You’ve polished your resume, filled out countless applications, and finally, you’ve landed an interview! Whether you're a seasoned RN or just getting started as a new grad, nursing interviews can be a little nerve-wracking. But don't worry — we’ve got your back. Here are some nursing interview tips to help you shine like the healthcare superstar you are and land that dream job!
Nursing Interview Tips To Help You Shine
We understand that job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience for even the most seasoned nursing professionals. Your resume got you in the door, but now it’s time to show how you really stand out from the crowd. By brushing up on these essential nursing interview tips, you can show up poised, confident, and ready to wow prospective employers.
1. Know Your "Why"
Nursing isn’t just a job — it’s a calling. Employers want to know what drives you to care for others. Be prepared to talk about why you chose nursing as a career and why you're passionate about the position you’re interviewing for in particular. Maybe you have a personal story or a memorable patient interaction that inspired you. Whatever your reason, make sure your "why" shines through!
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Think beyond "I just want to help people." Dig deeper into what drives your compassion and dedication.
2. Research the Employer
When you walk into an interview, you want to feel prepared, and that means knowing a bit about the organization. Do some homework! What services do they offer? Do they specialize in pediatric care, palliative care, or post-op recovery? Knowing key details will not only help you tailor your answers but will also show your potential employer that you’re genuinely interested in them, not just any job.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Showcase your knowledge about the prospective employer during the interview. Say something like, "I love that your organization emphasizes family-centered care because I believe in empowering families as part of the care process." This shows that you've done your homework!
3. Prepare for Common Interview Questions
There are some interview questions you're almost guaranteed to be asked in any nursing interview. Familiarize yourself with these, so you're not caught off guard:
- "Why did you become a nurse?"
- "What’s your biggest strength as a nurse?"
- "Describe a time you handled a difficult patient situation."
- "Why do you want to work with our organization?"
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Write down your answers to these questions and practice saying them out loud. This will help you feel more confident when the real questions come your way.
4. Emphasize Soft Skills
While clinical knowledge is vital, nursing is also about soft skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. Employers want to hear how you connect with patients, families, and colleagues. Share examples that highlight your bedside manner, teamwork, and ability to remain calm under pressure — especially when dealing with pediatric patients who may be frightened or non-verbal.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Try to weave these skills into every answer. For example, if asked about handling a difficult patient, mention how your communication and empathy helped resolve the situation.
5. Dress the Part
Though the job may require scrubs, your interview isn’t the time to wear them! Choose professional attire to show you’re serious about the position. Opt for something neat and comfortable — this could be a business casual dress, slacks, and a blouse, or a button-down shirt. Keep accessories simple, and avoid overpowering fragrances since you’ll be working in a healthcare setting.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Even if your interview is virtual, dress up. It will boost your confidence and show the interviewer that you’re putting in the effort.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of most interviews, you’ll be asked, “Do you have any questions for us?” Don’t skip this part! It’s your opportunity to show that you’re engaged and to determine whether this job is the right fit for you. Ask about:
- Opportunities for continuing education
- Patient-to-nurse ratios
- How they support their nursing staff emotionally and mentally — because we know nurse burnout is real!
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Avoid asking questions about salary or benefits until a formal offer is on the table. Instead, focus on questions that reflect your interest in the role and the organization.
7. Showcase Your Experience With Patients
It’s important to discuss your specific experience with patients. For example, if you’re applying to a pediatric home health organization, make sure to highlight your experience with children. Even if you’ve primarily worked with adult patients, discuss transferable skills such as patience, communication, and adaptability. Share stories that show how you can connect with young patients and their families. If you’ve volunteered with children or have relevant experience outside nursing, mention that too! Since we’re on the topic, if you’d love to work with children, think about joining our team!
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: If you haven’t had direct experience with the patient group for your prospective role, talk about your excitement and the different ways you’ve prepared for this specialty. For pediatric care, you could talk about how you’ve taken pediatric care courses or shadowed a pediatric nurse. In some cases, employers (like us) have training programs!
8. Be Ready to Discuss Difficult Situations
Nursing interviews often include behavioral questions that explore how you’ve handled tough situations. For example, you might be asked to describe a time when you dealt with a difficult patient, managed a crisis, or worked through a disagreement with a colleague. Use the STAR method — Situation, Task, Action, Result — to structure your answers.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Keep it positive. Even if the situation was tough, focus on the solution you found and what you learned from the experience.
9. Talk About Your Adaptability
Nursing is unpredictable — this applies to any setting, from hospitals to surgery centers to working in home health. One minute you could be handling a routine check-up, and the next, you’re managing an emergency. Make sure you communicate your ability to think on your feet and adjust quickly to new situations. Share a story of a time you adapted to an unexpected challenge. It’ll show employers you’re resilient and resourceful.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: If you’re new to nursing, talk about how you adapted to challenges during clinicals or rotations. Every experience counts!
10. Mind Your Body Language
Body language can say a lot about your confidence and enthusiasm. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and smile. Avoid crossing your arms, as it can make you appear closed off. Active listening is also key — nod and react appropriately to the interviewer’s comments. And remember: it’s okay to take a moment to think before answering a question. Pausing shows thoughtfulness, not hesitation.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: If you're doing a virtual interview, set your camera at eye level, sit in a well-lit area, and look directly at the camera (not at yourself on the screen). Don’t hold your camera and walk around — stay in one place!
11. Express Genuine Enthusiasm
When you’re genuinely excited about a role, it shows! Let your enthusiasm for working with people and making a difference shine through. Whether it's your love of clinical problem solving, the mission of the organization, or the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives, let your passion be front and center. Employers love hiring people who are excited to be part of the team.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Avoid sounding rehearsed. Smile, be authentic, and let your natural enthusiasm come through.
12. Follow Up After the Interview
Once the interview is over, don't let your enthusiasm stop there! Send a thank you email within 24-48 hours. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from your conversation, and reiterate your excitement about the position. A thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting positive impression.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Keep your thank you note brief but personal. Reference something that stood out in the interview, like a discussion about the organization's values or a shared interest.
13. Highlight Your Organizational Skills
In nursing, whether in a hospital or home, you're often on your own managing people with complex needs. Employers want to know that you can stay organized and prioritize tasks effectively. Be ready to discuss how you keep track of patient information, medication schedules, and follow-up visits. Bonus points if you can mention specific tools or apps you use to stay on top of things!
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Share an example of how your organizational skills helped you manage a busy shift or a demanding patient load.
14. Be Honest About Your Limits
While it's important to show confidence, it's equally essential to be honest about your limits. If you're new to certain skills or procedures, don’t be afraid to mention that you're eager to learn. Employers appreciate honesty and a willingness to improve. For example, in home health, nurses face unique challenges, so showing that you're open to training or mentorship can be a huge plus.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Frame it positively. For example, "I haven't worked extensively with tracheostomy care, but I'm eager to receive training and develop that skill."
15. Show Flexibility in Scheduling
Nursing often involves irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, or even overnight shifts. Employers want to know you're flexible. If you're open to a variety of shifts, make sure to emphasize that. Flexibility shows you're adaptable and committed to patient care.
Pro Nursing Interview Tips: Tailor your response to the job. For example, if you're applying for a pediatric position, mention that you're comfortable working around children's routines, as this can be a big advantage.
Finding a Supportive Career Where You Can Thrive
Interviewing for a nursing job can feel overwhelming. But with a little preparation, a positive attitude, and the right strategy, you’ll ace it! Remember, you’re not just showing your qualifications — you’re demonstrating your passion, empathy, and commitment to caring for the most vulnerable patients. So take a deep breath, review these nursing interview tips, and go into your next interview feeling confident and ready to land that dream job. You’ve got this!
Care Options for Kids helps nurses make a difference every day. We’re passionate about recruiting and developing nurses from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience to ensure families and children receive the care they deserve. From flexible schedules to training opportunities to 24/7 support, we give nurses the tools they need to succeed. Do you like the sound of that?
Join the Care Options For Kids Team!
Are you ready for meaningful work that comes with benefits and not burnout? Join the compassionate care team that helps children and families live their best lives. Our clinicians provide best-in-class pediatric nursing, therapy, and school-based services. We bring individualized care to children where they live, work, and play. We have opportunities in homes, schools, and clinics across the country.
Apply at Care Options for Kids now. We make it easy to start so you can make a difference as soon as possible.
