MockQuestions

Situational Nursing Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your nursing interview, here are 50 situational nursing interview questions and answer examples.

Situational Nursing was updated by on May 30th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 45 of 50

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

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.

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

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Situational Nursing job interview.

  • 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?
  • About the Author

    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