What Not to Say in a Nursing Interview Examples

What not to say in a nursing interview

There are certain things about what not to say in a nursing interview. This is because they may give the interviewer the wrong impression of you or portray you in a negative light.

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As you may know, any negative impression could result in you not getting the job.

What do interviewers expect to hear?

When interviewers ask you various questions, there are various qualities they expect to hear in your responses, including:

1. Professionalism

Interviewers expect to hear that you are professional and can act professionally.

Interviewers want to know that you will be able to represent their organization in a positive light.

Therefore, when talking about previous experiences or discussing the position you are interviewing for, make sure to act and sound professional.

2. Passion

Interviewers want to know that you are passionate about nursing and that this is what you want to do with your career.

They want to hear that you have a genuine interest in the field and that you are excited to work in the nursing industry.

See also: Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years Nursing Interview Question

When talking about your previous experiences or discussing the position you are interviewing for, make sure to express your passion for nursing.

3. Positivity

Interviewers want to hear that you are positive and that you see the glass as half full.

They want to know that you will be able to look at difficult situations and see the positive side of them.

When talking about your previous experiences or discussing the position you are interviewing for, express your positive attitude.

4. Clarity

Interviewers want to hear that you are clear and concise in your communication.

They want to know that you will be able to relay information accurately and on time.

When talking about your previous experiences or discussing the position you are interviewing for, make sure to communicate clearly and concisely.

5. Honesty

Interviewers want to hear that you are honest and that you will be truthful with them.

They want to know that you will be able to tell them the truth, even if it is difficult.

When talking about your previous experiences or discussing the position you are interviewing for, let the interviewer know that you are an honest person.

So, what are the things to say or not say in a nursing interview? Those are coming up next.

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What not to say in a nursing interview examples

7 Things to Say in a Nursing Interview

1. I am highly motivated and passionate

I am a highly motivated and passionate individual who is looking for a nursing career that will allow me to use my skills and abilities.

When interviewers ask you various questions, make sure to relay that you are highly motivated and passionate about nursing.

This is one of the most important qualities that interviewers are looking for.

2. I believe in myself

I believe in myself and have the confidence to succeed in any nursing role.

Nursing is a career that requires a great deal of confidence.

When interviewers ask you various questions, make sure to relay that you have the confidence necessary to be successful in this field.

3. I have a positive attitude

I have a positive attitude and see the glass as half full.

Nursing can be a difficult profession at times.

However, having a positive attitude will help you get through the tough times.

When interviewers ask you various questions, let them know that you have a positive attitude.

4. I am a clear and concise communicator

I am a clear and concise communicator who can relay information accurately and on time.

When responding to nursing interview questions, make sure to communicate clearly and concisely.

This is an important skill for nurses as they often need to relay information accurately and on time.

5. I have a strong work ethic

I have a strong work ethic and am willing to put in the extra effort to ensure that my patients receive the best possible care.

Nursing is a demanding profession and often requires nurses to put in extra effort.

Therefore, interviewers want to know that you are willing to go the extra mile. When interviewers ask this question, let them know that you have a strong work ethic.

6. I have a passion for helping others

I have a passion for helping others and enjoy caring for patients.

Interviewers can be both hard and easy to impress.

However, one thing that they all appreciate is someone who has a passion for nursing and helping others.

When interviewers ask you various questions, make sure to relay that you have a passion for nursing and helping others.

7. I am a team player

I am a team player and enjoy working with others.

Nursing is a team-oriented profession and interviewers want to know that you are someone who enjoys working with others.

When answering interview questions that are related to teamwork, let the interviewer know that you are a team player.

See also: What Can You Bring to Our Team Nursing Interview

5 Things Not to Say in a Nursing Interview

1. I don’t have any experience in nursing.

Although you may not have a lot of formal nursing experience, you likely have some experience that you can talk about.

When interviewers ask you experience-related questions, make sure to talk about the various experiences that you have had that are related to nursing.

2. I don’t love working with difficult coworkers.

Interviewers want to know that you are someone who can get along with others and work as part of a team.

When answering interview questions that are related to teamwork, make sure to not mention any negative experiences that you have had working with others.

3. I am not sure what I want to do in nursing.

Interviewers want to know that you have a clear idea of what you want to do in nursing.

See also: Short-Term Goals for Nursing Interview

When answering interview questions, make sure to talk about the various nursing roles that you are interested in.

4. I’m not sure if I want to do nursing forever.

Yes, nursing can be a demanding profession, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t want to do it forever.

When interviewers ask you about your career goals, make sure to relay that you are interested in nursing for the long haul.

5. I love working alone and don’t need the support of others.

It does not matter how hardworking or independent you are, interviewers want to know that you are someone who enjoys working with others.

When answering interview questions, do not mention any negative experiences that you have had working with others.

See also: What to Wear for a Nursing Interview?

Conclusion: What Not to Say in a Nursing Interview?

When interviewers ask you different nursing interview questions, you have to have a clear understanding of what to say or what not to say.

Why? This is because your responses are what dictate the impression that you leave on interviewers.

By following the tips in this article, you will be sure to impress interviewers with your positive attitude and clear vision for a successful nursing career.

Good luck with your nursing 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.