Job Interview Questions and Answers Question: What are the typical duties of a registered nurse? Answer: Nurses implement healthcare plans and keep patient records and reports. They cannot
make diagnoses, but they do monitor vital signs and symptoms and report them. They can then modify care plans, according to their observations, patient response, and the advice of the doctor. Question: What personal qualifications should a registered nurse possess, besides professional training? Answer: Nurses are patient and emotionally intelligent. in telligent. They are efficient and organized, and kind at
all times. It is as much the job of the nurse to offer sympathy to the patient as it is to perform the more technical tasks, such as administering injections and taking temperature. Question: Do you thin interpersonal co!!unication is i!portant to the profession of a registered nurse? Answer: Nurses interact both with patients and with other medical personnel. Communication skills
are very important. atients re!uire tolerance and sensitivity. "edical personnel re!uire team work, coordination and cooperation, and clearly communicated information which facilitates planni ng and implementing ade!uate care plans. Question: Do you have e"perience with ad!inistrative duties and tea! wor? Answer: Nurses do not usually work alone. They are part of a team of medical personnel. "ore
e#perienced or senior nurses manage units or shifts, and instruct and supervise new employees. They keep an eye on other nurses to make sure care is administered properly. Question: Do you have e"perience preparing facilities and equip!ent? Answer: Nurses maintain stocks and inventories, arrange rooms and e!uipment, and prepare
sterilized instruments prior to its usage by patients or other medical personnel. This is not as simple as it sounds, because it re!uires attention and e#perience to know when a room is re!uired and which specific piece of e!uipment might be the most important, which is something doctors do not always have the time to e#plain.
Interview $uestions and %nswers for a &taff Nurse Question: #ow would you describe the pri!ary duties of a staff nurse? Answer: The primary duties of a staff nurse include facilitating and monitoring patient progress
towards recovery, charting progress, giving medication, and making sure patients are comfortable.
Question: What can you tell !e about tea! wor as part of the $ob? Answer: There is usually a team of staff nurses working in cooperation with each other. . % team of
nurses has to get along well and coordinate their actions, usually by dividing their responsibilities into sectors or specific activities. They help each other perform tasks re!uiring more than one person. Question: #ow is patient progress !onitored by a staff nurse? Answer: Nurses monitor vital signs and look for symptoms of potential illness. They chart progress
for use by other nurses and physicians. They report progress to physicians on duty. Question: In what cases does a staff nurse contact the patient%s fa!ily !e!bers? Answer: 'amily members are contacted during emergencies. %t other times, family members are
informed on the patient(s progress. Nurses consult with the family to decide on the best course of treatment for the patient. Question: What personal characteristics should a staff nurse possess to be good at the $ob? Answer: It is important to be organized and have a good memory) a nurse performs her duties
!uickly, on time, and efficiently. Nurses are sensitive and pleasant with others. Their attitude must not be to simply administer technical treatment mechanically, but to make patients feel as comfortable as possible.
*egistered Nurse Interview $uestions and %nswers If you have completed your RN training and acquired licensure, you might be looking for a job. Whether you are a fresher or hunting for a new job, you have to face interview in both the cases. he interview for a registered nurse is more intense than any other profession. With the help of an interview, the interviewer can find out whether an individual is appropriate for the position or not. ! sample of questions and answers is designed to make your way easy. hese questions are frequently asked in an RN interview. Question 1: Tell us something about yourself.
It is the most common question, which gives you an open"ended opportunity to point out your strengths and skills. Instead of wasting time in e#plaining your educational history$ let the interviewer know that you are the perfect person for the respective job. %ou can also illustrate by giving e#amples. Sample Answer: I am a highly motivated, energetic, and compassionate person, wants to dedicate my whole life to nursing. I am a great communicator and loves helping people. &y previous credits and e#perience of ' years taught me the importance of patients( care and developed a sense of responsibility. Question 2: Why do you want to work in the healthcare sector ! person, who decides to become a nurse, has some different reasons other than earning money, to enter this field. his question gives you a chance to e#press 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. )eeing so many people in pain and misery motivated me to practice nursing. Question !: Why are you lea"ing your current #ob Instead of critici*ing your previous job, pinpoint the positive aspects. Never give a negative reason for leaving, stay away from bad mouthing your employer or colleagues. +ocus on the opportunities that will come with the new job. Sample Answer: &y previous job taught me so many things and developed necessary qualities required to be a proficient nurse. ut now, there is no room for growth, and I am looking forward for new challenges to thrive in nursing. Question $: Where do you see yourself in fi"e years he main objective of the interrogator is to know whether you are a career"oriented, ambitious, determined worker and have a positive outlook in nursing. )o, avoid discussing your dreams and share an answer, which e#hibits your real commitment and interest.
Sample Answer: In - 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 %: Why should & hire you It(s the job of an interviewer to hire the best person for the position. his question gives you a golden chance to impress the recruiter by highlighting your skills. Sample Answer: %ou should hire me because I have ' years of e#perience 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 ': (ow would you handle a patient) who complains about e"erything he 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: he major reason of complaints is their diseases, which makes them unhappy. !s a nurse, I would understand their situation, listen and reassure them that the best possible services are given to them. Question *: What is the most difficult part of being a nurse Nursing is not an easy job. %ou keep on learning throughout your career. y asking this question, the interviewer wants to know your views about the hardships of this profession. Sample Answer: !ccording to me, the most intricate part of being a nurse is having a patient, who suffers from an incapacitating disease, which is incurable. Question +: ,iscuss your biggest strengths and weaknesses.
he interviewer wants to check your strengths in order to match them with the job requirements. repare a list of three or more strengths, such as your leadership qualities, optimistic approach, interpersonal skills, that can be a treasure for the organi*ation. e 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 -: What measures ha"e 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. Question 1: ,escribe your former super"isor. /on(t commit the mistake of critici*ing your former supervisor, stay positive and state what you have learned from him. Sample Answer: 0evin was a competent supervisor with e#ceptional leadership qualities, who always maintained healthy interpersonal relationship. I have learned a lot from her. Question 11: What moti"ates you to work in the nursing field his question is really a huge opportunity$ grasp it by highlighting your positive features rather than giving vague answers. %ou can also illustrate your real life e#periences. Sample Answer: 1ritical situations and tough patients motivate me. In my last job, I was confronted with a patient, who was not handled by a number of nurses, later I took charge of him and solved his problem by understanding his situation. I really love to overcome challenges.
Question 12: What is your greatest failure It would be better for you to avoid the real truth. /on(t mention your major failure. he interviewer wants to bring out your flaws and measures you have taken to overcome them. %ou can e#plain one of your bad e#periences with tangible e#amples and reveal what you have learnt from them. Sample Answer: In my first job, I made a mistake in the patient(s chart. +ortunately, my supervisor noticed it. )ince then, I always double" check my charts. Question 1!: When you feel most satisfied in your #ob )hare your interests, likes and dislikes, and showcase your determination for nursing that e#plains why you are right for the job. Sample Answer: I really enjoy caring people and helping them in coping up with their illness. I love to work with children. Question 1$: ,escribe your salary re/uirements his is a tricky question$ it will reveal whether you prefer money more than nursing or vice"versa. !void giving e#act number and re"iterate your dedication for the job. Sample Answer: I am e#pecting an appropriate salary for this role, based on my work knowledge and nursing e#periences. Question 1%: ,o you ha"e any /uestions for us !sk the interviewers a few questions, as they will feel happy to answer your questions. his will also show your interest in them. +rame a good question, like on work environment, educational opportunities or any other question regarding nursing. Sample Answer: /o you organi*e any seminars and workshops for enhancing the knowledge and competency of a nurse2
1. Why do you want to work in this industry? &ad
answer:
+I love to talk medical jargon. ven as a kid, I spent hours flipping through medical dictionaries and pretending I was a nurse.Don%t $ust say you lie it' Anyone can do that' (ocus instead on your history with that particular industry, and if you can, tell a success story' )ood
answer:
+I(ve always loved nursing, but my interest in health care really started when I volunteered at a homeless shelter in college. &eeing so many people without care inspired me to pursue a career devoted to caring for others. I kept going back and volunteering, which got me hooked. It was great to be able to contribute positively to society that then led me to a field I feel so passionate about.-
Tell us about yourself. &ad
answer:
+I graduated four years ago from the niversity of "ichigan, with a /achelor(s in conomics 0 but I decided that wasn(t the right path for me. &o I switched gears and got my first job, working as a secretary for a hospital. Then I went on to work in a dental office. %fter that, I took a few months off to travel. 'inally, I came back and worked in a hospital environment again. %nd now, here I am, looking for a more challenging health care role.Instead of giving a chronological wor history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to the role' If possible, illustrate with e"a!ples' )ood
answer:
+I(m really energetic, and a great communicator. 1orking in the medical field for two years helped me build confidence, and taught me the importance of patient care. I(ve also got a track record of success. In my last role, I juggled a variety of patient loads, assisted in a charity fundraiser, and became an advocate for senior patients. /ecause of this, the hospital is launching a new educational program to teach nurses how to better care for elderly patients.-
What do you think of your previous boss? &ad
answer:
+2e was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why I(ve moved on*e!e!ber: if you get the $ob, the person interviewing you will so!e day be your previous boss' +he last thing they want is to hire so!eone who they now is going to bad!outh the! so!e day' Instead of trashing your for!er e!ployer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned fro! hi! no !atter how awful he really was-' )ood
answer:
+"y last boss taught me the importance of time management 0 he didn(t pull any punches, and was e#tremely deadline3driven. 2is no3nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and manage my case loads way more efficiently.-
Why are you leaving your current role? &ad
+I
answer:
can(t
stand
my
boss,
or
the
work
I(m
Again, stay away fro! bad!outhing your $ob or e!ployer' (ocus on the )ood
doing.positive' answer:
+I(ve learned a lot from my current role, but now I(m looking for a new challenge in nursing, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill3set 0 all of which, I see the potential for in this job.-
Where do you see yourself in five years? &ad
answer:
+*ela#ing
on
a
beach
in
"aui,-
or
+4oing your job.-
+here%s really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to now that you%re a!bitious, career.oriented, and co!!itted to a future with the hospital' /o instead of sharing your drea! for early retire!ent, or trying to be funny, give the! an answer that illustrates your drive and co!!it!ent' )ood
answer:
+In five years I(d like to have an even better understanding of this industry. %lso, I really love working with people. ltimately, I(d like to be in some type of managerial role at this hospital, where I can use my people skills and nursing knowledge to benefit the nurses working for me, and the patients and hospital as a whole.5
What’s your greatest weakness? &ad
+I
answer:
work
too
hard,-
or
for
the
comedian,
+/londes.-
+his question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on so!ething negative, but you don%t want your answer to be clich0 1 $oing or not' Instead, try to use a real e"a!ple of a weaness you have learned to overco!e as a nurse' )ood
answer:
+I(ve never been very comfortable with speaking up 0 which as you know, can be a hindrance in nursing. *ealizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. 2e said +yes.- I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. &ince then, I(ve made great strides in sticking up for my patients, communicating with doctors, and just being a better nurse. I still don(t love it, but no one else can tell6-
What salary are you looking for? &ad
+In
answer:
my
last
job
I
earned
789,:::
0
so,
now
I(m
looking
for
7;:,:::-
If you can avoid it, don%t give an e"act nu!ber' +he first person to na!e a price in a salary negotiation loses' Instead, re.iterate your co!!it!ent to the $ob itself' If you have to, give a broad
range based on research you%ve conducted on that particular nursing role, in your particular city' )ood
answer:
+I(m more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I(d e#pect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of e#perience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New
Why should I hire you? &ad
+I(m
answer:
the
best
candidate
for
the
role.-
A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what !aes you unique' )ood
answer:
+I(ve been a Nurse ractitioner for the past ten years 0 my boss has said time and time again that without me, the hospital would fall apart. I(ve also taken the time to educate myself on some of the latest industry issues I regularly use =but didn(t really understand the ins and outs of>. 1hat(s good enough for most people is never really good enough for me.-
What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it? &ad
answer:
I never finished my masters in nursing 0 and everything that(s happened since has taught me that giving up, just because the going gets tough, is a huge mistake. 2ou don%t want to actually highlight a !a$or regret 1 especially one that e"poses an overall dissatisfaction with your life' Instead, focus on a s!aller, but significant, !ishap, and how it has !ade you a better nurse' )ood
answer:
+1hen I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn(t take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my biology classes, it would be a walk in the park. "y failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I(d even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I(m doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. ?therwise, it(s not worth doing at all.-
ow do you e!plain your gap in employment? &ad
answer:
5I was so tired of working, and I needed a break,- or +I just can(t find a nursing job.3!ploy!ent gaps are always tough to e"plain' 2ou don%t want to co!e across as la4y or unhireable' (ind a way to !ae your e"tended une!ploy!ent see! lie a choice you !ade, based on the right reasons' )ood
answer:
+"y work is important to me, so I won(t be satisfied with any old nursing job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I(m taking my time and being selective to make sure my ne#t role is the right one.5
When were you most satisfied in your "ob? &ad
5I
answer:
was
most
satisfied
when
I
did
well,
and
got
praised
for
my
work.-
Don%t give vague answers' Instead, thin about so!ething you did well 1 and en$oyed 1that will be relevant at this new $ob' +his is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that you%re a great fit for the $ob and showcase your enthusias!' )ood
answer:
+I(m a people person. I was always happiest 0 and most satisfied 0 when I was interacting with patients, making sure I was able to meet their needs and giving them the best possible care. It was my favorite part of the job, and it showed 0 I was rated as +@ood or #cellent- A9B of the time in peer reviews. art of the reason I(m interested in this job is that I know I(d have even more interaction with patients, on an even more critical level.5
What did you like least about your last "ob? &ad
5%
answer:
lack
of
stability.
I
felt
like
the
hospital could
collapse
around
me
at
any
time.-
+ry and stay away fro! anything that draws on the politics, culture, or financial health of your previous e!ployer' 5o !atter how true it !ight be, co!!ents lie these will be construed as too negative' Also, you don%t want to focus on a function that !ight be your responsibility in the ne"t role' /o thin of so!ething you dislied in your last $ob, but that you now for sure won%t be part of this new role' )ood
answer:
+There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. "y previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. 1hile I do love to travel, twice a month was a little e#hausting 0 I didn(t like spending !uite so much time out of the hospital. I(m happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.-
#escribe a time when you did not get along with a nurse. &ad
answer:
5I(m easy to get along with, so I(ve never had any kind of discord with another nurse.Interviewers don%t lie these types of 6easy out7 answers' And besides, they now you are probably not telling the truth' +hin of a relatively benign but significant- instance, and spin it to be a positive learning e"perience' )ood
answer:
+I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. 1e disagreed over a lot of things 0 from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child(s family. ?ur personalities just didn(t mesh. %fter three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. %t lunch, we talked about
our differences and why we weren(t getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. 1e communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I really believe that talking a problem through with someone can help solve any issue.-
What motivates you? &ad
54oing
answer:
a
good
job
and
being
rewarded
for
it.-
It%s not that this answer is wrong 1 it%s $ust that it wastes an opportunity' +his question is practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes' /o don%t give a vague, generic response 1 it tells the! very little about you' Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity to give the interviewer so!e insight into your character, and use e"a!ples where possible' )ood
answer:
+I(ve always been motivated by the challenge of a tough patient. In my last role, I came across a particular patient who refused a handful of nurses before he was assigned to me. I was able to find something we had in common, which calmed him down. %fter the patient saw me make an effort to better understand his situation, he became much more agreeable to my aid. I love facing and overcoming challenges on such a personal level.-
ow would your friends describe you? &ad
5I(m
answer:
a
really
good
listener.-
While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your e!ployer probably doesn%t care all that !uch' It%s unliely that they%re hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on' 2ou%ll want to eep your answer relevant to the $ob you%re interviewing for 1 and as specific as possible' If you can, insert an e"a!ple' )ood
answer:
+"y friends would probably say that I(m e#tremely persistent 0 I(ve never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. 1hen I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another 0 this was just the nature of the job. /ut I really wanted the big players 0 so I wouldn(t take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. ventually, many of them actually said +yes- 0 the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. % lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it(s just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.-
