In any nursing interview, one of the most commonly asked questions is “What are your strengths?”. This question may sound straightforward but carries a lot of weight.
Your answer to what are your strengths nursing interview question can make or break your chances of getting the job.
But first, what are strengths?
Strengths can be described as your natural talents or things that you do well without much effort.
They come easy to you and make you feel good when you’re doing them.
As a nurse, you’ll need to draw on your strengths often – whether it’s working long hours, managing stress, or dealing with difficult patients.
See also: How Do You Handle Stress Nursing Interview Question
What is the objective of the question?
When asked this question in a nursing interview, the interviewer wants to know the following:
1. What makes you good at your job?
The first thing an interviewer wants to know is what makes you good at your job.
They want to know if you have the skills and qualities needed to be a successful nurse.
2. What motivates you?
The interviewer also wants to know what motivates you.
They want to know if you’re the type of nurse who is driven by a desire to help others, or if you’re more motivated by money or recognition.
3. How will you use your strengths to benefit the hospital?
The interviewer wants to know how you’ll use your strengths to benefit the hospital.
They want to know if you have the qualities needed to be a good team player and support the hospital’s goals.
They may also be interested in your ideas for improving patient care.
Therefore, when answering this question, it’s important to be specific.
You need to show the interviewer that you understand what strengths are and how they can benefit your career as a nurse.
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Example Answers to What Are Your Strengths Nursing Interview Question
When interviewers are analyzing the results of a nursing job interview, one of the main things they are looking for is evidence that the candidate can use their strengths to improve patient care.
See also: How Can Nurses Improve Patient Outcomes?
The strength question carries a lot of weight and the interviewer will be looking for a thoughtful answer.
Here are 7 example answers to the question “What are your strengths?”.
Example answer 1
I would say my strengths are my compassion and my dedication to my patients.
I go above and beyond to make sure they are comfortable and that their needs are met.
I also have a lot of experience in the medical field, so I’m able to quickly understand complex medical issues.
As you can see from the response, the candidate highlights their strengths, but also provides concrete examples of how they have used these strengths to benefit patients.
See also: Compassion in Nursing
What are three strengths that you bring to this position nursing?
I bring empathy, experience, and a willingness to learn to the table.
Having been a nurse for over 10 years, I have seen a lot of different scenarios and I know how to effectively handle difficult patients and situations.
See also: Nursing Scenario Interview Questions
I am also open to learning new things, which is important in a field that is constantly evolving.
Again, the candidate provides specific examples of how they have used their strengths to benefit patients.
They also mention that they are willing to learn, which is important in a field that is constantly evolving.
The candidate shows that they are knowledgeable about the field of nursing and understand the needs of the hospital.
What is your greatest strength as a nurse?
I would say my greatest strength as a nurse is my attention to detail.
I am very thorough in my work and I take the time to make sure that everything is perfect.
This ensures that my patients receive the best possible care.
The candidate showcases their attention to detail, a valuable skill for any nurse.
They explain how this strength benefits patients and shows that they understand the needs of the hospital.
See also: What Can You Bring to Our Team Nursing Interview Question
Example answer 4
I would say my strengths are my critical thinking skills and my ability to stay calm under pressure.
I’m able to quickly assess a situation and come up with a plan of action.
I make sure my patients are always safe and that their needs are met.
I also understand the importance of staying calm in a crisis, so I’m able to provide support to my patients and their families.
The candidate explains how their critical thinking skills and ability to stay calm under pressure benefit patients.
They also mention that they understand the importance of staying calm in a crisis, which is an important quality for any nurse.
See also: Trauma Nurse Interview Questions
Example answer 5
I would say my strengths are my people skills and my organizational skills.
I’m able to communicate with patients and their families effectively and I always make sure that all of their questions are answered.
I’m also able to stay organized in a chaotic environment, which helps me to stay on top of my patients’ care.
The candidate explains how their people skills and organizational skills benefit patients.
They also mention that they are able to stay organized in a chaotic environment, which is important for any nurse.
See also: Why Do You Want to Work Here as a Nurse
Example answer 6
I would say my strengths are my clinical skills and my bedside manner.
I have a lot of experience in the medical field and I’m able to quickly understand complex medical issues.
I also have a good bedside manner, which makes my patients feel at ease.
I’m able to communicate with them effectively and ensure that their needs are met.
The candidate showcases their clinical skills and bedside manner, which are important strengths for any nurse.
They also explain how they are able to quickly understand complex medical issues and communicate with patients effectively.
See also: Why Should We Hire You as a Nurse
Example answer 7
I’d say my strengths are problem-solving skills and flexibility.
I’m able to think on my feet and come up with a plan of action quickly.
I’m also able to adapt to changes easily, which is important in a fast-paced environment.
I know that things don’t always go according to plan, so I’m able to roll with the punches and still provide excellent care to my patients.
According to the response, the candidate has strong problem-solving skills and flexibility.
These skills are essential in a fast-paced environment, which is common in the nursing field.
They also mention that they are able to think on their feet and adapt to changes easily, which are important qualities for any nurse.
See also: Office Nurse Interview Questions
How to Answer What Are Your Strengths Nursing Interview Question?
When asked, “What are your strengths as a nurse?”, this is how you’ll ensure that you showcase your qualities in the best light possible.
1. Thoroughly reflect on your skills and qualities
Take some time to think about what makes you great at your job:
- What are your strongest skills?
- What are your biggest accomplishments as a nurse?
- What do you feel makes you unique and valuable to a hospital setting?
Once you have a good understanding of your strengths, you can begin to craft your answers.
2. Be specific and relevant
When describing your skills and qualities, be sure to provide specific examples that are relevant to nursing.
For example, if you say that you have strong critical thinking skills, explain how you use these skills in your job.
If you say that you have a good bedside manner, describe a time when you went above and beyond to comfort a patient.
Be sure to highlight the qualities that make you uniquely suited for a career in nursing.
3. Stay positive and humble
No one is perfect, and you don’t want to come across as arrogant when discussing your strengths.
Instead, be humble and emphasize that you are always working to improve your skills.
See also: Weaknesses for Nursing Interview
You can also mention that you are aware of your limitations and how you work to overcome them.
Stay positive and showcase your strengths in the best possible light.
4. Portray confidence
When discussing your strengths, it is important to come across as confident.
After all, you are highlighting the qualities that make you great at your job!
Be sure to speak clearly and concisely, and avoid sounding unsure of yourself.
If you sound confident in your skills, it will show that you are proud of what you have to offer.
5. Practice, practice, practice!
The best way to prepare for any interview question is to practice.
Practice answering this question aloud, and try to be as specific as possible.
The more you practice, the easier it will be to showcase your strengths in a clear and concise manner.
See also: How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After Nursing Interview?
Conclusion: Strengths for Nursing Interview
What are your strengths nursing interview question can be a tricky one to answer.
However, if you take the time to reflect on your skills and qualities, you will be able to showcase your strengths in the best possible light.
Stay positive, humble, and confident when answering this question, and be sure to provide specific examples that are relevant to nursing.
With a little practice, you will be ready to answer this question with ease.
Good luck with your upcoming interview!
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