Top 30 Interview Questions & Answers for Nurse Role – 2025

Nursing is a vital profession in healthcare that demands both clinical knowledge and compassion. Whether you're applying as a registered nurse, staff nurse, or specialized nurse, preparing for your interview is key. Here are the top 30 nursing interview questions and sample answers to help you excel.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult patient.
  I once cared for a patient who refused medication. I calmly explained the importance, listened to their concerns, and adjusted the care plan with their input. This built trust and led to cooperation.
• 2. How do you handle stress on a busy shift?
  I stay focused by prioritizing tasks, taking deep breaths, and communicating clearly with my team. I also remind myself that staying calm helps the patients and the team.
• 3. Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team.
  During a code blue, I assisted with compressions and collaborated with the team to stabilize the patient. Clear roles and communication helped us save the patient's life.
• 4. How do you manage conflict with coworkers?
  I address issues professionally and privately. I listen to the other person's perspective and aim for a respectful resolution that maintains a positive work environment.
• 5. Have you ever made a mistake? How did you handle it?
  Yes. I once documented a medication time incorrectly. I reported it immediately to my supervisor and corrected it in the system, ensuring patient safety and transparency.

Situational Questions

• 6. What would you do if a patient refused treatment?
  I would explain the importance of the treatment, ensure they understand the consequences, and respect their decision. I’d notify the physician and document the interaction clearly.
• 7. How would you handle a family upset about their loved one’s care?
  I’d listen empathetically, reassure them, and explain the care being provided. I’d escalate concerns when necessary and follow up to ensure satisfaction and understanding.
• 8. How do you manage multiple patients with different needs?
  I triage based on severity, maintain a checklist, and stay organized with timely documentation. Time management and teamwork are key to ensuring all patients receive proper care.
• 9. What would you do if you suspected a patient was being abused?
  I would document any signs of abuse, follow the mandatory reporting protocol, and inform my supervisor immediately to ensure the patient's safety.
• 10. How would you respond to a medical emergency on your unit?
  I would call for help, initiate emergency procedures like CPR if needed, and follow the code protocol until the response team arrived. Staying calm and focused is critical.

Technical Questions

• 11. What is your experience with electronic health records (EHR)?
  I am proficient with several EHR systems, including Epic and Cerner. I use them for charting, medication administration, and reviewing physician notes.
• 12. How do you ensure medication safety?
  I follow the 5 rights: right patient, right drug, right dose, right time, and right route. I double-check with barcoding systems and clarify any unclear orders.
• 13. Describe how you insert and manage an IV line.
  I follow aseptic technique, select the appropriate vein, insert the catheter, secure it, and monitor for signs of infiltration or infection.
• 14. How do you assess a patient’s pain?
  I use a pain scale (0–10), observe non-verbal cues, and consider vital signs and patient history to assess pain and document accurately.
• 15. How do you handle a post-op patient?
  I monitor vitals, assess pain, check surgical sites for bleeding or infection, encourage mobility, and ensure they understand discharge instructions.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. Why did you choose nursing as a career?
  I’ve always wanted to help people. Nursing allows me to make a direct impact on patients' lives while combining science, empathy, and problem-solving.
• 17. What qualities make you a good nurse?
  Compassion, attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills. I remain calm under pressure and always prioritize patient safety.
• 18. How do you handle ethical dilemmas in nursing?
  I follow hospital policy, consult with supervisors or ethics committees when necessary, and always act in the patient’s best interest.
• 19. How do you support diversity in your care?
  I respect all cultural beliefs, ask about preferences, and adapt care plans to ensure every patient feels seen and respected.
• 20. What do you enjoy most about being a nurse?
  Making a difference in someone’s recovery and being there during critical moments. The human connection is the most rewarding part of the job.

Portfolio & Experience Questions

• 21. What’s your experience in critical care or emergency settings?
  I’ve worked in ICU and ER environments where I managed ventilated patients, responded to codes, and handled trauma cases under intense pressure.
• 22. What nursing certifications do you have?
  I hold a valid RN license and certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS. I’m also pursuing a critical care certification (CCRN).
• 23. Tell us about a time you improved a process at work.
  I proposed a color-coded labeling system for medications, reducing errors and improving medication administration efficiency on our unit.
• 24. What’s your approach to patient education?
  I use simple language, provide written materials, and confirm understanding with teach-back methods. Education is key to patient safety and recovery.
• 25. Describe your charting and documentation process.
  I document in real-time using EHR systems, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and adherence to legal and professional standards.

Additional Questions

• 26. How do you stay updated on best practices?
  I attend workshops, subscribe to nursing journals, complete CEUs, and participate in peer learning sessions at work.
• 27. How do you handle end-of-life care?
  I provide comfort, ensure dignity, support the family, and follow the patient’s wishes and palliative care protocols compassionately.
• 28. How do you ensure infection control?
  I practice proper hand hygiene, use PPE, follow isolation precautions, and educate patients and families on hygiene protocols.
• 29. What would you do if you were short-staffed during a shift?
  I’d prioritize critical care, delegate tasks efficiently, communicate with my supervisor, and ensure patient safety is never compromised.
• 30. Where do you see yourself in five years?
  I see myself as a nurse leader or educator, mentoring new nurses and contributing to improved patient care practices within the organization.