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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

Interviewers look for candidates that demonstrate excellent skills such as:

In this blog, we discuss commonly asked interview questions during job interviews for Registered Nurse positions. We also discuss the qualities that interviewers look for in successful candidates. In other words, we’re here to help you out!

Also, read more about frequently asked job interview questions here and check our job interview preparation checklist.

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Skills Interviewers Look For In Successful Candidates

Below we discuss the skills you can highlight in your answers to demonstrate that you’re qualified for the job.

Critical-thinking skills

Why interviewers are interested in your critical-thinking skills:

Registered nurses must assess changes in the health status of patients, such as determining when to take corrective action.

Communication skills

Why interviewers are interested in your communication skills:

Registered nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients in order to understand their concerns and evaluate their health conditions. Nurses need to clearly explain instructions, such as how to take medication. They must work in teams with other health professionals and communicate patients’ needs.

Learn more about communication interview questions and how to answer them!

Compassion

Why interviewers are interested in how compassionate you are:

Registered nurses should be caring and empathetic when working with patients.

Attention to detail

Why interviewers are interested in your attention to detail:

Registered nurses must be precise because they must ensure that patients get the correct treatments and medicines at the right time.

Emotional stability

Why interviewers are interested in your emotional stability:

Registered nurses need emotional resilience and the ability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressors.

Organizational skills

Why interviewers are interested in your organizational skills:

Nurses often work with multiple patients who have a variety of health needs. The ability to coordinate numerous treatment plans and records is critical to ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.

Learn more about organizational interview questions and how to answer them!

Physical stamina

Why interviewers are interested in your physical stamina:

Nurses should be comfortable performing physical tasks, such as lifting patients. They may be on their feet for most of their shift.

(source: bls.gov)

Registered Nurse Job Interview Questions & Answers

During a job interview, the hiring manager wants to discuss several things. Think of your:

Below you find a list of commonly asked interview questions.

Examples Of General Registered Nurse Interview Questions

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  2. How would you describe yourself?
  3. Why do you want to work here?
  4. What interests you about this position?
  5. Walk me through your resume.
  6. What motivates you?
  7. Why are you leaving your current job?
  8. Describe your work ethic.
  9. What is your greatest strength?
  10. How does your experience qualify you for this job?
  11. What is your greatest weakness?
  12. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  13. Tell me about a challenging work situation and how you overcame it.
  14. What are your expectations for this position?
  15. What are your career goals?
  16. Why should we hire you?
  17. What did you like most about your last position?
  18. What did you like least about your last position?
  19. How do you handle stress?
  20. What is your greatest accomplishment?

Learn how to answer these common job interview questions!

Examples Of Specific Registered Nurse Behavioral Interview Questions

Learn more about answering behavioral interview questions by using the STAR interview technique.

  1. Give me an example of how you assess changes in patients’ health status and how you determine when to take corrective action.
  2. Tell me how you deal with stressful situations. Can you give me an example of how you perform under pressure?
  3. Give me an example of how you coordinate different treatment plans and records to ensure that each patient receives appropriate care.
  4. Tell me about a rewarding teamwork experience. What made it rewarding for you?
  5. How do you deal with human suffering, emergencies, and other stressors you will encounter during work?
  6. Describe a time you had to deal with a difficult or any patient. How did you handle that situation?
  7. What do you consider your strongest skill as a registered nurse? Can you give me an example situation that demonstrates those skills?
  8. How would you approach a distressed or anxious patient? Can you give an example of a time you calmed down a patient?
  9. What is your approach to ensuring a smooth and strong collaboration with other members of a patient’s care team?
  10. Describe a time you had to deliver bad news to a patient and their family.

Learn more about questions to ask the interviewer during your job interview.

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