ER Nurse Interview Questions

"I wanted to become a nurse in the emergency department because I know how stressful the experience can be for patients, and I hope to make it easier for them. A nurse once helped me when I broke my arm and had to visit the emergency room, and I hope to help others in the same way."

"Depending on the severity, I would check the patient's medical history and see if there are any reasons they aren't responding. If their history doesn't provide additional context and if other nurses are available, I would ask for a second opinion, and if conditions worsen, I would alert a doctor to help intervene."

"I would make sure the family and I were in a private setting and explain the situation and any details they might need to make any necessary decisions and ask questions. I would continue to provide frequent follow-ups."

"First, I would take patients' vitals as soon as they come in and do a brief review of their medical information. This determines which patient may need immediate help, who might be fine with pain management medicine, and who can wait to be treated altogether."

"I would listen intently to the needs and concerns of the patient. If they disagree with my treatment plan or medical advice, I would explain a few times why I think it's the best decision. If there's still a conflict or the patient isn't cooperating, I would consult another nurse or doctor to reinforce the patient's education."

"At the hospital where I last worked, a colleague wasn't including all the relevant information on their nursing notes and during shift changes, so it was difficult to identify updates. When I confronted them about it they became defensive, saying this is how they always wrote them. During our next shift, we had a private conversation where I suggested we both make some changes so that we have a new, consistent way to report the vital patient information."

"First, I would take the patient's vitals and ask how many times they've vomited in the past 24 hours to estimate how much fluid they lost and if there was any additional pain. If not, I would connect them to a fluid IV to avoid dehydration and administer a fever reducer. I would note his conditions and our treatment plan and continue to monitor their progress."

"When I first started at my previous job, I called a doctor to help triage a patient before taking their vitals and assessing their health. I had many patients and knew I would need their recommendation eventually, but the doctor couldn't provide the assessment and had to leave and come back. I learned to always prepare the needed information before asking for a second opinion." 

"I always include the assessment, treatment plan, what I administer, and any results. This includes communication with physicians or other nurses, any medicine I administer, comments from the patient, and any progress made. This helps provide physicians and nurses on the next shift with the information they need to care for the patient."

"My greatest strength is my empathy for patients. This helps me listen to patient's needs and concerns and treat them with respect, patience, and care. While under my care, each patient is as valuable as the next, and I hope to make patients feel comfortable while in the ER."

"An older patient checked in after falling down the stairs and was in pain and nervous they might not recover or that we wouldn't be able to contact their family since they couldn't remember anyone's phone number. After administering pain medication and ensuring her comfort, I found her record from a previous accident along with emergency contacts, and the family arrived later that day. When discharged, she thanked me so much for my attention and care."

"I think it's important for nurses to multitask, stay calm under pressure, be proactive, and be patient and empathetic. If they have those skills, they can develop others like problem-solving and critical thinking in complex situations. I use these skills daily, so it's important to know when to be proactive and when to be patient."

"I often start my day with guided meditation to let go of any expectation I might have. Similarly, if I see a difficult patient or upsetting scene, I might take a minute after treating them to practise mindful breathing. It's important to keep my emotions under control to make logical decisions and to prepare for any unexpected circumstances."

"I always lead with the highest priority of information first, like if there's something I need from them or if there's a patient risk. I provide only relevant details along with my objective opinion. I always ask if they have questions and respond to any feedback they may have, considering all perspectives. On breaks or after work, I like to maintain positive, less formal relationships with my colleagues."

"I usually provide educational materials in three different ways: written instruction, a short video and demonstration, where applicable. For example, if a patient must take their blood pressure daily, I will show them how and practise with them. I review the materials and quiz them to test their comprehension. Before discharge, they sign a sheet showing they understand what's needed."