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. 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 think interpersonal communication is important to the profession of a
registered nurse?
Answer: Nurses interact both with patients and with other medical personnel. Communication skills
are very important. Patients require tolerance and sensitivity. Medical personnel require team work,
coordination and cooperation, and clearly communicated information which facilitates planning and
implementing adequate care plans.
Question: Do you have experience with administrative duties and team work?
Answer: Nurses do not usually work alone. They are part of a team of medical personnel. More
experienced 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 experience preparing facilities and equipment?
Answer: Nurses maintain stocks and inventories, arrange rooms and equipment, and prepare
sterilized instruments prior to its usage by patients or other medical personnel. This is not as simple
as it sounds, because it requires attention and experience to know when a room is required and
which specific piece of equipment might be the most important, which is something doctors do not
always have the time to explain.

Interview Questions and Answers for a Staff Nurse

Question: How would you describe the primary 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 me about team work as part of the job?
Answer: There is usually a team of staff nurses working in cooperation with each other. . A 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 requiring more than one
person.
Question: How is patient progress monitored 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 patients family members?
Answer: Family members are contacted during emergencies. At other times, family members are
informed on the patients 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 job?
Answer: It is important to be organized and have a good memory; a nurse performs her duties
quickly, 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.

Registered Nurse Interview Questions and

Answers
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,
wants to dedicate my whole life to nursing. I am a great communicator and loves helping
people. My previous credits and experience of 4 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?
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?
Its 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; its 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.
Question 10: Describe your former supervisor.
Dont commit the mistake of criticizing your former supervisor, stay positive and state
what you have learned from him.
Sample Answer: Kevin was a competent supervisor with exceptional leadership
qualities, who always maintained healthy interpersonal relationship. I have learned a lot
from her.
Question 11: What motivates you to work in the nursing field?
This question is really a huge opportunity; grasp it by highlighting your positive features
rather than giving vague answers. You can also illustrate your real life experiences.
Sample Answer: Critical 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. Dont mention your major failure. The
interviewer wants to bring out your flaws and measures you have taken to overcome
them. You can explain one of your bad experiences with tangible examples and reveal
what you have learnt from them.
Sample Answer: In my first job, I made a mistake in the patients chart. Fortunately,
my supervisor noticed it. Since then, I always double- check my charts.
Question 13: When you feel most satisfied in your job?
Share your interests, likes and dislikes, and showcase your determination for nursing
that explains 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 14: Describe your salary requirements?
This is a tricky question; it will reveal whether you prefer money more than nursing or
vice-versa. Avoid giving exact number and re-iterate your dedication for the job.
Sample Answer: I am expecting an appropriate salary for this role, based on my work
knowledge and nursing experiences.
Question 15: Do you have any questions for us?
Ask the interviewers a few questions, as they will feel happy to answer your questions.
This will also show your interest in them. Frame a good question, like on work
environment, educational opportunities or any other question regarding nursing.
Sample Answer: Do you organize any seminars and workshops for enhancing the
knowledge and competency of a nurse?

1. Why do you want to work in this industry?

Bad
answer:
I love to talk medical jargon. Even as a kid, I spent hours flipping through medical dictionaries and
pretending
I
was
a
nurse.
Dont just say you like it. Anyone can do that. Focus instead on your history with that particular
industry,
and
if
you
can,
tell
a
success
story.
Good
answer:
Ive always loved nursing, but my interest in health care really started when I volunteered at a homeless
shelter in college. Seeing 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.

Bad
answer:
I graduated four years ago from the University of Michigan, with a Bachelors in Economics but I
decided that wasnt the right path for me. So 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. After that, I took a few months off to travel. Finally,
I came back and worked in a hospital environment again. And now, here I am, looking for a more
challenging
health
care
role.
Instead of giving a chronological work history, focus on your strengths and how they pertain to
the
role.
If
possible,
illustrate
with
examples.
Good
answer:
Im 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. Ive 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. Because 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?

Bad
answer:
He was completely incompetent, and a nightmare to work with, which is why Ive moved on
Remember: if you get the job, the person interviewing you will some day be your previous boss.
The last thing they want is to hire someone who they know is going to badmouth them some day.
Instead of trashing your former employer, stay positive, and focus on what you learned from him
(no
matter
how
awful
he
really
was).
Good
answer:
My last boss taught me the importance of time management he didnt pull any punches, and was
extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and manage my case
loads way more efficiently.

Why are you leaving your current role?

Bad
I

cant

stand

my

boss,

or

the

work

Im

answer:
doing.

Again, stay away from badmouthing your job or employer. Focus on the positive.
Good
answer:
Ive learned a lot from my current role, but now Im looking for a new challenge in nursing, to broaden my
horizons and to gain a new skill-set all of which, I see the potential for in this job.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Bad
Relaxing

on

beach

in

Maui,

or

answer:
Doing your job.

Theres really no right answer to this question, but the interviewer wants to know that youre
ambitious, career-oriented, and committed to a future with the hospital. So instead of sharing your
dream for early retirement, or trying to be funny, give them an answer that illustrates your drive
and
commitment.
Good
answer:
In five years Id like to have an even better understanding of this industry. Also, I really love working with
people. Ultimately, Id 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."

Whats your greatest weakness?

Bad
I

work

too

hard,

or

for

the

answer:
Blondes.

comedian,

This question is a great opportunity to put a positive spin on something negative, but you dont
want your answer to be clich joking or not. Instead, try to use a real example of a weakness you
have
learned
to
overcome
as
a
nurse.
Good
answer:
Ive never been very comfortable with speaking up which as you know, can be a hindrance in nursing.
Realizing this was a problem, I asked my previous employer if I could enroll in a speech workshop. He
said yes. I took the class, and was able to overcome my lifelong fear. Since then, Ive made great strides
in sticking up for my patients, communicating with doctors, and just being a better nurse. I still dont love
it, but no one else can tell!

What salary are you looking for?

Bad
In
my

last

job

earned

$35,000

so,

now

Im

looking

for

answer:
$40,000

If you can avoid it, dont give an exact number. The first person to name a price in a salary
negotiation loses. Instead, re-iterate your commitment to the job itself. If you have to, give a broad

range based on research youve conducted on that particular nursing role, in your particular city.
Good
answer:
Im more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, Id expect to be paid the appropriate range
for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high
cost of living here in New York City.

Why should I hire you?

Bad
Im

the

best

candidate

for

the

answer:
role.

A good answer will reiterate your qualifications, and will highlight what makes you unique.
Good
answer:
Ive been a Nurse Practitioner for the past ten years my boss has said time and time again that without
me, the hospital would fall apart. Ive also taken the time to educate myself on some of the latest industry
issues I regularly use (but didnt really understand the ins and outs of). Whats good enough for most
people is never really good enough for me.

What is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
Bad
answer:
I never finished my masters in nursing and everything thats happened since has taught me that giving
up,
just
because
the
going
gets
tough,
is
a
huge
mistake.
You dont want to actually highlight a major regret especially one that exposes an overall
dissatisfaction with your life. Instead, focus on a smaller, but significant, mishap, and how it has
made
you
a
better
nurse.
Good
answer:
When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didnt take it very seriously, and
assumed that, compared to my biology classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at
midterm showed me otherwise. Id 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 Im doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, its not
worth doing at all.

How do you explain your gap in employment?

Bad
answer:
"I was so tired of working, and I needed a break, or I just cant find a nursing job.
Employment gaps are always tough to explain. You dont want to come across as lazy or
unhireable. Find a way to make your extended unemployment seem like a choice you made, based
on
the
right
reasons.
Good

answer:

My work is important to me, so I wont be satisfied with any old nursing job. Instead of rushing to accept
the first thing that comes my way, Im taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the
right one."

When were you most satisfied in your job?

Bad
"I
was

most

satisfied

when

did

well,

and

got

praised

answer:
my
work.

for

Dont give vague answers. Instead, think about something you did well and enjoyed that will be
relevant at this new job. This is an opportunity for you to share your interests, prove that youre a
great
fit
for
the
job
and
showcase
your
enthusiasm.
Good
answer:
Im a people person. I was always happiest and most satisfied 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 I was rated as Good or Excellent 95% of the time in peer reviews. Part of the
reason Im interested in this job is that I know Id have even more interaction with patients, on an even
more critical level."

What did you like least about your last job?

Bad
"A lack

of

stability.

felt

like

the

hospital

could

collapse

around

me

at

answer:
any time.

Try and stay away from anything that draws on the politics, culture, or financial health of your
previous employer. No matter how true it might be, comments like these will be construed as too
negative. Also, you dont want to focus on a function that might be your responsibility in the next
role. So think of something you disliked in your last job, but that you know for sure wont be part
of
this
new
role.
Good
answer:
There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than
others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month
was a little exhausting I didnt like spending quite so much time out of the hospital. Im happy to see that
this role involves a lot less travel.

Describe a time when you did not get along with a nurse.
Bad
answer:
"Im easy to get along with, so Ive never had any kind of discord with another nurse.
Interviewers dont like these types of easy out answers. And besides, they know you are
probably not telling the truth. Think of a relatively benign (but significant) instance, and spin it to
be
a
positive
learning
experience.
Good
answer:
I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over a lot of things from the
care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a childs family. Our personalities just didnt
mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about

our differences and why we werent getting along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We
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?

Bad
"Doing

good

job

and

being

rewarded

for

answer:
it.

Its not that this answer is wrong its just that it wastes an opportunity. This question is
practically begging you to highlight your positive attributes. So dont give a vague, generic
response it tells them very little about you. Instead, try and use this question as an opportunity
to give the interviewer some insight into your character, and use examples where possible.
Good
answer:
Ive 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. After 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.

How would your friends describe you?

Bad
"Im

really

good

answer:
listener.

While being a good listener is a great personality trait, your employer probably doesnt care all
that much. Its unlikely that theyre hiring you to be a shoulder to cry on. Youll want to keep your
answer relevant to the job youre interviewing for and as specific as possible. If you can, insert
an
example.
Good
answer:
My friends would probably say that Im extremely persistent Ive never been afraid to keep going back
until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major
tech conference, I got one rejection after another this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted
the big players so I wouldnt 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. Eventually, many of them actually said yes
the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people
might have given up after the first rejection, but its just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I
have to keep trying until I get it.