Nursing Interview Tips to Help You Land Your Next Job
It’s completely normal to feel nervous about a nursing interview, regardless of your experience level. Fortunately, with the right preparation, you can reduce stress and boost your chances of landing the job.
We created this guide to help you ace your next interview, whether you’re applying for a permanent, local, per diem, or travel nursing position. You’ll find tips on how to prepare, examples of common nursing interview questions (with sample answers), smart questions to ask your interviewer, and how to leave a lasting impression.
11 Tips to Prepare for a Nursing Interview
A little preparation goes a long way. Below are 10 practical nursing interview tips to help you feel more confident leading up to the big day:
1. Research the Facility and Unit You're Interviewing For
Before your interview, spend some time learning about the hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility and the specific unit you’re applying to. Visit the facility’s website and social media channels to get a feel for the culture, ethics, and patients they serve. You might also look at employee testimonials on company review sites like Glassdoor.
Use this research to help formulate your answers and show interviewers you’re genuinely interested in becoming a part of their team. It can also help you get excited about the position—something that always makes a great impression during interviews!
2. Review the Job Description Like a Cheat Sheet
The job description outlines the qualifications and responsibilities required for the role and provides a roadmap for what your interviewer will focus on. Reviewing it in detail can help you create a resume that stands out, prepare your follow-up questions with confidence, and even strengthen your position during the salary negotiation process.
Focus on the main responsibilities, must-have qualifications, and nice-to-have skills for the position. Then, think of specific examples from your previous nursing roles that provide your interviewer with insight into how you’ve handled similar duties and challenges.
3. Practice Common Nursing Interview Questions Out Loud
Don’t just think about your answers—practice saying them out loud. Rehearsing your answers can help you better communicate both clinical judgment and empathy under pressure during an interview.
Ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to rehearse with you. They can help you refine your answers, manage nerves, and spot gaps. If that's not possible, you can record yourself or practice in front of a mirror to refine your tone and build confidence in your responses.
The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. However, avoid sounding too rehearsed, which can come off as inauthentic.
4. Prepare Your Own Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Interviews aren’t just for employers to get to know you—they’re also your opportunity to determine whether the role and workplace align with your goals, preferences, and skills. Asking thoughtful, well-prepared questions at the end of the interview is essential, and it also shows your preparedness.
Consider asking about unit culture, patient ratios, continuing education opportunities, or support for professional growth. This not only gives you a clearer picture of the role but also signals to the interviewer that you’re serious about finding the right fit.
5. Brush Up on Clinical Scenarios and Safety Protocols
Before the interview, refresh your knowledge of common nursing scenarios, skills, and terminology. Doing so will help you feel more confident and answer questions with relevant examples.
Here’s a quick look at some common units and how the interview questions might vary:
- ICU: Take some time to review ventilator settings, sedation protocols, hemodynamic monitoring, and what to do in rapid response situations. Interviewers often ask scenario-based questions, such as how you’d prioritize care or handle a patient who’s becoming unstable.
- PICU: Refresh your skills on pediatric medication calculations, developmental milestones, and family-centered care. Be ready to answer questions about how you’d work with anxious parents or adjust care for children of different ages.
- L&D: Brush up on topics like fetal monitoring interpretation, the stages of labor, emergency situations (like shoulder dystocia), and postpartum care. Expect the interview questions to focus on how you handle high-pressure deliveries.
- MedSurg: Review pain management protocols and strategies for taking care of multiple patients with different needs. You’ll likely be asked questions about time management and how you ensure accurate documentation during busy times.
Also, make sure you review general nursing protocols, infection control practices, charting and documentation standards, and patient safety guidelines, as these are important across all units and often come up during interviews.
6. Utilize Your Recruiter as a Resource
Your recruiter is your best ally before an interview. They can provide insider guidance, help you tailor your answers, and even review your resume. Consider asking your recruiter questions like:
- Which clinical skills are most important for this unit or role?
- Are there any procedures, certifications, or technologies I should be especially familiar with before the interview?
- What types of scenario-based or situational questions should I prepare for?
- Are there particular patient populations or cases I should be prepared to discuss?
- How can I highlight my experience to match the responsibilities of this role?
- Are there any common mistakes candidates make that I should try to avoid?
- How much emphasis is placed on teamwork, communication, or leadership skills?
- Are there any unit-specific protocols or standards I should review ahead of time?
- Should I prepare any documents ahead of time?
- What certifications should I highlight in the interview?
Our recruiters at Gifted Healthcare know exactly what hiring managers are looking for and can help you prepare with confidence! If you want to work with a team that truly has your back and prioritizes your best interests, apply now to join Gifted Healthcare and take the next step in your nursing career.
7. Stay Positive andUse Specific Examples
Your tone and attitude are just as important as your answers. Even when discussing challenges, speak with positivity by focusing on what you learned and how you grew as a nurse.
Also, be specific. Try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to share clear, concise examples that highlight your skills and resilience under pressure. This approach helps interviewers imagine you in the role and understand the value you bring to the unit.
Here’s a real-world example to use as inspiration:
- Situation: A patient suddenly went into respiratory distress.
- Task: I had to quickly assess the situation and stabilize them while coordinating with the respiratory therapist.
- Action: I initiated oxygen therapy, monitored vital signs closely, and communicated with my team to prepare for possible intubation.
- Result: Fortunately, with help from the team, we were able to get the patient stabilized and avoided intubation.
Examples like these can demonstrate your clinical skills, quick thinking, and ability to work in high-pressure situations, which are all important qualities interviewers are looking for. Just remember to avoid general statements that don't offer any additional information.
8. Reflect on Your “Why” as a Nurse
In addition to thorough preparation, using a positive tone of voice, and having specific examples ready to emphasize your nursing skills, taking time to reflect on why you became a nurse can give you an extra edge in your interviews.
Think about moments in your career (or training) that reaffirmed your decision to become a nurse, whether it was making a difference in one patient’s life, advocating for a family, or mentoring a colleague. Sharing your “why” helps interviewers see your passion and commitment. It also makes your answers more authentic and memorable, which can help you land the job.
9. Dress the Part, Even for Virtual Interviews
Dressing professionally can improve your performance in interviews and influences how others perceive you. Whether your interview is in-person, via video, or over the phone, dressing the part is essential.
Make sure you’re well-groomed on the day of the interview. Get a good night’s sleep (if possible) and wear an outfit that makes you feel confident. Even if the person conducting the interview can’t see you, your preparedness and confidence will be reflected in the conversation.
For video interviews, take a few extra minutes to tidy up your background, check your lighting, and minimize outside distractions. First impressions matter and paying attention to these small details can make all the difference.
10. Gather Important Documents Ahead of Time
This small step can help prevent last-minute stress and keep the interview running smoothly:
- For in-person interviews, bring extra copies of your resume, nursing license, certifications, immunization records, and any letters of recommendation.
- For virtual interviews, store these documents in an easy-to-access folder on your computer so you can quickly share them if requested.
11. Prepare a Thoughtful Follow-UpEmail
After your interview, send a personalized thank-you note to the interviewer within 24-48 hours. Express appreciation for the opportunity, briefly reiterate your interest, and mention a specific point from the conversation that stood out to you. A well-crafted follow-up can help keep you top of mind and reinforces your professionalism and dedication.
Common Nursing Interview Questions and Sample Answers
No matter what kind of nursing job you’re interviewing for, there are several questions you’re likely to encounter. Studying these questions and preparing thoughtful answers will help you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
Practice answering these popular questions until they sound natural and conversational. If your responses are mechanical or overly rehearsed, you may seem too calculated.
It’s important to think about what each question is trying to accomplish. For example:
- General interview questions about your reasons for becoming a nurse, what you find difficult about the job, and your professional strengths are attempts to understand your style of nursing.
- Questions about specific scenarios are attempts to evaluate your sense of ethics and boundaries.
- Questions about your preferred clinical setting are attempts to understand your ability to adapt and collaborate.
To help you prepare even further, review these common nursing interview questions with sample answers:
Why did you become a nurse? Why do you want this job?
Interviewers often ask this question to get an idea of what motivates you and why you’re interested in working at their facility.
Sample answer: “I became a nurse because I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and support them during their most vulnerable moments. I’m excited about this job because your facility’s commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care aligns perfectly with my values and goals as a nurse.”
What is your favorite thing about being a nurse? What is the most difficult part of being a nurse?
This question gives interviewers a sense of your passion for nursing and how openly and honestly you can talk about the challenges you’ve faced.
Sample answer: “My favorite part of nursing is forming connections with patients and supporting them through recovery. The most difficult part is managing the emotional weight of suffering, but I’ve learned to process it by leaning on my support systems and self-care practices.”
What tools have you developed to manage stress?
Interviewers may ask this to determine if you can handle stress effectively on and off the clock, as nursing is a demanding job that requires focus and resilience.
Sample answer: “I manage stress with mindfulness exercises like deep breathing, staying physically active, packing healthy snacks, and setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. These tools have helped me stay focused and calm on the job, especially during high-pressure moments.”
How do you handle patients who are unhappy with their quality of care?
This question helps interviewers see how you communicate and show empathy during difficult interactions with patients and colleagues.
Sample answer: “I listen carefully to the patient’s concerns without interrupting, acknowledge their feelings, and reassure them that their care is my top priority. Then, I work with my team to quickly address the patient's concerns and keep them informed throughout the process.”
If you witnessed a coworker violating facility policies/breaking the law, how would you handle it?
This question gives interviewers a sense of your professionalism and how strongly you uphold nursing ethics.
Sample answer: “Patient safety and ethical standards are non-negotiables for me. If I witnessed a violation, I would first ensure patient safety and then report the incident to the appropriate supervisor or compliance officer, following the facility’s specific protocols.”
How do you handle a patient who regularly complains of pain?
This question may be asked to assess your clinical judgment and empathy in managing complex patient needs.
Sample answer: “I take every complaint seriously, perform thorough assessments, and collaborate with the care team to adjust pain management plans as needed. I also provide emotional support, validating their experience while monitoring for potential signs of misuse.”
How do you stay current with nursing best practices and continuing education?
Interviewers may ask this question to see if you’re committed to ongoing learning and professional growth in your specialty.
Sample answer: “I regularly attend workshops on [list specific topics], complete online courses on [list course names], and even participate in nursing forums. I’m also subscribed to [website names/resources] to keep up with the latest research and evidence-based practices.”
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
This question can provide insight into how accountable you are and your ability to learn from mistakes.
Sample answer: “Early in my career, I once miscalculated a medication dose. I immediately reported it to my supervisor, monitored the patient closely, and reviewed the protocol to prevent future mistakes. It taught me the importance of double-checking and clear communication.”
How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift?
This question is often asked to help assess your time management and critical thinking skills under pressure.
Sample answer: “I look at patients’ acuity levels first, handle any urgent tasks, and use checklists to stay organized. I also communicate with my team regularly to delegate when needed and ensure no critical tasks fall through the cracks.”
What steps do you take to ensure patient safety?
Interviewers may ask this to determine how proactive and detail oriented you are.
Sample answer: “I follow strict infection control protocols, verify patient identities carefully, double-check medication orders, and maintain clear documentation. I also speak up if I notice anything that could compromise patient safety.”
Travel Nurse Interview Tips and Sample Questions
Travel nurse interviews will include many of the typical nursing interview questions mentioned above, such as your skills, ethics, and how you handle stress and challenges. In addition, interviewers will want to know how you adapt to new environments and manage the challenges unique to travel nursing.
Be prepared to answer travel nurse interview questions like these:
- Why did you choose travel nursing, and what do you enjoy most about it?
- How do you quickly learn and follow new facility policies and protocols?
- How do you handle working with new teams and leadership styles?
- How do you take care of yourself and avoid burnout during your travels?
- How do you manage licensure and credentialing that vary between states?
- How do you stay organized while moving between assignments?
Make sure to back up your answers with real-life examples that show how you thrive in the fast-paced and ever-changing field of travel nursing.
Tips for Phone and Virtual Nursing Interviews
Phone and virtual interviews require extra preparation to ensure proper communication and professionalism. Here are some tips to prepare for these types of interviews:
- Find a quiet, well-lit space where you won’t be interrupted.
- Test your computer or phone ahead of time to avoid connection issues and glitches (microphone and camera quality, Wi-Fi connection, cell service, etc.)
- Dress professionally for video interviews and keep your background tidy and free from distractions.
- Smile throughout the interview and try to maintain eye contact by looking at the camera, rather than the screen.
- Take notes during the interview to stay engaged and write down any additional questions that arise.
- Store important documents in a folder on your computer for easy access and sharing.
Smart Questions to Ask the Interviewer
Asking thoughtful questions throughout or at the end of the interview shows that you came prepared and are genuinely interested in the position. It also helps you figure out if the role and facility align with your goals, skills, and preferences.
Here are some smart questions to consider asking your interviewers:
- Can you describe the culture of the unit and the team I’d be working with?
- What does a typical shift look like for someone in this role?
- How do you support ongoing training and professional development?
- What are the most important qualities you look for in a nurse on this unit?
- How does the team handle high stress or emergency situations?
- What patient-to-nurse ratios can I expect?
- Are there opportunities for advancement or specialization within the facility?
- How does the facility support nurses' well-being and work-life balance?
Find Your Next Nursing Job with Gifted Healthcare!
Need help finding your next nursing opportunity? Whether you're looking for travel, per diem, local, or permanent roles, Gifted Healthcare can connect you with rewarding assignments that fit your goals. Apply now and become part of the Gifted Family!
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