Interview Tips from Experienced Nurses

Not only is Nurse Blake an experienced nurse with a passion for healthcare, he is also an internet sensation with nearly 37,000 YouTube subscribers. Nurse Blake creates videos that inform, educate and entertain. Some of the popular videos on Nurse Blake's channel are, "Ten Things To Know When Dating A Nurse" and "My First Skills Check Off". In this blog post we are featuring the video, "Nursing Interview Tips". In this video Nurse Blake gives the nurse three essential ways to be prepared: 1) Be yourself, 2)Do your research and 3) Make a portfolio. Nurse Blake even gives examples of what should be included in the portfolio. The video is 12 minutes and 52 seconds chock full of useful information. Take a moment to watch!

(Notes taken from the video)

Be Yourself
This is the most important part of the interview. Let your personality shine! Laugh, tell a joke, share a personal story, and smile. This should help you feel more relaxed and calm during the interview. Remember, the people interviewing you were in your position at one point. They want someone who is authentic and that will be compatible with their patients and team members. So, just be you!

Do Your Research
Research the organization and unit you are applying for. You should have a basic understanding of the organization’s history, mission, and vision. You should also be familiar with the unit or department. Find out if they are known for anything or have received any types of awards or certifications. Make a Portfolio Don’t just have a resume.

Have a portfolio!
This will help you stand out from the other candidates and will show that you are prepared and organized. Be sure to leave them with a portfolio after the interview. This will allow the decision makers to share your portfolio with the team and will leave them with something to remember you by.

What to include in your portfolio:

• Resume Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Certifications (CPR, ALCS, PALS, CCRN, etc.)
• Research or Papers
• Volunteer / Community Service Participation in Professional Associations

Remember Keywords
Have a list of keywords that you want to bring up during your interview.
Here is a list of my recommendations:

• Teamwork
• Collaboration
• Effective
• Efficient
• Patient Centered
• Culturally Competent
• Responsible

Practice Interview Questions

• Each answer should have a beginning, middle, and end
• Always end each question with something positive -Silence is OK.
• Feel free to pause and think about your answer.
• Don’t rush.
• Be prepared for specific questions relating to the unit you are applying for. (ie. Oncology, pediatrics, OB, surgery, ER, etc.)

Examples of interview questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What made you choose nursing and why did you choose this department?
• Describe a time when you disagreed with a co-worker.
• How was the issue resolved?
• Explain a time when you went above and beyond your basic responsibilities?
• Collaboration is key in healthcare.
• Explain a time when you collaborated with others.
• What was the situation and outcome?
• Mistakes happen. Explain a time when you made an error and how you handled it?
• Here, we inspire innovation. Describe a time when you had to be innovative.
• What is your greatest strength?
• What is your greatest weakness?

Ask Questions
This is your chance to ask questions. And please do!! This will show that you are engaged and interested in learning more about the position. Examples:

• What is the patient to nurse ratio?
• What is the orientation process?
• Any opportunities to participate in a unit practice council?
• When should I expect to hear from you?

Always Follow-Up Send an email to the HR coordinator and interviewer within a few hours after your interview. Thank them for taking time out of their day to learn about your past experience and career goals. This will also give you chance to tell them anything important you may have left out during your interview. Another reason to follow-up is if you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe about the status of your interview. Send the HR coordinator or person who interviewed you a friendly email asking about the status. Don’t feel bad about this, especially if there was a time expectation that was set. Practice!!! This is KEY! Always practice before each and every interview. Rehearse with a family member or friend. Practice your introduction, answering questions, asking questions, and using your keywords. Do not over practice because you don’t want to sound stiff or over rehearsed. You are not trying to memorize a script. Instead, you should practice to get comfortable.


Check the CPR-Inc. job board to find healthcare positions near you.


Cpr-inc, Nursing Interview Tips, YouTube, Nurse Blake, June 6, 2017, 12:52, https://youtu.be/l2j_L_vAkPg

Susan Jero, MSN, RN has numerous years of experience as a nurse manager and she also owned a staffing company that employed nurses. In this video, Susan shares valuable tips to help guide nurses through the interview process. Set aside 18 minutes to view this video and subscribe to Nightengale College YouTube page to see more educational, inspiring videos.

Topics covered in the video

• The Interview
• Go to the website of the institution to become familiar with the position and the culture.
• Be prepared with questions for interviewer.
• Bring a pad and pen to write down the answers to your questions.
• Come to the interview no earlier than 10 minutes and do not be late.
• Make sure your cellphone is turned off.
• Do not wear jeans.
• Think of areas where you have been challenged and be prepared to answer questions related to behavior.
• If you were fired from a position don't ever be negative about the previous employer.
• Don't bring up salary.
• Leave a cover letter and resume.
• Send an email or a hand written note in the mail after the interview.
• Wait 48 to 72 hours to do a follow up phone call.

CPR-Inc., Nursing Interview Tips with the Director of Nursing Education Services, YouTube, Nightengale College, March 17, 2017, 18:58, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8-GC1BduVc&t=930s