Interviews are probably the most nerve-wracking part of the entire hiring process. There is the pressure to answer immediately and as confidently as you can. Interviewers often ask about work experience, clinical skill set, stress management, and goals and aspirations. They want to see how compassionate and capable you are as a nurse. Here are some nursing interview tips to get hired in 2023.

Tip #1: Prepare your answers

Questions asked by recruiters or human resource staff differ from one company to another. However, there are questions that are commonly asked. 

One of the top nursing interview tips to get hired in 2023 is to prepare and practice your answers to these questions. Don’t create a spiel and memorize every word. Instead, familiarize yourself with these questions and ask yourself how you want to respond. Take note of concepts and keywords that you plan to highlight.

What are these common questions? Here are some of them.

Tell me about yourself.

This is one of the basic questions that recruiters across all industries ask. Though it may sound simple, answering this is harder than one may think.

How do you describe yourself? Should you talk about your work experience, personal life, or hobbies?

The rule of thumb is to give answers that are relevant to the job you are applying for. What qualities and clinical skills are they looking for? You can start from there and mention work experience, training and certifications, and good qualities.

What do you like about being a nurse?

There are many versions of this question but the point remains the same. The interviewer wants to know about the part of the profession that you like the most. 

Highlight your compassion for others and passion for helping people. After all, every medical facility wants compassionate healthcare staff.

What is your greatest achievement in your career?

What is a nursing achievement for you? Is it recognition and labels? It is good to highlight the promotions and awards you received through the years. You rightfully earned it.

However, you might also want to talk about how you positively impacted a patient. Always remember to be compassionate. Put compassion above everything else.

How do you handle stress?

Whether it's a hospital, clinic, or any other medical facility, healthcare often has a high-stress environment. Future employers like to know how you can survive working in an environment that is physically, mentally, and at times, emotionally exhausting.

Nurse turnover is pretty high which has led to a shortage of nurses and understaffing in facilities. One of the major factors is stress. This is why interviewers typically ask this.

Tip #2: Familiarize but don't memorize

Having an idea of what questions you will receive during your interview will help you. However, avoid memorizing answers to these questions or forcing yourself to say your spiels line by line. You will look rehearsed and unauthentic.

Remember these nursing interview tips to get hired in 2023: While looking and sounding prepared is good, it sometimes removes the human touch. Be as authentic as possible. You are human, not a robot.

Determine what your answers are and highlight important concepts. Keep these keywords in your head and use these only as a guide in coming up with your sentences.

Tip #3: Research and read

Do you know the medical facility you are applying to? Are you aware of the tasks and responsibilities of that position you are eyeing at?

Before applying for a role, do due diligence. Research and read about the company, what its values are, and what services it offers. Take time in reading the job hiring post so you know what exactly they are looking for.

Interviewers appreciate it when applicants do research. It shows that the individual has the initiative to do it. Companies usually have information on their website. Hiring posts often have a company brief as well.

Tip #4: Use buzzwords

In writing your resume, use buzzwords that will catch the attention of recruiters. These are adjectives, nouns, and concepts relevant to the nursing job position. 

In the same way, one of the nursing interview tips to get hired in 2023 that you should remember is to use these words during your interview. Some of the buzzwords that recruiters love to hear are compassion, purpose, and care. When it comes to descriptions, use adjectives like hardworking, patient, able to multitask, and willing to learn.

Tip #5: Arrive on time

You don’t want to leave a bad first impression that you are always tardy. Respect the recruiter or interviewer’s time by showing up a couple of minutes before your schedule. You should already be in the area when they call your name for the interview.

Tip #6: Be genuine

We can’t stress this enough: Be yourself! Recruiters and human resource personnel have tons of experience dealing with applicants. With this, they will be able to spot who is genuine. 

Nursing does not only require clinical skills but also compassion. You must be genuinely compassionate to your patients and passionate about nursing.

Get hired as a nurse in 2023

Interviews can make or break your application. Remember these nursing interview tips to get hired in 2023. Come prepared and brainstorm on what your answers are to commonly asked questions. Do not write a spiel for your answers but identify keywords and concepts. Use these as guides in answering. Be as genuine as possible. Remember: Compassion as a nurse is above everything else!