Interview questions
Nurse interview questions and answers
By the JobberNest team · Reviewed 3 November 2026
Nursing interviews focus on safety, compassion and teamwork. Overseas employers, especially in the UK, use values-based and scenario questions, so prepare examples from your own wards.
The questions
1.Why did you choose nursing?
What they're looking for: Motivation and values.
How to answer: Give a genuine reason and connect it to the kind of nurse you are now. Keep it short and specific.
2.A patient's condition suddenly gets worse. What do you do?
What they're looking for: Clinical safety and escalation.
How to answer: Assess using ABCDE, call for help early, start what's within your scope, escalate to the doctor, document everything and keep the patient and family informed.
3.How do you prioritise care for several patients?
What they're looking for: Managing workload safely.
How to answer: Explain how you assess acuity, deal with the sickest and time-critical tasks first, delegate appropriately and re-check through the shift.
4.Tell me about a time you made or noticed a mistake.
What they're looking for: Honesty and patient safety culture.
How to answer: Describe what happened, how you made the patient safe, how you reported it and what you learned.
5.How would you handle a colleague who isn't following infection control rules?
What they're looking for: Speaking up for safety.
How to answer: Raise it with the colleague politely at the time, and escalate to the nurse in charge if it continues, because patient safety comes first.
Questions to ask the interviewer
- What is the nurse-to-patient ratio on the ward?
- What support is there for new staff?
- Are there opportunities for specialist training?
Tips
- 1
Use real clinical examples
Describe actual situations from your wards, without identifying any patient.
- 2
For UK interviews, learn the values
NHS trusts often base questions on their values, such as compassion, respect and working together. Read the trust's values before the interview.
Questions people ask
Do overseas interviews happen online?
Usually, yes. Test your connection and find a quiet, well-lit place.