Whether you’re a fresh nursing graduate, an experienced registered nurse, or applying for a CNA position, mastering nursing interview questions is crucial for landing your dream healthcare job. This comprehensive guide provides 35+ of the most commonly asked nursing interview questions with detailed, professional answers to help you succeed in your next interview.
General Nursing Interview Questions (Questions 1–15)
Tell me about yourself.
I’m a registered nurse with [X years] of experience in [specific area]. I graduated from [nursing program] and have developed expertise in patient care, medication administration, and care coordination. I’m passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care and continuously improving my skills through professional development. I’m particularly drawn to this position because it aligns with my commitment to [specific area of interest related to the job].Why did you choose nursing as a career?
I chose nursing because of my deep desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. When [personal story if applicable], I witnessed firsthand the impact that skilled, compassionate nurses can have on patients and families. This experience inspired me to pursue a career where I could combine my natural empathy with clinical expertise to provide holistic patient care.What are your greatest strengths as a nurse?
My greatest strengths include strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and attention to detail. I excel at building rapport with patients and families, which helps create a therapeutic environment. My attention to detail ensures medication safety and accurate documentation, while my communication skills help me collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams.What is your biggest weakness, and how are you working to improve it?
One area I’m continuously working on is delegating tasks more effectively. I tend to take on extra responsibilities because I want to ensure everything is done perfectly. However, I’ve learned that effective delegation actually improves team efficiency and patient care. I’m practicing by clearly communicating expectations and trusting my colleagues’ abilities while remaining available for support.Why do you want to work at this facility?
I’m drawn to this facility because of your reputation for excellence in [specific area], your commitment to evidence-based practice, and your focus on patient-centered care. I’m particularly impressed by [specific program or initiative]. The culture of continuous learning and professional development here aligns perfectly with my career goals and values.How do you handle stressful situations?
I handle stress by staying organized, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity, and using deep breathing techniques to maintain calm. I’ve learned to recognize early signs of stress and address them proactively. During my shift, I use brief mindfulness moments between patient interactions to reset. Outside of work, I maintain work-life balance through [specific activities] which help me return refreshed and focused.Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself as an experienced nurse who has developed specialized expertise in [relevant area]. I plan to pursue additional certifications and possibly advance my education to become a [nurse practitioner/clinical nurse specialist/nurse educator]. I want to continue growing professionally while making a positive impact on patient outcomes and potentially mentoring new nurses.How do you stay current with nursing best practices?
I stay current by regularly reading nursing journals, attending continuing education workshops, and participating in professional organizations like the ANA. I also engage in evidence-based practice initiatives at work and seek feedback from experienced colleagues. I recently completed [specific certification or training] to enhance my skills in [relevant area].What motivates you in your nursing practice?
I’m motivated by the opportunity to make a positive difference in patients’ lives every day. Seeing a patient recover, comforting a worried family member, or successfully advocating for a patient’s needs gives me tremendous satisfaction. I’m also motivated by continuous learning and the challenge of applying evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.How do you ensure patient safety?
Patient safety is my top priority. I follow the five rights of medication administration, use two patient identifiers, and never skip safety protocols even when busy. I regularly check equipment, maintain clear communication with the healthcare team, and immediately report any safety concerns. I also educate patients and families about safety measures and encourage them to be active participants in their care.How do you handle constructive criticism?
I welcome constructive criticism as an opportunity for professional growth. I listen actively, ask clarifying questions when needed, and reflect on the feedback to understand how I can improve. I believe that continuous learning is essential in nursing, and feedback from colleagues and supervisors helps me provide better patient care.What is your experience with electronic health records (EHR)?
I have extensive experience with [specific EHR systems]. I’m comfortable with documentation, medication administration records, and care planning within electronic systems. I understand the importance of accurate, timely documentation for patient safety and continuity of care. I’m also adaptable to learning new systems as healthcare technology evolves.How do you prioritize your patient assignments?
I prioritize based on patient acuity, using the ABC approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) for immediate needs. I assess which patients require time-sensitive interventions, such as pain medication or urgent procedures. I also consider scheduled medications, treatments, and discharge planning. I regularly reassess priorities throughout my shift as patient conditions change.How do you ensure effective communication with patients and families?
I ensure effective communication by actively listening, using clear, jargon-free language, and confirming understanding. I maintain eye contact, speak at an appropriate pace, and provide written information when helpful. I respect cultural differences and use interpreter services when needed. I also involve families in care planning when appropriate and keep them informed about their loved one’s condition.What questions do you have for us?
I’d like to know more about the nurse-to-patient ratios on this unit, the orientation process for new hires, and opportunities for professional development. Can you tell me about the unit’s culture and how the team works together? What qualities do your most successful nurses possess?
Clinical and Technical Questions (Questions 16–25)
How do you ensure proper medication administration?
I follow the five rights of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. I also verify the right documentation and reason. I use two patient identifiers, check for allergies, and assess the patient’s condition before administration. I never administer medications I’m unfamiliar with without researching them first, and I always document immediately after administration.What would you do if you made a medication error?
If I made a medication error, I would immediately assess the patient for adverse effects and notify the physician and charge nurse. I would complete an incident report thoroughly and honestly, providing all relevant details. Patient safety is the priority, so I would continue monitoring the patient closely and document all interventions. I would also use this as a learning opportunity to prevent future errors.How do you handle infection control?
I strictly adhere to standard precautions with every patient interaction, including proper hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, and safe injection practices. I follow isolation precautions when indicated and properly dispose of contaminated materials. I also educate patients and visitors about infection prevention measures and stay updated on facility policies.Describe your experience with wound care.
I have experience assessing wounds using standardized tools, cleaning and dressing various wound types, and monitoring healing progress. I understand the importance of maintaining sterile technique, proper documentation with measurements and photos when appropriate, and patient education about wound care at home. I’ve worked with [specific wound types] and am familiar with different dressing materials and their applications.How do you assess pain in your patients?
I use standardized pain assessment tools appropriate for the patient population, such as numeric rating scales or behavioral indicators for non-verbal patients. I assess pain regularly, consider cultural factors that may influence pain expression, and evaluate both verbal and non-verbal cues. I also assess the effectiveness of pain interventions and advocate for appropriate pain management while monitoring for side effects.What is your experience with IV therapy?
I’m proficient in IV insertion, maintenance, and troubleshooting. I understand the importance of proper site selection, aseptic technique, and regular assessment for complications like infiltration or phlebitis. I’m experienced with different IV access devices and can calculate drip rates and medication dilutions. I also educate patients about IV therapy and ensure their comfort throughout treatment.How do you handle patient confidentiality?
I strictly adhere to HIPAA regulations by only discussing patient information with authorized personnel and in appropriate settings. I ensure computer screens are not visible to unauthorized individuals, secure patient records properly, and never discuss patients in public areas. I understand that confidentiality builds trust and is both a legal and ethical obligation.Describe your experience with end-of-life care.
I approach end-of-life care with compassion and respect for the patient and family’s wishes. I focus on comfort measures, pain management, and emotional support. I’ve worked with hospice teams and understand the importance of dignity, cultural sensitivity, and family involvement in decision-making. I provide education about what to expect and ensure the patient’s final wishes are honored.How do you handle emergency situations?
In emergencies, I remain calm and follow established protocols like BLS or ACLS guidelines. I quickly assess the situation, call for help when needed, and begin appropriate interventions while ensuring scene safety. I communicate clearly with the team, delegate tasks when appropriate, and document thoroughly afterward. My training in [specific certifications] helps me respond effectively.What is your experience with discharge planning?
I begin discharge planning upon admission by assessing the patient’s home situation, support systems, and learning needs. I coordinate with social workers, case managers, and other disciplines to ensure smooth transitions. I provide thorough patient education, medication reconciliation, and follow-up instructions. I also ensure patients understand warning signs that require medical attention.
Behavioral and Situational Questions (Questions 26–35)
Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult patient or family member.
I once cared for an elderly patient with dementia whose daughter was anxious and critical. I listened to her concerns, explained the situation compassionately, involved her in care planning, and provided regular updates. She became more cooperative and expressed gratitude for the compassionate care.Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult colleague.
I approached the colleague privately, discussed the importance of clear communication for patient safety, and suggested a more effective handoff routine. Our communication improved significantly, benefiting our entire team.Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient.
I documented a patient’s increasing pain, presented the evidence to the physician, and suggested a pain management consultation. The patient received appropriate relief, demonstrating the importance of thorough documentation in advocacy.Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
I once gave a medication late due to an emergency. I notified the charge nurse and physician, assessed the patient, completed an incident report, and implemented time-management strategies to prevent future delays.How do you handle multiple priorities when all seem urgent?
I assess each situation using ABC and triage principles, address immediate safety concerns first, delegate tasks, and communicate with my charge nurse if I need additional support.Describe a time you had to learn a new skill quickly.
I floated to the ICU and needed to learn ventilator management. I sought orientation from the charge nurse, paired with an experienced ICU nurse, and reviewed protocols during breaks. I provided safe care and gained valuable critical care experience.Tell me about a time you had to give difficult news to a patient or family.
I explained a surgery delay due to emergencies with empathy, provided a realistic timeline, and ensured patients understood that safety was the priority. They appreciated my honesty and transparency.Describe a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
An elderly patient felt anxious being alone. I spent extra time talking with her, brought magazines about her hobby, and arranged video calls with her family. Her anxiety decreased, and she recovered faster.How do you handle ethical dilemmas in nursing practice?
I rely on the nursing code of ethics and facility policies, gather all relevant information, consult colleagues or the ethics committee, and ensure patient autonomy while advocating for their best interests.Tell me about a time you had to adapt to a significant change in your workplace.
Our facility implemented a new EHR system. I attended all training sessions, practiced, and helped train other staff. I became proficient and was selected as a super-user to assist ongoing implementation.
CNA-Specific Interview Questions (Questions 36–40)
Why do you want to be a certified nursing assistant?
I’m passionate about providing direct, hands-on patient care. CNAs play a crucial role in daily patient needs and comfort, allowing me to make a meaningful impact while developing my healthcare skills.How would you handle a patient who refuses care?
I’d listen to their concerns, explain the importance of the care, respect their autonomy, document the refusal, and notify the nurse. I ensure patients understand consequences and that staff are informed.What would you do if you witnessed another CNA not following proper procedures?
I’d address immediate safety risks, speak privately with the colleague to clarify procedures, and if needed report the behavior to my supervisor to protect patient safety.How do you maintain patient dignity while providing personal care?
I explain procedures beforehand, provide privacy, use appropriate draping, and communicate respectfully. I involve patients in decisions and maintain a professional environment.What would you do if you noticed a change in a patient’s condition?
I’d assess the patient, document observations, and report changes to the nurse immediately, providing specific details about what I noticed and when.
Interview Tips for Nursing Success
Before the Interview
Research the facility’s mission, values, patient population, and recent achievements.
Review the job description and align your experience with requirements.
Practice common questions using the STAR method for behavioral answers.
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.
During the Interview
Dress professionally in business casual attire.
Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
Bring your resume, nursing license, certifications, and references.
Show enthusiasm and genuine passion for nursing and patient care.
After the Interview
Send a thank-you note within 24 hours, reiterating your interest.
Follow up politely if you don’t hear back within the specified timeframe.
Current Nursing Trends to Discuss
Technology integration such as telehealth and mobile health apps.
Evidence-based practice to inform clinical decisions.
Cultural competency for diverse patient populations.
Commitment to lifelong learning through certifications and continuing education.
Successful nursing interviews require preparation, authenticity, and clear demonstration of both clinical skills and compassionate care. Use these 40 questions and answers as a foundation, personalize your responses with real examples, and show your passion for making a positive difference in patients’ lives. Good luck!
