Behavioral interview questions Nursing 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, 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.

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?

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.

Question 10: Describe your former supervisor.

Don’t 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. Don’t 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 patient’s 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.