Registered Nurse Interview Questions
[Introductory small talk]
Interviewer: Thank you for coming in today. Can you please tell me a little bit about your nursing background and experience?
Candidate: Yes, of course. I am a registered nurse with 5 years of experience. I have mainly worked in acute care settings, including the ICU and medical-surgical units. I also have experience in home health care and have worked with patients of all ages.
Interviewer: That sounds great. Can you tell me about a time when you had to navigate a difficult patient experience? What was the problem and how did you handle it?
Candidate: Sure. One experience that comes to mind was when I had a patient who was extremely anxious and worried about her upcoming surgery. I was able to talk with her and listen to her concerns, and also provided education to help her understand what would happen during the surgery. I also involved her family members in her care, which helped to alleviate her anxiety.
Interviewer: Excellent. Can you explain how you prioritize and manage your workload during a busy shift?
Candidate: Yes, I prioritize my patients based on their acuity and needs. I try to make a plan for my shift and adjust it as needed throughout the day. I also delegate tasks appropriately to other members of the healthcare team when necessary.
Interviewer: Good to know. Can you tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other healthcare team members to improve patient outcomes?
Candidate: Definitely. I had a patient with a complex medical history who was not responding to treatment. I worked closely with the patient's physician and care team to come up with a new treatment plan, which eventually led to improved outcomes for the patient.
Interviewer: Great example. How do you approach patient teaching and education?
Candidate: I approach patient education by assessing their knowledge and understanding of their health condition, and then providing appropriate education and resources. I also try to tailor my teaching to their learning style and ensure that they have an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any confusion.
Interviewer: That's very important. Can you tell me about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's rights or needs?
Candidate: Yes, I had a patient who was not receiving appropriate pain management, so I advocated for them by speaking with the physician and pharmacy to adjust their medication regimen. I also made sure to document the patient's pain levels and response to treatment.
Interviewer: Good. How do you prioritize patient safety in your practice?
Candidate: Patient safety is one of my top priorities. I make sure to follow all protocols and policies, double-check medications and dosages, and practice good hand hygiene. I also communicate effectively with other healthcare team members to ensure that we are all on the same page regarding patient care.
Interviewer: Very important. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle a patient or family member's emotional needs?
Candidate: I had a patient who was very upset and anxious about their condition. I spent time listening to their concerns and provided emotional support, as well as connecting them with resources such as social work and pastoral care.
Interviewer: It's great when you can help patients in such a holistic manner. Can you tell me about a time when you had to use critical thinking skills to solve a patient problem?
Candidate: One time, I had a patient with multiple co-morbidities who was experiencing a high fever that was not responding to treatment. I used critical thinking to assess the patient's condition and history, collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, and eventually identify the cause of the fever and adjust treatment accordingly.
Interviewer: Good example. How do you stay current with ongoing nursing education and updates in the healthcare field?
Candidate: I attend nursing conferences and seminars, participate in online continuing education courses and webinars, and stay informed through nursing journals and healthcare news sources.
Interviewer: That's great to hear. Can you tell me about a time when you had to provide end-of-life care to a patient or their family?
Candidate: Yes, I had a patient who was nearing end of life and their family was struggling with the decision to pursue further treatment. I provided education and support to the family, as well as appropriate symptom management to the patient to ensure they were comfortable and peaceful.
Interviewer: It's important to have compassion and empathy in such situations. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle a difficult or challenging coworker?
Candidate: I had a coworker who was not adhering to protocols and causing tension on the unit. I approached them privately and respectfully to address the issue and try to come up with a solution. Eventually, we were able to resolve the issue and work together more effectively.
Interviewer: Glad to hear it worked out. Can you tell me about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency or crisis situation?
Candidate: I had a patient who was experiencing a cardiac arrest. I immediately initiated the appropriate interventions, including CPR and calling for additional support. We were able to successfully resuscitate the patient thanks to the quick response of the entire healthcare team.
Interviewer: Wow, that sounds like quite an experience. Lastly, why do you want to work for our healthcare organization as a registered nurse?
Candidate: I am impressed by the organization's mission and commitment to patient-centered care. I believe that I would be a good fit for the team and would thrive in the supportive and collaborative environment.
Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and share your experience with us. We will be in touch regarding next steps.
Scenario Questions
1. Scenario: You have a patient who is in a lot of pain despite receiving pain medication. What steps would you take to address the situation?
Candidate Answer: First, I would assess the patient's pain level and ask them about any specific symptoms or factors that may be contributing to their pain. I would also review their medical history and current medications to ensure there are no potential interactions. Depending on the situation, I may consult with a physician or pain management specialist to adjust the patient's medication or explore alternative pain management options such as physical therapy or relaxation techniques.
2. Scenario: A family member of a patient is upset and angry about the care their loved one is receiving. How would you handle the situation?
Candidate Answer: I would approach the family member in a calm and respectful manner and listen to their concerns. I would acknowledge their feelings and sympathize with them while also explaining the plan of care for their loved one and the rationale behind our actions. I would offer to connect them with a patient advocate or social worker if they have any further concerns or needs. My goal would be to address their concerns while also maintaining a professional and compassionate demeanor.
3. Scenario: You notice a fellow staff member making a medication error. What is your obligation in this situation?
Candidate Answer: My obligation is to report the medication error to the appropriate person, such as the charge nurse or medication safety officer. I would do so in a discreet and professional manner, without blaming or accusing the staff member involved. I would also document the incident and any follow-up actions taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our patients.
4. Scenario: A patient mentions that they are feeling suicidal. How would you respond?
Candidate Answer: I would take the patient's statement seriously and assess their level of immediate risk. Depending on the situation, I may initiate a suicide risk assessment or involve a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. I would also provide emotional support and resources for the patient, such as crisis hotlines or support groups.
5. Scenario: You are responsible for administering medication to a patient with a complex medication regimen. What steps would you take to ensure accuracy and safety?
Candidate Answer: First, I would review the patient's medication orders and ensure that I have the correct medication, dose, and route of administration. I would also verify the patient's identity and confirm any allergies or potential drug interactions. If the patient is unable to self-administer, I would explain the medication regimen and provide any necessary instructions. I would also document the medication administration and any associated observations or side effects.