A research nurse is a nurse who specializes in conducting and managing clinical research studies. Research nurses work with doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals to develop new treatments and therapies.
If you’re interviewing for a research nurse position, be prepared to answer a variety of questions about your experience, responsibilities, skills, and knowledge.
In this article, we’re going through the 10 most common research nurse interview questions and answers to help you out with your interview.
Experience Questions
For any employer, experience is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a new employee.
When interviewing for a research nurse position, you can expect questions about your experience in conducting and managing clinical research studies.
Be prepared to talk about the types of studies you’ve been involved in, the size of the studies, and the length of time you’ve been involved in the studies.
Responsibilities Questions
Because research nurses help to design and develop new treatments and therapies, you can expect to get questions about what your job responsibilities would be if you were hired for the position.
See also: Responsibility of a Nurse
The interviewer will likely ask how well you’re able to manage projects independently and prioritize tasks.
You may also be asked to describe the steps you would take if you were assigned a project that was behind schedule or encountering issues with study participants.
Skills Questions
Because research nurses need to be able to manage many different projects at once, they need skills in organization and time management.
They also work extensively with people, so excellent communication is important.
When answering skills questions, be sure to highlight the abilities that are relevant to the research nurse position.
For example, talk about your experience in working with doctors, scientists, and other healthcare professionals.
You can also mention your ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively.
Knowledge Questions
The interviewer will likely ask you questions about your knowledge of clinical research, including the clinical research process, new treatments and therapies, and medical equipment.
When answering knowledge questions, be sure to mention specific examples of your knowledge in each area.
Perhaps you have a better understanding of one treatment regimen or medical device than another because you’ve been involved with studies involving that treatment or device.
So, what are the most common research nurse interview questions to expect? Those are coming up next.
Table of Contents
The Most Common Research Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
If you have tried to research this online, you will find that there are conflicting opinions.
The reason for this is the same as all interview questions.
Aside from being prepared to answer them, it depends on who is interviewing you and what particular skills they are looking for in a candidate.
Here are 10 of the most common research nurse interview questions together with example answers so you can be as prepared as possible.
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1. Tell me about yourself.
When this question is asked, it is an invitation for you to introduce yourself.
You want to be sure that your introduction shows the interviewer why you are the right person for this job.
If you have not prepared an answer to this question, don’t worry – just tell them about yourself briefly and what experience you have that makes you suitable for this role.
I highly recommend you to watch this video about the tips and tricks of the “Tell me about yourself” interview question from Linda Raynier, Career Strategist.
Example answer:
My name is Janette and I have been a nurse for about 7 years now.
I have experience in both hospital and research settings, and I’m really interested in clinical research.
I think my skills in organization and time management will be a great asset in this role, and I’m excited to learn more about the clinical research process.
See also: Tell Me About Yourself Nursing Interview Question
2. Describe your work experience.
This is a question that you are likely to be asked during every interview by every company.
That said, it is still an important question because they are trying to find out if your skills match the job description and if your personality will fit into the team.
When you answer this question, you want to focus on the skills that you have that match this position.
Example answer:
I’ve been a nurse for 7 years and prior to that, I worked doing in-home care in my home state.
I really enjoy working with people and it’s great when things work out well in healthcare.
See also: Nursing Interview Questions
3. Why do you want to work here?
This question is asked because they want you to show that you’re excited about the position and share their values.
You should give a specific answer, but make sure it aligns with your own goals and where you see yourself in 5 years.
If there is not an obvious match between what you want and what this company offers, it won’t look good.
Example answer:
I love the research and development aspect of this job and I think it will be a great opportunity to learn more about clinical research.
I’m looking for a role that allows me to grow as a nurse and contribute to the success of the company.
I’m certain that I can do that here.
See also: Why Do You Want to Work Here as a Nurse
4. Describe some of your strengths.
When answering this question, it’s important to stay positive.
You want to be sure that the interviewer knows that you have qualities that will make you successful in this role.
See also: Qualities of a Good Nurse
Choose qualities that are relevant to the position and match what is listed in the job description.
Example answer:
I pride myself on being a very organized nurse.
I always make sure that all of my patients’ charts are up to date and I’m always prepared for my next shift.
I’m also very patient and good with people, which is important in a research nurse role.
See also: Quality Assurance Nurse Interview Questions
5. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you encountered and how you dealt with it.
This question is meant to see how you handle difficult situations, both in your personal and professional life.
When answering this question, make sure that the example you use shows the interviewer what resolution you came to and why.
It’s also possible that they will ask follow-up questions to get more information.
Example answer:
I was once working with a team on a research project and we were having some trouble meeting our deadlines.
I sat down with the team and we discussed what could be done to improve our process.
We came up with a plan and everyone was able to stick to it, which allowed us to finish the project on time.
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6. Tell us about a research project that you were involved in.
This question is a good opportunity to show the interviewer your knowledge and experience in clinical research.
When responding, share the basics of the project – what it was, who was involved, what the outcome was.
If you have any articles or papers that were published as a result of the project, be sure to include those as well.
Example answer:
I worked on a project that involved the development of a new medical device and we presented our findings at a research conference.
We were able to get some good feedback from other researchers and the device was eventually put into clinical trials.
It was a great experience to be a part of. Here are some of the articles that were published as a result.
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7. What do you think it takes to be successful in this role?
The interviewer is looking for specific examples of how your skills and experience will translate into success for them.
You should give an example or two of what you’ve done in the past and how it will make you a good fit for the role.
Example answer:
I think it takes a certain type of person to be successful in research nursing.
You have to be able to work well independently but also as part of a team.
I have previous experience working with small teams and being very successful, so I’m confident that this would be an easy transition.
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8. Are you comfortable working with data and computers?
This question is meant to see if you have the necessary skills for the role.
When answering, be sure to share any experience you have in data entry or computer programs.
If you don’t have any experience, be sure to express your willingness to learn.
Example answer:
I’ve had a lot of experience with data entry and I’m very comfortable working on computers.
During my last job, we did a lot of statistical analysis so I think that makes me a great fit for this role.
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9. What questions do you have about the job?
This question is meant to see what your understanding of the position is and if you have any specific questions about the role or the company.
When answering, be sure to ask questions that are relevant to you and your experience.
Example answer:
I was wondering if you could tell me a bit more about the team I would be working with.
I’m looking for a position where I can be part of a team but I also need them to be flexible with my hours due to family.
Are there many people working evenings and weekends?
See also: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Nursing Interview Question
10. Why do you want to work in clinical research?
This question is meant to see if you have a passion for the role and why it’s a good fit.
See also: Is Nursing for Me Quiz
When answering, be sure to ask questions about the job so that it shows your level of interest in the company.
Example answer:
I have a passion for furthering medical research and I think clinical research is a great way to do that.
I’m also interested in the team you have here and the work that you’re doing.
It seems like a great place to be and I would love to be a part of it.
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Conclusion: Clinical Research Nurse Interview Questions
Interviewing for a clinical research nurse position can be tough, but if you’re prepared for the questions with example answers, you’ll have no problem.
These questions will help you to highlight your skills and experience as well as show your interest in the role.
Be sure to ask questions of your own so that you can get a better understanding of the job and the company.
Good luck with your research nurse interview!
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