Whether you’ve got 20 years nursing under your belt or are new to the field, it’s always wise to brush up on your interview skills when on a new job hunt. Along with your personal presentation and experience, a key part of the process is the questioning from the employer and how you answer them.
 
We look at some common interview questions and how best to answer them, giving you the very best footing for securing that new job.
 
 
Question: Out of the 6Cs for nursing, which do you deem the most important?
 
This is an easy way for the employer to assess your knowledge of the 6Cs. There’s no particular right answer beyond naming one of the 6Cs correctly and providing a clear and concise reason for your choice. For example, your response could be “Competence because it’s important to know your strengths and limitations. Only then can you improve”.
 
 
Question: How would you set up an audit programme?
 
As clinical audit procedure is something of an industry focus, it’s important to demonstrate that audit programmes are in your professional train of thought, along with how you work with team members. Your answer should show how you’d influence and motivate others to achieve the desired end goal.
 
 
Question: What is clinical governance?
 
Asking a question like this is another way that the interviewer is testing your nursing knowledge and experience. According to the Royal College of Nursing, clinical governance is “a system through which NHS organisations are accountable for continuously improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish.” Respond to the question as in-depth as you can, highlighting your own personal understanding of the importance of clinical governance in regards to higher standards of patient care.
 
 
Question: What does FAST stand for?
 
Depending of the nursing discipline you specialise/are looking to specialise in, you could be asked this question. Some people outside of nursing will know the answer to this too, so it’s greatly beneficial to know what this acronym is. FAST is a mnemonic acronym to help people quickly diagnose and act to a stroke patient’s requirements - Facial drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to call emergency services.
 
If you’re a geriatric nurse or work in palliative care, it’s something that you need to know off by heart.
 
 
Question: Can you name a nationwide nursing initiative and why you’re passionate about it?
 
Generally, employers won’t expect you to know all current healthcare initiatives and drives, but it’s wise to have a study session into some recent events, industry developments and government healthcare policy. Some great online resources for nursing news are the Nursing & Midwifery Council, Nursing Timesand Nursing in Practice. Take a look at these sites daily in the leadup to your interview, make notes and think about how you could use the information in your response.
 
Since the Francis Inquiry, many healthcare employers are working on Value Based Recruitment (VBR). Write down notes of how your values and professional behaviours dovetail with those of the organisation you’re applying to.
 
If you’re actively looking for your next nursing role, get in touch with the MedicsPro team. We’ve got a wealth of vacancies across the country and at all levels.