Most Common Nursing Interview Questions for 2025, Best Answers, and Tips
Top Nursing Interview Questions for 2025: Answers and Strategies
You've found this guide likely because you're aiming for your ideal nursing position. The key obstacle? Mastering the interview process. Being well-prepared and knowing possible questions can significantly affect the outcome.
We've assisted countless nurses in securing their dream roles. We've drawn from extensive experience to create the ultimate nursing interview resource: your guide to success. Within, you'll discover typical nursing interview questions and tactics to distinguish yourself among many candidates.
This guide will address:
Steps to prepare for your nursing interview to show confidence.
Common nursing interview questions with sample answers for guidance.
How to create a memorable impression, including smart questions to ask your interviewer afterward.
Preparing for Your Nursing Interview
Investing time in interview preparation has two major advantages: it helps you remain composed and centered under stress and shows your genuine interest in the role. Here are three steps to ensure success on interview day:
Conduct thorough research
Understand the job description
Carefully reviewing the job description is vital. It offers a comprehensive view of the role before the interview, enabling you to match your experience with each responsibility listed. Take notes on your relevant experiences, including examples of similar tasks you've accomplished, achievements, and results.
Familiarize with the organization
Knowing the organization you're interviewing with prepares you for any question and indicates your genuine interest. Most information can be retrieved from the organization's website or a quick online search:
When was the facility established? Any recent changes?
Annual patient count? Patient-to-staff ratio?
What departments or programs are available?
What is the organization's mission? Do they support initiatives that advance it?
What is their patient care philosophy?
Does the organization have Magnet status, a designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nursing excellence?
Where does the organization rank in the U.S. News & World Report?
Practice Your Responses
Few things are more stressful than being stumped during an interview. By rehearsing answers to common questions (see our list), you’ll approach the interview with confidence and avoid improvising under pressure. Here are effective practice methods:
Utilize the STAR method: The STAR method (situation, task, action, result) is a reliable way to structure responses to situational questions. Start by detailing the Situation and Task or goal, then describe the Action taken and the Results achieved.
Monitor your time: Keep responses clear and concise. Use a stopwatch to time yourself when answering questions, and refine your response to maintain focus on the question.
Record yourself on video: Reviewing your recording can be challenging but helps you become aware of your body language, tone, and any nervous habits like filler words.
Simulate a mock interview: Ask a friend or mentor to act as the interviewer and provide feedback on your responses and delivery.
Day-of Interview Preparations
On the interview day, nerves can easily take over. A few simple steps can boost your confidence and readiness to leave a strong impression.
Dress appropriately
Wear comfortable business casual attire. Avoid scrubs or jeans.
Be ready ten minutes early to avoid rushing. Use this time for deep breaths and reviewing notes.
Keep water nearby to combat dry mouth.
Prepare for remote interviews
Choose a quiet, distraction-free location.
For phone interviews, find a place with minimal background noise.
For video interviews, ensure a professional background and position yourself in the camera frame.
Disable device notifications to prevent interruptions.
Take notes with pen and paper to avoid keyboard noise.
Bring materials for in-person interviews
Carry a notebook, pen, clean folder, resume copies, reference letters, nursing license, CPR card, and certification proofs.
Avoid strong fragrances that may distract.
Greet the interviewer with eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smile.
Frequent Nursing Interview Questions
After researching and practicing, it's time to excel in the interview. Below are frequently asked questions and sample answers for inspiration. While not every question can be predicted, preparing for these common ones reduces the chance of being caught off guard.
Remember, memorizing answers isn’t necessary—familiarity with questions and practicing responses using our tips suffices.
Background and Personality Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Most interviews start with this question. Instead of sharing your life story, describe your current or recent role, focus on your qualifications, work style, and how your values align with the job. Keep it brief—under 2-3 minutes.
Sample answer:
“I’m a dedicated nurse who loves patient-centered care, with eight years in pediatrics. At Company X, I’m responsible for [role]. Helping patients recover keeps me motivated. I’ve learned that quality care starts with empathy and personalized attention. I’m proud of managing diverse patient loads. Your mission for patient-centered, quality care aligns with my skills and goals.”
Why it works: It summarizes your skills and values and shows understanding of the company.
Why did you choose nursing?
This question reveals your career motivation and character alignment with the organization’s principles.
Sample answer:
“My family is in medicine—my grandfather and uncle are doctors, and many relatives are nurses. Helping others compassionately feels natural to me.”
Why it works: It reflects your character and drive as a nurse, alongside personal values.
Strengths and weaknesses?
Honesty is crucial when discussing strengths or weaknesses. Your response should demonstrate self-awareness. If discussing weaknesses, explain how you’re improving.
Sample answer:
“My strengths are communication and empathy. I educate and empathize with patients, simplifying their understanding. I once brightened a patient’s day with a small plant, easing her treatment acceptance. My weakness is over-committing, but I’m learning to trust my team more.”
Why it works: It provides a genuine example of strengths and shows effort to overcome weaknesses.
Interest in this company?
Research helps here. Explain what attracts you to the facility and how their mission aligns with your values. Avoid discussing salary or benefits.
Sample answer:
“I admire your patient-centered care and award-winning services, like the Vizient 2019 Bernard A. Birnbaum, M.D., Quality Leadership Award. I’m thrilled to join such a prestigious institution, recognized by U.S. News & World Report.”
Why it works: It shows research and aligned values.
Professional goals?
Hiring managers seek ambitious candidates with clear goals. Prepare responses with immediate and five-year plans.
Sample answer:
“I aim to earn my MSN, join the Emergency Nurses Association, and become an ER nurse practitioner. I hope to mentor and eventually manage nurses, helping them grow.”
Why it works: It shows ambition and thought about the future.
Patient Care Questions
Describe a challenging patient. How did you handle it?
Acknowledge difficult patients and demonstrate constructive responses.
Sample answer:
“Getting children to take meds can be tough. I had a child who resisted medication. I asked his favorite ice cream flavor and offered chocolate ice cream with his meds, which worked wonders.”
Why it works: It shows creativity in problem-solving and going beyond expectations.
Managing family/friend questions?
Balancing family questions with patient care is crucial.
Sample answer:
“I empathize with family concerns, answering kindly and with patience. I clarify my limits, setting realistic boundaries.”
Why it works: It displays empathy and boundary-setting.
Explaining without jargon? Example?
Emphasize clear communication to ensure patient understanding.
Sample answer:
“I break down medical terms for patients, explaining diagnostic imaging as an X-ray, ensuring they comprehend. I ask them to repeat information to confirm understanding.”
Why it works: It’s inclusive and empathetic with a real-world example.
Effective patient/family education?
Highlight adaptability to various patient learning styles.
Sample answer:
“Education is effective when tailored to patient and family needs. I adapt to different learning styles, including families in the process to enhance participation.”
Why it works: It demonstrates flexibility and family involvement in care.
Handling unhappy patients/family?
Show solution-focused responses without taking criticism personally.
Sample answer:
“Some won’t agree with my methods. A patient once complained about insulin administration. I adapted by explaining and accommodating their needs.”
Why it works: It prioritizes patient needs over personal feelings.
Teamwork and Work Style Questions
Difficult coworker situation?
Focus on solutions and positive approaches.
Sample answer:
“I had a coworker who was consistently late. I asked if a shift change would help. She was relieved, explaining her issues. We resolved it by adjusting her schedule.”
Why it works: It shows empathy and proactive problem-solving.
Proud of your team? Your role?
Share success stories and your contribution.
Sample answer:
“In a med-surg team, we identified a patient issue, cleaned infected tubes, and prevented harm. My initiative was appreciated, demonstrating quick thinking.”
Why it works: It highlights teamwork and initiative.
Teamwork approach?
Balance being a team player and independent worker.
Sample answer:
“I thrive in teams, understanding different perspectives lead to solutions. Celebrating successes together is rewarding, and teamwork teaches me new things.”
Why it works: It balances teamwork and independence.
Miscommunication with a teammate?
Focus on solutions without blaming colleagues.
Sample answer:
“A coworker struggled with shift hand-offs, risking care quality. I approached her directly, suggesting improvement, which she appreciated and addressed.”
Why it works: It shows constructive feedback and direct communication.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving Questions
Unexpected leadership? Handling?
Share leadership experiences and pride in accomplishments.
Sample answer:
“As an RN, I led LVNs by emphasizing patient-centered care and efficiency. We engaged families and achieved high care standards. I was proud of mentoring a team member to become an RN.”
Why it works: It demonstrates leadership, care standards, and responsibility-taking.
Uncertain about an answer?
Show adaptability and problem-solving.
Sample answer:
“When unsure, I seek help. I prioritize patient care over pride, honestly admitting lack of answers and seeking knowledgeable colleagues.”
Why it works: It shows humility, honesty, and patient dedication.
Handling pressure? Effective methods?
Demonstrate stress management skills.
Sample answer:
“As an ICU nurse, I face pressure daily. Once, I managed extra patients by prioritizing care, creating a task list. Yoga helps me manage stress outside work.”
Why it works: It shows critical thinking, prioritization, and self-care.
Leaving a Lasting Impression
Best Interviewer Questions
Asking questions shows interest and helps you understand the job better. Choose 1-3 questions based on your interests.
Describe the work culture?
Culture influences decisions, ensuring your values align with the company’s.
Onboarding and training?
Understanding support level and company attitude toward staff eases job transition.
Support for well-being/professional development?
Shows company culture and investment in employee well-being, preventing burnout.
Interviewer’s experience?
Establishes a personal connection and provides insight into the organization.
Send a Thank You Note
Stand out by sending a personalized thank you note post-interview. Keep it short, professional, and personal by mentioning specific details or resonating answers. Email it within 24 hours after the interview.
Preparation ensures confidence and comfort in interviews. Research, practice, and remember your value. Your dream job could be closer than you think.
