Preparing for Your Nursing Program Interview

Preparing for Your Nursing Program Interview

Getting ready for an important interview can be nerve-wracking, but these tips from nursing experts aim to boost your confidence and readiness. Even though there’s a shortage of nurses, nursing program admissions remain competitive due to more applicants than available spots. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, over 75,000 qualified nursing school applicants were denied admission for the 2018-19 school year. Some schools use interviews to choose from candidates who pass the initial application review. Interviews also help potential students determine if a program suits their needs.

Interview questions for nursing school allow applicants to show they’re a good fit for the program and the profession. Instead of using interviews to eliminate candidates, schools assess each student’s communication skills, interpersonal abilities, and how they handle stress.

Nursing interviews may happen in person, over the phone, or virtually through platforms like Zoom or Skype. Common nursing school questions ask about an applicant’s reasons for pursuing nursing and choosing the program. Interviewers also check for professional goals, strengths and weaknesses, academic background, and knowledge of current nursing issues.

Feeling nervous before an important interview is normal, but we hope these tips and advice from nursing professionals can help you feel confident and ready for the process. Remember that receiving an interview invitation often means the school is interested in you as a candidate.

Tip #1: Understand the Interview Format for Nursing School

Different nursing programs use various interview formats. So, research how many people you’ll talk to and their backgrounds.

Interviewers might be admissions counselors, faculty, or others from the program. Interviews might be panel discussions, one-on-one sessions, or small groups, and could span multiple sessions.

Dr. Debra Sullivan, a nurse educator, writer, and medical reviewer, advises, “The format depends on the specific program you’re applying to. So, do some research and find someone you trust who interviewed at that program, or look for blogs or Facebook groups of other applicants.” Practice interviews simulating the expected format can be helpful.

Tip #2: Prepare for Common Nursing School Interview Questions

Expect a mix of questions about yourself and the nursing profession. “Usually,” says Sullivan, “questions cover personality, behavior, and situations.”

Dr. Anna-Lise Krippaehne, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, notes that interviews offer a chance for candidates to share their story: “Telling why you’re applying for this nursing program and how you got here today is powerful.”

Apart from professional motivations, personality questions might explore how friends describe you or which personality traits you’d change. Behavioral questions look for examples of how you handled past situations or would deal with hypothetical ones.

“The interviewer wants to see that you’re well-rounded and will not only succeed but thrive,” says Sullivan. “They’re looking for resilience.”

Situational questions might touch on ethical dilemmas, like “What’s your take on euthanasia?” or “Should you inform a patient they have a year to live?”

Interviewers might ask about your knowledge of current nursing and medical issues.

“Health equity, cultural competency, evidence-based practice, and preventive care are hot topics. Interviewees should know these terms and why they matter,” advises Krippaehne.

Krippaehne adds, “Be ready to answer how you’ll support yourself (financially, mentally, through support systems) and if you plan to work while studying.”

Tip #3: Know the Types of Answers Nursing School Interviewers Look For

Along with anticipating question types, understand what kinds of answers suggest qualified candidates.

“Interviewers seek thoughtful answers with examples,” says Krippaehne. “Especially for behavioral questions, they want specific situations showing how you handled things.” Krippaehne suggests using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for quality answers.

Use personal experiences to highlight traits and qualities that make you unique. Sullivan says, “Most interviewers want a prospective student who’s attentive, patient, flexible, compassionate, a team player, and communicates well.”

Sullivan advises reflecting on why you chose nursing. Programs often consider an applicant’s motivations. “They want to hear what sets you apart and why you’ll persevere through nursing school challenges,” she adds.

Tip #4: Arrive with a Plan for Your Nursing Future

Interviewers often ask where you see yourself in five or ten years. Having a career plan ready shows you’ve thought about your future and helps you answer likely questions. Research various specialties and care approaches to guide your plan.

“For instance, candidates might highlight areas like contraceptives, family planning, or critical care,” suggests Krippaehne. “Be ready to explain how you’ll address preventive care, health promotion, evidence-based practice, and holistic approaches.”

Thinking about your career plan shows your passion for the profession. “Even though you can research the program and potential interview questions beforehand, try to be authentic during the interview,” stresses Sullivan. “If you truly care about nursing and its principles, it will come across.”

Tip #5: Recognize Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate Nursing Program Interviews

Undergraduate program interviews tend to focus on an applicant’s qualities, background, values, and motivations for nursing, says Krippaehne.

“With graduate programs, the focus might be on clinical or nursing experience. Candidates without nursing experience should be ready to discuss their previous careers and why they’re ready for this new path and the academic challenges,” explains Krippaehne.

Your interests matter for both types of programs, but they play a bigger role in graduate programs. “Remember, programs are often looking for the best fit, especially in graduate programs that involve research,” says Sullivan.

Graduate-level interviews might differ for candidates without field experience. “For those applying to a graduate program without prior nursing experience, interviews will focus on their previous professional background and how they’re prepared for the new path and academic rigor,” explains Krippaehne.