This article is prepared in direct response to the numerous inquiries that job seekers make about their upcoming nursing job interviews. The intended purpose of this article is to shed some light onto several of the most commonly-asked nursing interview questions.
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What are your feelings on working nights, weekends, or overtime?
In this situation, honesty is the best policy. If you accept a 12-hour night shift position when you are truly a diurnal (daytime) person, your existence might be miserable for months, years, or however long it takes to transfer to day shift. You might also feel bad if you accept a weekend schedule that causes you to miss your children's Saturday morning sporting events.
Tell us about your leadership/management style
Honesty is also the best policy when answering this question. It is perfectly acceptable to admit that you feel more comfortable following the lead as you gain more experience. If you are already a seasoned nurse, you can keep it general by saying that your leadership style depends on the situation at hand.
If we hire you, how long would you plan to work here?
Facilities generally shy away from hiring candidates whom they perceive to be job hoppers, so it would be best to indicate that you plan on establishing a long-lasting relationship with the company.
Tell us about a previous mistake and the lessons you learned from it
We've all made mistakes, so be honest. The mistake that you divulge may or may not be related to nursing. For example: "I used to delay charting until the very end of each shift, but realized I wasn't making the most of my time. I've learned to chart during the shift to improve my time management."
Describe how you maintain competence (stay current) in the nursing profession
Nursing is not simply a job. It is also a journey filled with lifelong learning. You can discuss the ACLS course you took earlier this year, or the critical care conference you attended recently, or the mental health symposium you visited, or whatever it is you do to maintain or augment your nursing knowledge base.
How did you like working at _________?
Fill in the blank with the name of your last workplace. Keep it positive without sounding as if your response is programmed or canned. If you have no paid work experience, offer to discuss how much you liked school, a volunteer job, a retreat or camp, or any organized experience that involved working with others.
Why did you leave your last position?
If you are still employed the interviewer may ask, "Why are you considering leaving your current job?" Again, remain positive and discuss how you want to pursue other opportunities that lead to professional growth. If your employment was involuntarily terminated or you were forced to resign, be truthful without heavily dwelling on it. However, you must showcase your ability for honest introspection. "I was let go at the end of my 90 day orientation and now realize I was not a good fit for the ER" is a reply indicative of honest self-reflection.
Describe your former nurse manager or supervisor
I urge you to maintain an upbeat tone, even if you disliked your former manager. You do not want to give the impression that you are a nitpicky complainer. Keep the response positive without engaging in excess flattery. "Carole was a professional who maintained a calm composure, even in stressful situations" will work. If you criticize your former manager, the interviewer might wonder if (or when) you'll personally attack him or her.
How would a job with our company help you meet your personal goals?
A number of honest responses would be acceptable. "I enjoy demented elderly residents and a position with this company would allow me to come into frequent contact with this patient population" or "I've always wanted to work at a level one trauma hospital and this facility fits the bill" are acceptable answers. The interviewer wants to see you are truly interested in the company and not simply planning to hop to the next job.
To date, what has been your greatest achievement?
You can discuss an achievement that is either linked to nursing or totally unrelated to nursing. Many nurses say that attaining their nursing degree has been their greatest achievement. Others state that forming a family has been their greatest achievement because it has given them a greater understanding of the human experience.
