better, and it also gives them the opportunity to feel more at

ease.")

Communication

7. How do you handle difficult family members who disagree with the care that the patient agreed to?

How to Answer

Patient families can be challenging, and they do not always agree with the patient's decision. Sometimes they will pull you aside and tell you their opinion. As long as the patient is competent to make their own decisions, the best way to deal with these situations is to tell the family that they really need to talk with the patient. You should not be talking about the patient's condition when they are not present, anyway. Remember your license and advocate for your patient's rights.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I would acknowledge that I understand they want the best for their family member, but explain that I cannot discuss the patient's care with them and that the patient has the right to make their own decision. I would encourage them to discuss their concerns with the patient directly and perhaps ask for a shared meeting with the doctor so their concerns could be addressed. I would definitely report the interaction to my nursing supervisor."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"When a patient is a competent adult who can make their own healthcare decision, I will respectfully direct the patient's family member back to the patient. I will remind the family member that I must respect the patient's privacy. If the patient agrees, I can call the doctor and ask the doctor to come to the patient's room and answer the family member's questions with the patient present."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Communication

8. You are caring for a young patient who is being discharged with a prescription for an inhaler. Upon asking the patient if he knows how to use the inhaler, he says, "Yes, I do." Tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

Although most medications are dispensed with administration instructions at the pharmacy, many patients do not understand how to administer to themselves which results in their misuse. For medications such as beta agonists or corticosteroids which are administered via inhaler, misusing the inhalant device could mean the patient is not getting enough medication to help manage their condition. This is common for all medications which is why it is important for nurses to ensure patients understand how to properly take their medications before discharge. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate would ensure the understands how to use the inhaler before discharging him, rather than simply taking the patient's word for it. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should describe, in detail, how they would verify that the patient understands how to use the inhaler. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they helped educate a patient on their medication regimen before discharge or how they developed patient education protocols or materials for their unit or organization.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Even if the patient was adamant that he knew how to use the inhaler, I would get him to demonstrate how he uses an inhaler, either by using a teaching tool or by simply using an unrelated object to mock up the situation. Inhalers are more difficult to use than most people realize, and so many patients make mistakes when administering their inhaled medications to themselves. But this isn't only limited to inhaled medications, I always make sure my patients understand their medication regimen, and after I go over it with them, I have them demonstrate it to me or repeat it back to me, to ensure they understand. This is something I have always done in my nursing career and will continue to do so before I discharge my patients."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Even if a patient assures me that he knows how to use his inhaler, I will ask him to demonstrate or explain its use to me. If we have a dose of his inhaler due soon, I will verbally review the steps of using his inhaler, and then I will ask him to show me using it. If he won't be due for a dose of his inhaler before discharge time, I will use the teach-back method, in which I will ask him to verbally 'teach me' to use his inhaler. It's important that patients can administer their medications to themselves upon discharge, and I always make sure to review patients' medications with them and check for understanding before discharge. I had a similar scenario with a patient who was being discharged with a new insulin pen. The patient told me he understood how to load the needle onto the pen, but when I asked him to demonstrate, he wasn't able to do it. We practiced a few times to make sure he understood the entire process, and he then was able to put the pen and needle together prior to discharge."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would ask the patient if he is familiar with an inhaler and what it does. This allows for the patient to show what they know about their own disease process, even if they are young. I would ask the patient if he has any questions on the medication or the device and see if I can clarify anything he doesn't understand. I would then ask the young patient to demonstrate how to use it prior to discharge. Lastly, I would add any additional information on how to use it and things to look out for when using an inhaler."

Cindy's Feedback

Great. This question is seeking an answer that reveals all the ways you would ensure that the patient knew how to use the inhaler. You covered multiple methods which is a convincing approach.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"In this case, I would apply the teach-back method and ensure that the patient knows how to use it ."

Chad's Feedback

The teach-back method would be a great approach to take in this situation. However, the interviewer will be seeking a more detailed response describing how exactly you would verify that the patient understands how to use the inhaler. Are you able to describe the steps involved with implementing the teach-back method? If possible, cite a specific example from your nursing career of a time you helped educate a patient on their medication regimen before discharge.

Anonymous Answer

"Want the patient to demonstrate that they do in fact know how to use the inhalers correctly. Gather the supplies and have the patient demonstrate how to use the puffer. If not correct provide guidance and additional teaching. With younger patients, I like to print off instructions to go home with and involve a parent in teaching as well. Or better yet have the patient teach their parent how to do it. I like to do the teach-back method where you show them one step and they repeat back how to do it. Then you have them show you combining all the steps. Visual aids and hands-on teaching I find to be the most effective with patients. I also recommend if they are at home and have any concerns they can always call the 811 nurses line."

Cindy's Feedback

Great! The additional context works! It tells the interviewer why you are taking these steps. Good job.

Communication

9. How do you handle situations in which you disagree with a doctor's orders?

How to Answer

Nurses follow doctor's orders, but sometimes there are orders that a nurse feels are not in the patient's best interest. For example, if the doctor orders an antibiotic that the patient remembers she is allergic to, then it's easy for the nurse to tell the doctor that a different alternative is needed. But sometimes, the nurse disagrees with the validity of treatment that the doctor and patient agreed on. It's always helpful to say your dissension for the big stuff. You are more likely to be heard if you are known as a reasonable nurse who strives for excellence in their work ethic. If you have reasonable questions, ask the doctor if you could have several minutes of his time. Organize your thoughts, put your emotions in check, and outline your thoughts and rationales. The best outcome would be that the MD would do the same and it would be a learning moment. There is a chance that the doctor will not be as receptive as you would like and you will not impact the decision, but that should not stop you from advocating for your patient in a plain and reasonable manner.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Dr. Welby, may I speak with you for a minute, privately? I see that you wrote an order to increase Mrs. Steinway's pain medication. I understand that she is rating her pain as a 10, and that's concerning to me, as well. However, when she takes her pain medication, she gets very tired and then refuses to get out of bed for PT and that has always helped her pain tremendously. Is there anything else we can do to help manage her pain, while still allowing her to have the energy to do the things she enjoys and that help her?"

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If I don't agree with a doctor's order, it's important to advocate for my patient in a respectful way. I once had an experience when taking care of a patient with an acute exacerbation of his heart failure. His doctor ordered a high dose of IV Lasix, and he said he was going to order a Foley catheter to make it easier to get a strict intake and output record for this patient. However, the patient was alert, oriented, and not a fall risk, and per our hospital guidelines, we shouldn't jump straight to using a urinary catheter in this case. The catheter could put the patient at risk of infection and skin breakdown. So, I asked the doctor if I could try using two urinals in the patient's room and providing the patient with education about why it was so important to record his urinary output. I also assured the doctor I would put a reminder sign above the toilet in the patient's room, reiterating the teaching to use the plastic urinal rather than the toilet. The doctor agreed to remove the catheter order, and we were able to accurately record the patient's urinary output without it."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Communication

10. How would you change your communication style if the patient's family was having trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?

How to Answer

Nurses are teachers and instruct patients on difficult concepts and challenging instructions. The efficacy of their instructions is extremely important for optimal patient outcomes. For example, if a patient leaves the hospital or clinic setting without full comprehension of the plan of care then they may return to the hospital or have worsening symptoms or complications. Poor comprehension comes with a high burden of decreased patient outcomes, increased financial ramifications for patient and healthcare system, and decreased patient satisfaction. It is extremely important that the nurse learns to communicate with the patient and family in a way that they understand and can implement.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I review the instructions before I give them to the patient, and I always make certain that I have written ones for them as well. When I review instructions, I decrease the stimulation in the room and make certain I have there attention, and they are not hungry or tired or something else. I look at their faces when I am talking and sometimes you can see the confusion even if they are saying that they understand. Even when they say they understand, I ask them to either show me or explain back to me what I need them to know. Watching them tells me what I missed, and then I keep instructing in different ways until they can explain it back to me."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"People learn in all sorts of different ways. If a patient's family was having a hard time understanding verbal information I'm giving them verbally, I can provide them with written information or with a picture guide. I can also use a hospital-approved patient education video if there is one relevant to the information I'm providing. Once I've switched to a different style or tool, I would request that the family 'teach back' to me the information I've provided them. Then I can assess their understanding and provide additional information as needed."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"It depends on the context. If English isn't their first language, I would offer a translator service. If they dislike my body language or my personality, I would ask them if there is anything I could do to make their experience more comfortable or try to crack a joke if appropriate. If the situation doesn't improve, then I would get the charge involved."

Stephanie's Feedback

It sounds like you've given careful thought to best meeting your patients' needs, which is wonderful. I suggest adding a concluding sentence about the importance of staying agile and being open to adapting your communication and behavior when needed by a patient or their family.

Competency

11. You are caring for a patient who is three-years-old and the physician has ordered a weight-based medication. When you look at the patient's records, you find the weight is documented in pounds. Explain how you proceed.

How to Answer

Many pediatric medications are weight-based, which means the dosage that the patient will receive depends on their weight. However, for most of these medications, the dosing guidance is listed in kilograms and not pounds, the common unit of weight in the United States. Because of this difference in weight units, medication dosing errors in pediatric patients is very common. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate is aware of the common issues regarding pediatric weight and medication dosing errors and to determine how they would respond in this situation. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would convert the patient's weight to kilograms in order to determine the correct dosage of the medication for the child. A more successful answer to this question would include an example of when the candidate successfully mitigated such a situation during their nursing career.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"If the child's weight was documented in pounds and I had to administer a weight-based medication, the first thing I would do is convert the weight to kilograms so I could determine the correct dosage of medication. While I have always been aware that pediatric medications were dosed based on kilograms, early in my nursing career, I was busy and distracted and nearly overdosed a child with medication because I had forgotten to convert their weight to kilograms. Luckily, one of my colleagues, who saw me draw up the dose, stopped me, or I would have committed the medical error. Ever since this day, I have always been very cognizant of weight documentation when administering pediatric medication."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"If the physician orders a weight-based medication for a 3-year-old, and the child's weight is documented in pounds, I would convert the weight to kilograms and document the weight in kilograms in the appropriate area of the patient's medical record. That way, the doctor, the pharmacist, myself, and anyone else using the patient's weight to ensure the correct medication dose would be working with the patient's weight in the correct format."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When giving weight-based medications, it is important to convert pounds to kilograms because medications are ordered in kilograms. Therefore, I would convert the three-year-olds weight from pounds to kilograms to obtain an accurate dosage for the child's medication. This prevents med errors and any possible overdose or inadequate dosage."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! The question is testing this very important aspect of your knowledge.

Competency

12. A patient on your unit you are caring for has had his peripheral venous catheter in place for approximately 100 hours. The catheter looks normal and the vein is open. Tell me how you proceed with administering more IV medications.

How to Answer

In order to help prevent nosocomial infection, which is an infection a patient acquires while receiving care in a hospital, peripheral catheters should be replaced every 72-96 hours. If not changed, the IV catheter may become infected and cause the patient's hospital length of stay to increase or could even cause death in extreme cases. Although a peripheral catheter may look normal and the vein may be open, it is imperative the catheter be changed. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands the importance of changing peripheral catheters on time in order to prevent infections. To successfully answer this question, the candidate should indicate they would change the catheter, specifically noting that the catheter should have been changed at a maximum of 96 hours.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"This patient's peripheral venous catheter needs to be changed, no matter how good it may look. Unfortunately, you can't see bacteria, and these types of catheters are prone to infection, so they must be changed often. In fact, this patient's IV catheter should have been changed prior, as they shouldn't be inserted more than 96 hours. I typically change my patients' IV catheters every 72 hours, which is at the low-end of the suggested range for changing, just as a precautionary measure. So in this case, I would change this patient's IV catheter before administering anymore medication and change it every 72 hours after that."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Although I would be glad that the patient's peripheral venous catheter site does not show signs of infection, this site can't be used anymore. It's an infection risk to keep the same peripheral venous catheter in place for over 96 hours. Before administering IV medication to the patient, I would change the site, making sure to place the date and time both on the dressing and in the electronic medical record. Because I may or may not be the patient's nurse it's time to change the IV catheter, I could also write 'change by ___ date at ___ time' on the dressing, to better ensure that the IV catheter would be changed within 96 hours, or sooner if that is unit policy. Changing IV catheters per unit policy is one of the important ways that we as nurses can prevent infections and phlebitis in our patients."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"So IVs should be changed every 72-96hs regardless of the patent to help prevent nosocomial infections as an iv is an entry point for bacteria. I would therefore remove and resite the iv prior to giving intravenous medication. The longer it remains insitu the higher the risk. If the patient is requiring long-term Iv meds I would speak with the doctor to see if. a PICC line might be a better option."

Cindy's Feedback

Great! This answer has the right combination of what and why to demonstrate a deep knowledge of the subject.

Competency

13. You are conducting intake on a patient who was just seen at your facility earlier in the week. After you enter the patient's vital signs, you see their medication list, which was updated earlier in the week. Tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

Because patient medications can change very quickly, even over a few days, it is important that nurses verify current medications for every patient at the beginning of every patient visit. If a patient's medication list is not verified and accurately updated, they are at risk of being prescribed a new medication that could interfere with one they are taking. If the nurse does not verify and update the patient medication list, the prescribing provider will not be aware of undocumented medications and will not be able to avoid prescribing errors. The interviewer is asking this question to assess whether or not the candidate understands that medication must be reviewed and verified with the patient or a caregiver during each encounter. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would review and verify the medications with the patient. A more successful answer to this question could include an example of how the candidate has dealt with a similar situation in the past, learned from a mistake that was made because they did not verify the medication, or spearheaded a policy change at their facility to ensure medications are verified during each patient visit.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"I would review and verify the patient's medication with them again, even though they were just seen in the facility a few days prior. It is too risky to assume that the patient's medications have not changed, as the provider may prescribe a medication that interferes with something the patient is taking that is not documented. Unfortunately, I had to learn this lesson the hard way early in my career. It was a similar situation, where a patient had just been seen a few days earlier, and I assumed their medication list was the same, so I did not ask about it. The next day, I learned that the patient had a bad reaction due to a medication interaction from something they were taking that wasn't documented and a new medication that was prescribed by the doctor during the appointment the previous day. Luckily, the patient was okay, but after this happened, failing to verify medications was a mistake I only had to make once."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"When when reviewing any kind of intake record with the patient, it's important to read to the patient what is already in our record, rather than just saying 'Has anything changed since your last visit?' We can't assume the patient knows what is written in their electronic medical record, or that everything was documented completely the last time. Therefore, after I entered the patient's vital signs, I say to the patient, 'Okay, now we're going to update your medication list.' I would read the list to the patient to have her confirm each medication/dose and make any changes as needed. Then I would ask if she is on any additional medication."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Conflict

14. We are work with difficult and uncooperative coworkers, at times. How do you handle uncooperative coworkers?

How to Answer

Nursing is challenging and stressful sometimes. People get cranky, machines break, trays are late, and families are needy. Nurses are human beings and have off days. However, the goal for excellent patient outcomes must take precedence over bad days and bad moods, and the interviewer is looking for a candidate who can weather the storm, hold their own, and get the job done for the patient, without adding stress or chaos to the situation.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I have learned to work out my emotions first, before I address issues. I take a minute to think things through. Sometimes you only have a minute, but I take it. I ask myself if I was reasonable. Was there anything else going on? Was I clear in my communication as to what I needed? Is this a pattern or is the coworker just having a busy or off day? I assume best intentions and own my part of the interaction before I address it, or do the best I can, but I don't let it wait. Patient care cannot wait, and if it's something clinical that needs done, I figure out how to get it done or get what I need from that worker right then and ask if there is a time when I could speak with them later in more detail. I don't think it benefits anyone to get angry or frustrated, but it doesn't help to not address problems either."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I generally get along well with most coworkers because I have a calm attitude and I always offer to help my colleagues when I am able. However, everyone can have a bad day, including me. If a coworker seems to be grouchy or having a bad day, I would give them more space than usual while still offering my assistance whenever possible. If I noticed a pattern where a certain coworker always seems to be rude or curt to me, I would probably ask her if I could talk to her privately. Then, I would ask if I have done anything offensive or if there is anything I could do differently to be more helpful to her. I would attempt to take any input my coworker gives and implement it. It may not improve her attitude, but I think it's important to try."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Conflict

15. How would you handle a coworker who is habitually late, which causes you to leave work late?

How to Answer

This is a management and leadership issue which impacts other staff members' lives and team morale. However, it's worth taking the opportunity to address it with the coworker individually before elevating it to leadership. There is something happening if leadership is not addressing it, as they would be alerted if they were chronically punching or signing in late. It may be that the time clock is a distance walk to the unit, or they stop at the cafeteria on the way for coffee and the result is they are late for their shift. It is not helpful to be passive-aggressive and complain to other staff members. Learn to have the uncomfortable conversation directly, kindly, and professionally with the person or people that need to hear it.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Laine, can I speak to you privately for a minute? Is something going on? I am a little concerned. This is the third time this week you have been at least 10 minutes late, and it's really affecting me, as I have to leave to get my kids on the bus. I've not mentioned this to leadership. I wanted to talk to you first and ask you to be here on time to relieve me. Will you please do that? I would appreciate that very much."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"After a few instances, I would address this issue with my coworker directly. I would let her know that her coming in late is causing me to be late to take my daughter to school, and the situation can't continue. If it continues after this point, I would bring it up to the charge nurse on my shift."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Conflict

16. Tell me about a time you were uncomfortable with a colleague. How did you handle the situation?

How to Answer

The interviewer asks about a time when you felt uncomfortable with a colleague to gauge your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving/conflict-resolution skills. They want to know how you handle difficult situations and whether you can work effectively with others. It's important to be honest about the situation and explain how you approached it in a professional and respectful manner. This shows that you can resolve conflicts and maintain positive working relationships.

There are, unfortunately, many ways that a colleague could make their coworkers feel uncomfortable. This can range from making inappropriate comments or jokes, invading personal space, or displaying aggressive or threatening behavior. It's essential to address any behavior that makes you uncomfortable and communicate your boundaries clearly with your colleagues. If that does not solve the problem, the interviewer wants to hear that you would report the situation to a supervisor or HR.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"When I first started at my current job, a colleague made inappropriate comments about my appearance. I found it uncomfortable and unprofessional. I decided to address the situation privately by calmly expressing my discomfort with their behavior and explaining that it was not acceptable. I also made it clear that I expected to be treated with respect and professionalism in the workplace. The colleague apologized and we were able to move forward with a more positive and respectful working relationship. It was important for me to address the issue in a mature and professional manner to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment for everyone involved."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"To be honest, there was only one time in my career when I felt uncomfortable with a colleague. During a team meeting, my colleague made inappropriate comments about my sexuality that made me feel uneasy. I didn't feel comfortable confronting my colleague in front of everyone, so I talked to them privately after the meeting.

I approached my peer and calmly explained how their comments made me uncomfortable and why it was inappropriate. My colleague seemed surprised and apologized immediately. They also thanked me for bringing it to their attention and promised to be more mindful in the future. In fact, they apologized for their remarks at the next team meeting, which I appreciated.

After that conversation, I felt much better and was able to continue working with my colleague without any further issues. It was definitely a difficult situation, but I'm glad I addressed it directly and respectfully."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"At my first nursing job, I had an older male coworker who would always make flirtatious comments toward me. It made me very uncomfortable but I didn’t want to make a scene at the nurse’s station. So one evening, we both happened to be in the med room at the same time and sure enough, the jokes started again. This time I stopped him and told him that his comments made me feel uncomfortable and disrespected. I was a new grad and was already struggling with confidence issues and he made me feel worse. He apologized and explained that his humor was not for everyone and that he would refrain from targeting me. If I hadn’t initiated this conversation, he would’ve continued creating an uncomfortable work environment for everyone. In order to provide our best patient care, we need to feel safe and respected as nurses."

Jaymie's Feedback

This is a good example to share with the interviewer. Confronting a coworker, even when it's in a respectful manner, can be uncomfortable. You handled the situation well; you were direct and let him know the exact behavior you were addressing and its impact on you and your ability to do your job. You gave him an opportunity to correct the behavior before going to a supervisor and reporting him, which is a respectable approach. Nicely done!

Conflict

17. Describe how you handle and interact with hostile or aggressive patients.

How to Answer

No matter where you work as a nurse, you will encounter aggressive or hostile patients throughout your career. Patients may become aggressive or hostile due to a medical emergency, intoxication, head injury, or cognitive disorders, to name a few. The interviewer asks you to describe how you handle and interact with hostile or aggressive patients to gain insight into how you handle difficult situations. It's crucial to maintain a calm and professional demeanor when dealing with patients who may be upset or aggressive while still providing the necessary care and attention. This skill is essential in any healthcare setting, and the interviewer wants to ensure you have the necessary experience and qualities to handle the job effectively. Be sure to give specific examples of how you have handled similar situations in the past and demonstrate your ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. You also want to stress how you know when to call for security or outside assistance when needed to protect yourself and your patients.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"My top priority is always safety when dealing with hostile or aggressive patients. I remain calm and composed and try to defuse the situation by listening carefully to the patient's concerns and providing reassurance. I try to determine if the patient is sick or injured or if they are having a mental health crisis so I can call for the appropriate help. If necessary, I may need to involve other healthcare professionals or security personnel to ensure everyone's safety. Regardless of the situation, I treat the patient with respect and empathy and strive to find a solution that meets their needs while maintaining a safe and secure environment for everyone involved."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Working in the emergency department most of my career, I deal with hostile and aggressive patients daily. First, I always prioritize safety for everyone involved. I remain calm and composed, using a reassuring tone of voice and body language to de-escalate the situation. I listen attentively to their concerns and validate their feelings while setting clear boundaries and expectations for respectful behavior. If needed, I involve other healthcare professionals or security personnel to ensure the safety of everyone involved. My ultimate goal is to provide all patients the best possible care and support, even in difficult situations."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Creative Thinking

18. What are some action steps you could take to alleviate stress in patients in an ER waiting room?

How to Answer

Emergency room waiting rooms are stressful places. After all, everyone in that waiting area is experiencing some kind of emergency and many of them feel their need is just important as anyone else's. Time slows down when someone is frightened, sick, or in pain, so even the shortest wait can get tempers flaring. People who are sick do not have an expansive world view but naturally are narrowly focused on their situation. They may have no ideas of the car crash victims arriving via ambulances through the back but only know that they are waiting. There are a limited number of things that you can do to shorten the wait, but you can humanize the experience by letting them know that they are seen and valued. When they come in, explain the wait time because knowledge is power. Check in with them every so often. Remind the individuals who accompany them where the cafeteria is. There really is nothing you can do to lessen their wait, but you can reduce their frustration by acknowledging their wait time and providing information in a friendly and respectful manner.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Although it's difficult to face angry and frustrated people, I think it's important to lean in and acknowledge their frustration and give them updates. They are in the ER, so nurses should be checking on them; even just a little bit goes a long way. It is good nursing. I also think it's important to let them know where the comfort stations and cafeteria are located."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"The ER waiting room is usually a stressful place, especially if the ER is busy and the waits will be long. Although some patients and companions will still feel frustrated after I do so, I will make sure to provide as accurate an estimate of their wait time as possible. I will make sure to check in with patients and their companions when I can and update them if their wait time is going to be longer than we originally anticipated. I will allow them to vent their frustrations and let them know I understand that it's stressful. I will also remind the patient's companions where the cafeteria and closest restrooms are."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Critical Thinking

19. You are rounding on your patients on your inpatient unit, and as you enter an elderly woman's room, you find her sitting up and alert. Tell me what steps you take to prevent her from falling between now and the next time you round.

How to Answer

Falls are a common risk for patients who are receiving inpatient care, particularly among the elderly or patients with decreased mobility. Because of this, falls prevention is a common initiative at most hospitals and care facilities. Most nurses are expected to round on their patients hourly, at a minimum, and during these rounds, they are expected to ask their patients about the four P's - Pain, Potty, Positioning, and Possessions. By ensuring the four P's are covered, the nurse is ensuring the patient is comfortable and has everything they need, which will likely prevent them from attempting to get up on their own, hence preventing falls. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate has an understanding of falls prevention and the four P's of nursing. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should describe how they would check on the patient using the four P's. A more successful answer to this question can include a situation of how the candidate has used the four P's to prevent a patient from falling in their nursing career, how they trained a colleague on the four P's, or even how they implemented a falls prevention program at their facility using the four P's.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"In this situation, I would go through the four P's with the patient to prevent her from attempting to get up and falling between then and the next time I rounded on her. I would first assist her to the restroom then help her relieve any pain she was having. Then, before I left the room, I would ensure she was in a comfortable position and had everything she needed near her. This is something I do with all my patients, even if they seem well enough and able bodied, because failing to do so could mean they may attempt to get up on their own and fall. This is a part of my job as a nurse that I take very seriously because I know how serious patient falls are."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Early in my nursing career, I had an alert and oriented patient fall when trying to get up himself to use the bathroom. Although the patient didn't sustain any injury, that incident really drove home to me how important it is to work to prevent falls for my patients. Before I leave this patient's room, I will assess to make sure all of her needs are met. Does she need to go to the bathroom? Is she sitting comfortably? Does she have her water, any other needed possessions, and her call light all within easy reach? Does she need any pain medication? Once I have addressed all of these concerns, I will reiterate to the patient to please call if she needs anything, rather than trying to get up herself."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I believe that this depends on the condition of the patient and their specific fall risk assessment. If the patient is a fall risk it is important to go over a few things with them. I would go over the use of the call light, ensure that they are wearing their nonslip socks, ensure that the bed is lowered and that there are no items on the floor that they could potentially slip-on. Based on the institution's policies, the use of a bed alarm could be considered and discussed with the patient. While the nurse is in the room they can discuss the need for the patient to get out of bed whether they are in pain, need to go to the restroom, need any belongings that aren't near them and whether they are comfortable in their current position or need help repositioning for maximum comfort."

Chad's Feedback

Great answer! It sounds like you take great care to ensure the risk of falls is minimized for your patients. Consider referencing the four P's (pain, potty, positioning, possessions) explicitly, to ensure it is evident to the interviewer you understand falls prevention and the four P's of nursing. Also, in the last sentence of your response, you move away from "I" language. Try to stick to first-person pronouns (I, me, my) so your answer remains personalized to you. I have offered a slight rewording of this sentence below:

"While in the room, I always ask the patient if there is any need for them to get out of bed - whether they are in pain, need to go to the restroom, need any belongings that aren't near them, and whether they are comfortable in their current position or need help repositioning for maximum comfort."

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I would proceed by making sure to inquire about the 4 P's. I would do a thorough pain assessment. I would assist the patient to the bathroom because a full bladder can encourage the need to get out of bed. I would turn and reposition the patient in bed and make sure they are comfortable by offering a warm blanket. Lastly, I would ask if they needed anything before the next comfort round."

Cindy's Feedback

Good answer. This is a very specific answer that reflects your knowledge of protocols.

Critical Thinking

20. You are currently in a patient's room during hourly rounds and although she is not due for another dose of pain medication for two more hours, she is complaining of increased pain. Tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

The interviewer is asking this question for two reasons - first, to ensure the candidate will not give the patient a dose of pain medication before it is due; and second, to see if the candidate will attempt to lower the patient's pain using other comfort measures. While the administration of pain medication will relieve a patient's pain, it is important that pain medication is administered as directed by the physician, in order to avoid patient overdose or other negative side effects. Although patients may ask for pain medication in advance of their scheduled dose, nurses can help reduce their pain using other comfort measures, such as repositioning, offering heated blankets or warm compresses, helping them stretch, or getting them up for a walk. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would avoid giving the patient their pain medication early and instead use alternative comfort measures to help reduce the patient's pain. A more successful answer to this question would include an example from the candidate's nursing career where they helped a patient manage their pain using comfort measures rather than pain medication.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Unfortunately, since the patient is not due for their medication for a couple of more hours, I would not be able to administer it to them. But, I would be able to help reduce their pain using other comfort measures. So, instead of simply telling the patient that they could not have any medication, I would work with them to see what I could do to make them comfortable in the meantime. Having many years of experience as a nurse in the emergency department, I have a lot of experience helping patients manage their pain when they do not get the desired relief from pain medications that were administered, and I would be able to draw from this experience to help this patient get relief until their next dose of medication."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"If a patient is not due for their pain medication for two more hours, I would explain to the patient when they can next have their pain medication. I would explore non-medication measures, such as heat, cold, repositioning, massage, or other options. Many patients that I've worked with over the years have found relief with non-medication interventions. During this time, I would also be reassessing the patient to see if any changes have occurred in the patient's condition--for example, if a surgical site looks reddened when it hadn't before, or if a patient was complaining of increased pain in their foot and their pedal pulse was weakened or absent when it had previously been palpable or audible by doppler. If any changes have occurred in the patient's condition, I would contact their doctor and report these changes."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would not give additional pain medication if it was not due yet, don't want to overdose the patient. I would provide other comfort measures, pillows for support, warm or cool compresses, distraction, let the patient know when the next dose can be given and that they can use their call bell if I'm not back by that time. If they're constantly requesting pain meds prior to the next dose I would call the doctor and see if pain management could be adjusted as the patient may require additional doses or higher strength. Perhaps changing the route from IV or PO to SQ butterfly for longer-lasting effects. Also, advise the patient to let me know when pain increases, don't want to play catch up harder to control pain that way."

Cindy's Feedback

Great. I like that you assume facts and then answer the hypothetical. It shows that you're able to think ahead and have a plan if the original one doesn't work.

Customer Service

21. Everyone on your unit is busy and you requested that your unit's nursing assistants bathe one of your patients earlier today. The patient has yet to be bathed and she is upset about it. Tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

Inpatient nursing is very much a team effort, and while nursing assistants and care partners are typically available to assist with tasks such as bathing patients, they are sometimes at capacity and are unable to take on all the requests. In these situations, it is a requirement of all members of the care team, including nurses, to care for the patient, and this includes changing, bathing, or otherwise cleaning them. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would take initiative and bathe the patient rather than allowing the patient to wait even longer and become even more upset. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they provided similar care for a patient when nursing assistants were unavailable.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"In this situation, it sounds like the nursing assistants are very busy and are unable to get to the request put in for the patient. So, I would cancel the request I previously sent to the nursing assistants and bathe the patient myself. Not only would this help my patient feel more comfortable, it would help my nursing assistant team members out as well because it would be one less thing they would need to do. I know I am a nurse, but I do not feel I am above doing things like changing and bathing patients. To me, these tasks are part of providing adequate care to my patients, and I will always do what is needed."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"If the patient had not yet had her bath, I would apologize and let her know I would help her with her bath right away. Then I would set up the bath and assist my patient. Having the help of a nursing assistant is so useful, but sometimes a nursing assistant gets too busy with other tasks to complete every request. Helping my patient with her bath is a great time to assess her skin and any lines, wounds, or surgical sites. It's also a time I can get to know the patient better, reiterate any teaching we're working on, and find out if there are other needs she has."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"You would apologize to this patient and either offer to bathe her yourself or go find the assistant and get a definite time she will be back to bathe this patient."

Chad's Feedback

Excellent! Apologizing to the patient is a great first step and a great indication of your bedside manner. It is also clear from your response that you recognize inpatient nursing is a team effort, and are more than willing to step up and complete unfinished tasks. Rather than indicating you would seek out the nursing assistant, which may result in the patient waiting even longer and becoming even more upset, consider focusing your answer on taking the initiative to bathe the patient yourself.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"I would be polite, approach the patient, apologize and let her know it's been a busy day. Sorry for the delay, some really sick patients today required more hands-on, less time for baths. Apologize give her a basin and some warm clothes in the meantime for comfort."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! Your approach demonstrates both empathy and good problem solving when you have to make difficult choices.

Customer Service

22. Tell me a time when you went above and beyond for a patient.

How to Answer

The interviewer wants to gauge your commitment and passion for the nursing profession and learn more about your dedication to providing exceptional patient care. They want to know if you will go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure patients receive the best possible care. By asking this question, they hope to hear a specific example of a time when you went above and beyond for a patient and how it positively impacted their care and overall experience.

One example of going above and beyond for a patient would be taking extra time to sit and talk with them, providing emotional support and reassurance during a difficult time. Another example could be staying late to ensure your patient receives the necessary treatment and care, even if it means sacrificing your own personal time. Overall, going above and beyond for patients involves showing empathy, compassion, and a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure their well-being and comfort.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"Last week, I had a patient who was feeling very anxious and nervous about their upcoming surgery. Despite my busy schedule, I took the time to sit with them and listen to their concerns. I reassured them that everything would be alright and answered all of their questions to the best of my ability. I even stayed with them after my shift ended until their family arrived to provide additional support. The patient later wrote a note to the hospital praising the care they received, and it was gratifying to know that I was able to make a positive impact on their experience. To me, it didn't seem like I went above and beyond, but the patient sure thought I did!"

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Recently, one of my patients was feeling very down and missing their dog they hadn't seen in weeks due to being hospitalized. I knew how much their dog meant to them and how it could help lift their spirits, so I went above and beyond my duties and sought permission to bring their dog into the hospital. After obtaining the necessary permissions, I arranged for the patient's dog to visit them in their room. The patient's face lit up with joy, and they were so grateful for the opportunity to see their longtime companion. It was a heartwarming moment, and I was glad to be able to bring some happiness into their day."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Diligence

23. You are assisting a physician to perform a procedure when you are asked to retrieve a bottle of acetic acid that can be used on the patient. After retrieving the bottle from its normal location, what do you do before passing it to the physician?

How to Answer

The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate would verify that they retrieved the correct chemical before passing it to the physician. This confirmation is important, as the nurse may have accidentally retrieved the incorrect bottle or a bottle containing a different chemical may have been in the place where the requested chemical was typically kept. If either of these were the case, and the incorrect chemical was passed to the physician and used on the patient, significant consequences could occur. Simply verifying that the correct chemical is being passed to the physician could help avoid a serious medical error. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would verify that they have the correct chemical by checking the label on the bottle. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they avoided a medical error by verifying the name of a chemical or drug that was to be administered to a patient.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"I know exactly what I would do in this situation, as I have been in a situation almost identical to this. Before handing the bottle to the physician, I would read details on the label to verify that I am handing them what they requested. This is similar to a situation I was in a few years ago, while I was working in an oncology office and was assisting a physician with a colposcopy, which requires acetic acid. During the procedure, I went and grabbed the bottle, which I assumed was acetic acid, from where it was normally stored on the shelf; but when I checked the label, I found that it was sulfuric acid, which would have burned the patient if applied. Someone had placed the sulfuric acid in the incorrect location, but since I verified I had the correct chemical, I avoided a medical error."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"In this situation, before I hand the bottle of acetic acid to the physician, I would read the label to make sure that I was actually giving the physician the medication she requested. Although it has not happened to me directly, in my hospital there was a situation where a concentration of heparin was stocked in a location where a different concentration was normally placed, and a nurse administered the incorrect concentration to a patient. During my orientation, this incident was brought up to us as an example of why we always have to verify the name and dose of a medication, even if we take a bottle or bag from its 'usual' place, and it's always stuck with me."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"You visually look at the medication, strength, and expiration date before handing it to the physician to ensure it is the correct medication."

Chad's Feedback

Great answer! The interviewer will be pleased that your first step in this situation would be to verify that the correct chemical was retrieved, before passing it to the physician. This simple step is integral in avoiding potentially serious medical errors. To improve your response, I would suggest using first-person pronouns (I, me, my), rather than second-person. I have offered a revision below:

"I would visually look at the bottle's label to confirm the medication, strength, and expiration date before handing it to the physician. I always verify that I retrieved the correct chemical, to avoid any potential medical errors."

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Anonymous Answer

"I do closed-loop communication if they verbally order a medication I repeat the order back to them, for example, acetic acid correct? what is the strength and any other supplies you want me to bring back as well? So I'd return and be like Dr blah blah here is the acetic acid per your request what dose would you like and what route. Show them the bottle to confirm the correct medication is in hand."

Cindy's Feedback

Good start. Spend a little time on what and why. Define closed-loop communication and why you would use it in this instance. What's the purpose of using it? Why is it appropriate or critical under these circumstances?

Diligence

24. You just finished preparing IV medications for a patient, and you thoroughly washed your hands before doing so. As you enter the patient's room with the medication, describe the first thing you do to prevent patient infection.

How to Answer

While hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical treatment, patients are at significant risk of picking up an infection as a consequence of the care they are receiving. Although infection prevention measures in the healthcare industry have greatly improved over the years, the risk still exists and healthcare professionals must be vigilant in order to prevent healthcare-acquired infections. Although it may seem obvious, the simple task of handwashing is the first step in infection prevention. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands the importance of handwashing and is in the habit of washing their hands upon entering a patient's room and/or before administering IV medication. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should explain that the first step they would take to prevent infection would be to wash their hands thoroughly. A more successful answer to this question would include an example of how the candidate has helped train colleagues on handwashing in such situations and/or assisted in the development and implementation of handwashing policies for their nursing unit.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"The first thing I would do to prevent the patient from getting an infection is to wash my hands. There are other actions I would need to take in preventing infection, but handwashing is primary. I have always been an advocate of handwashing, even when many of my colleagues were not. When I found out that my nursing and care partner colleagues on my unit were not following handwashing protocols last year, I worked with my supervisor to develop a training on the importance of proper handwashing, handwashing technique, and infection prevention. After this training, handwashing compliance on my unit improved greatly, and the infection control nurse attributed it to a reduction in secondary infections."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Upon entering the patient's room, it's very important for me to practice hand hygiene again, either by washing my hands or using the alcohol-based hand sanitizer available outside of the patient's room. Although I washed my hands prior to preparing the patient's IV medication, I have potentially touched other items on my way to the patient's room, and I had to knock on the patient's door and touch the door handle to enter. Hand hygiene is the number one way to prevent patient infections, and I demonstrate good hand hygiene at all times. When our hospital did an audit of nurses' hand hygiene using 'undercover' staff members to score the nurses, I scored a 100%, because I know how important hand hygiene is."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"As soon as I walk into the patient's room I will wash my hands again and put gloves on. I will then continue to administer the medications. I will ensure that the patient's IV is intact, wipe the hub with an alcohol pad, flush the line and check for blood return then administer the medication."

Chad's Feedback

Good answer! I suggest a slight rewording of your opening sentence to demonstrate to the interviewer you understand why handwashing is so important. I have offered a revision below.

"As soon as I walk into the patient's room, the first thing I would do to prevent the patient from getting an infection is to thoroughly wash my hands again before putting gloves on. I would then proceed to administer the medications. To do so, I would ensure that the patient's IV is intact, wipe the hub with an alcohol pad, flush the line and check for blood return, then administer the medication.""

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"The first thing I would do is wash my hands. This helps reduce the spread of infection. It is important to perform proper hand hygiene before engaging with the patient, prior to providing care including bodily fluid, and after care when you leave the room."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. Again, your answer demonstrates knowledge of protocol.

Anonymous Answer

"Wash hands again or alcohol rub, break the chain of infection!"

Cindy's Feedback

Good! To enhance your answer, can you explain why thoroughly washing your hands before preparing the IV medications isn't enough? This seems like a deliberate detail to lead you to address why another hand-wash is necessary despite a recent one.

Discovery

25. Describe a situation where it may be appropriate to use humor in the workplace.

How to Answer

Being sick is not funny business, and someone coming in cracking jokes under dire circumstances may find their humor is rejected. There is a time for humor in healthcare, but it must be mindful. What people think is funny can vary wildly. If humor is used, it should be very mild and universal. It's a good policy to be kind, tolerant, professional, and compassionate with your patients. Certainly, laugh at a child's joke, if appropriate, and acknowledge a patient's attempt to be cheerful, but follow rather than lead with humor and only support, chuckle or smile at anything that would be universally accepted as OK. Some people poke fun at themselves, but sometimes, it's a self-esteem issue so it's best to avoid playing along.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I am not opposed to a funny nursing meme posted in the office away from patient eyes, but I feel that we should represent the hospital as compassionate, caring and professional individuals. There's a lot of room for smiling, but I personally save the humor for the comedians."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If it seems it would help a patient to go along with their light-hearted attempts at humor, I will smile or laugh along. I would never laugh at an offensive joke, political humor, or any type of racism or bigotry, but something light like chuckling at a joke a patient makes about the reputation of hospital food can help the patient feel at ease."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Discovery

26. What kinds of review questions do you ask yourself after dealing with a difficult and challenging patient situation?

How to Answer

All nurses desire to have positive and impactful shifts every day, but this is not a reality. Things happen, situations go awry, and it's important to reflect as an individual or a team and extract the lesson to learn how to be better. It's human nature to rationalize or justify and not face the difficult feelings or emotions of a situation gone bad, but this reflection is extremely important so that it doesn't happen again.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I really like to go back and review with myself and the team what happened and ways to be better. I think it's important to distance myself a little bit from the emotions and try to review it logically. I think that when emotions run high, intelligence can run low, and we need to talk about situations and responses for what they are without blaming. That isn't helpful and impedes learning."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I was a part of an initiative at my hospital called 'Dealing With Difficult Patients.' In this initiative, we learned techniques to help us identify possible situations in which patients or visitors were becoming agitated, and how we could diffuse the situation. Then, we gave presentations to help teach this information to our colleagues. In a case where a patient's anger escalated, I would ask myself, 'What early clue did I miss?' In that way, I will be better able to catch and react to a similar early warning sign next time, and I can hopefully help my coworkers be prepared to identify such a warning sign in the future, too."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"What went well? What could I do better next time? What did I struggle with and how can I learn from my mistakes. For Example first time doing a sterile dressing change I went in and out of the room multiple times because I forgot supplies. Next time I made sure I gathered all my necessary supplies prior to entering the room helped with time management and the patient's confidence in my skill level."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! This is a good answer format. Elaborate on why leaving the room was a problem in your example to give a fuller sense of why the change was necessary.

Discovery

27. How would you handle someone asking you for medical advice or diagnosis validation outside the workplace?

How to Answer

This is a difficult challenge for nurses who know things and also have a compelling need to serve others. It's easy and ego-boosting to become the resident 'expert', but that can backfire. There is a reason why when people call the ER for advice, the standard answer is to present for an evaluation and advice isn't given over the phone. We live in a litigious society, and you worked hard for your license. Protect it just as hard. What may seem to be benign advice to your neighbor may result in catastrophic consequences. Also, it is best to give advice that points people in the direction of great care, such as writing down all symptoms.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Mrs. Lokley...I'm so sorry you're not feeling well. Do you need me to help call and schedule the earliest appointment with your PCP? Do you have a little notebook where you can write down all your symptoms? Sometimes people get overwhelmed at the doctor's and forget to tell them important things. I could help you write out your medication list to take to the PCP. Come, let's make that call now and get you an appointment. You seem very worried, so it's wise to be seen."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If someone in my life asks for medical advice when they are not working, I offer to help them call their doctor's office or their insurance's nurse triage line. I have not encountered someone in my life asking for this type of advice who does not have insurance or an established doctor. However, if someone who doesn't have an established doctor or insurance asked for medical advice, I would offer to help them get to an urgent care clinic or the emergency department."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Leadership

28. Describe a time when you had to step into a leadership role.

How to Answer

As a nurse, you are used to working as part of a multidisciplinary team but also know how to take charge when necessary. This question assesses your leadership skills and how you handle challenges and tasks that require you to take control. The interviewer wants to hear about when you stepped into a leadership role to understand your ability to lead in a healthcare setting. You can use this opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate how you have successfully led a team in the past, highlighting the skills you utilized to accomplish the goals set forth. It is important to be honest and specific in your response, clearly showing your leadership qualities and how they have benefited your patients and colleagues.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"As a nurse, I have had the opportunity to step into a leadership position on a few occasions. One particular experience stands out in my mind. I was working on a busy medical-surgical floor, and the charge nurse had to leave for a family emergency. I was asked to step in and take on some of her responsibilities. At first, I was a bit nervous about taking on such a big role, but I quickly realized that I had the skills and knowledge necessary to be an effective leader. I worked closely with the other nurses on the floor, delegating tasks and ensuring everyone had the support they needed. I also communicated closely with the doctors and other healthcare professionals to ensure our patients received the best possible care. It was a challenging experience, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned a lot about myself as a nurse and a leader, and I felt proud to have been able to step up and help out when needed most."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"I vividly remember the first day I stepped into a leadership role as a nurse. A few years ago, my unit was short-staffed, and I was asked to take charge for the day. At first, I was nervous and unsure if I was up for the task, as I only had six months of experience. But as the day progressed, I found myself stepping up to the challenge and taking charge of the situation. I delegated tasks, made critical decisions, and ensured patient care was at the forefront of everything we did. By the end of the shift, I felt proud of myself for rising to the occasion and leading my team through a difficult day. From that day forward, I knew that I had the potential to be a great leader and continue to strive towards that goal."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Management

29. How would you handle a situation in which nursing leadership were to reject an idea you pitched to streamline your job?

How to Answer

It's difficult to be rejected in any way, and it's really difficult when you excitedly share something that you feel will be helpful and it is not received well. If you pitch an idea to a supervisor or leadership team, ask for good feedback and learn their perspective. While it's easy to become defeated and not want to contribute, nursing needs you on the leading edge of thought. Review your idea and your presentation. Revise your pitch, if necessary, and ask for another opportunity to present your idea after further considerations. Consider the real possibility that you may have not presented your idea in a way that resonated with the recipient.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I know I would feel disappointed, but I would definitely go back and ask for feedback on my idea and be grateful for the feedback. I would ask for feedback from others to see if I presented my idea in a reasonable way. If I still thought it was a great idea, I would review how I explained it, simplify and reorganize the information, and ask for another opportunity to present. I once heard that Walt Disney applied to 302 banks before he got the loan for Disney Land, so I try to remember that success doesn't always happen right away, but it does leave clues. I would want to know what I did right and what I could improve upon and then learn from the rejection."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"If nursing leadership rejected an idea that I thought would really help streamline my job and the job of my coworkers, I would feel disappointed. But, I would try to figure out if something in my pitch was off or missing. I would ask some of my most straightforward coworkers if I could run my presentation by them to see how I could tweak it. I've always worked with people with amazing ideas about how we can make things safer and more efficient, so I know I would get useful feedback from coworkers. Then I would ask leadership when there will be another opportunity to present my updated idea."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Operational

30. You are preparing medication in your unit's med room when you are paged to the nurse's station. You plan to immediately return to the med room, which you can see from the nurse's station. Do you lock the door upon leaving the med room?

How to Answer

While most medication rooms in hospitals and clinical facilities automatically lock when closed with current technology, some do not, and in these cases, it is important that nurses and other clinical professionals keep the medication room secured at all times. Not only does leaving medications unsecured place the facility at significant financial risk, it also places patients and the public at risk as well. If an unauthorized individual enters an unlocked medication room and takes medications, these drugs will not be available to patients who need them and may end up being misused by those who end up receiving them. The interviewer is asking this question to ensure the candidate understands the importance of securing the unit's medications. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would ensure the medication room was secured. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they were in a similar situation or when they helped develop or implement a new policy for securing medications for their unit.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Even though I would only going to the nursing station and could see the medication room, I would lock the door behind me. You can't take chances with the medication room, and there is no guarantee that you are only being called away for only a moment. In my nursing career, I've learned that a quick page to the nursing station could mean I am away for a 15-minute period, or even longer. The environment on the nursing unit is too volatile to assume you can visually monitor an unlocked medication room, so it is best to ensure the room is secured at all times. Each time I leave the medication room on my unit, I ensure it is locked, and I will continue to do so no matter where I am working."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"In all of my previous inpatient nurse jobs, the medication room had an automatic lock so that every time the door closed, the med room door locked. I think this is an ideal setup, because the medication room always needs to be locked, even if a nurse thinks he or she will be away for 'just a minute.'. In this scenario, if the med room door doesn't automatically lock when shut, yes, I would lock the door upon leaving, no matter how short of a time I think I will be gone."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"For patient safety and as per hospital policies medication carts cannot be left open unsupervised. I would secure the meds before leaving especially narcotics for patient safety, hospital policy, and protect your license. Meds could get stolen, misplaced, patients sneak in and take meds could overdose. The last one in the med room needs to ensure you leave everything secured and locked prior to leaving. Safe medication handling."

Cindy's Feedback

Again, you sound very knowledgeable about protocols, so good job. I'd enhance the answer by adding context in the beginning. Answer the question ("Yes, I am careful to lock the door,") and then explain why, ("because hospital policy requires I do so to protect patient safety").

Performance Based

31. Your patient, who has just returned from surgery, now has multiple tubes and lines that you did not insert. You need to administer a drug into her central line, but are having a hard time finding this tube. As you are in a rush, tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

When returning from the operating room, intensive care unit, or other units of the hospital, a patient may have many more tubes and lines inserted into their body than normal, and at times, it may be difficult for a nurse to differentiate the lines. This is especially the case if the nurse is in a rush. In this scenario, the nurse, in order to administer medication into the patient's central line, they should take time to ensure they have the correct tube. Administering the medication into the incorrect line or into a drain is a medical error that could have negative consequences for the patient. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate would take the time to confirm that they are using the correct tube to administer the medication in the patient's central line. To effectively answer this question, the patient should indicate that they would carefully ensure that they had the correct tube for the central line before administering the medication. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they were in a similar situation, and they took time to ensure they were administering a medication in the appropriate line.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"I was in a very similar situation a couple of weeks ago when one of our patients returned from the ICU with a number of new tubes and lines that were all scattered around. When I received an order to flush one of the patient's lines, I had to take time to ensure I had the correct tube, as I did not one to mistakenly flush a drain or flush the wrong line. So, in the case of the patient you just described, even though I am in a rush, I would take the time needed to ensure I was pushing the medication into the patient's central line and not a different tube."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"In this scenario, I would need to make sure to identify the central line before doing anything else. Being in a rush, it may make me feel stressed to take this time, but administering the medication through an incorrect line could have big consequences.."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"No matter how much of a rush I am in, I will take the time to ensure I am flushing the right line. I would ask another nurse for help identifying the line and then proceeding with administering the medication."

Chad's Feedback

Excellent! Administering medication into the incorrect line or into a drain could have negative consequences for the patient. Your response shows you are mindful of this and would take the time to carefully ensure you had the correct tube for the central line before administering the medication.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Even if I am in a rush I make sure that I am practicing safely. In this case, if I am unsure of which line to administer a medication through I will start at the patient and work my way down. I work with central lines so I am familiar with where this is located. Also, lines are usually labeled or color-coded. For instance, the red cap is for blood and the other lumens can be for medication administration. I'd review the PDTM to ensure the medication I need to give is done appropriately and if I am unable to determine which tubes lines or drains are for what often in the patient chart these are documented. When in doubt I will grab another nurse to assist me."

Cindy's Feedback

Great content! The ER example is very effective. You may want to reorganize the information so it's easier for the interviewer to get the point you are trying to make.

"Patient safety is a primary concern. Regardless of the time crunch, I would place safety first to avoid making a mistake that could compromise the patient. Also, I don't administer medications unless I am fully knowledgeable. In the ER, for example, I did not have the opportunity to work with J tubes or feeding tubes, so when I was required to work with a patient requiring feeds, I relied on colleagues to help me out. In this case, I know that central lines are labeled to help prevent a mistake. I'd review the PDTM and patient chart to review all documentation before proceeding."

Performance Based

32. You are caring for a patient on your inpatient unit, and after making a call to the physician hospitalist on staff for support, you learn that the patient's medication regimen needs to be changed. Tell me the first steps you take.

How to Answer

While many individuals may believe the first step a nurse should take in this situation would be to give the patient the new drugs that were verbally ordered by the physician, this is not the case. The first step the nurse should take after receiving the verbal order by the physician is to document the medication change in the patient's electronic medical record. Documentation errors are very common among nurses, and these errors include failing to document medications, procedures, and/or nursing actions. Because nurses are extremely busy and often distracted by multiple tasks and demands, it is important for this type of information to be immediately be documented in the patient record. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would document the changes in the patient's medication regimen before administering medications to the patient. A more successful answer to this question would include specific details from a similar situation from the candidate's nursing career where they ensured changes to the patient's care regimen were documented before administering care to the patient.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"I actually dealt with a similar situation last week. It wasn't medications in particular, but I had to call our hospitalist because one of my patient's pulse ox was getting very low, and I was beginning to worry about him. Once the hospitalist learned about the patient's condition, she ordered oxygen for the patient, and the first thing I did was document the verbal order in the patient's medical record. I knew if I didn't document the order immediately, there was a chance I would get busy and forget, which could have detrimental consequences for my patient."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"This is a scenario I encounter all of the time as an inpatient nurse. In my current hospital, we have physician order entry, so the physicians often enter their medication orders themselves. However, there are still times when a physician will need to give a medication order verbally. If the physician gives the order verbally to me over the phone, I will enter the order into the EMR under her name, repeat back the order out loud to verify all of the info is correct, and then sign the order. Then, once pharmacy has verified the order on their end, I will be able to pull the medication from the Pyxis machine in the medication room and take the appropriate steps to administer the medication to the patient."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would call back the doctor let them know which medications need to be adjusted and why I felt they needed to be adjusted presenting BW, vitals, previous medication interactions, allergies changes in condition. Utilize SBAR and have the patient chart in front of me, as well as the online system open to view labs. My first step is to gather information prior to calling the doctor because they need to know how the patient originally presented how things have changed and recent data collected to aid in their decision process. I remember the first time as a new nurse calling the doctor when a patient was experiencing pain that was not controlled by their current pain medications and I had only didn't cycle a new set of vitals, I didn't have the MAR in front of me, I only had a brief history that I remembered off the top of my head. I felt very disorganized on that call and ever since I make sure to be prepared prior to calling the doctor. This way they get a clear picture of the patient and the patient's needs are met appropriately."

Cindy's Feedback

Good use of example and explanation. By filling in the "whys" you are showing that you have a good grasp of the underlying reasons for your actions.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Once I learn that the patient's medication regimen needs to be changed, I would verify the orders with the doctor then immediately document them."

Chad's Feedback

You are definitely correct that the first step you need to take is to document the medication change. However, situational questions, such as this, are best answered by providing a story example from your past experience. For instance, tell the interviewer about a time where you ensured changes to the patient's care regimen were documented before administering care, and use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) formula as the framework for your response. This method will ensure that you provide the interviewer with a compelling answer that proves your ability to perform in this particular scenario. We have a guide that you may find helpful - https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/5 Behavioral Based Interview Questions You Should Prepare For/

Anonymous Answer

"First, I would read the medications that were ordered back to the physician to make sure they are correct. Next, I would put an order on the computer and write the order on a physician's order sheet. I want to be as precise as possible in order to prevent a medication error that could be detrimental to the patient."

Marcie's Feedback

Great! Making sure to be careful so as not to make a mistake when it comes to medication is important, and the interviewer will appreciate that you take care not to make any errors. You might also mention double-checking the medication orders after you enter them into the computer and write them down. At the end of your response, consider reminding the interviewer that you are the type of person who is detail-oriented, organized, and patient-focused. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"I would get their diagnosis, labs, latest vitals, and allergies in SBAR format before calling the MD. If I had to do a verbal order, I would write it, reverify it with MD, then document it in their eMAR. I would look up the med and its action/ side effects etc. if I wasn't familiar with the drug. I would explain the medication to the patient before giving it and verify my 7 rights."

Stephanie's Feedback

You do a great job of clearly outlining the initial steps that you would take in changing a patient's medication regimen. I suggest adding a concluding sentence that emphasizes the importance of safety and attention to detail when handling patients' medication needs. This is an opportunity to leave your interviewer feeling very confident in your ability to navigate any tricky situations involving patient medication.

Problem Solving

33. During your shift in the ER, a patient presents with bruising from a fall. Her male companion answers questions for her, and she barely gives eye contact. What do you do in this situation to get the patient to answer independently?

How to Answer

Sometimes a domestic abuse victim's only connection to help might be a trip to the ER or urgent care. All patients should be screened for abuse whether man, woman, or child. A nurse needs to know the warning signs and learn how to assess and ask effective questions. The nurse needs to learn how to optimize the interview and assessment so that the patient (man, woman, or child) can express themselves in a safe space. In the above scenario, the nurse needs to separate the woman safely from the man, so that she can ask if the woman feels safe and assess her for abuse.
It may be difficult to separate the individual from the companion, but it's best they be separated, as the potential abuse victim may not speak openly in front of the abuser.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I would need to separate the potential abuse victim from the abuser, though I understand that it may be difficult. I could ask him to leave the room for the assessment and if he balked, I would probably take her to the bathroom for a urine sample to ask her questions. I would be careful not to judge or prejudge the situation, but I would do what I needed to do to assess the potential abuse victim thoroughly. I definitely would seek guidance from my shift leadership."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"It's possible that this patient is the victim of abuse. In order to make sure the patient can give honest answers about what caused her injury, I would ask the companion to leave the room so I can complete my assessment. If the companion refuses, I can explain that I need to get a urine sample from the patient and escort the patient to the bathroom so that we can talk privately. If the patient or companion refuses this as well, I would talk to my charge nurse about what other actions I can take."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would separate the patient from the boyfriend. If the boyfriend is tough to separate often I'd be like let me take you to the women's bathroom we need a sample. Ask if she feels safe at home, we had these SMART cards we could give women that were super non-descript looked like a gift card but had a helpline phone number. Let her know we are here to help her and it's a safe space."

Cindy's Feedback

Good. Again, context would help. What is your theory about the situation that makes your actions understandable?

Problem Solving

34. You are caring for a patient on your inpatient unit who is bedridden and unconscious. When the patient came to you, they already had a bedsore. How do you prevent this from happening again?

How to Answer

For patients who are bedridden, bedsores can be a common, but avoidable, problem. If these sores become infected, the consequences for the patients can be severe, especially if they are in a weakened medical state. To prevent bedsores for their patients who are bedridden, nurses should ensure their patients are repositioned at least once every two hours. This repositioning may be completed by a care partner or nursing assistant, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the nurse to ensure their patients are properly cared for. The interviewer is asking this question to ensure the candidate understands it is their responsibility to protect their patients from hazards such as bedsores. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would ensure the patient was repositioned at least every two hours. A more successful answer to this question could include examples of how the candidate has worked with physicians and the physical therapy department to ensure the patient was properly moved, trained care partners or nursing assistants on proper patient repositioning, or helped their colleagues prevent bedsores in similar situations with their patients.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"To prevent additional bedsores, I would ensure the patient was moved and repositioned every two hours, at a minimum. If I am fortunate enough to have the support of a nursing assistant while caring for this patient, I would as for their help, but I would still ensure my patient was being moved, rather than assuming it was being done. I know how serious bedsores can be, and I do everything I can to prevent them. If the patient is unconscious for a long period, I will usually ask the physician if the patient needs an intervention from physical therapy, not only to prevent bedsores but to also prevent muscle atrophy."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"To prevent the bedridden patient from developing additional bedsores, I would work with my team to make sure the patient is turned every two hours. I will document the patient's turning and what position we moved the patient to. If available, I will try to get the patient a specialized hospital bed that uses air to help prevent further pressure ulcers. I would use either pillows or waffle boots to prevent pressure ulcers from forming on heels. I would use a foam dressing or other appropriate material to pad any bony prominences that are in danger of contributing to skin breakdown."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Do a daily skin assessment and document your findings. Reposition the patient every 2hrs and provide skincare every shift and after each incontinent episode. Apply barrier cream as needed."

Chad's Feedback

Good. You have identified all of the proper steps needed to prevent the patient from developing bedsores again. Consider adding a statement that demonstrates you know what the potential consequences of bedsores on the patient can be, and that you recognize it is ultimately the nurse's responsibility to ensure their patients are being properly cared for. Also, use full sentences in your response, to guarantee there is no confusion with the interviewer.

Role-Specific

35. Describe a time when you did not provide the type of patient care you normally would. What could you have done to improve care?

How to Answer

The interviewer is interested in your ability to recognize your shortcomings and that you learn from your mistakes. They want to see that you are self-aware and constantly strive to improve your patient care skills. Discussing a time when you fell short demonstrates your willingness to learn and grow as a healthcare professional. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the best possible care for all patients, and being able to reflect on past experiences is a valuable tool in achieving that goal. Describe a time when you did not provide the care you normally would, the reason why, and what you learned from that experience.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"When I first started working as a nurse, there was a time I didn't provide the type of patient care that I normally would. I felt overwhelmed by the number of patients I had to take care of, and my energy levels were low as I felt like I was getting a cold. As a result, I wasn't as attentive as I could have been.

Looking back, I realize I should have taken a break and refueled my energy or called in sick before my shift started, as I was not feeling well. I also could have asked for help from my colleagues or supervisor to ensure that all patients received the care they needed. Being new at the job, I did not want to appear as if I could not handle the work, even if a little under the weather. However, I now realize that I cannot help others unless I take care of myself, and I pay close attention to how I am feeling before each shift."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"I have always strived to maintain a professional demeanor while on duty. However, one time, my personal issues almost got the better of me. I was going through a rough patch in my personal life and was finding it hard to focus on my work. One day, I was assigned to care for a particularly challenging patient. Despite my best efforts, I became increasingly short with them and less patient than I should have been. It was only after a colleague pulled me aside and reminded me of my duty to my patients that I was able to put aside my personal problems and focus on providing the best care possible. It was a valuable lesson that I will never forget and has made me a better nurse.

Looking back, I realize I should have taken time to deal with my personal issues outside of work and not let them interfere with my responsibilities. It's important to remember that our patients rely on us to provide the best care possible, and we need to be fully present and focused on their needs."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Role-Specific

36. You are caring for a patient on your unit who is now resting well but has tried to get up and fallen multiple times over the past couple of days. As you prepare to leave the patient's room, do you restrain her to prevent her from falling again?

How to Answer

While it may seem like the most rationale step to take in this situation would be to restrain the patient, only current behavior should determine whether a patient should be restrained. The use of restraints can have physical and psychological consequences for the patient, so it is important that nurses and other medical professionals be very careful with their use. In this situation, since the patient is resting well and not agitated, the nurse should avoid using restraints. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands that restraints should be used judiciously, and to effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate they would not restrain the patient in this situation. A more successful answer this question would include an example from the candidate's nursing career where they chose not to restrain a patient based on current behavior, despite previous history of falls, violence, and/or intentional or unintentional self-harm.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Since I have been an inpatient nurse for many years, I have dealt with these types of situations many times, and in this situation, I would not restrain the patient. Even though the patient has fallen since she has been admitted, if she is currently resting well and isn't agitated, I would not restrain her. Restraints are very difficult for patients, and I will not use them unless it is absolutely necessary. This reminds me of a patient who I was caring for recently who had been violent and restrained while in the ICU, but when he was transferred to my unit, he was much calmer. The nurse who cared for him the shift prior to mine had kept him restrained, as she was fearful of him, but the patient was now much more lucid and the restraints were stressful to him. Once I took the handoff, I immediately removed the restraints from the patient, and from then on, he was able to relax."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Restraints should be used as a last resort, as they can be upsetting to patients and their family members, and they may increase the risk of other types of injury, such as skin tears or pressure wounds. I would work with my patient care tech and other nurses to implement other measures, such as frequently rounding on the patient to make sure her elimination needs are met. We could also place a bed or chair alarm underneath the patient to make sure staff are alerted if she tried to get up, and we could place fall alert socks on her feet so that the color indicates to all staff that the patient should not get up by herself."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"No, I would not restrain her. You need an order to restrain someone and restraints are a last resort option for patients that need them. I would implement other methods to prevent the patient from falling."

Chad's Feedback

This is a good response! You make it clear that you would not restrain the patient in this situation. Again, sharing a story example from your nursing career of a time where you chose not to restrain a patient, despite a previous history of falls, will strengthen your response.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Always use the least restraint to prevent additional stressors for the patient. I would not restrain this patient even tho they are a falls risk. They are resting well not agitated. I would Put on bed alarm, open curtains so visible from the nursing station, bed rails up, tuck them in with blankets, ensure they've been toileted given water and lights at the appropriate level, all necessities within reach so all basic needs have been met if possible prior to leaving the room. I would have a 1:1 sitter if possible. Restraints can be very stressful and traumatic best to try other measures prior to restraining and always have chemical restraints on Baird if physically restraining."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! So, the risk is low and outweighs the stress of restraints? I would dwell a bit longer on the reasons for your choice and make them explicit in your answer.

Role-Specific

37. You are caring for a patient and the physician has ordered an IV medication for them. You have collected the medication and the supplies needed to administer the IV. Tell me how you will proceed from this point.

How to Answer

Before starting an IV and administering the medication, in this situation, the nurse should look in the patient's electronic health record and review the physician's medication order to verify they have the correct medication, dosage, and administration duration. This is a safety protocol that is standard in nursing practice to prevent medical errors, as administering the incorrect medication, incorrect dosage, and/or incorrect duration can have dire consequences to the patient. The interviewer is asking this question to assess the candidate's understanding and regular practice for such precautions. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would verify the medication, dosage, and administration duration by reviewing the order in the electronic health record. A more successful answer to this question could include examples of how the candidate prevented a colleague from committing a medical error by reminding them to review this information, helped develop training materials on the matter for their unit, or even helped change protocols to improve compliance and patient outcomes.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Before I did anything to the patient, I would go to the patient's electronic record and verify the drug name, the dosage, and the administration duration. This is so important because so many times, nurses are busy or get distracted and accidentally grab the wrong medication, dosage, or set the incorrect administration duration. A couple of years ago, we had several new nursing graduates working on my unit, and we had several medical errors related to this issue take place. Because I am so passionate about this issue, I helped my supervisor develop training materials to help remind my colleagues to verify these medication elements before they administer IV drugs. While these materials did not eliminate medication errors, they helped reduce them."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Before administering the IV medication, I would check the patient's wristband and/or verbally confirm the patient's name and date of birth with the patient. Then I would verify the medication order in the patient's electronic medical record, ensuring that the medication, dose, route, and duration all matched the information that I have."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Role-Specific

38. In your inpatient unit, you are caring for a patient who is still weak from surgery. Upon reviewing physician orders, you see the patient is to get up and walk two laps in the hall. Tell me how you would proceed.

How to Answer

The interviewer is attempting to determine if the candidate would assess the patient's ability to participate in physical activity before getting her up to walk around the hall of the inpatient unit. Patient falls is one of the biggest patient safety concerns for hospitals, and it is the onus of the nursing staff to ensure they protect their patients from falls in all situations, even when there is a physician order stating otherwise. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would assess the patient's ability to participate in the physical activity, and if they, in fact, the patient was too weak, they would contact the physician for alternative orders. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the candidate's nursing career where they prevented a patient fall by assessing their ability to participate in physical activity.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"If the patient was still weak from their surgical procedure, I would assess their ability to get up and walk, to ensure they are not at risk for a fall. This is something I deal with often at my current job as an inpatient nurse. Just recently, I was caring for a patient who had been admitted for a serious infection. When the patient seemed to be getting better, the physician ordered that he get up and walk, and he did well the first couple of days. However, on the third day, he was feeling worse, and when it was time for his walk, instead of just getting him up, I assessed his condition and found that getting him up for a walk would put him at risk. Upon calling the physician and updating him on the patient's condition, he came to check on him, and found that the patient needed emergency surgery as the infection had returned. Not only did my diligence prevent the patient from becoming injured, it also helped alert the physician of an emergent issue."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"When I worked on the post-op cardiac unit, we were constantly assessing if patients could safely walk around the unit with just a nurse to support them. Ambulating after surgery is very important to increase strength and decrease the chance of pneumonia, blood clots, and other complications. However, if a patient isn't ready to walk, even with a gait belt or a walker, they could risk falling and sustaining serious injury. In this case, I would assess the patient and see if he can safely walk 2 laps in the hall. If his assessment shows that he can walk 2 laps in the hall, I would walk with him. If the assessment did not show that he could safely do this yet, I would contact the physician, explain the scenario, and request an order for a physical therapist to come to evaluate and work with the patient."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would ensure that the patient is feeling strong enough to walk the laps by talking to them about it. Assess their ability prior to starting. I would then help them sit up and dangle their feet at the side of the bed to make sure and avoid any orthostatic hypotension. I would make sure that their non-slip socks are on and make sure that they aren't feeling dizzy. Once they are ready I would help them up and use any assistive devices as needed and walk with them."

Chad's Feedback

You make it clear that assessing the patient's ability to participate in physical activity is the top priority. Good job! Be sure to also discuss the steps you would take if the patient was too weak to proceed. If possible, include a specific example of a time you prevented a patient fall by assessing a patient's ability to participate in physical activity and use the STAR method to frame your response.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Start slow and use mobility aids they normally use, ensure have non-slip socks or well-fitting shoes on, sit at the side of the bed for a few minutes ask if dizzy? Address pain prior to mobilizing but make sure meds won't make them drowsy or uncoordinated. Even tho it's ordered if it's unsafe to walk them then don't put myself or the patient at risk. Notify doc if failed walk test and next steps. Maybe need PT to mobilize the first time."

Cindy's Feedback

Great answer! It shows your knowledge and care. Good job.

Anonymous Answer

"I would asses the patient. If through my assessment the patient was not capable of doing physical activity, I would call the physician for further instructions."

Cindy's Feedback

Good start. Consider using the question to demonstrate more examples of good judgment. What would you do if the patient showed signs of weakness? Would you approach the patient how he/she is feeling?

Anonymous Answer

"I would start by assessing how alert and oriented they are and make sure their pain is treated to their goal number before getting up. I would watch how they sit up and let them sit for a minute to prevent dizziness. Then I would apply nonslip socks, and a gait belt, and have another person with me, especially if it's their first time ambulating after surgery. If they show signs of fatigue or dizziness, I would sit them down safely. If I notice a decline in their ability compared to a previous day, I would let the MD and PT know."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is a very thorough and well-balanced response. It sounds like you have a great plan of action in place, should you be faced with this scenario!

Scenario Based

39. How would you handle a patient that assumes a 'helpless' role, does not do what is necessary for their treatment, and asks you to do certain tasks that they could and should perform for themselves?

How to Answer

A nurse cares about patients, so it's difficult sometimes to recognize when we over function for patients and do not encourage them to be their best. Doing too much for patients is as damaging as doing too little. Nurses need to learn the subtle dance between empathy and advocacy for patients helping themselves. You want to encourage without being demeaning or too harsh, but also push them to do what they can for themselves in every situation possible. A weight lifter doesn't bench press 200 pounds over night but adds weight little by little. Each time a patient swings his own leg out of the bed, or shuffles to the bathroom with the assist of two, wonderful things are building incrementally in his or her body. Sometimes, nurses do things for patients because they are busy and don't have time for the slower patient to do it. Occasionally, on a booming floor this may be necessary, but should be the exception, not the rule.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Sally, today is bath day and it's a great day to get up and stretch your legs today. No bed bath today. I'll help you up and you can dangle at the edge of the bed while I turn the shower on. It will do you good to get up, and I'll help you so you don't fall, but we are going to try to walk independently to the bathroom today. Does that sound good?"

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"When I work with a patient who seems to be acting helpless, I try to use motivational interviewing techniques to help them find a reason for why they might want to participate in their treatment plan. So, we might talk about their trying to get back to their apartment or home, their desire to be able to sit up at their grandchild's wedding, or another goal they want to reach. Then I help them see how taking a walk in the hall or using their incentive spirometer will help them get stronger and more likely to achieve their goal."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Scenario Based

40. You have a coworker with a large following on TikTok, who brags constantly about her followers. One day you notice a video of her with one of her patients in the background. What would you do in this situation?

How to Answer

The interviewer asks what you would do if you saw a coworker with a patient visible in a TikTok video because it is imperative to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality. Suppose you were to come across such a video. In that case, the interviewer wants to see if you would immediately bring it to your coworker's attention and advise them to remove it or if you would first inform your supervisor and follow appropriate protocols to protect the patient's privacy. It is crucial to prioritize patient safety and confidentiality in any healthcare setting, and you must be committed to upholding these values. How you respond will give the interviewer insight into your communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 26th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"As a responsible nurse who takes my job very seriously, I would immediately report the situation to my immediate supervisor. Patient privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance in healthcare, and any breach of these principles must be taken seriously. It is important to ensure that all healthcare professionals understand the gravity of protecting patient information and upholding the profession's ethical standards."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 26th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"I would be very concerned if I saw a TikTok video featuring my coworker and a patient. It's crucial to prioritize the well-being and privacy of our patients above all else. Patient privacy and confidentiality are critical in this field, and violating them is a serious breach of ethics. I would first speak with my coworker privately to express my concerns and remind them of the importance of maintaining patient privacy. Depending on the severity of the situation, I may also need to report the incident to our supervisor or the hospital's compliance team. Of course, how I proceed also depends on the policies and procedures of my organization."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 26th, 2023

Scenario Based

41. You are caring for a patient on your inpatient unit who is taking a turn for the worse. You decide you need to call the hospitalist physician. Tell me how you will proceed.

How to Answer

Before calling for the assistance of a physician, therapist, or nursing colleague, unless it is a dire emergency, nurses should gather as much pertinent information on the patient as they can so they can effectively and succinctly explain the situation and the needs of the patient. If the nurse does not collect this information in advance of making the call to the physician, the call will likely take additional time as they will have to look the information up and take more of the physician's time. While patients are not typically put at risk in these situations, having the information ready to report during the call assists nurses with building professional relationships with the many professionals the must consult with on a daily basis. The interviewer is asking this question to determine how important the candidate feels it is to collect information before calling the physician. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would collect all pertinent information on the patient, including diagnosis, condition, impression, test results, and vital signs. A more successful answer to this question can include experience from the candidate's nursing career, information the candidate typically relays during such a call, or how the candidate assisted a colleague with such a call.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"This is a very common situation that I find myself in, as I work in the inpatient environment, so I understand that it is important to gather as much information about the patient and the patient's current situation before making the call to the physician. Early in my nursing career, I sometimes would call before I had gathered the necessary information, and when I did so, it was very difficult to communicate the situation to the physician, and sometimes they would become frustrated. Now that I have more experience, I understand the importance of gathering information such as current impression, vital signs, test results, and other pertinent information, so the conversation can be efficient and brief."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"When I call the hospitalist to inform them of a downturn in my patient's condition, I make sure to go over my mental checklist first. Have I gathered all the needed information about the patient's history, current vitals/labs, and changes in condition? If so, I will call, and identify myself and the patient, and then make sure the physician is ready to hear the information I have. One of the first times I needed to call a physician about his patient's change in level of consciousness, I was so anxious that I started talking quickly and forgot to identify myself as the patient's nurse. In trying to get things moving quickly, I actually ended up taking more time than needed, because the physician wasn't clear on who I was. From that point on, I have always taken a breath and made sure to stay calm on calls to physicians."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Before calling the physician it is important to ensure that I have all the information necessary for any questions the physician might ask. Details about the patient's condition throughout the shift and any changes that occurred should be documented. Vital signs and assessment should also be documented and available in case the physician asks."

Chad's Feedback

Good answer! The interviewer will be pleased to hear you recognize the importance of collecting pertinent information before calling the physician. To strengthen this response, be more specific on the types of information you would collect. Consider also including an example from your career when you have made a call in this situation, and what the outcome was, to demonstrate your experience level.

Scenario Based

42. You are alone in an elevator with two nurses from another floor who are talking about a patient. How would you respond?

How to Answer

Interviewers ask situational questions to test interviewees' people skills and their capacity to communicate and find optimal solutions. The answer here doesn't have to be work specific, unless it is apparent as in this question, but it's always a good idea to incorporate appropriate work behaviors in, when possible.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"My grandmother always taught me that when you are silent about questionable things, in a way you are agreeing with them, or people might think that you are. I feel strongly about protecting patient rights, and I would be very uncomfortable in that situation. I think that I would feel compelled to address it right on the spot and very pleasantly say that I don't feel comfortable with the conversation. If they were talking details and gossip, I would address it and definitely report it to supervisors. If it were a casual slip and vague in content, I would definitely report it to the supervisor if anyone else was on the elevator but if not, I would just address them directly."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I encountered almost this same scenario, except it was two doctors that I recognized by sight but didn't know by name. I would handle this scenario in the same way I handled that situation. In that situation, I calmly said, 'Doctor, please don't discuss patient information in front of a person without a need to know this information.' The doctor nodded and said, 'Thank you,' and the conversation stopped. I think calmly and firmly reminding staff or physicians of a patient's right to privacy is the way to go, most of the time. If for some reason I saw a breach of confidentiality in front of a patient or visitor, I would report it to the unit manager in addition to my reminder to the staff."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Scenario Based

43. You are working phone triage for your physician practice when a patient calls asking for advice as he is having chest pains. Tell me what you direct the patient to do.

How to Answer

In this situation there are multiple directions the nurse could give the patient, but in a situation when a patient is having chest pains, the patient should be directed to go to the emergency department. While care can be given at a physician office or urgent care center, a patient with chest pains could be in the midst of a medical crisis which requires the service of an emergency department. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands the clinical significance of chest pains and the fact that the patient needs to be evaluated in the emergency department. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate that they would direct the patient to hang up and immediately go to the emergency department. A more successful answer to this question would include a specific example from the nurse's career where they directed a patient with chest pains to the emergency department.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"If a patient called with complaints of chest pains, I would tell them to go to the emergency department immediately after hanging up. Even though the patient's chest pains may not be from a heart condition, there is a chance that they could be, and an evaluation in an emergency department is necessary. In these situations, it is easy to assume the patient's symptoms or conditions may be caused by an ancillary condition, such as anxiety, but until they are properly evaluated, it is too risky to assume."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"When working phone triage, if a patient calls with chest pain, I would instruct him to go to the emergency department immediately. I would request verbal confirmation that the patient understands my instruction and will go to the emergency department immediately. Chest pain can indicate myocardial infarction, and delay in treatment can lead to heart failure or death. This isn't a time to take a chance that the chest pain might be caused by something else."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Immediately call 911."

Chad's Feedback

Good start! It is clear you understand the clinical significance of chest pains and the fact that the patient needs to be evaluated in the emergency department. However, the interviewer will be anticipating a more complete answer with additional details. To strengthen your response, consider citing a specific example from your career where you directed a patient with chest pains to the emergency department.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Ok, this patient might be having an MI so it is important for them to be seen right away to rule this out, get an ECG done, and a cardiac workup. Can ask if he has ever experienced this pain before? Does he have any cardiac history? Prescribed nitro for instance if so to take a spray of the nitro. Also should advise patient to take ASA if hasn't already done so. Patients having chest pain ask them to describe the pain LOTARP where is it, when did it start is it constant or intermittent what were you doing when it started, has it resolved gotten better or worse. Type is it sharp dull, tearing ripping, pressure, worse with deep inspiration or palpating, any associated symptoms SOB, diaphoretic, dizzy, does it radiate down their arm to their back up into the jaw. Any history of similar events did they see a doctor then. Any changes in medication, exercise, stress level. Advise going straight to emerg call EHS if no one to drive them do not drive yourself if you have chest pain."

Cindy's Feedback

Good! Your answer reflects the urgency of the situation, but I'd recommend slowing down a bit and explaining the "why" behind your actions. This is a great opportunity to show that you understand the underlying reasons for the way you're handling the issue.

Anonymous Answer

"I would instruct them to sit down and call 911. One time I had a patient start complaining of chest pain 6/10 during shift change after a long night. I called an RRT, got vitals, input all the emergency orders, and kept the client and her daughter calm. Thankfully it wasn't an MI!"

Stephanie's Feedback

You do a great job of incorporating a specific experience that you've had into your response, and it sounds like that situation worked itself out easily. Given that the scenario presented in this question is a new patient, I suggest providing a bit more detail on what you would do. (You'd have them call 911, but what then? What would your follow-up be? What other steps would you take?) A few more details will help to round out your response.

Situational

44. How would you handle a patient who is trying to manipulate you in some way or talks about the other shift to you?

How to Answer

This answer appears easy ,but it's not. Being a new nurse sometimes makes people over eager to please and hearing great things about yourself rarely falls on unappreciative ears. You want to help and be sympathetic, but it's not helpful to engage in any conversation that downgrades your coworkers in any way. Sometimes these conversations are subtle and sometimes they are not. The easiest way to circumvent these situations is to enter each room prepared and with a plan for the visit or encounter and perform that task in a professional and kind manner. If the patient begins to complain about another individual, handle it by stating that you're sorry they had the experience and ask if they'd like for you to get the nursing manager to speak to.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"If a patient starts to tell me something, I listen briefly and ask if she would like for me to get my nursing leader. I don't want to shut the patient down if she really had a bad experience, but I don't want to feed into it either and damage their view of my coworker. The best thing I can think of is to hear them out briefly but not agree. I'd say that I'm sorry they had the experience and ask if they would like me to get nursing leadership. Now if it's something horrible, of course I would report it directly, if it was a medical concern. It depends on the situation, but I know not to simply be silent because silence implies consent sometimes, so I would feel the need to say that I hear them, but I'm not the person who has the power to take action on that concern."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"When a patient has a legitimate complaint, I will attempt to rectify their problem myself or bring up their complaint to the charge nurse, the nurse manager, or another person in leadership. However, if a patient seems to be manipulative or complaining to try to start conflict, I usually use reflective listening. So, I reflect their statement back to them neutrally, such as saying, 'I hear you saying you were frustrated that the night shift nurse's aid didn't get you up to the chair at the time you wanted. What are the top 2 priorities I can address during my shift today to make you comfortable?' I don't feed into any negativity about another shift, and I focus on what I can do during my shift If the patient persists in complaining about something that happened earlier, I would offer to bring in my nursing manager."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Situational

45. If you have too many things on your to-do list, how to you decide which to do first and which to postpone?

How to Answer

A nurse shift is usually a very busy one, with few unimportant tasks. Taking the time to organize and frontload your day by doing the most important patient tasks first helps free up time later. Sometimes, it is helpful to delegate to others when possible, but it's never an acceptable answer if anything patient-care related is not done because there wasn't time. Future pace your day and sketch out a timeline for each activity. When you follow your plan and you realize at 10 AM that you are still dealing with some problems with your 8 AM task, then the best time to ask for support or help is at 10 AM. At 2 PM, it's too late to gather support and finish the shift completely and correctly.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"At work, I take a couple minutes to sketch out my day and I frontload the more important and difficult tasks in the morning, so I can complete them well. That gives me time to work through the rest of my shift, and if I end up having to ask for help, then the tasks that still need to get done are not the most difficult or important ones. In my personal life, when my to-do list gets too large, I sit down, weed it out, and focus on what moves my life forward and brings meaning and value."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"At the beginning of my shift, I use my shift 'cheat sheet' to help me organize and prioritize my day. This helps me determine which tasks should be done first, based on both how important they are and how long they might take. If tasks take longer than I anticipated, or I run into a situation where a patient's condition takes a downturn, I will need to ask for help. I can delegate tasks like blood glucose tests or a patient bath to a patient care tech. I can also ask my coworkers or the charge nurse to take on a task that only a nurse can do. In an inpatient unit, we have to work as a team to make sure all patient care tasks are completed. I am comfortable asking my colleagues for help because they know I always offer to assist them with tasks when I can."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Prioritize based on ABCS see most unstable patients first, give critical meds first, ask for help/delegate easier faster tasks. For instance, if a patient is hypertensive and symptomatic I want to give their antihypertensive meds before giving a bed bath to my other patient."

Cindy's Feedback

Yes! Prioritization is key to handling the important issues first. Can you add to your answer by discussing what ABCs are and why that method is important here?

Situational

46. What tools or techniques do you use to remember difficult information or instructions given verbally only?

How to Answer

Situational interview questions are designed to assess candidate competencies in more depth and to avoid rote, standardized answers. The interviewer is looking to observe how you would triage a problem and figure out how to handle it in an optimal way. Situational questions allow the interviewer to showcase unique talents and competencies. Situational interview questions challenge the interviewee to think about situations that they may have never experienced before.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"While I prefer to listen to instructions and have written instructions as well, I have a formula for remembering things verbally. I believe this is a good skill to have as a nurse. First, I listen to understand, and I listen attentively. I give the individual my full attention, particularly if it's new information. After I listen to them, I ask questions for clarity, and then I repeat back what they want me to do. Sometimes, I use imagery or acronyms to remember things when I am getting complicated directions."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"When I am given instructions verbally only, I repeat the information back to the source to ensure I have all of the information correct. Once the physician or other person has confirmed that I have all of the information correct, I break the steps down into sections or 'chunks' in my head, and then I repeat them to myself 5-7 times to ensure they stick. If there's an opportunity, I will also write down the instructions later; however, if there's not an opportunity, my chunking and repeating method works for me."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Listen attentively and repeat back what I heard and ask for clarification if unsure what was said or the order to do things in was confusing. Repeat it to myself multiple times, acronyms,"

Cindy's Feedback

Good! Add a bit of context at the beginning of your response. I've included an example below.

"I use a number of techniques that help me remember important information. First, I listen attentively and repeat information back to the speaker to invite corrections in case I misheard. I also use repetition and acronyms. I recently used a technique during a [here, use an example of applying one of the techniques to remember complex information]."

Teamwork

47. You are nearing the end of your 12-hour shift on your inpatient unit and you are exhausted from caring for eight high-acuity patients. As your colleague arrives to relieve you, tell me how you proceed.

How to Answer

When inter-shift information is involved, nurses must ensure that they properly handover information to their colleagues properly, even if this means they stay late to complete handover paperwork on each of their patients. Failing to properly handover information to the next nurse could have dire consequences to patients, making handovers a vital element of a nurse's set of responsibilities. Many facilities have standardized handover templates for nurses to complete before the end of their shifts, and these templates include elements such as: background, assessments, vitals, and recommendations. While many electronic health record systems pre-populate much of this information, it is imperative the remaining information is completed. The interviewer is asking this question to determine if the candidate understands the importance of completing handovers. To effectively answer this question, the candidate should indicate they would ensure handover information for all patients was completed before departing for the day. A more successful answer to this question would include an example from the candidate's nursing career where they ensured their handovers were completed despite being exhausted or dealing with other confounding factors.

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

1st Answer Example

"In this situation, even though I am exhausted, I would complete handover templates for all my patients, if I haven't already. This is especially true because you said the eight patients are high-acuity, which means there is a lot the next nurse needs to know about them. I could never leave my patients without completing handovers, because not only could I not leave my coworker in a bad situation, but I also don't want to put my patients at risk. Last week, I was in a similar situation, where I had been so busy that I didn't have time to complete handovers until my coworker arrived to relieve me. So, I stayed late and completed the templates for all my patients, despite the fact that I was tired and ready to go home."

Written by Kelly Burlison on June 3rd, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"At shift change, it's so important to give a concise but thorough report to the oncoming nurse who will be caring for the patients I had during my shift. If these patients were high-acuity, that's all the more reason to make sure no important details are missed. I want to ensure the oncoming nurse has all of the information needed to provide safe care to our patients. I have a brief 'cheat sheet' that I keep for all of my patients throughout the shift. It keeps me on track for all of my patients' orders, vital signs, conditions, and charting. Therefore, regardless of how tired I am at the end of my shift, I have the information necessary to complete a safe handoff to my oncoming colleague or colleagues."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Even though I'm exhausted it is still very important to give a thorough nursing report. Need to give a good report to not only help my colleague have a better shift but also less risk for patients as well as having the oncoming nurse informed about their current presentation and plan. I usually do cheat sheets for each patient. Name, room, when they came in what they presented with, diagnosis, pertinent medical history, interventions done (IV, foley, fluids, meds), diagnostics imaging results, blood work, let them know abnormal values and what's been done about them. Vitals and frequency. Plan follow up with GP, discharge, awaiting cath lab repeat imaging, IV and, specialist to see, etc."

Cindy's Feedback

Great, in describing your process.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"Although I am very exhausted I would still continue to go on and complete handover templates for every patient, this is important as 8 patients are high-acuity patients which means a lot of information the next staff nurses need to be informed about. It would not be in best practice if I left many patients without completing the handover, this can negatively affect patient safety and I do want my patients to be at any risk along with this would be negative to put my colleagues in difficult situations."

Amanda's Feedback

Your answer makes it clear that you understand the importance of a thorough, well-informed handover. You can make this answer stronger by explaining what kind of key information you make sure to include on the shift change template and why. Does certain information ensure that things run as smoothly and safely as possible for both patients and staff? How would omitting parts of that information negatively impact your colleagues' ability to provide high-quality care? Giving more detail helps the interviewer see how you strive to protect and serve patients as well as your team members.

Tough

48. Your coworker forgot to sign off that she gave Tylenol as a PRN before she punched out and calls you from the car. She asks you to initial that it was given so nobody gives it again. What do you do?

How to Answer

It sounds like the right thing to do. After all, you don't want the patient to be given extra Tylenol, but you should never do this. It's illegal and forging the medical record. It's unethical and risks your nursing license. The correct thing to do is to write down the information about the dose and attach a sticky note to the MAR so that there is a visual reminder for the person administering medications. This information should be reported to the shift nurse manager and guidance received. Under no circumstances should the nurse sign off a medication that he or she did not administer.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"Sally, I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable doing that. Thank you so much for calling and letting me know. I put a sticky note on the chart to remind myself of the time you gave the Tylenol and let Ruthann know, so we can follow her guidance. Call Ruthann tomorrow to figure out what you need to do about not signing that. Have a good night and drive safely!"

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"Unfortunately, I can't sign off on a medication that you administered. That would put both of our licenses at risk. Do you have time to come back in and chart it yourself? If not, I will place a sticky note on my nurse cheat sheet to remind me what time you administered the Tylenol. Make sure you check with the manager tomorrow to see how you can chart a late entry. Good night!"

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would tell them "I wish I could, but I am not comfortable with that. I can notify the charge nurse for you and mark it with a note in their chart."

Stephanie's Feedback

This is certainly a tricky situation to be faced with, and your response shows an understanding of honesty and ethical behavior. I suggest adding a concluding sentence that highlights the specific values that guide your work. For example: "Although this is a difficult situation, I am committed to honesty in the workplace and maintaining a high standard of ethical behavior. These values are important to me and guide my work."

Tough

49. Have you ever caught a coworker stealing? If so, how did you handle it? If not, what would you do if you saw a colleague stealing?

How to Answer

Interviewers ask what you would do if you saw a colleague stealing for a few reasons. First, they want to gauge your sense of ethics and integrity. Nurses are held to high standards of moral and ethical conduct, and it is important to ensure the people working in this field meet these standards. Second, they want to see how you would handle a difficult workplace situation. It can be challenging to confront a colleague about unethical behavior, and interviewers want to know that you would handle the situation appropriately and professionally. Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize patient care and safety and to take action if you witness any behavior that could compromise these priorities.

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

1st Answer Example

"No, I have never caught a coworker stealing. However, if I witnessed such behavior, I would first approach my colleague privately and confront them about what I had seen. I would explain that stealing is unethical and illegal and that their actions could have serious consequences for both themselves and our workplace. Depending on their response and the hospital's policies, I would escalate the issue to our supervisor or HR department if necessary. As healthcare professionals, we are responsible for acting with integrity and honesty and holding our colleagues accountable when they fall short of these standards."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

2nd Answer Example

"Yes, unfortunately, I have witnessed a coworker stealing. When doing my rounds, I walked into a patient's room and saw a nurse's aide quickly put something from the patient's bedside table into their pocket. After checking on my patient, I asked the aide to speak privately with me outside the room. I asked what they put into their pocket, and they said they had not taken anything. I asked to look in their pocket, and they refused. Since I was sure the aide had taken something from the patient, I reported what I saw to the charge nurse. After an investigation, it was discovered the aide had a problem with prescription pills and had taken the patient's medications. Those who work with me understand my values and that I do not condone stealing of any kind."

Written by Krista Wenz on May 29th, 2023

Tough

50. How do you handle ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?

How to Answer

Nurses care for all patients, so they must have emotional mastery and cultural competence. It's difficult sometimes to separate our personal preferences and philosophies from our patients and not superimpose our cultural grid on their choices and feel disapproval. It is unprofessional and not optimal patient care to do so. Nurses must remind themselves when they enter the door to a patient's room that they do not need to know the whole story, and they can never know all the nuances that led to the belief or decision they disagree with. They must lead themselves to treat the individual in front of them as a human being who they are there to help, serve, and not to judge.

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"When I feel judgement or disapproval welling up inside me, I do a quick mental inventory and check-in. It doesn't happen often, but I would not be human if I said it never has or will again. I don't know why the person made the choices they made, or what led up to it. I only know that my job is to help them, and I stay focused on that. I've worked with drug addicts and criminals, but my job is to be kind, provide excellent care, and maybe even learn something from them."

Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"In two of the hospitals I've worked out, I've taken care of prisoners that are recovering from heart surgery. I've never looked up or asked a patient what crime they are in jail for, but some have volunteered this information to me, and it can be momentarily disconcerting to learn that you're taking care of a person who has committed an assault. However, I know that all patients deserve safe and effective care. I can never know anyone's full story, so regardless of the circumstances, I provide my best care to all patients."

Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I would respect my patient's values to prevent ethical conflict since my job is to deliver dignified and patient-focused care. It is a difficult situation, but I need to separate my personal preferences and philosophies from my patients. Judgment is not my job and my patients are human beings and should be treated as they want to be treated for optimal outcomes."

Marcie's Feedback

Excellent! Your sincerity shines through in your response, which the interviewer will appreciate. It is apparent that you want to support your patients however they need and without offending their beliefs. How exactly will you do this, though? Will you prevent yourself from saying anything disagreeable? Will you remain calm and levelheaded? Will you keep your tone of voice quiet? If you can give additional details about how you will remain nonjudgmental, your answer will be even more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

About the Author

Krista Wenz

I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I had the privilege of serving on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for all types of healthcare professionals. My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, medical assistants, home health aides, and physician assistants.

As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming nursing interview. While these situational questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in nailing your interview!

Learn more about Krista Wenz