How to Prepare for a Nursing Interview When Faced with the Most Common to the Most Unexpected Interview Questions? 

Are you looking forward to taking up a job as a nurse? The first step is to prepare yourself thoroughly for the most common or even uncommon nursing interview questions.  Many applicants forget the possibility of unexpected interview questions when preparing for a nursing interview.  In a nursing interview, you will probably be asked questions that will let you demonstrate your skills and expertise in relation to working with and taking care of people in a fast-paced setting. You may have a greater chance of landing a job as a nurse if you prepare responses that highlight your knowledge, education, and experience. The interviewer will come to know you better as an individual depending on how you respond to their queries.   

In this blog we will share some potential interview questions with you and provide you some preparation advice so you may demonstrate your nursing expertise to the fullest. 

Table of Contents 

1. The most common interview questions 

• Give me a brief introduction about yourself?
• Describe your strengths and weakness?
• Why do you specifically want to work here?
• What salary goals do you have?

2. Unexpected interview questions 

• If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be, and why?
• If you had the chance, who would you choose to eat supper with, either if they are alive or dead, and why?
• How did you handle a situation when something didn't go your way?
• What prompted you to pursue a career in nursing?

3. How to get ready 

4. Conclusion 

The below image showcases the do’s and don’ts of a nursing interview 

Source: Pinterest 

1. The most common interview questions 

• Give me a brief introduction about yourself? 

  This question is frequently asked as an icebreaker. You have the chance to identify yourself, showcase your career background, and describe your personal interests. Make sure to concentrate mostly on the aspects of your background and abilities that are pertinent to the position you're looking for. 

• Describe your strengths and weakness? 

  This question or a variation of it is frequently asked. Employers are interested in learning about your strengths as well as your awareness of potential areas where you may need improvement. Focus on your skills that are relevant to the nursing position you are applying for.  Use examples of how your strengths will benefit you in this new role if they don't quite align. Although it's acceptable to have flaws, you should be able to explain how you're attempting to overcome them. 

• Why do you specifically want to work here? 

  As a beginning point, employers want to know that you are enthusiastic about the particular position in their division or organisation. To demonstrate your interest, conduct research on the organisation and even the department that oversees the position. You should take this opportunity to ask questions. 

   

• What salary goals do you have? 

  You need to be ready because this question can be challenging to respond to. Consider if you will be a salaried or hourly employee as you conduct your research on the local standard. Start by reading the previous year’s Nurse Salary Research Report. Your expertise matters, so now is the moment to speak up for yourself and let them know how valuable you are. 

   

The below image provides you with tips to ace your nursing interview. 



Source: www.nurse.org 

2. Unexpected interview questions 

• If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be, and why? 

  Yes, this question has being asked at an interview, and many are totally unprepared for it. Although, you will have been shocked by the question, you should be prepared for these kinds of unexpected questions.  The answer would give the interviewer a flavour of how you would react under pressure and lets you express your personality. Other answers to this query include the kind of flower, animal, colour, etc. 

   

• If you had the chance, who would you choose to eat supper with, either if they are alive or dead, and why? 

  The interviewer can use this as an opportunity to learn more about your values and priorities. Although there is no right or wrong response to this question, how you respond might reveal a lot about your priorities. 

• How did you handle a situation when something did not go your way?  

  In the job, failure and setbacks are unavoidable, and employers want to know how you handle them. Describe a time when you confronted a struggle and what you learned from it in an honest and detailed manner. Show how you learned from the incident and how you would use the lessons to handle similar circumstances in the future. 

• What prompted you to pursue a career in nursing?  

  This question goes above and beyond the typical interview questions, even though it still relates to nursing. Your response gives you the chance to discuss your motivation for choosing to become a nurse. It enables the interviewer to learn more about your motivations and areas of enthusiasm. 

3. How to get ready 

Preparing for job interview questions might be somewhat similar to studying for the NCLEX. Spend the time to examine the organisation and the job description and consider how your experience and talents match what they're seeking. Practice responding to typical interview questions with the help of a friend or relative and consider your possible responses to unexpected interview questions. 

Having a few important talking points or experience-related stories at your disposal is also beneficial. Although job interviews can be anxiety-inducing, with practice and preparation, you can feel secure and prepared to answer any questions that are posed. 

4. Conclusion 

Hope the tips mentioned in this blog will greatly help you in acing your next nursing interview.  You'll be well on your way to finding your next nursing position if you are sincere, considerate, and focused on how your knowledge and experience will help the organisation. If you need further assistance or are anxious about attending your next nursing interview, you can always feel free to get in touch with our experts for help and advice.