Questions to Ask in a Nursing Interview by the Interviewee

• Whether you are interviewing for your first nursing job, or tenth, interviews can be nerve wracking. Each one differs for the next, so it can be anxious to prepare. 
• An interveiw is not only their opportunity to determine if you will be a good fit for them, but also for you. You too want to walk away with information to help you decide if that is the type of employment opportunity you want as well.  
• We have a list of questions to ask in a nursing interview that will not only show your interviewer your interest, but also allow you to decide if that job and company is worth pursuing. 

Often, we forget that it is not just the employer who should be interviewing us. We should be interviewing the employer. If you take the time to think of questions to ask a prospective employer, you will not only impress your interviewers with your interest in the opportunity but also gain a better understanding if this is the right position for you.  

As a nurse it is important, we take the job we are most enthusiastic about and not accept off monetary needs alone. If you take the job, you have the most passion for, it will not feel so much like work. You are more likely to stay with that employer for the long term.  

I have a list of interview questions to ask in a nursing interview that I found gave me an advantage and made me stand out over other applicants who may not have asked questions.  

Many times, I have had the interview say they appreciate being asked these questions.  I do believe this has helped me land the nursing positions I have held thus far in my nursing career.  

I let the interviewer guide the interview and give me the information they have prepared to give me and when I am prompted to ask questions this is when I start going down my list.  

It is important to let the interviewer give you all the information they have prior to asking them questions, because they may answer a few of your questions during that time.  

Questions to Ask in a Nursing Interview

One

The first question I always ask a prospective employer is “What are the main qualities you are looking for in a nurse applicant?  

This is one of the most important questions you can ask an employer because it will let you know what the employer is looking for specifically and if you feel you fit their description for the job.  

Two

The second questions I always ask is what do you want a nurse to know about working at your facility? How can they succeed?  

This is a great question because it allows the interviewer to tell you why they chose the facility themselves and what they enjoy about it. It will allow them to tell you about the kind of co workers you would be working with and what to expect for the work culture of the facility.

The second part of the question about what it takes to succeed in the position allows the interviewer to see you care about succeeding in your position if you are chosen and that you genuinely care about the satisfaction of the employer as well.  

Three

Another important question I always ask is: What is your nurse managerial style? Are you on location or readily available if needed?  

This is particularly important because if you are a nurse that prefers being in an environment where the manager is readily available to you to manage questions or concerns, this question will clarify.  

It clues you in on their leadership style– if they are more hands on and involved wither their nursing staff or if they are at an office away from the location you would be working and are not around very much.

Four

One of the last questions I ask is ‘How many providers and nurses serve the location in which you are interested’

It is a great idea to ask if you are responsible for collaborating with a specific provider or if it is more of a group effort and all nurses help all providers.  

It usually varies depending on the facility or specialty you are applying for. Some nurses like to help a variety of providers and others prefer to work under one provider and form a good working relationship with them.  

Five

Lastly, I ask if I can receive a small tour of the environment. 

This will give you a chance to see the atmosphere you would be working in if chosen and meet some of your future nurse coworkers.  

Are they polite and friendly when introduced to you? Do they seem happy there? Could you see yourself working in this environment? These are questions you should have in the back of your mind as you take the tour with your interviewer.  

If hired, these are the people you would be around for most of your day, so it is important for you to have a good first impression and feel comfortable. 

Wrapping up the Interview

When the tour is over this is when you will have time to ask any additional questions you may have and thank the interviewer for their time. You may even consider asking about job shadowing to further understand the job, and for a closer look at what a typical day might look like for one in that position. 

If you want to go the extra mile and stand out even more, I usually try to send out a thank you letter to the interviewer within a day or two after the interview. This is also another step that a lot of people miss, and the interviewer appreciates the effort and time you take to show your interest in the position. 

The Bottom Line

If you implement these questions to ask in a nursing interview, I am confident you will stand out amongst other applicants and have a better chance at landing the job you really want.

My hope is that these questions to ask in a nursing interview tips will help you find a position in an area of nursing that you love and will be happy in for the long term. 

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