An interview isn’t just an opportunity for the hiring manager to scrutinize you, it’s also your chance to evaluate whether the job would be a good fit for you.
Regardless of how much control you think the interviewer has, it’s important to ask your own questions.
What do you want to learn about the role, the healthcare facility, the department, the team, and the person interviewing you?
Don’t miss the opportunity to gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
Asking questions during a nursing interview is important for several reasons:
- It demonstrates your interest: Asking questions shows that you are engaged in the interview and interested in the position.
- It can also help to create a dialogue between you and the interviewer, which can lead to a more productive and informative conversation.
- It can help you determine if the job is a good fit: Asking questions about the position, the unit, and the healthcare facility can help you better understand the job and determine if it is a good fit for you.
- You may uncover information about the job that you were not aware of before, which can help you make a more informed decision.
- It can help you stand out: Many job candidates do not ask questions during an interview, so asking thoughtful questions can help you stand out and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
- It can help you prepare for the job: Asking questions about the orientation process, patient population, and nursing leadership can help you better prepare for the job if you are offered the position. You can use the information you gather to better understand the expectations of the job and to identify areas where you may need to improve your skills.
Remember: ask questions you really want to know the answers to – don’t only ask questions you think will impress your interviewer.
This is your chance to ask about the topics you’re really curious about—and will affect whether you even want the position or to work at that particular healthcare facility.
Here are 25 great questions to ask in a Registered Nurse job interview:
- Can you describe the responsibilities of this role?
- What is the typical day-to-day work schedule like?
- Can you tell me about the nurse-to-patient ratio in this facility?
- What kind of training or support do you offer to new nurses?
- What type of patient population does this facility serve?
- How do you handle difficult patients or family members?
- Can you walk me through the patient admission process at this facility?
- What type of technology or equipment does this facility utilize?
- Can you describe the communication system between nurses and doctors?
- What type of ongoing education or training opportunities are available for nurses?
- Can you describe the management style of this department or facility?
- What type of work-life balance do nurses typically experience in this role?
- Can you tell me about any upcoming projects or initiatives within the facility?
- How do you handle conflicts or issues within the nursing team?
- What type of support is offered for mental health and wellness for nursing staff?
- How do you approach cultural competence and diversity within the facility?
- Can you describe the relationship between nursing staff and other departments within the facility?
- What is the nursing turnover rate at this facility?
- How are patient care plans developed and implemented?
- Can you describe the process for evaluating nursing performance and providing feedback?
- What type of benefits and compensation packages are offered to nursing staff?
- How do you handle staffing shortages or unexpected changes to the schedule?
- Can you tell me about the facility’s disaster response plan?
- What type of leadership opportunities are available for nurses within this facility?
- Can you describe the facility’s policies regarding continuing education and professional development for nurses?
Don’t just ask questions at the end — job interviews are most effective when they feel like a two-way conversation, so don’t be afraid to pose questions when it makes sense throughout the interview.
