7 Common Nursing Scenario Interview Questions

Nursing scenario interview questions

Nursing is a field full of opportunities. If you have the right credentials, then you can find a job in this field that will suit your needs and interests.

However, before you can get hired, you will need to go through an interview process.

The nursing scenario interview questions are one of the most important steps in the hiring process.

The nursing scenario interview questions have become quite common in recent years. This type of interview question has the following objectives:

1. To assess the applicants’ clinical decision-making skills

The first objective is to assess the applicants’ clinical decision-making skills.

This type of question will test your ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions. Moreover, it will also test your knowledge of the nursing field.

2. To assess the applicants’ ability to handle difficult situations

Interviewers will also want to assess your ability to handle difficult situations.

This type of question will test your problem-solving skills and your ability to remain calm under pressure.

3. To assess the applicants’ bedside manner

Bedside manner is another important aspect of nursing.

Interviewers will want to assess your bedside manner to see if you are compassionate and caring.

See also: How Do Nurses Show Compassion?

They will also want to see if you have the ability to connect with patients.

4. To assess the applicants’ knowledge of the nursing field

No employer wants to hire a nurse who does not have a good understanding of the nursing field.

Therefore, interviewers will want to assess your knowledge of the nursing field.

They will ask you questions about your education, your experience, and your understanding of the nursing field.

5. To assess the applicants’ ability to communicate effectively

Communication is an important part of nursing.

You will need to be able to communicate effectively with your patients, their families, and your colleagues.

Interviewers will want to assess your ability to communicate effectively.

6. To get to know the applicants’ personality

Lastly, interviewers use nursing scenario questions to get to know the applicant’s personality.

This type of question will allow the interviewer to see how you react under pressure and how you handle difficult situations.

It will also allow the interviewer to see what kind of person you are.

Therefore, when the interviewer asks you a nursing scenario question, you must answer the question thoughtfully and carefully.

You should take your time to think about the best answer to the question.

To help you come up with thoughtful responses to nursing scenario interview questions, we will discuss some sample responses below.

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Nursing scenario interview questions and answers examples

Nursing Scenario Interview Questions and Answers Examples

Nursing being a very broad field, there are so many real-life scenarios interviewers could base their questions on.

However, we have compiled a list of 7 nursing scenario interview questions and example answers to help you prepare for your interview.

1. What would you do if a patient was refusing to take their medication?

If a patient was refusing to take their medication, I would first try to find out the reason why they are refusing.

If the patient has a valid reason, such as a fear of the side effects, then I would try to find an alternative medication that the patient is more comfortable with.

See also: Can a Nurse Practitioner Prescribe Medication?

If the patient does not have a valid reason, then I would explain the importance of taking the medication and try to convince the patient to take it.

As you can see, the above answer is thoughtful and well-reasoned.

The interviewee has considered the various reasons why a patient might refuse to take their medication and has come up with a plan to address each reason.

2. When headed to administer IV fluids to a patient, how do you make sure that you do not infect them with anything?

When headed to administer IV fluids to a patient, I would make sure that I clean my hands thoroughly and put on gloves.

I would also make sure that the IV fluids are clean and sterile.

I would then attach the IV fluids to the patient’s IV line and administer the fluids.

Infection control is a very important part of nursing.

The above answer shows that the interviewee is aware of the importance of infection control and has taken the necessary steps to ensure that the patient does not become infected.

See also: Infection Control Nurse Interview Questions

3. What would you do if you witnessed a colleague mistreating a patient?

Nurses are expected to provide quality care to their patients.

If I witnessed a colleague mistreating a patient, I would first try to talk to the colleague and see if there was a reason for their behavior.

If the colleague could not provide a valid reason, then I would report their behavior to their supervisor.

I believe as a nurse I must ensure that all patients receive quality care.

The interviewee has shown that they are aware of the expected standards of behavior for nurses and have a plan to address their colleague’s behavior.

The interviewee has also shown that they are willing to stand up for their patients.

4. Supervisors can at times be impatient, how do you deal with such?

Supervisors are expected to be leaders and to set an example for their employees.

However, I know that sometimes supervisors can be impatient.

If I had an impatient supervisor, I would try to understand where they were coming from and see if there was anything I could do to help them.

I would also try to stay calm and not let their behavior affect my own.

The interviewee has shown that they can keep their cool in difficult situations.

The interviewee has also demonstrated an understanding of the supervisor’s role and a willingness to help out.

See also: Office Nurse Interview Questions

5. There are instances when your patient’s family members can be very demanding. They may want you to do things that are not in the best interest of the patient or that are not possible. How do you deal with such situations?

I understand that family members want what is best for their loved ones.

However, there are times when they can be very demanding.

If I had a patient whose family member was being demanding, I would first try to explain the situation to them.

If they still insisted on something that was not in the best interest of the patient or not possible, I would then talk to the supervisor.

I would leave the decision up to the supervisor as to how to best deal with the situation.

The patient’s family is not always going to be reasonable.

The interviewee has shown that they are aware of this and have a plan to deal with such situations.

The interviewee has also shown that they are willing to involve their supervisor when necessary.

6. Colleagues can sometimes be uncooperative. They may be late to let you off your shift, or they may not want to help you with a patient. What would you do in such situations?

If I had an uncooperative colleague, I would first try to talk to them and see if there was a reason for their behavior.

If there was a valid reason, I would discuss the issue with them and find a way to work around it.

See also: Nursing Conflict Scenario Examples Interview

However, if there was no valid reason, I would report their behavior to their supervisor.

The interviewee has shown that they are willing to work out a solution with their colleague if there is a reason for their behavior.

However, the interviewee has also shown that they are not afraid to involve their supervisor when necessary.

7. What would you do if a patient made racist comments to you?

Racism is never acceptable.

Being a nurse, I am expected to provide quality care to all patients regardless of their race.

If a patient made racist comments to me, I would first try to talk to them and explain why their comments were inappropriate.

If they continued to make racist comments, I would involve my supervisor to help mediate the situation.

The interviewee has shown that they are willing to stand up to their patients.

The interviewee has also demonstrated an understanding of the supervisor’s role and a willingness to involve them when necessary.

How to Answer Nursing Interview Scenario Questions?

With the above-mentioned sample questions and answers, you should be able to get a better idea of how to go about your nursing scenario interview.

However, to make your answer more objective, we have prepared some expert tips.

1. Stay focused on the question

It is very easy to get sidetracked when answering nursing interview scenario questions.

However, you need to make sure that you stay focused on the question and do not wander off into other topics.

It would be wise to utilize the STAR technique when answering nursing interview scenario questions.

This technique will help you to focus on the question and provide a more detailed answer.

2. Honesty is key

When answering nursing interview scenario questions, it is important, to be honest.

Do not try to make yourself look good by answering what you think the interviewer wants to hear. Employers can see through this and it will only make you look bad.

3. Give specific examples

When asked any nursing scenario questions, always try to give specific examples.

Do not just say that you would do something, but explain how you would do it.

This will show the interviewer that you have thought about the question and have a plan of action.

4. Portray nursing principles

Some nursing scenario interview questions will ask you about how you would deal with a difficult situation.

This is an opportunity for you to show that you understand ethical nursing principles.

For example, if the interviewer asks you how you would deal with a rude patient, you could explain that you would try to talk to the patient and understand their needs.

However, if the patient continues to be rude, you would involve your supervisor.

Prove that you understand the importance of treating all patients with dignity and respect.

5. Practice, practice, practice

The best way to prepare for nursing scenario questions is to practice answering them.

You can do this by yourself or with a friend.

Practice will help you to become more comfortable with the questions and help you to think more quickly.

See also: Thank You Letter After Nursing Interview

Conclusion: Nursing Interview Questions Scenarios

Nursing scenario interview questions are a great way for employers to see how you would react in a real-life situation.

When answering these questions, it is important to stay focused, be honest, and give specific examples.

Remember to practice before your interview so that you are prepared for anything.

Good luck with your upcoming interview!

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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.