Registered Nurse Interview Questions

This question will determine how committed a candidate is to their patients and their overall well-being. It also provides you with insights as to how a potential applicant manages potential conflict. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• prioritises the well-being of patients
• Shows patience regarding scheduling
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt

This question serves to tell you whether the candidate can remain calm during potential conflicts. Most nurses will encounter scenarios like this regularly, so choose someone who has had this experience. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Ability to navigate difficult discussions with relatives with respect and dignity
• Strong conflict resolution skills 
• prioritises the patient and their needs

This question provides you with insight into the education of the candidate. It also tells you whether the candidate can apply theoretical concepts to their practical work experience. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Discusses theoretical experience
• Demonstrates practical knowledge
• Discusses real-life experience and cases

RNs can work in many fields, which is why you need to know which field the candidate is interested in pursuing. This question also provides you with insight into the candidate's passions. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Passion for a particular aspect of the medical field
• Demonstrates experience in healthcare
• Feels comfortable working in different environments

This question determines whether a candidate knows how to manage their time efficiently. You can also see whether they're comfortable working on multiple tasks at once. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Strong time-management skills
• Shows good judgment
• Describes strategy for prioritizing cases

This question will determine what the candidate is passionate about and why they're interested in your place of employment in particular. It also provides you with some more insight into who they are, which can help you when it comes to assigning workloads and tasks. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Desire to work in the field long term
• Passion for helping patients
• Demonstrates personal and professional experience

This question will tell you about what drives the nurse. It also provides you with the opportunity to learn which tasks that they would find rewarding when they work for you. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates enthusiasm for the field
• Provides real-like examples

This question helps you learn how the candidate handles challenging situations like unsatisfied patients. It also identifies the nurse's interpersonal skills. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Demonstrates respect for unhappy patients
• Ability to resolve conflicts
• Calm demeanour and positive attitude in challenging situations

This question serves to determine what the candidate's priorities are and to learn whether they are enthusiastic about their position. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Discusses real-life experiences
• Shows the importance of good patient care
• Demonstrates excitement towards the field

Asking this question will tell you whether the nurse in question has the ability to work in fast-paced departments. It's important to choose someone who has the same quality of service despite the pace of the environment. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Demonstrates ability to manage stress effectively 
• Ability to provide consistent patient care
• Experience in fast-paced environments

Registered nurses typically work in environments where there are multiple disciplines and specialties. Consider choosing a candidate who has experience working on interdisciplinary teams and who enjoys doing so. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Experience as a registered nurse
• Understands terminology across different medical departments
• Ability to translate complex terms from interdisciplinary teams to patients

This question will inform you of possible triggers for the candidate and also let you know when the candidate may need additional support. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Adaptable
• Ability to overcome challenging situations
• Ability to handle stress

This question is to the point and provides the nurse with an opportunity to express their accomplishments in the field. The right candidate should be humble when answering this question. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Discusses accomplishments
• Demonstrates theoretical and practical knowledge
• Remains respectful towards other applicants

This question gives you more insight into who the candidate is and how they perceive themselves. Beyond this, however, it may also show you how the nurse would fit into your current team. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Refers to their professional and personal life
• Describes future goals
• References interest in their community

This question gives you insight into the candidate's priorities and why they think they'd be a good addition to your team. Look for someone who has the intention to stay with your hospital long term. Here's what to look for in a good answer:

• Demonstrates the intention to work in company long term
• Knowledge of the hospital and open job position
• Specifies career goals