16 Common Nursing School Interview Questions & Answers

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

Are you planning to submit applications to one or more nursing programs in the near future? If so, you probably already know that most reputable schools of nursing will require you to undergo an interview with the nursing program director, assistant director of nursing education, nursing department chair, or some other similarly titled official.

The interviewer essentially wants to attain a sense of your presence or lack of interpersonal skills, realism, problem-solving capabilities, moral fabric, and views on conflict resolution. Hence, here are some questions you might be asked during a typical nursing school interview.

1. Tell us why you'd like to become a nurse.

An answer to this question that has become cliche and overused throughout the years is, "I want to help people!" Be honest, but specific. Furthermore, the interviewer is not going to want to hear that you want to be a nurse because your mother, aunt and maternal grandmother were nurses.

2. What are some of your hobbies or passions?

The answer to this question can give the interviewer deeper insight into the applicant's personal interests. There is no incorrect answer to this particular question because we all enjoy different pastimes. One applicant might like cooking, whereas another person may be an avid musician. Again, be honest and forthright.

3. If you see a classmate stealing, what would you do?

This question was formulated to assess your moral compass and ethical views. Here's a clue: the interviewer does not want to hear that you will keep quiet about the situation.

4. A nurse at a clinical practicum site is acting unethically. What would you do?

This question also assesses your moral compass and ethical viewpoints. While the interviewer will not want you to remain quiet about the situation, he or she probably will not want you to skip the chain of command, either.

5. What are your personal strengths?

This question has no correct or incorrect answer because we all have various strengths to bring to the table. Some candidates are excellent orators, whereas other candidates have the uncanny ability to soothe peoples' anxieties. Some people are great at problem-solving, while other people are outstanding at solitary pursuits such as reading and computer skills.

6. What are your personal weaknesses?

First of all, every single person in existence has one or more weaknesses. However, for the purposes of this upcoming interview, you will want to present one or two socially acceptable weaknesses along with an action plan to address them. Also, please refrain from uttering outrageously cliche phrases such as "I work too hard!"

7. What would your previous bosses or classmates say about you?

The answer to this question will give the interviewer some insight regarding your perceived work ethic and other peoples' perceptions of you. Direct quotes will convey your point strikingly well. "My current supervisor, Jane Smith, would describe me as a dependable employee who never calls out."

8. Why do you want to be admitted into our nursing program?

You have the opportunity to shine when you show the interviewer that you have conducted some prior research about the school. "This school of nursing has produced many fine nurses since it first graduated its first class in 1978, and I would be totally honored to receive my nursing education here."

9. What would you do if you find yourself struggling in a nursing course?

The answer to this question attempts to assess your resourcefulness and inclination to proactively seek help as needed. Students who take ownership of their learning and speak up when they are not understanding are preferred over those who passively wait for events to transpire. In other words, the interviewer wants to attain a sense of your coping skills during rough times.

Additionally, interviewers will not be particularly fond of candidates who display the tendency to externalize their problems. "I got a D grade in anatomy because I had a bad professor" is a statement that may or may not come from a candidate who copes by externalizing personal problems.

10. What would you do if you have a conflict with a professor?

When asking this question, the interviewer is attempting to ascertain your maturity level, interpersonal skills, and your personal approach regarding conflict resolution. Mature students will try to resolve conflicts without escalating the issue too high on the chain of command. In other words, attempt to resolve the issue with the professor before running to the director of nursing education, nursing department chair, or dean.

11. Tell us why you'd be the best candidate for our nursing program.

This is the time to absolutely sell all of your positive qualities. Show the interviewer that you would be an asset to the school of nursing. Convey that you will be a future asset to the nursing profession. Communicate your enthusiasm. Point out that once you start a venture, you would not abandon it until the mission is accomplished.

12. Do you have any questions for us?

Now is the time to ask questions about scheduling, exit exams, clinical practicum sites, and any reasonable question about the nursing program that has piqued your interest. You may appear as if you lack interest or curiosity if you do not have one single question to ask of the interviewer.

13. What is your proudest achievement to date?

As with previous questions, this one has no incorrect answer. Some candidates would say that their prior MS degree in mechanical engineering was their proudest achievement. Others will say that starting a family has given them the greatest sense of pride and an enhanced understanding of the human experience. You will also want to discuss why the achievement brought about a sense of pride.

14. What qualities do you think a good nurse should possess?

The answer that you furnish will give the interviewer a sense of your realism or idealism and well as your presupposed views on nurses. I will reiterate that this is another question with no incorrect answer. I personally think that nurses should be smart, intellectually curious, and able to perform under pressure. Then again, that was my opinion. The answer to this question should be completely reflective of your opinions.

15. What would you do if a patient or family member threatened you?

The answer that you furnish will provide the interviewer with a sense of your ability to deal with emotionally-charged situations and think outside the box to address interpersonal conflicts. Preferably, the interviewer will want you to convey your maturity and ability to de-escalate the situation before it boils over.

16. Do you have dependable transportation?

In addition to classroom attendance, students must travel to various clinical practicum sites. Dependable transportation is vital during nursing school. For most of us, this means that you drive a vehicle that is in good condition. A smaller number of people depend on public transportation such as city buses and/or subways.

Related Story

https://allnurses.com/yippiee-I-cracked-nursing-school-t619864/

References

Mathisen, T. (2014, May 5). 10 Nursing School Interview Questions (And How To Answer Them). Different Medical Careers. Retrieved December 2, 2014 from 10 Nursing School Interview Questions: Tips To Ace the Interview

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

Here are some other, less common questions you might be asked during a nursing school interview:

1. Do you have a support system? If so, who?

2. Do you have children?

3. Are you able to fulfill the physical requirements of your clinical rotations?

4. What would you do if you knew you were running late for class or clinical?

5. Do you know what type of nursing you want to do?

No Stars In My Eyes

Gads! No wonder people get nervous over this process! I've been in the field for 45 years and it makes me nervous just reading the questions and thinking how I might respond to them. To be honest I have absolutely no memory of my own interview questions or responses. My attention was completely affixed by the DON's appearance; she was imposing as ....well, fill in the blank. Her hair was an artfully colored, rigid helmet topped by a huge winged nursing cap. Her makeup precisely and generously applied. Her white uniform starched to the gills and it would not DARE have one single crease not pressed into it by her iron. She was stern, but practiced at giving an aura of warmth and interest. She didn't frighten me, but she did inspire a certain awe at the conviction she had about her position in life: Mighty! Whew! She probably would have become incensed if she knew I kind of felt sorry for her, as I could not picture her as a normal person with an ordinary life: this was a woman who NEVER sat on a toilet!

I'm sure she was different from my impression of her and she really was a genuine human being. She never had to worry about being remembered , though. I would love now to hear other students' impressions of her. I wonder what kind of nurse she was. I wonder whatever became of her? She's probably as long gone as her 'type' has been from nursing for a long while now.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread! I just went off into the Land Of Long Ago while contemplating The Interview!

sjalv

I've always thought my school was peculiar in that it doesn't have interviews for admission. That's not to say it isn't hard to get into; it's the only ADN program within a 50 mile radius. There's constantly a waitlist. But we still don't do interviews for some reason.

Farawyn

Can they ask you if you have kids? Thought that was a no no.

Great list! The only one I have a comment for is #1!

I think they DO want to hear that you have strong nurse role models in your family and that has influenced your decision in a positive way to pursue nursing. It lets the interviewer know that you, as a prospective nursing student, may know more of what to expect as a nurse than someone without anyone close to them in the profession.

Farawyn

No Stars In My Eyes said:

Gads! No wonder people get nervous over this process! I've been in the field for 45 years and it makes me nervous just reading the questions and thinking how I might respond to them. To be honest I have absolutely no memory of my own interview questions or responses. My attention was completely affixed by the DON's appearance; she was imposing as ....well, fill in the blank. Her hair was an artfully colored, rigid helmet topped by a huge winged nursing cap. Her makeup precisely and generously applied. Her white uniform starched to the gills and it would not DARE have one single crease not pressed into it by her iron. She was stern, but practiced at giving an aura of warmth and interest. She didn't frighten me, but she did inspire a certain awe at the conviction she had about her position in life: Mighty! Whew! She probably would have become incensed if she knew I kind of felt sorry for her, as I could not picture her as a normal person with an ordinary life: this was a woman who NEVER sat on a toilet!
I'm sure she was different from my impression of her and she really was a genuine human being. She never had to worry about being remembered , though. I would love now to hear other students' impressions of her. I wonder what kind of nurse she was. I wonder whatever became of her? She's probably as long gone as her 'type' has been from nursing for a long while now.

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread! I just went off into the Land Of Long Ago while contemplating The Interview!

I love this.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN

Farawyn said:
Can they ask you if you have kids? Thought that was a no no.

For pre-employment interviews, asking whether the applicant has children is blatantly illegal. However, for nursing school interviews, the interviewer is allowed to ask about children and whether arrangements for daycare have been made if the kids are that young.

Farawyn said:
Great list! The only one I have a comment for is #1!
I think they DO want to hear that you have strong nurse role models in your family and that has influenced your decision in a positive way to pursue nursing. It lets the interviewer know that you, as a prospective nursing student, may know more of what to expect as a nurse than someone without anyone close to them in the profession.

Your point regarding having nurses in the family is salient. However, this would theoretically mean that those of us without nurses in the family might be at a keen disadvantage.

Farawyn

Yyyyeeeeeaaaa, BUT they may have something else great going on that I don't!

My mom and my best cousin are both nurses, and they have been amazing strong role models for me throughout my career.

Then again, my interview was in 1991. I barely remember it! I'm sure things have changed.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN

No Stars In My Eyes said:
Gads! No wonder people get nervous over this process! I've been in the field for 45 years and it makes me nervous just reading the questions and thinking how I might respond to them. To be honest I have absolutely no memory of my own interview questions or responses. My attention was completely affixed by the DON's appearance; she was imposing as ....well, fill in the blank. Her hair was an artfully colored, rigid helmet topped by a huge winged nursing cap. Her makeup precisely and generously applied. Her white uniform starched to the gills and it would not DARE have one single crease not pressed into it by her iron. She was stern, but practiced at giving an aura of warmth and interest. She didn't frighten me, but she did inspire a certain awe at the conviction she had about her position in life: Mighty! Whew! She probably would have become incensed if she knew I kind of felt sorry for her, as I could not picture her as a normal person with an ordinary life: this was a woman who NEVER sat on a toilet!
I'm sure she was different from my impression of her and she really was a genuine human being. She never had to worry about being remembered , though. I would love now to hear other students' impressions of her. I wonder what kind of nurse she was. I wonder whatever became of her? She's probably as long gone as her 'type' has been from nursing for a long while now.

I knew that woman. She still wore the little short cape over her whites when she came to work in the winter.

No Stars In My Eyes

GrnTea said:
I knew that woman. She still wore the little short cape over her whites when she came to work in the winter.

Yes! It was black with red trim, a high collar; and she carried her cap in a special little plastic box made just to do that very thing!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN

No Stars In My Eyes said:
Yes! It was black with red trim, a high collar; and she carried her cap in a special little plastic box made just to do that very thing!

Was this at MAH in the late 60s? Or are/were there more of them out there?

No Stars In My Eyes

GrnTea said:
Was this at MAH in the late 60s? Or are/were there more of them out there?

Cambridge, Mass. in 1970.(and I forgot to add that she was 'Miss',not a Mrs. or a Ms.)

There were still enough of them out there, many as Supervisors; scare you to death when they'd just *appear* on your floor, y'know?