Are you planning to work and have a career in the nursing field? Applying to a nursing school involves many preparations, from submitting your school credentials to passing the admission tests. Incoming students are also required to undergo interviews in which various nursing interview questions will be asked. While being interviewed by nursing educators and instructors, you will be assessed to see if you fit in with your desired program. Start your preparation now by looking at the following interview tips designed to help you pass that vital nursing school interview.
Commonly Asked Nursing School Interview Questions
An organized list of interview questions for nursing school applicants involves a series of questions ranging from introductory to those that require critical thinking. Some are common while others are specific to this field of study.
Introductory nursing school interview questions are for the purpose of building rapport and for “breaking” the ice between the interviewer and the interviewee.
Sample questions are:
- “Tell me about yourself?”
- “Can you tell me about your educational background?”
- “What are your study habits?”
- “Why do you want to become a nurse?”
Next, the interviewer will ask questions that will test your competency to attend and finish nursing school. Such competency is not just about intelligence but will include financial considerations; since it is not cheap to study nursing. Likewise, your aptitude towards nursing schools and the course itself will be addressed.
Sample questions are:
- “Who will support your nursing education?”
- “How can you arrange your schedule when it comes to both studying and working?”
- “Do you have any means of transportation for our clinical?”
- “Who motivated you to take up nursing?”
- “What do you know about your school?”
- “Why are you interested in becoming one of our students?”
To take a medical course, nursing students must demonstrate intelligence, and consequently, some nursing school interview questions will require logic and critical thinking to be well answered. Take your time in conceptualizing your response before answering.
For example:
- “What do you think is a nurse’s social responsibility?”
- “Name a healthcare issue that you think should be given importance? Explain why?”
- “If you caught your classmate cheating during exams, what would you do?”
- “Give situations where a student commits plagiarism?”
To end your nursing school interview you will also be asked something about your future.
For example:
- “Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years from now?”
- “Upon graduation, what will be your first step?”
- “Where do you want to practice your nursing degree?”
- “Have you made plans on some nursing specialization?”
See also Nursing brain sheet
Nursing School Interview Tips
To avoid getting nervous about your “big day”, here are some tips that will help you deal with nursing interview questions:
- Have a good rest. You should think clearly and look pleasing during the interview.
- Do not be late. You can turn your interview into a disaster just by being tardy. Come 15 minutes ahead of time.
- Dress well. This means casual business. No jeans. No skimpy clothes. Look polished and neat.
- Complete your medical examinations on time. Most nursing schools have strict deadlines.
- Bring copies of your school records, certificates and other important papers.
- Turn off gadgets during the interview.
- Greet the interviewer first.
- Make eye contact as you answer each nursing school interview question.
- Be aware of what your body language is saying. Don’t cross your arms and legs. Sit properly.
- Avoid filling in your sentences with “ahhs” and “umms”.
- Use proper English. No “yeah” and avoid slang.
- To support your answers to nursing interview questions, use clear examples – like past experiences.
- DO NOT LIE.
- Research about the school and about healthcare generally. If you can, read nursing journals.
- Treat the nursing school interview as a job interview.
- Say “thank you.”
After reading these sample nursing interview questions and practical interview tips, you can now face your interviewer with confidence and a brave face. Be prepared and practice you answers to these common nursing school interview questions. Relax yourself and don’t forget to smile.