Public health nurses provide promotive, preventive, and curative services to individuals and families in the communities they serve.
They also work to improve the health of populations through education, research, and policymaking.
If you are getting interviewed for a public health nurse position, be prepared to answer public health nurse interview questions about:
- your experience working with people of all ages
- your ability to be a team player
- your familiarity with current public health issues.
The Essence of the Interview
The interviewer will want to know that you are able to work in a cross-cultural setting with diverse populations, regardless of your area of specialization.
The interviewer will also ask questions about your experience working with children and families.
Your ability to provide culturally sensitive care will be assessed.
Be prepared for questions about your familiarity with legal issues related to public health nursing, for example, child abuse reporting laws.
All public health positions require that you submit to a background check.
You can expect questions about your criminal history.
See also: Can You Be a Nurse With a Felony?
Be prepared to discuss them in an honest and straightforward manner. Review the job description carefully so you know what specific skills are required for the position
With adequate preparation, you can ace your public health nurse interview.
With all that said, let’s take a look at some common interview questions for public health nurses.
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Table of Contents
The Most Common Public Health Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
Public health nurses have a unique set of skills that are required to be successful in their careers.
The following list will cover some interview questions that may be presented during your job interview to assess the qualifications you possess:
1. Tell me about your experience working with diverse populations.
When an interviewer asks you to discuss your experience with diverse populations, they are considering the extent and range of individuals and groups of people that you have had contact with or worked with.
Your answer should detail how many different types of people you’ve aided, where these experiences happened (in a clinical setting, in an educational environment), and what specific activities were involved (patient care, teaching, research).
Example answer:
I have a background in providing care to pregnant women and children, so I’ve worked with a lot of diverse populations.
Although I started out as a nurse-midwife at the hospital, I eventually decided that working as a public health nurse would be more impactful because it allowed me to help people beyond just those that were already sick or injured.
I’ve worked with refugees, immigrants, and people from all different cultural backgrounds.
I’ve always made it a point to learn about their customs and beliefs so that I can better serve them.
I think that experience has really prepared me to work with anyone.
2. Could you describe a community health project that you spearheaded?
When interviewers ask this question, they are looking to see if you have experience planning and implementing health programs in the community.
They want to know if you have the skills necessary to be successful in a public health nursing role.
Your answer should highlight your ability to assess community needs, develop and implement a plan of action, and draw conclusions about your project’s effectiveness.
Example answer:
I was lucky enough to participate in a pilot public health project where we created community gardens for mothers who lived in rural areas with limited access to fresh produce.
We wanted these women to have more nutritious food options, so the community garden was the perfect solution.
I had some experience working with gardens before, so I was able to assist the team with planning and implementation.
We worked together and came up with a list of tools and supplies we’d need, as well as a schedule for who would be doing what during the coordinated effort.
I think it’s important to assess not just what but also why people want something so that they can appreciate their efforts more.
That was one of the things that I learned from this project.
See also: Nursing Interview Questions and Answers
3. What’s your experience with public health policy?
Interviewers ask this question to gauge how much they know about the politics and policies that impact public health nursing.
See also: How Can Nurses Influence Policy?
They want to know if you are familiar with topics such as funding, legislation, and healthcare reform.
Your answer should demonstrate that you are well-educated on these topics, and can make educated suggestions when it comes to forming policy.
Example answer:
I watch the news every day, so I’m pretty up-to-date with what’s going on in public health right now.
I think that the Affordable Care Act has had a huge impact on nursing, especially when it comes to taking care of patients that are covered by Medicare.
I’ve always had an interest in healthcare policy, actually, which is why I chose to specialize in public health nursing instead of another type of nursing.
If I get the job, I think it would be great if there were some kind of public forum where nurses could give their input before the policy was made.
I think it’s difficult to make good choices when there are so many conflicting opinions.
See also: Vaccination Nurse Interview Questions
4. Why do you want to be part of our team?
Your interviewer will ask this question to learn more about you as a person.
If they are interested, they are likely looking for someone who is motivated, easy-going, and passionate about what they do.
They want to hire someone who can mesh well with the other team members.
Your answer should highlight your ability to work well with others, interact with patients, and be a team player.
Example answer:
I want to be part of your team because I know that you’re doing some great work here.
I think that public health nursing is so important, and I really believe in the work that you’re doing.
I can see myself being a valuable asset to your team and helping to further your mission. I’m excited to learn more about your work and to be a part of it.
See also: Postpartum Nurse Interview Questions
5. What’s your experience with community outreach?
The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with the community and reaching out to them.
They want to know if you are comfortable interacting with people from all walks of life and if you have the skills necessary to build relationships with them.
Your answer should highlight your ability to assess community needs, develop and implement a plan of action, and draw conclusions about your project’s effectiveness.
Example answer:
I’ve been doing community outreach for a few years now.
I think it’s so important to connect with the people that you’re serving and to get their feedback on your work.
I always try to go out into the community and meet with people face-to-face.
I think that it’s really valuable to have that direct contact.
It also helps to build relationships with the people that you’re serving, and they can be a great resource for future projects.
See also: Pediatric Nurse Interview Questions
6. What’s your experience with data collection and analysis?
This question is meant to assess how well you understand what is required of public health nurses.
The interviewer wants to know if you have experience gathering and assessing data and can draw appropriate conclusions from it.
They also want to know that you are comfortable using tools such as spreadsheets and databases.
See also: Objective vs Subjective Data
Your answer should highlight your skills with technology, understanding of hard numbers, and ability to make sense of large data sets.
Example answer:
Back in 2019, I was part of a team that was tasked with collecting data on childhood obesity rates in our city.
We used a variety of methods to collect the data, including surveys and interviews with parents, and then we analyzed it using a software program.
I think that my experience with data collection and analysis will be really valuable in this role.
I’m comfortable working with numbers and I understand how to draw conclusions from data. I’m also confident with using technology to manage and manipulate data sets.
See also: Community Health Nurse Interview Questions
7. What is your communication style?
The interviewer wants to know how well you communicate your thoughts and ideas.
They want to know what kinds of strategies you use, whether it’s speaking in front of an audience or tutoring someone one-on-one.
Your answer should highlight your ability to listen to others, convey complex information clearly, and adapt your style to the situation at hand.
Example answer:
I think my communication style is pretty good. I’m a strong listener and I try to take in all of the information before I speak.
I also think it’s important to be adaptable, so I can adjust my style depending on who I’m talking to.
And finally, I always try to use clear and concise language so that everyone can understand what I’m trying to say.
See also: Interview Questions for Labor and Delivery Nurse
8. How do you handle stressful situations?
The interviewer is interested in knowing how you manage stress and whether or not you are able to stay calm under pressure.
They want to know if you have any strategies for dealing with difficult situations, such as taking a few deep breaths or stepping away from the situation for a moment.
Your answer should highlight your ability to think logically and rationally, as well as your capacity for self-reflection.
Example answer:
I usually try to take a few deep breaths and step away from the situation for a moment.
I think it’s important to stay calm and collected in stressful situations so that you can make rational decisions.
I also like to reflect on what might be causing the stress and see if there’s anything I can do to fix it or make it better.
I’m really good at breaking down problems, and I think that my ability to be calm under pressure will help me in this position.
See also: CRNA Interview Questions
9. Do you have any criminal records?
The interviewer is interested in your criminal record and wants to know if you have any convictions that might disqualify you from the position.
They will also ask about any misdemeanors or arrests that you may have.
Your answer should be truthful and straightforward.
Example answer:
I do not have a criminal record.
See also: Can You Be a Nurse With a DUI?
10. Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question is meant to assess your long-term professional goals.
See also: SMART Goals for Nursing
They want to know what you hope to accomplish professionally and whether or not this job will help you get there.
Your answer should highlight your current position, skills, and why the future job may be a good fit for you.
Example answer:
In five years, I hope to be in a position where I can lead and manage projects.
This job is a great opportunity for me because it will allow me to develop my skills in project management.
I think that this role will help me reach my long-term goals.
See also: Nurse Leadership Interview Questions
Conclusion: PHN Interview Questions
Becoming a public health nurse is a highly competitive process, and the interviewer wants to make sure that you are the right fit for the job.
They will ask a variety of questions about your skills, experience, and goals.
Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and straightforwardly.
The interviewer wants to know that you are a good fit for the position and that you have the skills necessary to be successful.
Good luck with your interview!
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