Common Nursing Interview Questions (And How to Answer Them Like a Pro)

Landing a nursing job is more than just having the right credentials—it’s about proving that you’re the best fit for the role. That’s where the interview comes in. Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced nurse looking for a change, preparing for your interview is just as important as preparing for your licensing exam.

But here’s the problem: Many nurses walk into interviews completely unprepared. They assume that because they passed nursing school and have clinical experience, answering interview questions should be easy. Then the hiring manager throws a question like, “Tell me about a time you made a mistake in patient care”—and suddenly, panic sets in.

The good news?

You can avoid this by preparing ahead of time.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common nursing interview questions, explain why employers ask them, and give you expert-level responses to help you stand out. By the end, you’ll feel ready to walk into your next interview with confidence—and if you want to take it a step further, Scrub to Success offers personalized mock interview coaching to help you practice before the big day.

1. Tell Me About Yourself

This seems like a simple question, but it’s actually one of the most important. Hiring managers don’t want your entire life story—they want a quick, clear summary of who you are as a nurse and what makes you a great fit for their team.

What they are really asking:

• What is your background in nursing?

• What are your strengths?

• How does your experience relate to this job?

How to answer:Keep it structured and concise by covering three key areas:

1. Your background: Where you went to school, relevant certifications, or years of experience.

2. Your nursing experience: Clinical rotations or specialties you’ve worked in.

3. Your passion for the role: What draws you to this specific job.

Example answer:"I am a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from [Your University]. During my clinical rotations, I gained experience in med-surg, ICU, and emergency care, and I developed a strong passion for critical care nursing. After graduation, I worked in a high-acuity step-down unit, where I refined my skills in patient assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and dedication to patient-centered care to your team."

2. Why Do You Want to Work Here?

Hospitals and healthcare facilities want nurses who are genuinely interested in their mission—not just someone looking for a paycheck.

What they are really asking:

• Have you researched our hospital or unit?

• What makes this job appealing to you?

• Are you a good fit for our team culture?

How to answer:

1. Do your research. Look up the hospital’s mission, values, and any special programs they offer.

2. Mention what stands out. Talk about what specifically attracts you to this role.

3. Connect your skills. Show how your experience aligns with their needs.

Example answer:"I am drawn to this hospital because of its reputation for excellence in patient care and its strong emphasis on professional development. I was particularly impressed by your hospital’s commitment to ongoing nurse education and its supportive work culture. Given my experience in acute care and passion for patient advocacy, I believe I would be a great fit for your team."

3. Tell Me About a Time You Had a Difficult Patient and How You Handled It

Behavioral questions like this are designed to assess your problem-solving skills, communication, and ability to stay calm under pressure.

What they are really asking:

• Can you de-escalate difficult situations?

• How do you handle stress?

• Do you prioritize patient-centered care?

How to answer:Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

1. Situation: Describe the scenario.

2. Task: Explain your role in the situation.

3. Action: Share what you did to handle it.

4. Result: Highlight the positive outcome.

Example answer:"During one of my clinical rotations, I cared for a patient who was frustrated and non-compliant with his treatment plan. He was refusing medications and becoming agitated with staff. I took the time to listen to his concerns and learned that he felt out of control over his care. I explained his treatment plan in a way that made him feel involved, and we worked together to adjust his routine in a way that made him more comfortable. By the end of my shift, he was more cooperative, and his care team was able to proceed with his treatment plan."

4. How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?

Nursing is stressful, and employers want to know if you can handle the demands of the job without burning out or compromising patient care.

What they are really asking:

• How do you cope with pressure?

• Can you stay focused and efficient in high-stress situations?

• Do you have healthy coping mechanisms?

How to answer:Focus on specific strategies you use to stay calm and manage stress in a clinical setting.

Example answer:"I manage stress by staying organized and prioritizing tasks effectively. During a particularly overwhelming shift in my clinical rotations, I had multiple patients with high-acuity needs. I relied on teamwork, communicated effectively with my preceptor, and took short moments to breathe and refocus when needed. I also make sure to practice self-care outside of work, which helps me maintain a clear and focused mindset on the job."

5. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

This question can be tricky, especially when discussing weaknesses. Employers want honesty, but they also want to see self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

What they are really asking:

• What are you good at, and how does it benefit the team?

• Are you aware of areas you need to improve?

• What are you doing to address your weaknesses?

How to answer:

1. Choose a strength relevant to nursing.

2. For weaknesses, pick something that isn’t a deal-breaker and explain how you are working to improve it.

   
   

Example answer:"My greatest strength is my ability to stay calm under pressure. I’ve always thrived in fast-paced environments, which is why I enjoy working in acute care settings. One area I am working on is delegating tasks more efficiently. In my clinical rotations, I sometimes tried to handle everything myself, but I’ve learned that teamwork is essential in nursing, and I now focus on communicating with my team to ensure safe and efficient patient care."

Final Thoughts: Be Ready, Be Confident, and Get Hired

A nursing interview is not just about proving your qualifications—it’s about demonstrating your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and handle the realities of patient care.

If you want to feel fully prepared before your next interview, Scrub to Success offers personalized mock interview coaching to help you practice answering tough questions, refine your responses, and build the confidence you need to stand out.

Don’t leave your interview success up to chance—let’s get you ready to land the job you deserve.