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Typical Questions in a PN Interview

Doctor and nurse converseIt’s a common quandary for students looking forward to employment after their graduation: What kinds of questions will be asked in job interviews? Because applicants for medical positions typically need special schooling and certifications, interviewing for a practical nursing (PN) position might seem scary or difficult. Thankfully, it’s not drastically different than interviewing for most other jobs, though there are a few common interview questions to be prepared for. Prism Career Institute, which offers a Practical Nursing program at all three of our campuses, highlights some of them here.

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Nursing?

There are probably many reasons that led you to become a PN, but even so, you should feel comfortable answering this question. Whatever the reasons, you shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself and answer truthfully. Health employers, like employers in other fields, are always on the lookout for passionate employees. Showing you have a passion for the medical field and helping people demonstrates that you love what you do and will work well with colleagues and patients.

How Do You Deal with Stressful Situations?

Interviewers may phrase this question differently, such as “how do you practice emotional wellbeing?” or something similar. But in all cases, what they want to know is how you respond to the stressors you’ll inevitably encounter as a PN. Not only will you need to have strategies for dealing with stress, but you will need to be emotionally intelligent – both for yourself and your patients. This interview question is a great chance to show prospective employers that you are well-equipped to continue carrying out your vital duties, even when the job gets stressful.

How Do You Work in a Team of Doctors, Nurses, and Other Professionals?

Since nursing is a highly collaborative field, you must be able and willing to cooperate with others to provide quality care for the patients. A great answer is not to simply say, “I’m a great team player,” but to give real-life examples of when you worked on a team to accomplish a goal. Another similar question might be, “Do you work better alone or as part of a team?” This question seeks the same information but also asks if you’re capable of handling responsibilities by yourself.

How Would You Handle a Patient Who Isn’t Satisfied with Their Care?

An important on-the-job skill for all PNs is dealing with both patients and their families, who might be unhappy with the care they’ve received. This question is a test of your compassion as well as your problem-solving ability. Remember that it is just as important for you to listen to and understand the concerns of patients and families as it is to be apologetic, even if what they’re upset about isn’t your fault. Thinking about how to answer this question is important, as patient satisfaction scores are a major concern for healthcare employers.

Become Confident in Answering These Questions and More

These are just a sample of PN interview questions you might encounter as you search for employment. If a career in practical nursing sounds exciting to you, there’s no time like the present to get started on your journey. To learn more, contact Prism Career Institute today.