The Complete Guide To Answering Nursing Interview Questions

This complete guide to answering nursing interview questions is designed to help all nurses - experienced and newly qualified, and in different healthcare sectors. Our qualified nurse contributor, Laura Pueyo, will take you through all the aspects of the typical nursing interview so that you can prepare thoroughly, understand what your nursing interview journey will look like, be successful in front of your next interview panel and land your dream nursing job.

Navigating a nursing interview can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can confidently present your skills and qualifications.

Laura will walk you through the best ways to prepare for nursing interviews, how to leverage the increasing number of AI interview tools, and understand the variations of sector-specific nursing job interviews.

In each case Laura will present example interview questions, and provide suggested answers.

1. Preparation Tips for Nurses at Different Career Stages

Newly Qualified Nurses - Job Interviews

As a newly qualified nurse (NQN), the focus in your interview will be on your potential, adaptability, and how well you can transfer the skills you've learned during your clinical placements into practice.

How to Approach Interviews

• Emphasize Transferable Skills: Focus on your clinical placement experiences and how they have helped you develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and patient care. Always try to give examples from your own practice.

• Demonstrate Passion for Nursing: Employers want to see your enthusiasm for patient care and your commitment to professional development.

• Prepare for Clinical Scenarios: You may be asked to respond to hypothetical clinical situations. Practice how you'd approach common nursing challenges, using your placement experience as a guide.

By using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result ) method, you can provide structured and impactful responses

Below are examples of how to answer these common interview questions for Newly Qualified Nurses. These answers aim to show your clinical competence, ability to manage stress, and interpersonal skills—all essential for a successful nurse.

By using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result ) method, you can provide structured and impactful responses that highlight your problem-solving abilities, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills.

Change these examples to your own experiences and be ready to reflect on specific situations from your placements or personal practice.

a. “Tell us about your most challenging clinical placement and how you handled it.”

Tip

This question is designed to assess your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and how you approach challenges in a clinical setting. The STAR method is an effective way to structure your answer.

Example answer

Situation:

"During my clinical placement in the intensive care unit (ICU), I was assigned to care for a critically ill patient who required constant monitoring and intervention. The environment was fast-paced, and the team was managing several complex cases at once."

Task:

"My task was to assist with patient assessments, administer medications, and support the team with procedures. However, the challenge came when the patient's condition suddenly deteriorated, and we had to act quickly to stabilize him."

Action:

"I remained calm and focused, ensuring that I communicated effectively with the rest of the team. I supported my mentor by assisting with tasks such as setting up equipment for the emergency intervention. I constantly checked the patient’s vital signs and updated the team on any changes. I made sure to ask questions when unsure."

Result:

"Thanks to the team’s coordination and quick action, we managed to stabilize the patient. This experience taught me the importance of teamwork, staying composed under pressure, and using clear communication in critical situations. It also helped me understand the importance of staying proactive and asking for help when needed."

b. “Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult colleague. How did you handle it?”

Tip

This question assesses your interpersonal skills and ability to work within a team. Focus on how you maintained professionalism and resolved any conflicts or differences constructively.

Example answer

Situation:

"During one of my clinical placements, I worked with a colleague who was quite experienced but had a different approach to patient care. They often preferred to handle tasks alone, which sometimes ended in communication problems, especially when I needed to ask questions or discuss care plans."

Task:

"My task was to ensure the patient received the best care while working within the team. However, I found it challenging to approach this colleague when I needed clarification or assistance."

Action:

"I decided to approach the situation with empathy and professionalism. I took the initiative to have an open, respectful conversation with them. I expressed that I greatly valued their experience and expertise but that, as a newly qualified nurse, I wanted to ensure I was doing everything correctly and efficiently. I also explained that I sometimes felt uncertain about when it was appropriate to ask for help."

"We agreed to set up regular check-ins during the shift, where I could ask questions and clarify any issues. I also made a point of being proactive in offering help when they were busy, which helped build a more collaborative working relationship."

Result:

"As a result, our communication improved, and we developed a more effective working dynamic. This experience taught me the value of open communication and how approaching conflicts with respect and professionalism can lead to positive outcomes. I also learned that understanding a colleague’s perspective and setting clear expectations can foster better teamwork."

Experienced Nurses - Job Interviews

Experienced nurses are often interviewed for roles that involve leadership, mentorship, and complex decision-making. Your interview will focus on how you've demonstrated these capabilities in your career.

How to Approach Interviews

• Leadership and Mentorship: Highlight instances where you’ve led teams, mentored junior staff, or contributed to the development of a care team.

• Decision Making and Problem Solving: Provide examples of situations where you made difficult clinical decisions, especially in high-pressure environments.

• Continuous Professional Development: Employers expect experienced nurses to actively engage in learning. Be prepared to discuss your professional development and how you stay current with best practices.

These examples illustrate your experience in leading under pressure, mentoring colleagues, and making complex clinical decisions in challenging situations. They reflect a deep commitment to patient care, teamwork, and leadership. When answering similar questions in an interview, it's very important to:

• Provide clear, structured examples that demonstrate your role and actions.

• Focus on outcomes, showing how your leadership or decisions positively impacted the patient and team.

• Highlight your ability to balance multiple priorities, communicate effectively with families, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the best care possible.

a. "Can you describe a time when you had to take charge during a critical situation? How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

Tip

This question tests your ability to lead in high-pressure situations and make decisions quickly while keeping patient safety as your maximum priority.

Example answer

Situation:

"While working in a busy A&E department, we had a large patient flow following a serious traffic accident. There were multiple patients, some of whom were critically injured, and the team was running short of staff. As a senior nurse, I was asked to lead the triage process and coordinate the emergency response."

Task:

"My role was to ensure that we assessed patients quickly and prioritized care based on the severity of their injuries. I also needed to manage the team to ensure everyone was deployed effectively, while maintaining communication with the wider multidisciplinary team, including doctors and paramedics."

Action:

"I immediately established a clear plan of action, ensuring we followed the Manchester Triage System to quickly assess and categorise patients. I delegated tasks, making sure that nurses with relevant experience took on more critical cases, while others provided support with non-urgent patients or assisted with administrative tasks. I maintained close communication with the doctors to ensure that the right treatments were administered promptly and ensured that all patients received timely pain relief.

"I also made sure to check in with the team regularly, providing support where needed, and I communicated regularly with patients’ families to provide updates and reassurance."

Result:

"Despite the high pressure, the team worked together efficiently and effectively. We were able to stabilise the patients and provide the necessary care in a timely manner. There were no preventable deaths, and everyone involved felt that their contribution was valued. I was commended by my line manager for maintaining a calm, organised approach under pressure, and for ensuring that everyone worked collaboratively."

b. "Tell us about a time when you mentored a colleague or a student nurse. How did you support their development, and how did you ensure they were ready to take on more responsibility?"

Tip

This question explores your ability to mentor and guide others, a key leadership skill. The focus is on how you empower others to develop their skills and confidence.

Example answer

Situation:

"During my time on a medical ward, I mentored a newly qualified nurse who had recently joined the team. She was passionate and eager to learn but had some reservations about managing more complex patients, particularly with regard to administering medications and managing patient care plans."

Task:

"My goal was to ensure she gained confidence in her clinical skills, was comfortable making decisions, and felt fully supported in her new role as she took on more responsibility."

Action:

"I took a structured approach to mentoring. We started with regular one-to-one sessions to discuss her learning objectives, her concerns, and any questions she had. I observed her practice and provided constructive feedback, ensuring she understood the rationale behind each decision. When she showed a lack of confidence in medication administration, I walked her through the process, reinforcing the importance of double-checking medications, understanding potential side effects, and being proactive in seeking support when needed.

"I also ensured she had exposure to a variety of clinical situations and progressively gave her more responsibility as her confidence grew. For example, I allowed her to take the lead in managing a patient's care plan while I provided guidance and support as needed."

Result:

"By the end of our mentorship period, she was confident in her clinical skills and ready to manage her own caseload independently. She thanked me for my patient and encouraging approach, and my feedback from the team was positive. She quickly became an integral part of the team and was able to take on more complex patients with a high level of competency."

AI will become ever more common in the talent acquisition process, and very visible at the interview stages

2. Using Artificial Intelligence for Interview Preparation

AI tools are a great way to enhance your interview preparation. These tools can help you practice answering questions, improving your responses, and even analyzing your interview performance.

How AI Can Help You Prepare

• Practice Common Questions: AI-driven interview platforms can simulate nursing interviews, providing realistic practice for a variety of clinical and behavioral questions.

• Refine Your Responses: Tools can give feedback on your answers, suggesting ways to improve your responses, whether it's about tone, conciseness, or clarity.

• Mock Interviews: Platforms like InterviewBuddy or Big Interview allow you to practice in front of a virtual panel, giving you real-time feedback on how you perform.

Benefits of AI in Interview Preparation

• Improved self-confidence as you become familiar with common questions and responses.

• Enhanced communication skills through feedback and correction.

• Realistic simulation of an actual interview environment.

AI in Interviews – What to Expect

In the evolving healthcare industry, AI may not just be a tool for preparation—it could become part of the interview process itself.

AI Assessments in Healthcare Interviews

• AI-Powered Chatbots: Some employers are using AI-driven chatbots for initial screening. These bots may ask basic interview questions or assess your responses to scenario-based queries.

How to Prepare for AI in Interviews

• Practice Clear, Concise Responses: Ensure your answers are easy to understand and concise. AI systems may struggle with overly complex answers or responses that lack clarity.

• Prepare for Standardized Assessments: Be prepared for questions that assess your soft skills and emotional intelligence, such as handling stressful situations or working in a team.

Being well-prepared is key to succeeding in a nursing interview. Whether you're newly qualified or have years of experience, understanding the specific requirements of the role and practicing for sector-specific questions will give you a significant advantage. Make sure you approach the interview with confidence, professionalism, and a clear understanding of how you can contribute to the healthcare team and patient outcomes

Virtual Interviews (Teams/Zoom)

Best Practices for Virtual Interviews

• Test Your Technology: Check your internet connection, camera, microphone, and any necessary software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) ahead of time to avoid technical problems. Even try with a friend beforehand.

• Create a Professional Environment: Choose a quiet, organiced area with minimal distractions. Ensure your background is neutral and uncluttered.

• Dress Professionally: Dress as you would for an in-person interview. It’s important to look polished and professional, even if you’re at home.

• Engage With the Panel: Make eye contact by looking into the camera rather than at the screen. Speak clearly and be mindful of your body language, as it can be harder to interpret in virtual settings.

3. Sector-Specific Interview Advice

NHS Nursing Job Interviews

NHS nursing job interviews place a strong emphasis on core values, competencies, and patient-centered care.

Key Focus Areas

• Commitment to NHS Values: Demonstrate that you understand and your values align with the NHS's core values, such as compassion, respect, and integrity.

• Understanding of the NHS Structure: Be prepared to discuss how the NHS functions, including its challenges and recent reforms.

Common Questions

a. “How do you demonstrate the NHS values in your practice?”

"I consistently demonstrate the NHS values through my patient care and teamwork:

• Respect and Dignity: I always treat patients with respect, listening to their needs and preferences. For example, I advocated for a patient’s choice of treatment plan, ensuring their wishes were prioritized.

• Commitment to Quality of Care: I continually update my skills and seek feedback to improve my practice, ensuring high standards of care.

• Compassion: I show empathy by providing emotional support to patients and their families, such as comforting a patient with a terminal diagnosis and addressing their concerns.

• Improving Lives: I help patients achieve the best outcomes, like supporting a stroke patient with their rehabilitation and discharge planning.

• Working Together for Patients: I collaborate closely with doctors, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to create holistic care plans, ensuring comprehensive treatment.

• Everyone Counts: I ensure that all patients, regardless of background, receive equal care, and I support my colleagues, such as helping a junior nurse during a busy shift."

b. “Can you give an example of how you’ve worked within a multi-disciplinary team in the NHS?”

"During my time on a medical ward, I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team to care for a patient with multiple chronic conditions.

• Collaboration: I coordinated daily nursing care and communicated regularly with doctors, physiotherapists, dietitians, and occupational therapists. For example, when the patient’s blood sugar levels were unstable, I worked with the diabetes nurse to adjust their insulin regimen.

• Outcome: Together, we developed a discharge plan that included home support, mobility aids, and dietary guidance, ensuring the patient received comprehensive care both in-hospital and post-discharge.

Private Healthcare Nursing Job Interviews

Private healthcare providers often focus on patient satisfaction and the delivery of personalized care.

Key Focus Areas

• Patient-Centered Care: Private healthcare employers want to see how you can tailor your care to individual patient needs and preferences.

• Efficiency and Autonomy: Expect questions about how you manage time effectively, make decisions independently, and work within a dynamic environment.

Common Questions

a. “How do you ensure a high level of patient satisfaction?”

Example answer

"I ensure patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, personalised care and clear communication. I actively listen to patients, address their concerns promptly, and involve them in decision-making. In addition, I maintain a calm, empathetic approach and keep patients informed about their care plan. I also seek regular feedback and take action to improve where necessary."

b. “How would you manage a situation where resources are limited?”

Example answer

"In a resource-limited situation, I would prioritise care based on patient needs and communicate clearly with the team about any constraints. I’d ensure tasks are delegated effectively and optimise available resources. Transparency with patients is key—I'd explain any delays or changes and offer reassurance. I’ve managed similar situations before by staying adaptable and maintaining high-quality care despite challenges."

Care Home Nursing Job Interviews

Care home nursing job interviews will focus on patient care, team collaboration, and managing less complex cases.

Key Focus Areas

• Patient Care and Empathy: Employers want to know that you are compassionate and patient, especially when caring for elderly or vulnerable patients.

• Team Collaboration: Working effectively with caregivers, healthcare assistants, and other staff is key.

Common Questions

a. “How do you manage the care of elderly patients with dementia?”

Example answer

"I manage dementia care by focusing on individual needs and creating a calm, structured environment. I use patient-centred approaches, tailoring care plans to each patient’s history, preferences, and abilities.

"I ensure that communication is clear, simple, and patient, and I involve families in care decisions to provide consistency. For example, I use visual cues or familiar objects to reduce confusion and encourage engagement. My goal is to promote independence while ensuring safety and comfort, and I constantly monitor and adjust care to meet the patient's evolving needs."

b. “Describe a situation where you worked with a team to provide patient-centered care.”

Example answer

"In my previous role, I worked with a multidisciplinary team to care for a patient with advanced dementia who had frequent agitation. We developed a patient-centred care plan by involving the family, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to understand the patient’s preferences and triggers.

"I collaborated with the team to incorporate activities and routines that would calm the patient, such as listening to music or gentle hand massages. Through regular communication and review, we were able to significantly reduce the patient’s anxiety and improve their quality of life. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and understanding the whole person in care."

Primary Care (General Practice) Nursing Job Interviews

Primary care nurses need to manage a wide range of patient needs, often in fast-paced environments.

Key Focus Areas

• Preventative Care: Expect questions on how you educate patients and manage chronic conditions.

• Communication: In general practice, strong communication skills are essential for dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Common Questions

• For long-term condition management, emphasis personalised care, patient education, and regular follow-ups.

• For challenging interactions, focus on your ability to listen actively, remain calm, and address concerns empathetically.

a. “How do you handle long-term condition management in a primary care setting?”

Example answer

"In primary care, I focus on providing holistic, patient-centred care for individuals with long-term conditions. I work closely with patients to develop personalised care plans, educate them about their condition, and set realistic goals for self-management.

"I regularly monitor their progress and encourage proactive measures like lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular follow-ups. For example, for a diabetic patient, I would regularly review their blood sugar levels, offer dietary advice, and ensure they understand how to manage their condition to prevent complications."

b. “Can you give an example of how you’ve dealt with a challenging patient interaction?”

Example answer

"One challenging interaction involved a patient who was frustrated with the long wait times for an appointment. They were becoming agitated and upset. I listened to their concerns, acknowledged their frustration, and calmly explained the reasons for the delay. I reassured them that their health was a priority and worked to get them seen as soon as possible. By remaining patient and empathetic, I was able to de-escalate the situation and ensure the patient felt heard and valued."

4. Common Interview Questions for Nurses

Regardless of the sector, there are some standard questions you are likely to encounter in any nursing interview. Below are common interview questions along with tips for answering them effectively:

a. “How do you ensure patient safety in your practice?”

Example answer

"I ensure patient safety by following best practice guidelines, regularly conducting risk assessments, and adhering to infection control protocols. I always double-check medication administration, especially when administering high-risk drugs, and I encourage a culture of open communication with the team to report any concerns promptly.

"I also ensure that the environment is safe by checking equipment and making sure all necessary resources are available. Additionally, I engage patients in their care to ensure they understand the steps being taken to keep them safe."

b. “How do you handle a situation where you are asked to perform a task outside of your usual responsibilities?”

Example answer

"I approach such situations with a positive, flexible attitude. If a task falls outside my usual duties, I first assess my knowledge and skills to determine if I can perform it safely. If I am unsure, I seek guidance from a colleague or supervisor.

"For example, when I was asked to assist with wound care for a patient with a specific type of dressing, I consulted the wound care nurse for advice and ensured I was trained on the procedure before proceeding. My goal is always to ensure patient safety and quality of care, and I am proactive in expanding my skills where needed."

c. “How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks during a busy shift?”

Example answer

"I prioritise tasks by assessing the urgency of each situation and focusing on the most critical tasks first, such as administering medications, attending to patients in pain, or those with urgent needs. I also use a structured approach to time management, such as creating a mental or written list of tasks and regularly reassessing throughout the shift. I communicate with the team to delegate tasks where possible and ensure a smooth workflow. Staying organised and focused allows me to provide safe, high-quality care, even during busy periods."

To summarize

Being well-prepared is key to succeeding in a nursing interview. Whether you're newly qualified or have years of experience, understanding the specific requirements of the role and practicing for sector-specific questions will give you a significant advantage. Make sure you approach the interview with confidence, professionalism, and a clear understanding of how you can contribute to the healthcare team and patient outcomes.

Three job interview case studies by Nurses

Whether you’re preparing for your first job interview as a newly qualified Nurse or you’re an experienced interviewee, landing the job is never straightforward.

Interviews are stressful, even for seasoned pros. They’re pressurised situations that often stifle us – making us less fluent, and ultimately less ourselves. But actually, the issue isn’t about what you do at interview; it’s all about what you do before. Put simply, the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t is preparation.

We asked three Nurses, Grace, Chloe and Laura, to share their nursing interview experience.Here’s what they had to say.

Interview tips by a qualified nurse.

What I learned from my three nursing interviews.

I just had my first nursing job interview and here's what I learned.

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