Prepare for your Registered Nurse interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
Working as part of a team is an important skill for registered nurses. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and understand the importance of teamwork in healthcare. In your answer, explain that you are willing to collaborate with other nurses, doctors and other professionals to provide the best care possible for patients.
Answer Example: "Absolutely. I have experience working with a team of healthcare professionals, and I know how important it is to communicate effectively and share information among team members. I understand that each member of the team has different responsibilities, but we all work toward the same goal of providing excellent patient care. I am confident in my ability to collaborate with others and ensure that all patients receive the best possible care."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for in a registered nurse. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important qualities, such as communication skills, empathy and attention to detail.
Answer Example: "I believe the most important qualities for a registered nurse to have are compassion, empathy and excellent communication skills. Compassion and empathy are essential for providing quality care to patients, as they allow nurses to understand and relate to patients’ feelings and needs. Excellent communication skills are also essential, as they allow nurses to effectively communicate with patients, families, other healthcare professionals, and other members of the medical team."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and whether you have any strategies for resolving it. Your answer should include an example of how you resolved a similar situation in the past, along with any steps you took to improve the situation or relationship.
Answer Example: "I understand that patient satisfaction is important, so I would first try to understand why they were unhappy. If it was something I could change, like a medication dosage or schedule, I would do so immediately. If it was something out of my control, such as another nurse’s decision, I would talk to the other nurse or doctor to resolve the issue. In either case, I would make sure to communicate with the patient or family member regularly until they were satisfied."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and manage a busy schedule. Your answer should include steps you take to ensure all of your patients receive the care they need, even when you have a lot on your plate.
Answer Example: "I start by creating a patient care plan for each person I’m caring for. This helps me organize my thoughts and decide what steps need to be taken to meet each patient’s needs. Then, I make sure to divide up the tasks among the team members so everyone has something to do. Finally, I prioritize tasks based on the severity of each patient’s situation. For example, if one patient needs an immediate medication dosage adjustment and another needs help getting out of bed, I’ll focus on giving the medication first."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you apply your skills in a real-world setting. Use examples from your experience that highlight your ability to work as part of a team, communicate with patients and doctors and use critical thinking skills to solve problems.
Answer Example: "In my last position as a registered nurse, I worked with a patient who had recently undergone surgery. He was experiencing pain in his abdomen and had difficulty moving around because of his limited mobility. I helped him with his pain by administering medication and also encouraged him to take walks around the hospital floor. By working together, we were able to get his pain under control and increase his mobility so he could return home sooner."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would use your knowledge of medication administration and patient care to assist in a challenging situation. In your answer, try to highlight your ability to assess a patient’s pain level, administer medication and monitor their response to ensure they are receiving the proper dosage.
Answer Example: "If a patient was experiencing severe pain, I would first assess their symptoms and determine if they were in need of medication. If so, I would consult with the doctor or other healthcare professional about the best course of action. Then, I would administer the medication according to the doctor’s instructions and monitor the patient’s response. If the patient’s pain persisted, I would consult with the doctor again to determine if additional medication is needed."
This question is a great way for employers to ensure that you have the necessary qualifications for the job. It’s important to show them that you have the certifications they require, as well as any other credentials that show your experience in this field. When answering this question, make sure to list all of the certifications and credentials you have.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am certified as an RN. I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from State University, where I also completed my clinical rotations. After graduating, I passed the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed in the state of California. I am also certified in CPR and first aid, which I have kept up-to-date through ongoing training programs."
This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and how it has prepared you for this role. Use this opportunity to highlight any specific qualifications you have that are relevant to the job, such as certifications or training.
Answer Example: "I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from University X, where I also completed my nursing internship. In addition to my degree, I am also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. These certifications allow me to provide advanced care to patients in need."
This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand your experience level. It can also help them determine if you have the qualifications they’re looking for in an RN. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention your previous experience and how it has helped you develop into the nurse you are today.
Answer Example: "I’ve been an RN for five years now. During that time, I’ve worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, medical clinics and nursing homes. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with many different types of patients, which has given me a better understanding of what patients need when they’re receiving care."
