Written by Toniesha Friday, Healthcare Talent Consultant at iDEAL HIRE
Whether you’re interviewing for your first RN role or preparing for your next leadership step, preparation makes all the difference. At iDEAL HIRE, we support nurses across the country in landing the roles they deserve.
Below are five practical tips—along with example responses—to help you succeed in your next interview:
1. Know the Role and the Facility
What to Do:
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Research the hospital or clinic’s specialties (e.g., oncology, med-surg, behavioral
health). -
Visit the organization’s website for recent news, updates, or awards.
Review the job description thoroughly.
Why It Matters:
Demonstrates genuine interest in this specific role—not just any job.
Example Answer:
“I’m interested in your oncology unit because I have experience supporting cancer patients and admire your hospital’s focus on innovative treatments. Seeing your recent Magnet designation shows me that nurse development is a priority here, which is important to me.”
2. Use Real-Life Stories with the STAR Method
What to Prepare:
Think of stories that show how you’ve handled emergencies, worked as part of a team, managed heavy workloads, or supported patients through challenges. Use the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to structure your answers clearly.
Example Answer:
“On a busy med-surg shift (Situation), two CNAs called out, increasing my patient load (Task). I prioritized safety checks and patient assessments, delegated to available staff (Action), and despite the challenge, ensured all care was delivered. We even received positive feedback from patients that day (Result).”
3. Don’t Forget Soft Skills
Key Soft Skills to Highlight:
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Communication with patients and colleagues
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Adaptability to fast-changing situations
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Compassionate and empathetic care
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Collaboration and teamwork
Example Answer:
“I believe strong communication prevents errors and improves patient care. I make it a point to clarify orders, document thoroughly, and check in with my team throughout each shift.”
4. Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Common Interview Prompts:
- “Tell me about a mistake you made and how you handled it.”
- “Describe a time you dealt with a difficult patient or family.”
- “Give an example of teamwork under pressure.”
Example Answer – Mistake:
“Once I entered a medication incorrectly in the MAR. I caught the mistake during my final chart review, reported it immediately, and followed protocol to correct it. Since then, I’ve added double-checking MAR entries to my personal checklist to prevent future errors.”
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions in Return
Questions to Ask the Interviewer:
- “What is your typical nurse-to-patient ratio?”
- “How do you support ongoing education or certification renewal?”
- “What is the team culture like on this unit?”
- “What qualities help nurses succeed here?”
Why It Matters:
Shows confidence, preparation, and a desire for a strong mutual fit.
Ready to Land Your Next Role?
At iDEAL HIRE, we connect RNs, LPNs, NPs, and healthcare leaders with top opportunities nationwide—whether you’re searching for a permanent role or a travel assignment.
Contact Toniesha Friday directly: Tfriday@idealhire.com
Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/tfriday-idealhire
Let’s land your next nursing job together!
