Top Questions to Ask Employers During a Nursing Interview

Asking prepared questions in a nursing interview can help you communicate to the employer that you have an honest interest in the position. Valuable questions prove you have some background knowledge of the facility or role and are eager to have a better understanding of the culture and overall work environment. An employer wants to hear questions from you that generate quality conversation, demonstrate communication skills, and reveal thoughtful consideration for the nursing position you seek.

 

Your questions show your priorities as an employee and communicate the values that drive you. Consider asking the questions below during a nursing interview and how the responses can inform your career path decisions.

What are the top qualities you look for in an ideal nursing candidate?

The answer to this question informs quality responses to questions they may ask throughout the interview. Organically ask this question at the onset of the interview and you can later highlight your skills that meet the requirements of an ideal candidate.

What’s your management style, and what makes it most effective?

Knowing the supervisor and their management style lends you a better understanding of leadership expectations of the job. Most nursing positions require basic responsibilities such as monitoring patient vitals or communicating crucial information to physicians. However, if there are any you’re unfamiliar with, this helps you gauge the work environment.

What’s the average patient-to-nurse ratio?

Awareness of your patient responsibility can help estimate your potential daily routine. A lower patient-to-nurse ratio provides time to connect with patients, while a higher one offers a challenge if you prefer staying busy.

What opportunities for professional development and training are offered here?

This question tells the interviewer that you value education and are capable of commitment in the same way that the interviewer’s answers show their commitment to their employees and willingness to invest in quality care for patients.

How, and how frequently, is nurse performance evaluated?

Asking performance evaluation-related questions says you value high-quality work and want to perform to the best of your ability. Asking this demonstrates you are eager to meet expectations and insist upon clarity. The employer’s response helps you gauge how they value employees, as well.

Do you have a mentorship program for new hires help them acclimate to procedures and policies?

This question communicates your readiness to adhere to policies and your desire to develop professionally. A mentorship program can be an effective method to advance your career and skills. This question shows an employer that you value your coworkers and their skills, have a desire to develop your own, will work well on a team, and that you are respectful of policy and order.

Can nurses provide input regarding systems or equipment?

This exhibits confidence in your skills, workplace initiative, and leadership potential because you’re willing to share your knowledge and want your input valued. The answer provided to you will give perspective as to the value placed on your opinions and expertise in your field.

How do you show nurse appreciation?

If employees feel valued, workplace satisfaction is greater. A facility that values employees lists several methods to motivate employees, raise morale, and keep employees happy. This shows prospective employers that you hope to stay with the company or facility for a while.

What opportunities for advancement are available in this role?

Many hiring managers like hearing this question because it shows an eagerness to take on more responsibility and leadership. This question can give you a solid understanding of opportunities available to you within the facility and may help you plan out your career path.

What do you like most about working here?

Posing a question like this humanizes the exchange during an interview which can often feel very formal and impersonal. Asking the interviewer for their opinion can put both parties at ease and affords you a unique perspective on the company culture you may be a part of in the future. Their response can give you valuable insight into the culture and overall work environment to help you make a more informed decision on your career.

What is one of the greatest challenges nurses here face?

A response to this question presents the types of obstacles you may face in performing your daily duties and can help you prepare better for your role. You may also ascertain the underlying issues a facility has, which could give you an opportunity to suggest solutions and highlight your transferable skills. Advising can establish your genuine concern for the company, role, and patients and prove your investment in the successful treatment of patients.

How long is each shift and what is the process for creating work schedules?

Having knowledge of the weekly demands and schedules for a nursing position can show you the type of work/life balance you can expect. Knowing the scheduling process may reveal how much flexibility there is and any staffing issues. If you have home-life responsibilities, the scheduling process is an indicator of how well you are able to manage your professional and personal responsibilities.

How is overtime handled and what are weekend shift requirements?

Especially for professions that require shift work, it is imperative to understand the off-hours responsibilities and to know if employees are being treated fairly. This should help you gauge the expectations the facility has regarding taking on extra duties and working outside of regular hours. Knowing overtime compensation can help you navigate future situations. The information shared can also help you plan for a healthy work/life balance to maintain healthy mental well-being and implement stress management skills.

Can you share some patient or employee evaluation statistics?

Most facilities collect data on patient satisfaction and regularly conduct company culture and employee satisfaction surveys to help guide and improve policies and procedures. The statistical data on this can be very revealing of company culture, values, and areas for improvement. An employer’s willingness to share this information shows their pride in the culture they have created and reveals to you the importance they place on patient satisfaction. Additionally, their ability to produce this information shows they value employee input and have a process or system in place that supports constructive feedback to improve the work environment.

Can you describe what a typical shift would look like for this nursing position?

This shows your ability to acclimate well to different situations. You may find the type of workload you can expect and the employer’s perspective on additional hours and working late. A response may also give you insight on possible stress levels or values the employer maintains to run the facility. Their answer can further clarify expectations on employees and responsibilities that may not have been clearly listed on the official job description.

What next steps can I expect from this interview process?

Inquiring about the next steps in the procedure communicates your continued interest in the position. Their response often provides you with a timeline and method by which they’ll contact you. Use this to decide how long to wait before taking your next steps to find your dream job.

Preparing poignant questions to ask in a nursing interview shows your foresight and dedication to the interview process as well as your industry. Each interview is a learning experience and one step closer to the role you desire.  Share what your interview experience was like for any company.