Top 10 Common Nursing Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

Landing a nursing interview is a big step toward your next role — but the real challenge comes in showing the interviewer that you’re the best fit for the job. Preparation is key, and knowing what questions to expect (and how to answer them) can boost your confidence and performance.

Here are 10 common nursing interview questions and tips for crafting strong, memorable answers.

1. Tell Me About Yourself.

Purpose: Break the ice and see how you present yourself.
How to Answer: Keep it professional and focused on your nursing career.
✅ Share your background, key experience, and what brought you into nursing.
✅ End with why you’re excited about this opportunity.

Example:

“I’m a Registered Nurse with 5 years of experience in medical-surgical and cardiac units. I started my career because I’ve always been passionate about helping people through challenging times. I’m now excited to bring my patient care expertise to a hospital that values teamwork and innovation.”

2. Why Did You Choose Nursing?

Purpose: Understand your motivation for the profession.
How to Answer: Tell a brief, genuine story or inspiration.
✅ Connect it to your current passion for patient care.

3. What Are Your Strengths as a Nurse?

Purpose: Gauge self-awareness and fit for the role.
How to Answer: Pick 2–3 strengths backed by examples.
✅ Include both clinical and soft skills (e.g., assessment skills, empathy, teamwork).

4. What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

Purpose: See how you handle growth areas.
How to Answer: Be honest, but focus on how you’re improving.
✅ Avoid “I’m a perfectionist” without context.
✅ Show a plan for professional development.

Example:

“I used to struggle with delegating tasks, but I’ve been working on improving by trusting my team more and learning to balance my workload.”

5. Tell Me About a Time You Handled a Difficult Patient.

Purpose: Assess your conflict resolution and communication skills.
How to Answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
✅ Show empathy and professionalism in your approach.

6. How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?

Purpose: Nursing is high-pressure — they want to see coping strategies.
How to Answer: Share a real example and your self-care techniques.
✅ Highlight how you stay calm, focused, and organized.

7. How Do You Prioritize Patient Care?

Purpose: Test your time management and decision-making.
How to Answer: Explain how you assess urgency, patient needs, and workload.
✅ Mention using tools like patient charts, checklists, and team communication.

8. How Do You Work in a Team?

Purpose: Nursing requires collaboration.
How to Answer: Share examples of teamwork improving patient care.
✅ Highlight your communication skills and ability to support colleagues.

9. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?

Purpose: Understand your career goals and commitment.
How to Answer: Align your goals with the facility’s growth.
✅ Mention ongoing education or specialization without sounding like you’ll leave quickly.

10. Do You Have Any Questions for Us?

Purpose: Show interest and engagement.
How to Answer: Prepare thoughtful questions. Examples:

  • “How does this unit measure patient care success?”
  • “What are the biggest challenges your team is currently facing?”

Final Tips for Nursing Interviews

  • Practice your answers, but keep them natural.
  • Use specific examples for credibility.
  • Show empathy, professionalism, and enthusiasm.

By preparing for these common questions, you’ll walk into your nursing interview confident, clear, and ready to make a great impression.