Graduating from nursing school is one of the biggest obstacles that nursing students accomplish. They now have the degree that can take each of them places. The only thing left to do is to get a job. The application process is relatively easy, but the interview process is another thing. The interview process is very important for Registered Nurses (RNs). A nurse’s ability to interview well can make a huge difference in his or her employability.
List of RN Interview Questions
The questions that interviewers ask Registered Nurses during interviews can vary from questions related to previous employment to work-related scenarios. The following are a few RN interview questions that interviewers ask nurses:
- Do you prefer working with others as a team or alone? Explain you reasons.
- Do you find the field of nursing difficult?
- Are you interested in advancing your current career someday?
- Are you a self-motivated person?
- How would you handle a situation where your replacement doesn’t arrive?
- What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Registered Nurse?
- How would you handle patients who constantly complain?
- What do you think is your biggest contribution to your patients?
- How do you handle patients’ family members who are unhappy with your services?
- How would you handle a rude physician, supervisor, or co-worker?
- How do you deal with the stressors of your job?
- What made you decide to become a Registered Nurse?
- Are you affiliated with any professionals nursing organizations?
- How has your nursing program prepared you for your career?
- What do you do in order to keep current with the latest nursing practices and findings?
- What do you think are the most important skills that a nurse can have?
- What made you decide to leave your current position?
- How do you handle the day to day aspects of nursing?
- How do you handle emergency situations?
- How have you assisted coworkers in the past?
Dos and Don’ts During an RN Job Interview
Dos-
- Do maintain professionalism throughout the interview.
- Do maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
- Do know what questions are off limits for interviewers.
- Do dress to impress the employer.
- Do answer questions as clearly as possible.
- Do address both interviewers if interviewed by more than one person.
- Do tell the employers why you are the best candidate.
- Do think before answering all questions.
- Do ask the interviewer questions about their company.
Don’ts-
- Don’t avoid contact with the interviewer.
- Don’t make up answers to questions you do not know.
- Don’t show that you are nervous during the interview.
- Don’t act as if you are not interested in what the interviewer is saying at any point in the interview.
- Don’t make it seem as though salary is the only reason you want to get a job.
- Don’t take over the interview.
- Don’t make the interview all about what you want.
- Don’t pretend that you know information that you do not.
- Don’t show fear in the interview.
- Don’t show up late for the interview.
- Don’t forget to smile during the interview process.
Tips on How to Prepare for an RN Job Interview
Research the company for information that can be used during the interview.
- Create a professionals portfolio that includes a resume, identification, transcripts, copy of nursing diploma, letters of recommendation, proof of work experience, and records of nursing accomplishments.
- Look over potential interview questions before the interview.
- Prepare questions to ask the employers.
- Select proper attire before the interview.
- Bring all documentation to the interview that may be necessary for employment.
- Imagine how the interview will go before the interview takes place.
- Find a way to relieve stress before the interview date.
- Create a list of questions that may be difficult to answer and write down the answers before the interview.
- Write down the reasons why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Knowing the types of questions that employers ask during interviews is very important to Registered Nurses. When they are prepared to answer tough questions, they are better prepared to have a successful interview. Registered Nurses should approach their interviews with the highest level of preparedness and confidence that they are the perfect Registered Nurse for the position.
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