Nursing school interviews can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation, candidates can approach them with confidence.
This guide outlines 44 common questions and thoughtful answers that aspiring nurses can use to articulate their motivations, experiences, and aspirations effectively.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or looking to refine your interview skills, this resource provides insights into what nursing programs value in their applicants.
44 Nursing School Interview Questions with Answers
General Questions
1. Tell us about yourself.
- I’m Sarah Johnson, a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. I’ve spent the last two years volunteering at a local hospital, where my experiences helped me realize my desire to become a compassionate and skilled nurse.
2. Why do you want to be a nurse?
- I want to be a nurse because I am passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on their lives. Nursing combines my interests in science, healthcare, and interpersonal communication, and I am excited about the prospect of providing direct patient care.
3. What qualities make a good nurse?
- A good nurse should possess empathy, strong communication skills, critical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. These qualities enable nurses to effectively care for their patients and work collaboratively with healthcare teams.
4. What do you think is the most challenging part of being a nurse?
- The most challenging part can be dealing with emotional stress when caring for patients and their families, especially during difficult times, such as when patients are facing serious illnesses or end-of-life issues.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
- In five years, I envision myself as a registered nurse in the pediatric specialty, providing quality care to young patients and working towards a Nurse Practitioner role to further enhance my ability to help children and their families.
Education and Experience
6. What experiences do you have that prepare you for nursing school?
- I have volunteered at the local hospital in various departments, including the emergency room and pediatrics, where I interacted with patients and assisted nurses. I also completed courses in microbiology and anatomy, which provided a strong foundation for nursing.
7. How do you handle stressful situations?
- I handle stressful situations by staying organized and prioritizing tasks. I take deep breaths, focus on the present moment, and ensure clear communication with my team to navigate challenges effectively.
8. Describe your experience with teamwork.
- During my time at the hospital and in group projects at school, I collaborated with diverse teams to achieve shared goals. I value teamwork because it enhances the quality of patient care and fosters a supportive work environment.
9. Have you ever faced a challenging situation in your work or volunteer experience? How did you handle it?
- Yes, during a busy shift at the hospital, we had a sudden influx of patients. I helped my team by triaging effectively, staying calm under pressure, and ensuring that all patients received the attention they needed promptly.
10. What skills do you possess that you believe will help you succeed in nursing school?
- I have strong organizational skills, a commitment to learning, the ability to empathize with others, and a solid understanding of how to communicate effectively with patients and families.
Academic Questions
11. How do you plan to handle the workload of nursing school?
- I plan to manage my time effectively by creating a structured study schedule, using tools like planners and reminders, and actively seeking help from peers and instructors when needed.
12. What is your study style?
- My study style involves a combination of visual aids like diagrams, group discussions to clarify concepts, and practice quizzes to reinforce my knowledge. Teaching what I’ve learned also helps me retain information.
13. How do you prioritize tasks?
- I prioritize my tasks by assessing their urgency and importance, often using a to-do list. This method helps me focus on what needs immediate attention while ensuring I don’t miss deadlines.
14. Why did you choose our nursing program specifically?
- I chose your program due to your excellent clinical training opportunities, supportive faculty, and the program’s strong emphasis on community health, which aligns with my career goals.
15. What do you consider your greatest academic achievement?
- My greatest academic achievement was earning a scholarship for my academic performance. It required determination and perseverance, and it taught me the value of hard work and dedication.
Ethical and Situational Questions
16. How would you handle a situation where a patient refuses treatment?
- I would ensure the patient understands the implications of their decision. I would listen to their concerns respectfully and provide necessary information to help them re-evaluate their choice, while always respecting their autonomy.
17. Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient.
- While volunteering, I noticed a child was not receiving adequate pain management. I approached the attending nurse to express my concerns, which led to a reassessment of the child’s care plan.
18. What would you do if you witnessed a fellow student acting unprofessionally?
- I would first address the issue privately with the student to understand their perspective. If the behavior continued, I would escalate the matter to a faculty member to ensure a safe and professional environment.
19. How would you handle a patient who is upset or angry?
- I would stay calm and listen actively to the patient’s concerns. Acknowledging their feelings and providing reassurance while working collaboratively to address the issue is essential for diffusing anger.
20. What ethical principles do you believe are most important in nursing?
- The principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice guide my nursing practice. These principles ensure that patients are treated fairly and receive the best possible care.
Questions About the Future
21. How do you plan to stay current on nursing best practices?
- I plan to continue my education through workshops, nursing conferences, and subscriptions to professional journals. Engaging with professional networks will also provide insights into current practices and innovations.
22. What impact do you hope to have on your patients?
- I hope to provide compassionate care that empowers my patients to take an active role in their health. I aim to support them emotionally and physically during their healthcare journeys.
23. What specialty are you interested in pursuing and why?
- I am particularly interested in pediatric nursing because I enjoy working with children and their families, helping them navigate health challenges, and providing support during difficult times.
24. How will you handle criticism?
- I view criticism as an opportunity for growth. I would listen to feedback attentively, reflect on it, and make necessary adjustments to enhance my skills and practices.
25. What motivates you in your nursing career?
- The opportunity to positively impact others’ lives motivates me. I find fulfillment in being a part of a team that supports patients during their most vulnerable moments.
Common Behavioral Questions
26. Describe a time you worked on a team project. What was your role?
- In a group project for my healthcare course, I served as the team leader, coordinating tasks and ensuring we met deadlines. Our effective collaboration resulted in an A grade and a deeper understanding of the project topic.
27. How do you handle conflict with a colleague?
- I address conflict by discussing the issue directly with my colleague in a calm manner. Open communication is key to understanding each other’s perspectives and finding a resolution.
28. Give an example of when you had to make a quick decision.
- While volunteering, I had to quickly decide whether to alert staff about a patient’s sudden change in condition. I assessed the situation rapidly and contacted the nurse, which resulted in timely intervention.
29. Have you ever made a mistake? What did you learn?
- Yes, I once mislabelled a patient’s chart while volunteering, which could have caused confusion. I learned the importance of double-checking my work and the need for clear communication within the team.
30. How do you approach learning new procedures or skills?
- I review relevant materials, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and engage in hands-on practice as much as possible. I find that repetition and feedback enhance my learning.
Questions About Nursing Philosophy
31. What is your philosophy of nursing?
- My nursing philosophy is centered around providing holistic, patient-centered care that respects the individual needs of each patient and empowers them to take charge of their health.
32. How do you define success as a nurse?
- I define success as building trusting relationships with my patients, delivering competent and compassionate care, and contributing positively to the healthcare team.
33. What role do you believe technology plays in nursing?
- Technology plays a vital role in nursing by improving efficiency, enabling better patient management, and facilitating access to crucial data that informs patient care.
34. Why is teamwork important in nursing?
- Teamwork is essential in nursing as it allows healthcare professionals to combine their skills and knowledge, ensuring comprehensive care for patients and promoting a collaborative work environment.
35. How do you demonstrate compassion in your nursing practice?
- I demonstrate compassion by actively listening to and addressing the emotional needs of my patients, providing comfort and support, and treating them with respect and dignity.
Final Questions
36. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- My strengths include strong communication skills and an ability to build rapport with patients. My weakness is perfectionism; I’m learning to balance it with the understanding that mistakes are part of the learning process.
37. How do you handle feedback from instructors or peers?
- I welcome feedback and see it as essential for improvement. I reflect on it, ask for clarification if needed, and actively implement suggestions to improve my skills.
38. What would you do if you were struggling in a class?
- I would seek help from my instructors and consider joining study groups. Utilizing tutoring resources and online materials can also provide additional support.
39. Why should we accept you into our program?
- My dedication to nursing, passion for helping others, relevant experiences, and commitment to professional development make me a strong candidate for your program. I am eager to contribute to and learn from the community.
40. What questions do you have for us?
- I am curious about the types of clinical placements available for students and how the program supports students in securing these experiences.
Wrap-Up Questions
41. What do you think will be the most rewarding part of your nursing career?
- The most rewarding part will be making a meaningful difference in my patients’ lives, helping them heal, and supporting them through their challenges.
42. What makes you stand out from other candidates?
- My unique blend of academic achievement, relevant volunteering experience, and strong interpersonal skills set me apart as a candidate committed to the nursing profession.
43. How do you plan to give back to the community as a nurse?
- I plan to volunteer my time and skills in underserved areas, contribute to health education initiatives, and advocate for health equity within my community.
44. Is there anything else you would like us to know?
- I am genuinely excited about the prospect of joining the nursing profession and am fully committed to developing my skills and knowledge to care for patients effectively. I look forward to the opportunity to grow within your program.
