Preparing for a nursing interview? This comprehensive guide covers the 50 most commonly asked nursing interview questions with expert-approved answers. Whether you're a fresher or experienced nurse, these questions will help you ace your interview.
💡 Interview Success Tips
- Research the hospital before the interview
- Dress professionally in clean, ironed clothes
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring copies of your certificates and resume
- Maintain eye contact and speak clearly
- Ask questions about the role at the end
👤 Personal & Background Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Best Answer: "I am a BSc Nursing graduate from [College Name] with [X] years of experience in [specialty]. I am passionate about patient care and have strong skills in [specific skills]. I worked at [Previous Hospital] where I handled [responsibilities]. I'm looking for a challenging role where I can contribute to quality patient care."
Why did you choose nursing as a career?
Best Answer: "Nursing combines my passion for science with my desire to help people. The opportunity to make a direct impact on patients' lives during their most vulnerable moments is deeply fulfilling. I find satisfaction in providing comfort and care while using my medical knowledge to improve health outcomes."
Why do you want to work at this hospital?
Best Answer: "I've researched [Hospital Name] and am impressed by your reputation for [specific quality - patient care, technology, training]. Your [specialty department/program] aligns with my career goals. I believe working here will help me grow professionally while contributing to your mission of quality healthcare."
What are your strengths as a nurse?
Best Answer: "My key strengths are attention to detail, excellent communication with patients and families, ability to stay calm under pressure, and strong clinical skills. I'm also a quick learner and team player who can adapt to different situations effectively."
What is your biggest weakness?
Best Answer: "I sometimes take on too much responsibility because I want everything done perfectly. I'm working on this by learning to delegate tasks appropriately and trusting my colleagues. I've improved significantly in prioritizing and asking for help when needed."
🏥 Clinical & Technical Questions
What are the 5 rights of medication administration?
Best Answer: "The 5 rights are: (1) Right Patient - verify identity, (2) Right Medication - check drug name, (3) Right Dose - confirm dosage, (4) Right Route - oral, IV, IM, etc., (5) Right Time - as per schedule. Some add 3 more: Right Documentation, Right Reason, and Right Response."
How do you handle a patient who refuses medication?
Best Answer: "First, I would calmly ask why they're refusing. I'd explain the medication's importance and potential consequences of not taking it. I'd address any concerns or side effects they mention. If they still refuse, I'd document it thoroughly, inform the doctor, and explore alternatives. Patient autonomy must be respected."
What would you do if you made a medication error?
Best Answer: "I would immediately assess the patient's condition and check vital signs. Then I'd inform the senior nurse and doctor right away. I would document the error honestly in the incident report and monitor the patient closely. Transparency is essential - hiding errors can harm patients."
Explain the nursing process.
Best Answer: "The nursing process is ADPIE: (1) Assessment - collecting patient data, (2) Diagnosis - identifying nursing problems, (3) Planning - setting goals and interventions, (4) Implementation - carrying out the care plan, (5) Evaluation - assessing effectiveness and modifying as needed."
What are the signs of shock?
Best Answer: "Signs of shock include: rapid, weak pulse; low blood pressure; cold, clammy skin; pale or bluish skin color; rapid breathing; confusion or altered consciousness; decreased urine output; and restlessness or anxiety. Immediate intervention is critical."
How do you prioritize patients?
Best Answer: "I use the ABC approach - Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Patients with life-threatening conditions come first. Then I assess based on urgency using triage principles. I also consider pain levels, scheduled medications, and time-sensitive treatments. Regular reassessment is key."
What is the normal range for vital signs?
Best Answer: "Adult normal ranges: Temperature: 36.1-37.2°C (97-99°F), Pulse: 60-100 bpm, Respiration: 12-20 breaths/min, Blood Pressure: 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg, SpO2: 95-100%. These vary by age, activity, and health conditions."
🤝 Behavioral & Situational Questions
Tell me about a difficult patient you handled.
Best Answer: "I had a patient who was agitated and refusing treatment. I remained calm, listened to their concerns, and discovered they were anxious about their diagnosis. I spent extra time explaining their condition, involved their family for support, and gradually gained their trust. They eventually cooperated with treatment."
How do you handle stress during emergencies?
Best Answer: "I stay focused on the immediate task and follow protocols. I take quick, deep breaths to stay calm. I prioritize actions based on urgency and communicate clearly with the team. After the emergency, I reflect on what happened to improve future responses."
How do you deal with conflict with a colleague?
Best Answer: "I address conflicts professionally and privately. I listen to their perspective first, then explain mine calmly. I focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. If we can't resolve it, I involve a supervisor. Patient care always comes first, so I never let personal issues affect work."
Describe a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
Best Answer: "An elderly patient was sad because her family couldn't visit. During my breaks, I sat with her, helped her video call her grandchildren, and arranged for the hospital chaplain to visit. She recovered faster with improved spirits. Going beyond clinical care makes a real difference."
How do you handle a doctor's order you disagree with?
Best Answer: "If I have concerns, I respectfully voice them to the doctor, explaining my reasoning based on patient assessment. I'd say, 'I want to clarify...' or 'My concern is...' If I still disagree, I'd document my concerns and escalate to my supervisor. Patient safety is paramount."
💉 ICU & Critical Care Questions
What experience do you have with ventilators?
Best Answer: "I have [X] years of experience managing ventilated patients. I'm familiar with modes like CMV, SIMV, and CPAP. I can monitor ventilator settings, assess patient-ventilator synchrony, perform suctioning, and recognize complications like pneumothorax. I'm also trained in weaning protocols."
How do you prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)?
Best Answer: "VAP prevention includes: elevating head of bed 30-45°, daily sedation vacation and assessment for extubation, oral care with chlorhexidine, hand hygiene, maintaining cuff pressure, avoiding unnecessary circuit changes, and early mobilization when possible."
What would you do if a patient goes into cardiac arrest?
Best Answer: "I would call for help, start CPR immediately with chest compressions, ensure the defibrillator is brought, and follow ACLS protocol. I'd assign roles - compressions, airway, medications, documentation. Continue CPR until the code team arrives, maintaining high-quality compressions with minimal interruptions."
👶 Pediatric & OB-GYN Questions
How is pediatric nursing different from adult nursing?
Best Answer: "Pediatric nursing requires age-appropriate communication, smaller medication doses calculated by weight, different vital sign ranges, involvement of parents in care, play therapy techniques, and understanding developmental stages. Children can't always verbalize symptoms, so observation skills are crucial."
What are the stages of labor?
Best Answer: "The four stages are: (1) First stage - cervical dilation from 0-10cm, divided into early, active, and transition phases; (2) Second stage - from full dilation to baby's birth; (3) Third stage - delivery of placenta; (4) Fourth stage - first 1-2 hours postpartum for monitoring and recovery."
📋 Fresher-Specific Questions
Why should we hire you as a fresher?
Best Answer: "Though I'm a fresher, I bring updated knowledge from my recent education, enthusiasm to learn, and no bad habits to unlearn. My clinical rotations gave me hands-on experience in [departments]. I'm adaptable, quick to learn, and committed to growing with your organization."
What did you learn during your clinical training?
Best Answer: "During clinical training, I learned practical patient care skills, medication administration, vital signs monitoring, wound care, and documentation. I also developed communication skills with patients and families, and learned to work in a healthcare team under supervision."
How will you handle the transition from student to working nurse?
Best Answer: "I understand the increased responsibility. I'll actively seek guidance from senior nurses, ask questions when uncertain, follow protocols carefully, and continuously learn from each experience. I'm prepared to work hard during this transition period."
❓ Questions to Ask the Interviewer
📝 Good Questions to Ask
- "What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in this unit?"
- "What orientation and training do you provide for new nurses?"
- "What are the opportunities for professional development?"
- "Can you describe a typical shift in this department?"
- "What qualities make someone successful in this role?"
- "When can I expect to hear about the decision?"
🚀 Ready for Your Nursing Interview?
Register on AutoHireBot to get matched with top hospitals and receive interview calls!
Find Jobs Now →📥 Download Interview Preparation Checklist
Prepare thoroughly with this checklist:
- ✅ Research the hospital (history, specialties, values)
- ✅ Review your resume and be ready to discuss every point
- ✅ Prepare STAR format answers for behavioral questions
- ✅ Practice common clinical scenarios
- ✅ Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
- ✅ Organize documents (certificates, ID, photos)
- ✅ Plan your outfit and travel route
- ✅ Get good sleep the night before