Dementia Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Dementia nurse interview questions

Working with dementia patients can be extremely hard and is a really demanding job requiring patience and empathy.

For these reasons, it is imperative you know everything there is regarding this specific job, the duties involved, and what you can bring to the table.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the five most frequently asked dementia nurse interview questions and the best ways you can answer these questions.

If you recently applied for a dementia nurse position and received a callback, you should start preparing for the upcoming interview as soon as possible.

One of the best ways to do this is by doing a little bit of research on the company you applied to work for and practicing the best ways to answer the questions you will be asked.

Let’s help make you look like the best candidate and help you land the job.

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Interview questions for dementia nurses

Common Dementia Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Take some time to read through the frequently asked dementia nurse interview questions listed below to be fully prepared for your big day.

1. Tell us about your experience working directly with patients who have dementia.

This question is obviously asked to make sure you have previous experience with dementia patients and are already familiar with the responsibilities you will face.

This is a great time to not only talk about the experience but also bring up why you enjoyed the job.

Example answer:

I worked for hospice for three years, and many of my patients suffered from some form of dementia.

I enjoyed my time at that facility because I was able to see the strength and drive in so many people, and I wanted families to know their loved ones were always in good hands.

See also: Interview Questions for Hospice Nurses

2. Do you work better alone or as a team?

Do not get trapped by this question.

It can be easy to quickly rush to say you are a great co-worker and love working as part of a team, which is an excellent quality to have.

However, employees also want to hear you do not need someone holding your hand the entire day.

Example answer:

I believe good communication is the backbone of any work environment.

It is crucial to have the ability to work with all the staff in your company.

I do not mind asking for help when needed, but I am fully capable of taking directions and working independently. 

3. What would you do if one of your patients became irate or hostile during care?

If you have had previous experience working with unruly patients in the past, this would be a great time to bring that up.

The person interviewing you wants to be sure you have what it takes to safely and professionally get through any type of situation without making things worse or putting anyone in harm’s way.

Example answer:

While working with hospice, I not only worked with angry patients but also angry family members, friends, and colleagues.

I always find the best way to handle these types of situations is to be firm, honest, and compassionate.

See also: Why Compassion Is Important in Nursing?

Most of the people in these situations are scared, confused, and hurting, and that is where a lot of anger starts.

Staying calm and reassuring the patients and their families that everything you are doing is for their best interests and let them know you understand where they are coming from.

4. Why should we pick you over other applicants?

Now it is time to sell yourself.

Employers want confident employees working on their staff, 100 % ready for the job, and comfortable in their own skin.

Example answer:

I believe I would make a great asset to this company because I have experience, education, and empathy.

I know this job is complex, and there are going to be good days, bad days, and days where I can’t wait to get home.

But I want the opportunity to make my patients day as good of a day as possible every time they walk into the room because I know their shift is never over.

See also: Nursing Interview Questions

5. Do you have any questions for me?

Many people get nervous when they are asked this question and opt for saying “No”.

While saying “No” isn’t a make-or-break answer, you will defiantly stand out if you say “Yes”, and come prepared with a few ready to go.

This isn’t the time to ask anything personal or get into the details of a contract.

Instead, bring up questions regarding the company, its environment, and the people who work there.

Example answer:

I recently read somewhere that you have a very high success rate for increasing the longevity of life when Alzheimer’s is caught in its early stages.

Are you doing something different than the competition?

How to Prepare for Dementia Nurse Interview Questions?

The best way to prepare for an interview for a dementia nurse position is going to look very similar to interviews for any other type of position. 

1. Show confidence

The best way to prepare for an interview is by showing your self-confidence.

Come prepared, dress for success, and be professional.

The only way someone is going to trust you are the best pick for the position is if you believe you are.

2. Do your homework

Take a little time to do some research on the company you are interviewing with and then use the information you found while talking with the employer.

This is going to prove you really are interested in the company and the position. 

3. Practice

Whether your best friend is reading from an index card or you are questioning yourself in front of a mirror, practicing the interview questions over and over will help you feel more confident when you walk into the room.

Conclusion: Interview Questions for Dementia Nurses

If you are going to interview for a job as a dementia nurse, it is crucial you prove to the person interviewing you, that you have:

  • the compassion,
  • the drive,
  • and the ability to do the job right.

The best way to earn this position is by preparing for it properly.

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About Ida Koivisto, BSN, RN, PHN

Ida is both a registered nurse and public health nurse. Her passion is to provide as much valuable information about nursing to the world as possible. In her spare time from work and blogging, Ida loves to work out at the gym and spend time with relatives.