NURSE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: A SAMPLE

If you have completed your RN training and acquired licensure, you might be looking for a
job. Whether you are a fresher or hunting for a new job, you have to face interview in both
the cases.

The interview for a registered nurse is more intense than any other profession. With the help
of an interview, the interviewer can find out whether an individual is appropriate for the
position or not.

A sample of questions and answers is designed to make your way easy. These questions are
frequently asked in an RN interview.

Question 1: Tell us something about yourself.

It is the most common question, which gives you an open-ended opportunity to point out your
strengths and skills. Instead of wasting time in explaining your educational history; let the
interviewer know that you are the perfect person for the respective job. You can also illustrate
by giving examples.

Sample Answer: I am a highly motivated, energetic and compassionate person, who wants
to dedicate his/her whole life to nursing. I am a great communicator and love helping people.
My previous credits and experience of 4 years taught me the importance of patients’ care and
developed a sense of responsibility.

Another sample answer:

“I’m really energetic, and a great communicator. Working in the medical field for two years
helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of patient care.

Question 2: Why do you want to work in the healthcare sector?

A person, who decides to become a nurse, has some different reasons other than earning
money, to enter this field. This question gives you a chance to express your desire to help out
individuals and how important human life is for you.

Sample Answer: I believe that with this profession, I can make a difference, and make
people feel better. Seeing so many people in pain and misery motivated me to practice
nursing.

Question 3: Why are you leaving your current job?

Instead of criticizing your previous job, pinpoint the positive aspects. Never give a negative
reason for leaving, stay away from bad mouthing your employer or colleagues. Focus on the
opportunities that will come with the new job.

Sample Answer: My previous job taught me so many things and developed necessary
qualities required to be a proficient nurse. But now, there is no room for growth, and I am
looking forward for new challenges to thrive in nursing.

Question 4: Where do you see yourself in five years?

The main objective of the interrogator is to know whether you are a career-oriented,
ambitious, determined worker and have a positive outlook in nursing. So, avoid discussing
your dreams and share an answer, which exhibits your real commitment and interest.

Sample Answer: In 5 years, I would like to have profound knowledge of nursing by way of
earning a doctoral degree, so that I can serve people with more advanced techniques.

Question 5: Why should I hire you?

It’s the job of an interviewer to hire the best person for the position. This question gives you a
golden chance to impress the recruiter by highlighting your skills.

Sample Answer: You should hire me because I have 4 years of experience in nursing that
equips me with the ability to handle critical cases with utmost patience. I can be an asset for
your health care centre and strength in times of weakness. I will do my best to bring
innovation in nursing that can improve health care outcomes.

Question 6: How would you handle a patient, who complains about everything?

The main motto of asking this question is to determine whether you are capable of handling
difficult situations or not. While answering this question, you can share any difficult situation
that you have managed in your previous workplace.

Sample Answer: The major reason of complaints is their diseases, which makes them
unhappy. As a nurse, I would understand their situation, listen and reassure them that the best
possible services are given to them.

Question 7: What is the most difficult part of being a nurse?

Nursing is not an easy job. You keep on learning throughout your career. By asking this
question, the interviewer wants to know your views about the hardships of this profession.
Sample Answer: According to me, the most intricate part of being a nurse is having a
patient, who suffers from an incapacitating disease, which is incurable.

Question 8: Discuss your biggest strengths and weaknesses.

The interviewer wants to check your strengths in order to match them with the job
requirements. Prepare a list of three or more strengths, such as your leadership qualities,
optimistic approach, interpersonal skills, that can be a treasure for the organization. Be very
honest about your weakness, discuss them and mention the measures for improving them.

Sample Answer: I have outstanding leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, which help
me to coordinate well with my colleagues.

I do not quit easily, until the work is done in a proper manner; it’s my major weakness.

Question 9: What measures have you taken to upgrade your knowledge?

If you have attended any seminar or pursued a degree for the sake of enhancing your
knowledge and competency in working, mention them.

Sample Answer: I enrolled myself in an advanced course for improving my managerial

skills and also attended various seminars for enhancing interpersonal skills