1. Tell me why do you want to work here as Practical Nurse?
This is a very commonly asked question as well. There are many settings and facilities in which nurses can work. The interviewer wants to know why you chose their facility. The answer to this question can be augmented by researching the company before hand. Having some background can provide concrete reasons to work for the company and let the employer know you did your research. Another good thing to do when applying to a facility is to ask about its reputation. Ask around and see what can be found “through the grapevine.” Of course take personal testimonies with a grain of salt and remember there are always two sides to every story. However if a facility has a good reputation, it is most likely well deserved. Show the interviewer that you did your homework and let them know that you like their positive reputation. Find out if the facility you are interviewing for has a special focus or function; rehabilitation, geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, etc. If you are drawn to a facility because you want to work in a certain specialty, let the interviewer know that. They will likely be happy you chose them over similar facilities.
2. Tell me do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
This question can be a tricky one to answer. One way to overcome this is simply to not pick one option. Spin the answer to show that you have the ability to work in both situations. Nurses are part of a larger healthcare team which is responsible for patient care. As such, nurses must be able to work as part of a team. Emphasize your ability to collaborate as well as being able to work independently; both are critical skills for nurses.
3. Tell me what would you do if you saw another staff member?
Do something wrong? …break policy and procedure? Mistreat a patient? This question has several variations but all are aimed at the same issue. The interviewer is trying to figure out if you have integrity and are trustworthy. While it may not be first instinct to “rat out” a fellow nurse or other employee, you must remember the bottom line: patient care and safety. If you see another nurse mistreat a patient or break a rule that could lead to patient harm speak up! There are procedures in place that protect whistle blowers. Always follow the chain of command in your facility and report things that need to be reported.
4. Tell me could I have a tour of your facility?
This is a question that often does not need to be asked. Many interviewers offer a tour of the facility with the interview. They may even conduct the interview while walking through the facility. However, if the employer does not offer a tour, ask for one. This can give you valuable firsthand knowledge of a facility. Be sure to pay attention to patients and how well cared for they are. Notice staff members and how they interact with each other; does everyone seem miserable or is everyone smiling? Use all your senses to evaluate a facility.
5. Do you know what main characteristics should a practice nurse posses?
A practice nurse should be presentable and personable while she performs her tasks deftly and efficiently, with minimal unpleasantness for the patients.
6. Why do you want to work in this industry as Practical Nurse?
I've always loved nursing, but my interest in health care really started when I volunteered at a homeless shelter in college. Seeing so many people without care inspired me to pursue a career devoted to caring for others. I kept going back and volunteering, which got me hooked. It was great to be able to contribute positively to society that then led me to a field I feel so passionate about.
7. What kind of salary do you need as Practical Nurse?
A loaded question. This is a nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?
In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.
8. Tell me do you have any plans to pursue your RN certification?
Yes, I would like to eventually become a registered nurse and maybe even pursue a specialty. I think this would make me more valuable to patients and to my employer. My ultimate career goal is to learn as much as I can so I can have the greatest impact possible. I'm also interested in taking on a lead role in nursing.
9. Why are you leaving your current position as Practical Nurse?
Never mention the bad points that may have caused you to seek out something better. Instead, mention the things that you have learned and maintain a positive, forward-looking perspective. Point out that you are searching for new challenges and experiences that will help you grow as an individual.
10. Tell me what motivates you as Practical Nurse?
You should not pass up this chance to play up your positive attributes in preference for a standard response. Illustrate the things that motivate you by bringing up an example from your actual experience. Use the example to highlight your positive attributes without deviating from answering the actual question.
11. Tell me how have your clinical rotations prepared you for a nursing career?
I experienced an externship at [insert company here], which gave me the hands-on experience with patients I need in order to make a difference on day one of my new career.
12. Tell me what would you do if your shift replacement did not arrive on time or at all?
I would notify my shift supervisor and offer to stay until my replacement arrived.
13. When you feel most satisfied in your job as Practical Nurse?
I really enjoy caring people and helping them in coping up with their illness. I love to work with children.
14. Explain me what do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?
There are many things I find extremely rewarding about nursing. It can be something like seeing the joy when a mother hold her newborn infant for the first time or helping someone get back on their feet after recovering from major surgery. I also find interacting with patients and their families very rewarding.
15. Tell me what experience do you have administering injections and vaccines?
Nurses give injections all the time. Describe which population sectors you usually work with, though it might be all sectors. Nurses vaccinate anyone from infants to senior citizens. One of the most common injections is the travel vaccine.
16. Tell me you may face some stressful situations in this job. How do you perform under pressure?
I used to work in an ER, and I learned that the key to keeping cool under pressure is prioritizing what needs to be done first. This gives me focus, and focusing on one thing at a time stops me from being overwhelmed. It also helps to prevent costly mistakes.
17. Tell me why are you a good hire?
Take the time to mention the qualifications and experience that have gotten you the chance to impress. However, also take the time to mention qualities that make you stand out because your competitors probably have similar qualifications and experience.
18. Tell me what made you choose nursing as a career?
I have always wanted to make a difference in other people's lives. I see the nursing field as a challenging and exciting opportunity to do just that!
19. Tell me how would you handle a family who is displeased with your patient's care?
I would listen to all of their concerns and make sure that if any were well founded, that they were addressed immediately.
Professionals learn from their on-the-job experiences, and the interviewer wants to learn what you have gained from working with patients when they are at their most vulnerable, and whether you have grown through your experiences or are just going through the motions. Respond with an experience that changed your perspective of the patient experience, or that gave you an insight on how to improve your work quality.
21. Explain about your experience in working in an educational setting?
Have you worked in a school before? Have you been a professor or a nursing school teacher? Share your work experience. If you don't have any working experience in an educational setting, let the client know that the education setting is something that has always intrigued you and that you think it would be a great opportunity to expand your top notch skills.
22. Tell me does the organization offer career development and further study opportunities?
This type of question lets the interviewer know that you are dedicated to the profession, are in it for the long haul and are keen to improve your knowledge by ongoing learning. It shows dedication, drive, and determination. Organisations like to know that their employees are not just going come to work daily as something they must do, but really enjoy their job and want to stay with the company.
An LPN should be personable and focused on patient care. Getting along with others is vital because nursing is a people-oriented career. Also, an LPN meets so many different kinds of people from a wide range of backgrounds that it is absolutely vital to be able to adapt to these different situations. The personalities on a nursing team can also vary widely.
Attention to detail and communication are key, too, because people's lives are involved. It's important to stay in touch with other team members, particularly the RN who is on duty, so no patient gets overlooked.
The most important thing is to provide quality patient care, and I know from experience that when a facility is understaffed, it can take away from how much attention the patients receive. That is why I try to be available as much as possible. I don't mind working nights and weekends, and I'm no stranger to long days. At one of my other jobs, I would commonly work double shifts. That isn''t ideal, of course, but I can do it when it's necessary.
25. Explain me an example of some routine procedures that a practice nurse performs regularly?
Taking swabs, blood samples, urine samples, and treating and dressing wounds. Another kind of routine procedure is consulting and advising patients in matters of further treatment and general health. Try not to just list things from your average day. Make it a coherent description which shows that you understand your mission as a nurse.
