The first part is from a nursing instructor at a college so, YOU KNOW IT's good stuff!
Dress as if you were going to a business interview.
This would include:
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Solid color, conservative suit (black, blue)
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Coordinated blouse
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Moderate shoes
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Limited jewelry (pearls are a nice touch)
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Neat, professional hairstyle
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Tan or light hosiery
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Sporifice make-up & perfume
Try to relax and be yourself. Project a positive, self-confident, sincere, congruent attitude (not cocky or arrogant--this will turn off the interviewer fast). Lean forward slightly in the chair, smile, make eye contact, don't cross arms or legs. Appear at ease and enthusiastic. Speak in complete sentences with correct grammar and intelligent vocabulary.
Interview Questions to Anticipate:
Why do you want to be a nurse? or Why have you chosen nursing as a career?
Be creative on this one ... they have heard "to help people" a million and one times.
How are your finances?
Things to think about ... Will your employer support your scheduling needs during nursing school? At this point, consider your limitations--no working past 11 PM on clinical nights, no working more than 20 hours /week with a full time school.
Is your family supportive of your schooling?
Do you have adequate transportation for clinicals?
Things to think about ... Some clinical sites may be 2 hrs away.
Consider your requirements for CPR certification, immunizations, a complete medical examination, by a certain date. Have as many of these done prior to the interview as possible! It really helps!
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Never give much information about weaknesses--this is just supplying reasons for you NOT be chosen.
Case Scenario Questions
It is even possible they may throw a case scenario at you to test your critical thinking skills: You are the nursing student on a clinical unit and the patient (on the 4th floor of the hospital) asks you "Would I die if I jump from this window?" What would you do? Or, you are the nurse and you are reporting an important change in patient condition to a doctor and the doctor yells at you and calls you stupid, what would you do?
Other Questions...
Why have you chosen this particular nursing school?
What do you think a nurse's responsibility is in today's society?
What kind of experiences have you had with nurses in your past?
What qualities do you possess that will make you a good nurse?
What area would you like to work in once you finish school, and why?
In regards to nursing, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
How well do you get along with others?
Are you a leader or a follower?
Are you comfortable taking a leadership role?
Are you willing to be a representative for a small group of people or the whole nursing program?
Do YOU have any questions? (Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions.)
I was also asked about how did I deal with a situation when a person who did not know me decided that he/she didn't like me?
I was asked what would I do if I noticed a classmate cheating.
I was asked for my definition of plagiarism.
I was asked if I was familiar with the APA style of writing and citing papers.
The most rewarding thing in your life thus far?
The most challenging thing in your life so far?
The type of educator/supervisor you like the most?
Scenario: Your supervisor comes to you and your small team of co-workers and tells you that a new change in policy is effective immediate. You do not think the change can be implemented due to logistics. What do you do?
Your short-term (3-5 years) goal in nursing?
Your long term (5+ years) goal in nursing?
Interview Tips
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Be honest.
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Do not give vague or general answers - they want specific examples.
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Review your application and essay - assume that the interviewer is not familiar with it.
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Be familiar with current trends in nursing - helps to demonstrate why you want to become a nurse and how you feel you can make a contribution in the profession.
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Don't be afraid to show emotion. I cried twice during my interview in relating some life examples.
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Practice with a partner. Anticipate these questions and think up the most positive attributes about yourself.
shannahan
239 Posts
I had an interview today and was prepared thanks to this thread! :) I wanted to add that my interviewer (a nursing instructor) after asking "what qualities do you think a good nurse has" told me that no one ever answers 'knowledge', yet that is very important. May be helpful to someone and may not be but thought I'd post it.