Questions about the interview process!

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2005

Here are a few questions that may come up. You should have answers ready for them.

Why do you want to be a nurse? (you've probably figured that one out)

What are some of the qualities you possess that you think would make you a good nurse?

What have you done to prepare yourself for nursing school?

How are your study habits?

What are some of your strong qualities? What are your weakest?

Do you finish what you start?

How do you handle conflict with other people?

How do you handle criticism?

Have you had any kind of experience working with people who are ill?

Be yourself. They will not only be listening to your answers, but watching your body language and facial expressions. Be positive. Don't bad-mouth anyone no matter how strong the urge to do so. Dress neatly. If you have any visible, facial piercings, remove the jewelry. Write down a list of any questions about the program that you have so you can ask them at the time of the interview. When I interviewed for nursing school they had us thread a needle, but that was to assess our finger dexterity. I haven't heard of that being done in years, but you never know. . . :chuckle

Question · Aug 20, 2005

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it!!!

Joebird21 · Aug 26, 2005

Thanks for the information, I appreciate it!!!

Well i'm going in for my Nursing Interview tomorrow and a few of the other applicants were telling me that they ask random questions such as "What would you do if somebody was breaking into your house?"

And when they ask why you want to be a nurse they want a response other than "because I like to help people" At my school if you answer the question like that they will say "well why don't you just become a boy scout then because they help people" lol..

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Well i'm going in for my Nursing Interview tomorrow and a few of the other applicants were telling me that they ask random questions such as "What would you do if somebody was breaking into your house?"
And when they ask why you want to be a nurse they want a response other than "because I like to help people" At my school if you answer the question like that they will say "well why don't you just become a boy scout then because they help people" lol..

Ha! Ha! Good question! :rotfl: My guess is that they are trying to find out something about a persons ethics and personality. The wrong answer is going to be to beat the intruder to a pulp. It would indicate a tendency toward violence. I think a better answer would be to (1) get yourself and your family to a safe place in the house and (2) call 911 for help (3) and if you actually come face to face with the guy talk calmly and negotiate with him to be able to leave the house so no one gets hurt.

In regard to the question on why you want to be a nurse give them an antecdote, a story, about the moment when you decided nursing was going to be for you. Something like an experience with a nurse when you were being treated, or a relative's experience in the hospital and you felt like you could do that kind of work (or do it better than the nurse in your experience) and the more you've thought about it, the more you feel it will be a good profession for you. If they ask why then tell them that you believe you have the personality to handle illness, or some BS answer you can come up with. They are obviously not looking for the classic responses. These interview questions are very smart.

Remember, be yourself. It sounds like they have designed questions to help bring out the real you. Don't be afraid to stop and think or to comment something like, "Interesting question." They are trying to get a handle on your personality and your ability to communicate. Nurses (in theory) are supposed to remain calm during emergencies, take control of a choatic situation, apply logic in order to solve problems, yet be compassionate, non-judgemental (could you take care of Charlie Manson if he were your patient?--the right answer would be yes), and nurturing.

Good luck.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Aug 28, 2005

No advice, just wanted to wish you good luck. :wink2: