Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Volunteer Nurse Roles – 2025

As a volunteer nurse, it’s crucial to have a strong understanding of nursing principles and procedures, as well as the ability to adapt to new environments and work with a diverse range of patients. This guide provides a list of interview questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your experience and qualifications while showcasing your passion for helping others.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background and why you decided to become a nurse.
  A: I have always been passionate about helping others and making a positive impact in their lives. Nursing allows me to do that while also utilizing my skills and knowledge in the medical field. I find joy in caring for patients and being a part of their healing journey.
• 2. How do you handle stressful situations in a healthcare setting?
  A: In such situations, I stay calm and focused, prioritizing tasks and delegating when necessary. I also make sure to communicate effectively with my team and seek support when needed. I have learned how to effectively manage stress through my nursing education and experiences.
• 3. How do you ensure patient confidentiality?
  A: Patient confidentiality is of utmost importance in the healthcare setting. I make sure to follow all privacy regulations and only discuss patient information with those involved in their care. I also secure sensitive patient information and safeguard it from unauthorized access.
• 4. How do you stay updated with advancements in the nursing field?
  A: I regularly attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to stay informed about the latest developments in the nursing field. I also subscribe to healthcare journals and networks with other nurses to stay updated on best practices and new techniques.
• 5. What skills and qualities do you possess that make you a good fit for this volunteer nursing role?
  A: I am passionate, empathetic, and have excellent communication and critical thinking skills. I am also a team player, flexible, and quick to adapt to new environments. These qualities allow me to provide quality care and work well with others in a diverse setting.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you faced a difficult situation while caring for a patient. How did you handle it?
  A: During my clinical rotations, I had a patient who was resistant to receiving certain treatments. I approached them with empathy and took the time to understand their concerns. Through effective communication and collaboration with their healthcare team, we were able to find a solution that they were comfortable with, while still providing the necessary care.
• 7. Can you tell us about a time when you provided exceptional care to a patient?
  A: During my time as a volunteer nurse at a free clinic, I had a patient who was struggling with managing their chronic condition. I took the time to educate them about their condition and helped them develop a plan to better manage it. The patient was able to see improvement and was grateful for the care they received.
• 8. How do you ensure cultural competency when caring for patients from diverse backgrounds?
  A: I make an effort to learn about different cultures and their healthcare practices. I also ask patients about their preferences and beliefs regarding their care to ensure that I provide care that is respectful and aligned with their values. If needed, I collaborate with interpreters or utilize cultural competency resources to better serve my patients.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you had a conflict with a colleague. How did you handle it?
  A: In my previous volunteer nursing role, I had a disagreement with a fellow nurse on the appropriate course of treatment for a patient. I listened to their perspective and calmly discussed our differences to reach a mutually agreed-upon plan of care. In the end, we were able to put the needs of the patient first and work together effectively.

Situational Questions

• 10. If you encounter a patient who is non-compliant with their medication, what steps would you take?
  A: I would first engage in active listening to understand why the patient is non-compliant. Then, I would educate them about the importance of their medication and work with them to find a solution that fits their individual circumstances, whether it be adjusting the treatment plan or addressing any barriers they may have.
• 11. If a patient has a language barrier, how would you ensure they receive necessary care?
  A: To ensure effective communication, I would utilize translation services or collaborate with a bilingual colleague. I would also take the time to learn the patient's preferred communication method, such as using visuals or written materials, to provide the best care possible.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a patient’s family is being disruptive or disrespectful?
  A: I would first politely address their behavior and kindly remind them of the hospital’s policies and expectations for visitors. If the situation continues to escalate, I would seek support from other healthcare team members or security to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients and staff.
• 13. If faced with a medical emergency, what steps would you take?
  A: I would immediately assess the situation and call for help while providing any necessary first aid or immediate care. I would also follow the appropriate protocols and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient while seeking support from other healthcare team members.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where a patient’s cultural or religious beliefs conflict with the treatment plan?
  A: I would first acknowledge and respect the patient’s beliefs and communicate openly with them about their care. I would also collaborate with the healthcare team and involve a cultural advisor or spiritual leader, if available, to find a solution that respects the patient’s beliefs while still addressing their health needs.

Technical Questions

• 15. Can you walk us through the steps of administering medication through an IV line?
  A: The steps for administering medication through an IV line include:
  • 1. Confirm the medication, dose, and route are correct.
  • 2. Calculate the appropriate dose and add it to the IV bag according to medication instructions.
  • 3. Check the IV line for any signs of blockage or air bubbles.
  • 4. Clean the injection port using the appropriate technique.
  • 5. Connect the IV line to the port and slowly administer the medication, monitoring the patient’s vital signs and assessing for any adverse reactions.
  • 6. Secure the line and dispose of any materials according to infection control guidelines.
• 16. How would you handle a patient experiencing an allergic reaction to a medication?
  A: I would first discontinue the medication and assess the severity of the allergic reaction. If needed, I would administer emergency medication, such as an EpiPen, while seeking support from other healthcare team members. I would also document the patient's reaction and inform the prescribing physician for further course of treatment.
• 17. Can you explain the proper steps for changing a patient’s wound dressing?
  A: The steps for changing a patient’s wound dressing include:
  • 1. Wash hands and put on gloves.
  • 2. Gently remove old dressing and dispose of it appropriately.
  • 3. Clean the wound using sterile techniques and antiseptic solution.
  • 4. Apply new dressing, making sure to cover the wound completely and secure it in place.
  • 5. Remove gloves and wash hands.
  • 6. Document the procedure and observe for any signs of infection or complications.
• 18. How would you ensure proper infection control in a patient's room?
  A: To ensure proper infection control, I would:
  • 1. Perform hand hygiene before and after entering the room.
  • 2. Follow proper donning and doffing protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE), if needed.
  • 3. Use sterile techniques when handling any equipment or performing procedures.
  • 4. Clean and disinfect any high-touch surfaces regularly.
  • 5. Dispose of any used materials per infection control guidelines.
• 19. How do you handle a patient who is non-compliant with their care plan?
  A: To address non-compliance, I would first try to understand the reason behind it and educate the patient about the importance of their care plan. I would also collaborate with the healthcare team and involve the patient's family or caregivers, if appropriate, to find a solution that meets the patient's needs and encourages their compliance.
• 20. Can you explain the different types of intravenous (IV) fluids and when to use each one?
  A: The different types of IV fluids include:
  • 1. Isotonic: Used for rehydration and to expand intravascular volume, such as 0.9% normal saline.
  • 2. Hypertonic: Used to increase intravascular volume, such as 3% saline.
  • 3. Hypotonic: Used to hydrate cells and replace electrolytes, such as 0.45% normal saline.
  • 4. Blood products: Used for blood transfusions to replace blood components and treat anemia or blood loss.
  • 5. Dextrose solutions: Used to provide calories and treat hypoglycemia, such as D5W.