The purpose of a job interview, for the employer, is to find out if that candidate is a good fit for their organization. While some nursing job candidates appear to hit all the marks on a resumé, that may not predict how the candidate works with others, provides compassionate patient care, or is simply a good fit for your healthcare facility. When you meet with the applicant “face-to-face” in person or virtually, you better grasp the person behind the resumé. And that can make all the difference in whether or not your new hire is a successful one.
Specific questions get to the heart of why the candidate is interested in joining your nursing staff and how well they will integrate and perform as a member of your nursing team. Here are five specific questions that provide insight into whether or not a nursing candidate is the right hire for your healthcare organization.
Insightful Interview Questions for Your Nursing Candidates
It’s impossible to predict how someone will act under certain circumstances. However, these questions are designed to provide insight into the nursing candidates no matter the role for which they are considered. The purpose of the interview is to provide real-time context and a glimpse into the professional personality of your candidate.
1. How Would You Handle a Difficult Patient?
Difficult patients are just a fact of nursing. And they come in all different varieties. Some react with anger, and some with tears out of confusion. The best nurses understand that all patients should be regarded with compassion and professionalism. Anxiety and fear are a part of the patient’s challenging situation, no matter how dire or minor it may seem. A good nurse will always have their patient’s care at the heart of the matter. Compassion and understanding are an integral part of that care. Even when the patient behaves frustratingly or the nurse is having a bad day themselves.
If the patient threatens harm to themselves or others, it’s crucial to alert a supervisor.
2. How Do You Prioritize Patient Care?
Dedication to patients is at the core of nursing. Sometimes, there are patients who require more hands-on care than others. This interview question provides insight into how your nursing candidate handles a crisis. The best nurses stay calm and focused while assessing the situation and then taking decisive action. They always follow protocol and ensure the safety of all patients and team members. A well-trained and responsible nurse ensures patient safety even in a rapidly changing or escalating scenario.
3. What are Your Long-Term and Short-term Goals?
By asking this interview question, you’re able to gauge your healthcare organization’s ability to retain your nursing candidate once hired. If the candidate’s long-term goals don’t fit with your organization’s professional development plan, then you may decide to move on. If the short-term goals complement your plan, move forward. Sometimes, in plotting a career path, a new hire may present lofty goals that don’t fit with your organization. In that case, they may move on sooner rather than later. Avoid investing in onboarding a candidate who is likely to leave.
4. How Would You Handle a Disagreement with A Member of Your Patient’s Care Team?
You may want to provide a case scenario for this interview question. At the core, this interview question helps you gain insight into how your candidate navigates conflict resolution. Your nursing candidate needs some clear insight into how your healthcare organization regards the chain of command. If the candidate indicates they will follow protocol to a point that endangers the well-being of the patient, that’s a sign of a dedicated nursing candidate. After all, a patient-centered healthcare facility should be your goal.
5. How Do You Handle Workplace Stress?
Workplace stresses happen every day. From staff shortages, difficult patients, coworker disputes, and loss, nurses carry heavy burdens at times. Understanding whether your nursing candidate can overcome workplace stresses and stay on task regarding care is crucial. That’s the purpose of this interview question. Again, you may offer a scenario so you gain better insight into your candidate’s ability to handle stress in the workplace.
For More Insight
Your ultimate goal, especially in the current nursing shortage, is to hire those nurses who are a good fit and who will stay long-term. Your healthcare organization can find the right staff by asking these interview questions. For more information on finding the right nursing candidate, contact BOS Medical Staffing.
