How to Identify Key Skills in Nursing Candidates: A Guide for Hiring Managers

In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, hiring the right nurse is more than filling a vacancy, it’s about finding a professional who can thrive under pressure, connect with patients, and contribute to a strong clinical team.
At RNNation.com, we know that the hiring process can be challenging, especially when candidates may have similar credentials on paper. The real difference often lies in identifying the key skills that will ensure long-term success.

Below are practical tips to help hiring managers assess nursing candidates more effectively.

1. Start with the Core Competencies

Every great nurse should have a combination of technical expertise and soft skills. While credentials and licenses verify qualifications, dig deeper to evaluate:

  • Clinical knowledge – Familiarity with procedures, protocols, and best practices relevant to your facility’s specialty.
  • Attention to detail – Accuracy in documentation, medication administration, and patient care.
  • Critical thinking – Ability to make quick, informed decisions in urgent situations.

Tip: During interviews, present real-world scenarios or case studies to assess how candidates apply their knowledge in practice.

2. Assess Communication Skills

In nursing, communication can be the difference between a smooth patient recovery and a preventable error. Look for:

  • Clear and concise verbal communication
  • Active listening with empathy
  • Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams

Tip: Role-play a difficult patient interaction to see how the candidate responds under pressure.

3. Look for Emotional Intelligence

Healthcare can be emotionally charged. Nurses need resilience, compassion, and the ability to stay composed. Indicators include:

  • Demonstrating empathy without becoming emotionally overwhelmed
  • Handling feedback constructively
  • Maintaining professionalism in stressful situations

Tip: Ask behavioral interview questions like:
"Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult or emotional patient. How did you handle it?"

4. Evaluate Adaptability and Problem-Solving

From staffing shortages to sudden patient complications, nurses often work in unpredictable environments. Strong candidates:

  • Adapt quickly to changes in patient needs
  • Remain calm when routines are disrupted
  • Think creatively to solve problems without compromising patient safety

Tip: Include a “surprise” change in your interview scenario to see how the candidate adjusts.

5. Don’t Overlook Teamwork and Collaboration

Nurses rarely work in isolation. The best candidates are team players who support colleagues and foster a positive work environment.

  • Ask about experiences working in multidisciplinary teams
  • Look for examples of stepping in to help a coworker without being asked
  • Gauge how they handle disagreements or differing opinions

6. Check for a Growth Mindset

Nursing is a field that evolves constantly. A candidate with a growth mindset will embrace continuing education, adapt to new technologies, and seek professional development opportunities.

Tip: Ask, "What’s the last skill or piece of knowledge you learned to improve your practice?"

Final Thoughts

Identifying key nursing skills requires going beyond résumés and certifications. By combining structured interview questions with scenario-based evaluations, hiring managers can uncover the qualities that truly make a great nurse.

At RNNation.com, we connect healthcare employers with top nursing talent, helping you find candidates who bring the right skills, mindset, and heart to your team.