15 Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to landing your next job, reviewing common nursing interview questions and answers is one of the best steps you can take to turn nerves into confidence. A great response doesn’t just show what you’ve done; it shows how you think, communicate, and connect with people. This is important because employers often rank soft skills — like critical thinking and professionalism — just as highly as technical competence when making hiring decisions.

Ready to dive into common nurse interview questions and answers? This guide offers strong sample answers and smart tips for making the right impression, including what not to say.

Types of Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

There are two core styles of interviews you’ll commonly face: behavioral and situational. To succeed, you’ll need to know how to respond effectively to both, as most interviews are a mixture of the two. Employers use this blend to get a full picture of how you handle real-world nursing challenges — both from what you’ve done before and how you’d tackle future situations. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of nursing interview questions and answers:

1. Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral interviews delve into how you handle specific situations. They’re rooted in the idea that how you’ve acted in the past predicts how you’ll perform in the future. These questions are designed to reveal patterns in your behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal skills. For example, you might be asked, “Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient?”

When responding to behavioral questions, employers want to hear concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively, solve problems, and think critically. For example, if you are asked about working with difficult coworkers, describe a specific time when you helped to resolve an issue.

If you’re asked about your strengths and weaknesses as a nurse, be strategic and honest. Choose strengths that are relevant to the role to which you’re applying. When discussing weaknesses, focus on what you’re actively doing to improve rather than just listing flaws.

2. Situational Interview Questions

In situational interviews, the nursing interview questions and answers will be based on hypothetical scenarios like, “What would you do if you noticed a colleague giving the wrong medication?” Instead of reflecting on your past accomplishments, you’ll be asked to come up with solutions on the spot, demonstrating your ability to think quickly and apply your nursing knowledge in real-time, often under pressure.

To stand out, you need to show that you understand industry best practices and ethical principles, as well as how to prioritize patient safety and respond responsibly when unexpected challenges arise. Studying real-world staff nurse interview questions and answers can help you prepare to respond clearly and effectively to these types of questions.

In addition to behavioral and situational questions, many nursing interviews include broader questions that help interviewers get to know your personality and professional instincts. These might not focus on specific clinical situations, but they can reveal a lot about your mindset, growth potential, and how well you’ll fit into the team.

15 Common Interview Questions and Answers for Nurses

Now that you understand the types of interview questions, let’s walk through specific examples, how to answer them well, and what to avoid. We’ve compiled a list of interview questions and answers for a nurse so you can prepare effective responses.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. When did you first know you wanted to be a nurse, and what about the career appealed to you?
3. Why are you leaving your current position?
4. What one skill or trait is most important to be a good nurse?
5. What would your coworkers say if I asked them if you were a good team member?
6. Tell me about a challenging time during your shift and how you dealt with it.
7. Tell me about a time you disagreed with your nurse manager’s or doctor’s recommendation and how you handled it.
8. What makes a patient difficult? How well do you deal with difficult patients?
9. What is the next step in your career?
10. What is your greatest accomplishment?
11. Why do you want to work at this facility?
12. Why should we hire you?
13. How do you prioritize patient care?
14. What are your salary expectations?
15. Do you have any questions about the role or the company?

Question 1: Tell me about yourself.

This question is often a staple in nursing interview questions and answers. Use it to confidently share your professional journey, current skills, and what drives your passion for nursing.

1. Start with a clear summary of your current professional accomplishments.
2. Mention something you’re currently learning, working toward, or taking on.
3. End by sharing a quick, relevant personal detail that complements your nursing practice.

How You Could Answer

“Professionally, I’m a substance abuse nurse with three years of experience in high-acuity settings. I’m CARN-certified, and I recently started a leadership development program through my hospital to prepare for a future nurse supervisor role. I’m often asked to precept new nurses, which I really enjoy. Personally, I’m passionate about holistic health and wellness — I do yoga, meditation, and regular strength training. These practices not only keep me grounded but help me support clients in changing their habits.”

Question 2: When did you first know you wanted to be a nurse, and what about the career appealed to you?

Among common nursing interview questions and answers, this one is a subtle test of both your personality and motivation for entering the profession. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Use the storytelling method to answer.
2. Focus on patient care (and your role in it).
3. Explain why you chose to become a nurse.

How You Could Answer

“I had to go to the ER when I was 10 after falling and hitting my head at a family picnic. The pain was bad, but what bothered me more was having to leave early. When I told the ER nurse what happened, she really listened and said she understood how disappointing it must have been to leave the picnic. That made me feel seen and cared for. Getting stitches wasn’t fun, but that nurse made the whole experience much more positive. I thought she had superpowers. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse.”

Question 3: Why are you leaving your current position?

In preparing for nursing interview questions and answers, be ready to explain why you’re leaving your current role in a way that highlights your growth and professionalism. Employers use this question to assess your professionalism and evaluate whether your career path fits their opportunity. No matter what happened at your last job, avoid venting frustrations. You can be honest about why you left your previous nursing job without sounding disrespectful.

1. Show a growth mindset.
2. Make it clear that you’re leaving on good terms.
3. Emphasize how the hiring facility supports your desire to grow.

How You Could Answer

“After three years in a general oncology unit, I’ve reached a point where I want to expand my knowledge in areas like hematologic cancers and stem cell transplants. This clinic’s national reputation and multidisciplinary approach offer the kind of exposure I need to take my oncology nursing career to the next level. While I’ve truly valued my time at my current hospital and am proud of what I’ve contributed there, I’m ready to take on more complex roles like the one I’m applying to.”

How NOT to Answer

“My boss was toxic, and my coworkers never helped.”

Question 4: What skill or trait is most important to be a good nurse?

This question helps determine your values and understanding of a nurse’s role. Pro tip: Be sure to make it clear how you embody these values in your work.

1. Focus your answer on caring for patients.
2. Admit that there are many essential traits.
3. Pick a trait and explain why it is most important.

How You Could Answer

“There are definitely many important traits a good nurse needs, but if I had to pick one, I’d say critical thinking is the most essential. I’ve had patients who looked stable on paper, but something felt off — and using critical thinking helped me ask the right questions, investigate further, and catch issues early on.”

Question 5: What would your coworkers say if I asked them if you were a good team member?

This question tests your self-awareness, communication style, and how well you collaborate in a clinical environment where teamwork is essential. Interviewers want to know if you pull your weight, support others, and contribute positively to the unit culture.

1. Be a cheerleader for teamwork.
2. Talk about how collaboration affects patient outcomes.
3. Recognize that sometimes you need to work autonomously.

How You Could Answer

“My coworkers would smile if you asked them about my teamwork skills because I do the teamwork cheer whenever we’ve gotten through a challenge together. I always want to be there for other nurses and members of the healthcare team when they need help and be open to letting someone help me if I’m struggling. They’d tell you that I always make my rounds before I clock out, asking if anyone needs a hand. It’s my way of supporting the unit.”

Question 6: Tell me about a challenging time during your shift and how you dealt with it.

This behavioral question lets the interviewer know how you handled a situation in the past, which could predict how you might perform in a similar situation in the future. Challenges and stress are realities in nursing. Through these types of nursing interview questions and answers, the interviewer wants to know that you take problems in stride and learn how to approach resolution.

1. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
2. Keep the focus on problem-solving, not drama.
3. Emphasize what you learned or how you’ve grown.

How You Could Answer

“One shift, we were short-staffed and had multiple high-acuity patients. I was responsible for four post-op patients, including one who began to show signs of internal bleeding. While escalating that situation to the surgeon, another patient started experiencing chest pain. I quickly called the charge nurse to reassign tasks so that both patients received immediate attention. It was intense, but I stayed calm, communicated clearly, and relied on the team. The situation reminded me how vital communication and delegation are during stressful moments.”

Question 7: Tell me about a time you disagreed with a nurse manager’s or doctor’s recommendation and how you handled it.

Some nursing interview questions and answers are meant to address more than one thing. This question tests your ability to speak up respectfully while prioritizing patient safety, and it tells the interviewer whether you understand the nursing chain of command.

1. Emphasize the importance of seeking clarification from a senior professional.
2. In your story, explain how you questioned the recommendation professionally and respectfully.
3. Say how it ended successfully.

How You Could Answer

“During a night shift, my nurse manager assigned a newer nurse to a high-acuity patient on a ventilator, while I had a lighter assignment. I was concerned because the newer nurse hadn’t yet managed a ventilated patient alone. I respectfully approached the manager and suggested a swap so the critical patient would get more experienced care. I offered to support the newer nurse with the rest of her patients if needed. My manager appreciated the feedback. It wasn’t about questioning authority — it was about ensuring patient safety.”

Question 8: What makes a patient difficult? How do you deal with difficult patients?

During your career, you will likely wind up dealing with difficult patients as a nurse. This question is designed to test your patience, emotional intelligence, and ability to maintain professionalism under stress.

1. Focus on the “why” behind the behavior (e.g., pain, fear, or loss of control).
2. Share how you de-escalated tension or built trust.
3. Show emotional maturity and empathy.

How You Could Answer

“A patient can become difficult when they feel powerless. I once cared for a patient in a behavioral health unit who became aggressive after a phone call with a family member. His anxiety escalated quickly — he started shouting and eventually threw a chair across the room. As a CPI-certified nurse, I immediately ensured everyone’s safety by creating space and maintaining a calm, nonthreatening posture. I spoke gently and offered choices to de-escalate the situation and help him regain control: I said, ‘I can call your doctor and ask for anxiety medication, we can talk through what you’re feeling, or I can get you extra pillows if you want to punch something.’ Giving him choices helped lower the power struggle. He eventually sat down and asked for medication. Later, we debriefed together. I’ve learned that staying calm and offering options can defuse aggressive episodes and preserve therapeutic communication.”

Question 9: What is the next step in your career?

Companies invest time and money when they hire a new employee. They want to know that you’re planning to stick around. They also want to see if you are ambitious and want to further your career or education. Nursing interview questions and answers like this one help the interviewer know if you fit into the organization.

1. Be realistic but ambitious — show you want to grow but in a way that fits the role and organization.
2. Reference a specific nursing certification, advanced role (like nurse leader or educator), or professional milestone that aligns with the job.
3. Mention how your goals contribute to the unit or organization.

How You Could Answer

“Right now, my focus is on continuing to grow as a bedside nurse and deepen my clinical skills. My next step is to earn my CNOR certification. I’m especially excited about this facility because of the support it offers for continuing education and certification preparation. Down the line, I’d love to take on more of a leadership role, possibly as a nurse preceptor.”

How NOT to Answer

“I was hoping to work for another hospital. They didn’t hire me, so I applied with you.”

Question 10: What is your greatest nursing accomplishment?

In the world of nursing interview questions and answers, this one gives you a chance to highlight a moment in your nursing career that makes you proud — not just for what you did, but how you did it. Choose a story that reflects your skills, values, and ability to make an impact.

1. Choose something measurable or with a clear impact.
2. Tie your accomplishment to patient care, leadership, or learning.
3. Briefly reflect on why it mattered to you.

How You Could Answer

“At my current hospital, I helped launch a peer mentorship initiative for new grads on the unit. I helped design orientation checklists and ran weekly support huddles. Over time, our unit saw improved retention and morale. It felt good to create something lasting, especially knowing how overwhelming those first few months can be.”

How NOT to Answer

“My greatest accomplishment was running a marathon last year.”

Question 11: Why do you want to work at this facility?

This question frequently appears in nursing interview questions and answers to gauge your understanding of the organization and how well your values match their mission. It also tests how much you’ve researched the organization. Reference something specific — such as their patient care philosophy, work culture, or a program you admire — and explain why it resonates with you.

1. Avoid generic or convenience-based answers (like location or good benefits).
2. Focus on meaningful reasons that show you’ve researched the facility.
3. Reference specific aspects of the facility that align with your professional goals or values, such as patient care philosophy or reputation in the community.

How You Could Answer

“Your facility stood out to me because of its consistently high patient satisfaction scores and dedication to community outreach programs. I’d love to be part of a team that values clinical excellence and extends care to underserved populations.”

How NOT to Answer

“The facility is 10 minutes away from my home, and I want to be able to walk to work.”

Question 12: Why should we hire you?

This is your chance to summarize what makes you a strong candidate — including your skills, experience, and mindset — and how you match what the employer is looking for. Focus on how you can meet their needs and contribute to the team.

1. Emphasize your most relevant strengths and experience.
2. Mention personal qualities that make you a pleasant coworker to work with.
3. Keep it confident, clear, and humble.

How You Could Answer

“Having earned my med-surg certification last year, I bring a solid clinical foundation. I have a strong track record in managing complex post-op patients with minimal complications and regularly serve as a preceptor for new nurses. I’m also known for my stress-resilience and ability to calmly guide others through challenging situations.”

13. How do you prioritize patient care?

Prioritization is a key part of safe, effective nursing — especially in fast-paced or high-acuity settings. In nursing interview questions and answers like this one, employers want to see that you can triage appropriately and allocate your attention where it’s needed most.

1. Mention specific frameworks or tools you use to triage your patients (like ABCs, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and Virginia Henderson’s Theory of Needs).
2. Include an example with changing patient status or time-sensitive care.
3. Emphasize reassessment and adaptability.

How You Could Answer

I prioritize care using the ABCs — airway, breathing, and circulation — as a foundational triage tool. For example, if I’m assigned four patients at the start of my shift, I review the handoff report and focus first on those with signs of respiratory distress, abnormal vitals, or bleeding risk. I also integrate Maslow’s Hierarchy to guide non-urgent needs, such as pain control, patient education, or emotional support, once critical issues are stabilized.”

Question 14: What are your salary expectations?

This is one of the most delicate nursing interview questions and answers, and it’s important to approach it with professionalism and tact. You want to show that you value your skills and experience, but are also flexible enough to find common ground. Preparation is key. Research typical nursing salaries for your experience level, specialty, and region beforehand. This way, you can give a thoughtful answer that’s realistic and shows you’ve done your homework.

1. Research salary ranges for similar roles in your area.
2. Offer a reasonable salary range based on your research.
3. Mention that you’re open to discussing the full compensation package, including benefits, bonuses, and growth opportunities.

How You Could Answer

“I’ve looked into current salary trends for nurses in this region with similar responsibilities and experience. For this role, I believe a range between $85,000 and $100,000 would be appropriate. I’m open to negotiation depending on the full compensation package and opportunities for growth.”

Question 15: Do you have any questions about the role or the company?

Often the last in a long list of nursing interview questions and answers, this one helps interviewers check your understanding of the role and the organization’s culture. Strong candidates ask thoughtful, specific questions — not just about the job, but about the team, leadership, values, and growth opportunities.

1. Show you’ve researched the facility and understand their priorities.
2. Avoid asking about salary or time off right away — save that for a later stage.
3. Demonstrate that you’re proactive about fitting in and contributing from day one.

Questions You May Want to Ask

• “What does success look like in this role after 6 months?”
• “Are there particular goals or outcomes you hope the new hire will help improve?”
• “How does the team typically support each other during high-acuity shifts?”
• “What qualities do your most successful nurses in this unit share?”
• “What does orientation look like for this role?”
• “Does your unit offer opportunities for continuing education, certifications, or cross-training?”

Nursing Interview Questions and Answers: FAQ

What should you avoid saying during a nursing interview?

You’ve learned many great ways to handle nursing interview questions and answers — but what are the things you should avoid? Here are some interview tips for nurses about what to avoid that can help you avoid raising red flags:

• Responding defensively or aggressively to challenging questions: Employers aren’t looking for perfection — they’re looking for someone who’s humble and teachable. If you don’t know something, it’s okay to admit it. Try saying something like, “I don’t have that skill yet, but I’d be happy to learn it on my own time before the start date.”
• Giving vague or generic answers: Hiring managers speak to many candidates, and if you repeat answers that sound memorized or pulled straight from a script, they’ll notice. Use resources (like this article) for inspiration, but make sure your responses feel personal and original.
• Badmouthing past employers or coworkers: Speaking negatively about previous jobs or colleagues can come off as unprofessional. Instead, focus on what you learned, even from difficult experiences, and how those lessons made you a stronger nurse. That perspective shows resilience and maturity.
• Focusing on salary, benefits, or time off too soon: It’s normal to care about pay and work-life balance, but bringing it up too soon can make it seem like you’re more focused on perks than purpose. First, demonstrate the value you bring to the team. Once that’s clear, the conversation about benefits will feel more natural.

What should you say about leaving your last nursing job if you left on bad terms?

When preparing for nursing interview questions and answers about leaving your last job, aim to keep your tone professional. For example, if ethical concerns play a role, emphasize your commitment to maintaining high standards of care, not how bad the previous workplace was.

Should you talk about your personal life?

When preparing for nursing interview questions and answers, it’s important to keep your responses professional. It’s acceptable to mention your needs — such as requesting a specific schedule — but be mindful that sharing too much personal information might raise concerns for the interviewer.

• Don’t say: “I’m a busy parent with five kids, my ex and I are separated, and can only work Monday through Wednesday. My ex has my kids then, and he won’t budge no matter how much I ask.”
• Do say: “I’m looking for a full-time position, preferably on the day shift. I also appreciate receiving schedule changes at least a week in advance.”

What if you’re not qualified for the job after all?

Don’t claim experience or skills you don’t have. It’s okay not to know everything, especially as a new grad nurse. What matters is honesty and a willingness to learn. For example, if you learn in the interview that ACLS certification is required but you only have BLS certification, you could say, “I don’t have my ACLS yet, but I would be happy to complete it before my start date.”

What is the STAR method?

Try the STAR method to handle your nursing interview questions and answers like a pro. Do you remember learning about SBAR in nursing school to help you give a nursing report in a succinct, organized manner? The STAR method is similar, except this framework guides you when answering interview questions, especially behavioral ones. It stands for: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Follow these guidelines:

1. Share a story that describes a similar situation as the one being asked about.
2. Think about what your role was, and discuss any tasks that you were responsible for.
3. Share what steps you took. Did you take action? Describe it.
4. What happened? What was the result and outcome? How did your actions affect that outcome?

For example, if the interviewer asks you: “Tell me about a time you advocated for a patient,” your answer could be the following:

• Situation: While working on a med-surg unit, I had a post-op patient who was in increasing pain despite being on scheduled pain meds.
• Task: I noticed his vital signs were changing, and he seemed more agitated than expected. My task was to assess him and escalate care if needed.
• Action: I contacted the surgical team and explained my concerns using SBAR. I pushed for additional imaging, even though the initial plan was just to monitor.
• Result: Imaging showed an early post-op complication, and the patient returned to the OR in time to prevent further deterioration. The surgeon later thanked me for being persistent. It reminded me how important it is to speak up for patients.

What soft skills should you emphasize during the interview?

Soft skills are widely recognized as important in nursing because they improve communication, teamwork, and patient care. When preparing for nursing interview questions and answers, think about emphasizing soft skills in nursing that show your ability to collaborate, adapt, and provide compassionate care. Here are some key skills to highlight:

• Empathy
• Compassion
• Effective communication
• Creative problem-solving
• Time management
• Cultural competence
• Stress management
• Adaptability
• Active listening
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Professionalism

Should you follow up after the interview?

Yes. When you get back home, write a thank-you email to the person who interviewed you and show that you’re grateful for their time. Reflect on some key points from the nursing interview questions and answers you discussed, and mention what you enjoyed learning about the role or team. Simple acts of courtesy go a long way. You’d be surprised how many candidates skip this step.

What nursing interview tips about body language should you keep in mind?

Nonverbal cues can be just as impactful as what you say in an interview. One of the most practical body language tips is to carry yourself with calm confidence. Sit upright, maintain natural eye contact, and offer a professional handshake. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting — it can make you appear nervous or closed off.

Additional Resources for Your Nursing Job Search

Have you mastered nursing interview questions and answers but need extra support in your job search? These articles cover how to write everything from resumes to application essays:

• Nursing resume
• NP resume
• RN resume
• LPN resume
• CNA resume
• Nursing cover letter
• NP cover letter
• RN cover letter
• LPN cover letter
• CNA cover letter
• Motivational letter
• Nursing philosophy essay

Find Your Next Job on IntelyCare

Navigating nursing interview questions and answers can be intimidating, but you’ve got this. Ready to take the next step and find a great new opportunity? Check out the world of nursing jobs available right now on IntelyCare and apply today.

Morganne Skinner, BSN, RN, and Kathleen Walder contributed to the writing of this article.