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10 Worst Answers to Nursing Interview Questions

What is Your Greatest Weakness?

This is a classic trick job interview question. Do you try to turn a weakness into a strength? Do you claim to have no weaknesses? The key here is to be honest, but not too honest. Use specific examples to show how you have overcome a weakness during a challenging time to show that while you may not be perfect, you have the skills to get the job done.

The Nursing Interview Quiz

1. It's interview time! You arrive at your interview:

30 minutes early - you want to show your dedication to the job.
10 minutes early - But you were actually parked and ready to go in 20 minutes ago.
5 minutes late - You don't want to seem too eager.

Bad Answer: I really can’t think of any…

Better Answer: I can be stubborn, but that just means I want to get things done and get them done right!

Best Answer: During my first month at my current job, I had a tendency to be relatively shy and not speak up for myself. One day, I was blamed for losing a patient’s chart. Instead of taking the blame, I spoke to the DON and showed her how I was at work that day and the patient was discharged before I was on call. Even though I was nervous, I knew I was not to blame and wanted the truth to be known. Since then, I have been much better about speaking my mind.

Describe a Time You Worked with Someone You Did Not Get Along With

Interviewers want to hear specific examples, so they will often ask for them. Be prepared with concrete illustrations that paint you in the best light possible. Don’t make something up, as it is possible your potential employer will verify your story with your past employer.

Bad Answer: Oh, I always get along with everyone! I’ve never met a person I didn’t like.

Better Answer: I once worked with a doctor who developed very different treatments plans that I would. We often argued about what what best for a patient, and I usually let her have her way because it’s easier to concede than to fight.

Best Answer: I used to lock heads with a fellow nurse in the INCU ward. We disagreed over many things – from the care of patients to who got what shifts to how to speak with a child’s family. Our personalities did not mesh. After three months of arguing, I pulled her aside and asked her to lunch. At lunch, we talked about our differences and why we did not get along. It turns out, it was all about communication. We communicated differently and once we knew that, we began to work well together. I believe that talking a problem through with someone will help solve the issue.