1. Tell me what made you choose nursing as a profession?
My interest in healthcare stemmed from the volunteer position that I held at the SOS Children's Hospital during my high school. Since then, there has been no turning back. I realized I loved the whole concept of nursing and what it stands for.
2. Tell me why did you choose your specialty area of nursing?
Whether the area of specialization is ER, Occupational Health, Community Health, ICU or any other, the key to answering interview questions about your nursing career choice is to be very specific about why you chose it. What influenced you in your choice? How did you explore your options? Highlight how your strengths are best utilized in this area and how it suits your personal competencies.
3. Tell me what is your most significant professional achievement so far?
My contributions to the hospital's nursing department have always been highly commended by my employer. Last year I initiated a computerized supplies inventory mechanism in the department which was also adopted by other departments since it ensured 100% availability of supplies on the floor 24 hours.
4. What salary are you looking for as Director Of Nursing?
I'm more interested in the role itself than the pay. That said, I'd expect to be paid the appropriate range for this role, based on my five years of experience. I also think a fair salary would bear in mind the high cost of living here in New York City.
5. What are your future goals as Director Of Nursing?
Your answer should show your commitment to this job and facility. You can explain how this nursing job meets your long term objectives by providing an opportunity to grow and develop your nursing skills.
6. Tell me how do you implement discipline in the staff?
Discipline is an integral factor in nursing practice. I ensure my staff is disciplined by counseling them and sending brief reminders from time to time regarding the same. In case an employee crosses the line I take suitable disciplinary action to keep all the staff on track.
7. Tell us why are you leaving your present job?
Explain how this opening provides a new challenge and opportunity. Avoid criticizing your former employer or colleagues and giving a negative reason for leaving. Focus on the positive possibilities that will come with a move to a new nursing job.
8. How do you explain your gap in employment as Director Of Nursing?
My work is important to me, so I won't be satisfied with any old nursing job. Instead of rushing to accept the first thing that comes my way, I'm taking my time and being selective to make sure my next role is the right one.
9. What kind of salary do you need as Director Of Nursing?
This is a loaded question and 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.
10. Explain me what, in your opinion, are the typical duties of a nurse manager?
A nurse manager identifies patient needs and mentors the nursing staff to cater for the same through implementation of effective nursing care strategies. He/she is also responsible for monitoring the nursing care being delivered and coordinating with hospital management and the nursing team regarding patient care protocols.
11. Tell us why are you the right person for this nursing job?
Highlight why your training and experience qualify you for this specific nurse job. Prepare for this beforehand by closely reviewing the key job requirements and matching the relevant skills and abilities you have gained to these. Provide specific examples of these skills when answering this question.
Use your background research to show your understanding of the key challenges faced by this organization. Detail how you can help meet these challenges and be part of the solution
12. Tell me what is your experience working as a nurse manager?
I was initially trained and hired as a registered nurse seven years ago. I was rotated in cardiology, pediatrics, oncology and trauma over the years. The most intense work that I did was in the ER / trauma center where I was expected to be on my toes all the time. A little tardiness meant that someone could lose their life! I believe it was success at handling emergency situations that eventually got me promoted to a nurse manager's position.
13. Why are you leaving your current role as Director Of Nursing?
I've learned a lot from my current role, but now I'm looking for a new challenge in nursing, to broaden my horizons and to gain a new skill-set – all of which, I see the potential for in this job.
14. Please explain why did you choose your specialty area of nursing?
Whether the area of specialization is ER, Occupational Health, Community Health, ICU or any other, the key to answering interview questions about your nursing career choice is to be very specific about why you chose it. What influenced you in your choice? How did you explore your options? Highlight how your strengths are best utilized in this area and how it suits your personal competencies.
15. Tell me why do you want this job: assistant director of nursing?
This question typically follows on from the previous one. Here is where your research will come in handy. You may want to say that you want to work for a company that is X, Y, Z, (market leader, innovator, provides a vital service, whatever it may be). Put some thought into this beforehand, be specific, and link the company's values and mission statement to your own goals and career plans.
16. Tell us how would your friends describe you?
My friends would probably say that I'm extremely persistent – I've never been afraid to keep going back until I get what I want. When I worked as a program developer, recruiting keynote speakers for a major tech conference, I got one rejection after another – this was just the nature of the job. But I really wanted the big players – so I wouldn't take no for an answer. I kept going back to them every time there was a new company on board, or some new value proposition. Eventually, many of them actually said “yes” – the program turned out to be so great that we doubled our attendees from the year before. A lot of people might have given up after the first rejection, but it's just not in my nature. If I know something is possible, I have to keep trying until I get it.
17. Tell me what do you consider the most important qualities for this nursing job?
Make your answer relevant to the specific nursing job. For example common qualities required for successful performance as an ER Nurse include adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, organization and planning, emotional stability and high stress tolerance.
18. Tell me what have been your most significant accomplishments to date?
Describe achievements that relate to this nursing job. Take specific examples and describe how your approach benefited the patient and/or facility.
The job of a nurse requires stress tolerance, positive attitude and behavior and great care for detail. Nurse Managers have the ability to encourage all of these via praise, active listening, and occasional surprises ranging from time off to free tickets or chocolate bars. When necessary, the NM will have to identify employees that show lack of professionalism. To prevent this from happening, nurse managers can instruct staff in specially designed coaching and training. Give an example or two from your own experience.
20. Tell me what is your greatest failure, and what did you learn from it?
When I was in college, I took an art class to supplement my curriculum. I didn't take it very seriously, and assumed that, compared to my biology classes, it would be a walk in the park. My failing grades at midterm showed me otherwise. I'd even jeopardized my scholarship status. I knew I had to get my act together. I spent the rest of the semester making up for it, ended up getting a decent grade in the class. I learned that no matter what I'm doing, I should strive to do it to the best of my ability. Otherwise, it's not worth doing at all.
21. Tell me what have you done during the previous year to advance your skills and qualifications?
Being an active member of the American Nursing Association I have attended many seminars on nurse management during the last year. I have also enrolled myself in a short diploma in personnel management which is due to be completed by end of this year.
22. Tell me where did you get your training and what qualifications and certifications do you have?
Explain why you have chosen a specific area of practice. Be prepared to discuss your theoretical training as well as the practical component. Remember to take copies of your certifications with you.
You will be asked nurse interview questions around your work experience based on the resume you have submitted.
Prepare by carefully going through your resume beforehand. Be completely familiar with your tasks and responsibilities and the skills, abilities and knowledge you have gained.
23. Explain me what did you like and dislike about your previous position?
The interviewer is evaluating your suitability and compatibility with this nursing opportunity. General likes that are applicable to most nursing jobs include learning opportunities, professional growth, job diversity and directly contributing to improving patient care.
The dislikes should not refer to characteristics of the nurse job you are interviewing for. Stay away from reasons that involve common working conditions such as overtime. Avoid criticisms of your previous employer but refer to the absence of something that you want in your new job such as the opportunity to use your initiative more or learn new skills.
Expect nurse interview questions that explore your motivation for the nursing job and a nursing career.
Two years back when the clinic I worked for was upgraded to hospital status, we were short of staff and the protocols for registering a patient who needed care from more than one department had not been communicated. I took an extra minute to confirm the protocol from higher management and communicated the same to my team same day
25. Explain me in what departments of health care do you have experience working as a nurse manager?
Introduce yourself to the interviewer. Tell about yourself and your background as a registered nurse and as a manager of nurses. Give specific department names and provide brief elaborations as to what you did there: Intensive care room, emergency rooms and operation rooms where you received and distributed patients.
26. Tell me what are the biggest challenges facing nursing today?
Healthcare systems globally are struggling to meet the demands of the populations they serve. One of the major problems is the current shortage of trained nurses. Use your interview answer to demonstrate that you have thought about this issue and offer up some reasons as to why there is such a shortage of skilled nurses.
Possible reasons include low nursing school enrollment due to poor perceptions of nursing as a fairly rewarded career and nurses leaving the profession before retirement age due to job dissatisfaction. You need to be able to show your interest in nursing as a career by demonstrating that you have thought about the current and future issues facing nurses.
27. Explain me what do you consider your strengths and weaknesses as a nursing professional?
Prepare three or four key strengths that relate closely to the job you are interviewing for. Reinforce each strength with a concrete example.
Try to include improvement activities that relate to the job. A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive self-improvement. Have some good ones handy to mention.
29. Do you know patient centered care?
By patient centered care we mean development and implementation of individualized patient care plans that are designed specially and are adaptable according to the patient needs.
30. Tell me how do you handle nurse staffing activities?
I have good management skills and know how to disseminate duties. I make sure that staffing is sorted out at the beginning of each week and that I have backups in case of emergencies.
Staying up to date with current nursing practices helps understand other departments before assigning personnel there. It is especially relevant when you provide training.
32. What motivates you as Director Of Nursing?
I've always been motivated by the challenge of a tough patient. In my last role, I came across a particular patient who refused a handful of nurses before he was assigned to me. I was able to find something we had in common, which calmed him down. After the patient saw me make an effort to better understand his situation, he became much more agreeable to my aid. I love facing and overcoming challenges on such a personal level.
33. Please tell me what do you think of your previous boss?
My last boss taught me the importance of time management – he didn't pull any punches, and was extremely deadline-driven. His no-nonsense attitude pushed me to work harder, and manage my case loads way more efficiently.
34. Tell me why should we hire you as Director Of Nursing?
Because I am very compassionate and experienced nursing manager. I offer 8+ years of relevant experience along with proven skills in nurse management, shift scheduling, staff monitoring, team mentoring and staff development.
35. Please tell me what did you like least about your last job?
There was nothing about my last job that I hated, but I guess there were some things I liked less than others. My previous role involved traveling at least twice a month. While I do love to travel, twice a month was a little exhausting – I didn't like spending quite so much time out of the hospital. I'm happy to see that this role involves a lot less travel.
