Before your first nursing job interview, you can be better prepared and stand out from the competition by learning some interview tips for nurses with questions and answers. To successfully interview for nursing positions, practice answers to common interview questions by holding mock interviews and dressing professionally.
It’s projected that there will be about 193,100 new openings in the U.S. for registered nurses (RNs) each year through 2032. The ongoing nursing shortage is good news for nursing students looking ahead to graduation and job interviews.
Furthermore, one survey found that about 96% of new nursing graduates are employed within four to six months of completing their BS in nursing degree. Despite the strong hiring trends, nursing jobs can still be competitive. It’s important to make a good first impression and arrive prepared, which is why you should review some actionable interview tips for nurses with questions and answers to practice.
When you graduate from the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and make a strong impression on potential employers. The Mount’s values-based education is complemented by our rigorous curriculum that emphasizes skills development and career preparation.
Discovering how to prepare for a nursing interview is a process that you should work on during the final semester of nursing school. One of the most impactful ways to prepare is by practicing common interview questions and responses.
While exploring interview tips for nursing students during your final semester, you should also develop your resume, check job postings, and submit applications.
Are you thinking about relocating for nursing school? Consider jump-starting your nursing career with exciting opportunities in New York.
How to Prepare for a Nursing Interview
There are several registered nurse interview tips you should follow to prepare for your first interview. Carefully read the job description for details and make sure it matches the type of position you’re looking for, such as whether it’s a day or night shift, part-time or full-time. You can also start planning what to wear to the interview by considering what you already have in your closet.
It’s also best practice to research the organization and people you’ll be meeting at the interview. Websites and social media channels are good places to learn a little about potential employers.
Common Interview Questions for Nurses
The bulk of your time spent preparing for a nursing interview will likely focus on practicing responses to common interview questions. You’ll want to come across as a confident practitioner with strong communication skills and eager to continue broadening your nursing knowledge, clinical skills and professional development.
Your responses to interview questions shouldn’t sound rehearsed. Don’t try to memorize your answers word-for-word. Rather, come up with the general gist of a response to each question. Some common questions to prepare for include:
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- Tell me about your nursing school experience.
- Why are you interested in this job?
- Why did you decide to become a nurse?
- Where do you see your career taking you over the next five to 10 years?
You can expect your interviewer to ask questions about your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse. Create a list of two or three strengths and weaknesses and substantiate them with examples.
If you’re trying to land your first nursing job, you should find examples from your experience in clinical rotations. If you need help thinking of ideas, ask a classmate or nursing mentor to share their observations of what you excel at and where you have room for growth.
Consider these sample answers for inspiration:
- “My strengths include my ability to connect with my patients. I’m a good listener, and I excel at developing rapport. This helps when explaining a complex diagnosis or complicated treatment plan.”
- “My weakness is delegation. I feel personally responsible for my patients and sometimes forget that I have a whole team available to help me. I have been working on this with my clinical preceptors.”
Avoid cliche answers. It may sound clever, but “My weakness is that I care too much” is overused.
Another favorite interview question for nurses is about conflict resolution. Hiring teams want to know how you navigate challenging situations with patients, patients’ families, or coworkers. Share examples of your cool head and calm presence even in high-stress situations. If you don’t have any nursing examples, use examples from other jobs or your family.
Here is a sample reply:
- “I had a patient who required antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. I was about to administer the medication when the daughter stopped me and shared that she had learned that taking too many antibiotics would result in ‘superbugs’ (multi-drug resistant organisms).”
- “I confirmed with the lab the strain of E. coli bacteria that was present and confirmed with the pharmacist that the antibiotic selected was specific for this type of infection. I then explained to the patient and her daughter that we take drug resistance seriously and only use specific therapies when necessary. The patient and her daughter appreciated the additional information and allowed me to administer the antibiotic.”
Are you interested in nursing careers away from the bedside? Consider these 10 alternative nursing careers.
How to Prepare for an RN Interview: The Final Steps
After spending some time thinking about your responses to common nursing interview questions, it’s a good idea to practice with a few mock interviews. Your nursing school may offer career services that include the option to do mock interviews, or you can ask a fellow cohort member to lend a hand.
Practice taking a slight pause before launching into your response. It’s perfectly fine to take a moment to gather your thoughts, and doing so can help you give a stronger response.
You’ll also need to gather important documents to bring to the interview. These can include:
- Resume
- Current nursing license or proof of passing the NCLEX
- CPR/BLS certification card
- Driver’s license
- Immunization record
- List of references
- Transcripts (for recent grads)
- Proof of any additional certifications, if applicable
You can check with the hiring manager ahead of time to determine whether you should bring any additional documents. You can also ask if there will be multiple interviewers, in which case you should bring extra copies of the documents.
Registered Nurse Interview Tips for a Strong First Impression
Making a good impression is important at any type of job interview, so you should plan to dress professionally. By this point, you’re likely accustomed to wearing nursing school scrubs for clinicals; however, you’ll need to dress “office professional” for the interview. Neutral colors, slacks or a dress, and comfortable shoes are best.
Continue to practice your communication skills in the days leading up to the interview. Review the common questions and remind yourself of the examples you’ve chosen for your responses. In particular, be prepared to discuss your clinical experience and the challenging situations you’ve encountered.
After the interview, be sure to send a thank you note to the hiring manager. You can send either a physical card or a polite, formal email.
Are You Ready for the Next Step?
Remember that landing your first nursing job may take several job applications and a few rounds of interviews, but these interview tips with questions and answers will help you develop greater confidence.
The University of Mount Saint Vincent’s ABSN program supports students before and after they earn their degree. Through comprehensive coursework, simulation labs, and clinical rotations, students are prepared for a successful nursing career.
Here, you have the potential to graduate with a nursing degree in as few as 16 months so you can start your career sooner. Contact an admission counselor today to find out if you’re eligible to apply.