Leadership Interview Question

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 16, 2011

I think people often think of "leadership" as just being "in charge" of a situation or of other people, but we're often in positions of leadership that we don't even realize; we're often leading by example without even knowing it. For example, you're a leader in your dedication to seeking higher education in going from a BS in to an accelerated BSN. Not everyone has the scholastic ability to keep up with a fast-paced program like an accelerated BSN, and in the effort you put forth to achieve your goals (running around like a headless chicken :)), you demonstrated leadership in being an example of the things that people can achieve when they are determined to do so. Despite what I assume was a challenging schedule and rigorous coursework, you succeeded in your goals; that does not go unnoticed by others who know you, including friends, family, and other students.

Or something like that.

nursegirl75 · Oct 17, 2011

thank you so much, LunahRN!!! ... I never saw it from that point of view. I did get stuck in that idea that leadership was someone 'in charge' thus during my interview I gave a weak answer that was a bit lame haha. But now I know how to answer this question with confident now. You are a blessing! :)

nursegirl75 · Oct 17, 2011

OK I have one more question that I thought I did a pretty good job of answering but the look on the interviewer's face told me otherwise. She asked me what my definition of what nursing entails. I told her that I felt that patient care is a priority as a nurse because we are essentially responsible for the lives of our patients. Also, I believed that nursing is about being able to delegate, prioritize, and use our critical thinking skills.

However after my spew, the interviewer looked at me like she expected me to say more. I thought I pretty much covered what nursing is, but telling from the expression of the interview, I don't think so. How would you answer this question differently? Thank you again!! THis site is so helpful!

bayareastudent0711 · Nov 8, 2011

OK I have one more question that I thought I did a pretty good job of answering but the look on the interviewer's face told me otherwise. She asked me what my definition of what nursing entails. I told her that I felt that patient care is a priority as a nurse because we are essentially responsible for the lives of our patients. Also, I believed that nursing is about being able to delegate, prioritize, and use our critical thinking skills.
However after my spew, the interviewer looked at me like she expected me to say more. I thought I pretty much covered what nursing is, but telling from the expression of the interview, I don't think so. How would you answer this question differently? Thank you again!! THis site is so helpful!

Personally, I would tell her that nursing is about caring for patients and their families, not only medically but holistically because hospitalization is a very traumatizing event, it disrupts people's orderly scheduled lives, and being in the hospital was never their plan. you need to support them. Being a great nurse IS about being able to delegate correctly, prioritzingin, managing our time correctly, and critically thinking in order to care for the patient safely and competently. I think the interviewer was most likely looking for your personality with that question also, imo. Think back about WHY you wanted to be a nurse, and that will give her a more passionate answer as to what nursing entails to you. I hope this feedback helps for your future interview questions =)