Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Circulating Nurse Roles – 2025

Preparing for a circulating nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your nursing skills, knowledge of surgical procedures, and experience in the operating room. Whether you’re applying for a role as a circulating nurse in a hospital or surgical center, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your background and how you became interested in nursing.
  Answer: I have always been drawn to the medical field and have a passion for helping others. After completing my bachelor's degree in biology, I decided to pursue nursing as a way to combine my love for science and my desire to make a difference in people's lives.
• 2. What made you choose to specialize in circulating nursing?
  Answer: During my clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to observe and assist in various surgical procedures. I found the fast-paced environment, the collaboration among the medical team, and the attention to detail in the operating room to be both challenging and rewarding. This experience guided me towards pursuing a career in circulating nursing.
• 3. How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in nursing?
  Answer: I make it a priority to attend continuing education courses, read professional journals, and participate in workshops and conferences related to nursing. I also have a strong network of colleagues and mentors whom I regularly consult with regarding best practices.
• 4. How do you handle high-stress situations in the operating room?
  Answer: I remain calm and focused on the task at hand, keeping in mind that the well-being of the patient is the top priority. I also make sure to communicate effectively with other team members to ensure everyone is on the same page and working together efficiently.
• 5. How do you ensure patient safety in the operating room?
  Answer: I follow strict protocols and guidelines while maintaining a vigilant eye throughout the procedure. I also carefully monitor the patient's vital signs and communicate any concerns with the surgical team immediately.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What experience do you have with different surgical procedures?
  Answer: I have experience with a wide range of surgical procedures, including general, orthopedic, neurologic, cardiovascular, and gynecologic surgeries. I have also assisted in emergency surgeries and am confident in my ability to adapt to new situations and procedures.
• 7. How familiar are you with sterile techniques?
  Answer: As a circulating nurse, it is my responsibility to maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. I am well-versed in all sterile techniques, including proper gowning and gloving, maintaining a sterile field, and handling and disposing of instruments and equipment.
• 8. What experience do you have with monitoring and administering anesthesia?
  Answer: As a circulating nurse, I have extensive experience with monitoring patients under anesthesia and assisting with administering anesthesia when needed. I am also trained in recognizing and addressing any complications that may arise during the process.
• 9. How do you handle surgical equipment and supplies?
  Answer: I am highly organized and detail-oriented when it comes to handling surgical equipment and supplies. I make sure everything is accounted for before, during, and after the procedure to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• 10. How do you handle and document patient records and information?
  Answer: I understand the importance of accurate and comprehensive patient documentation, particularly in a surgical setting. I have experience in electronic medical records systems and am diligent in recording all necessary information during and after procedures.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a difficult patient in the operating room.
  Answer: I had a patient who was extremely anxious and agitated before a surgery. I took the time to talk to them, address their concerns, and assure them everything would go smoothly. I also collaborated with the anesthesia team to provide additional medication to help ease the patient's anxiety. By the end, the patient was calm and the surgery was successful.
• 12. How do you handle conflicts with other medical team members during a surgery?
  Answer: I understand the importance of clear communication and collaboration in the operating room. I maintain a professional demeanor and make sure to address any conflicts calmly and respectfully, prioritizing the well-being of the patient.
• 13. Can you give an example of a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks in a high-pressure situation?
  Answer: During a complex surgery, I had to balance monitoring the patient's vital signs, keeping track of time, and managing supplies all while assisting the surgeon. To prioritize effectively, I made sure to communicate with the team and delegate tasks when necessary. The procedure went smoothly and the patient had a successful recovery.
• 14. Tell us about a challenging incident you faced in the operating room and how you handled it.
  Answer: I was assisting in a surgery where the patient experienced a sudden decrease in blood pressure. The surgeon had not yet started stitching up the incision, so I immediately communicated the situation and we worked together to stabilize the patient and continue the procedure without any complications.
• 15. How do you handle difficult or distraught family members in the surgery waiting room?
  Answer: I understand the emotions tied to surgeries and the impact it can have on loved ones. I take the time to update family members on the progress of the surgery and provide comfort and reassurance as needed. If the situation becomes too overwhelming, I have the necessary resources and support to call upon for assistance.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if you noticed a surgical instrument was missing during a procedure?
  Answer: I would first double-check with the surgical team to ensure it was not inadvertently left on a tray or elsewise. If it was, I would retrieve it and continue with the procedure. If it was not there, I would immediately notify the surgeon and the operating room staff so they could take the necessary steps to locate or replace the missing instrument.
• 17. How would you handle a situation where a patient's vital signs suddenly became unstable during a surgery?
  Answer: I would first communicate the situation with the surgeon and anesthesia team and work together to address any potential complications. I would also assist the anesthesia team in stabilizing the patient's vital signs while the surgeon continued the procedure.
• 18. What would you do if there was a miscommunication about the patient's medication during surgery?
  Answer: I understand the critical importance of accurate medication administration during surgeries. If I noticed a discrepancy, I would immediately halt the procedure and communicate with the surgeon and anesthesia team to confirm the correct medication and dosage. I would also ensure all protocols were followed to prevent any future miscommunications.
• 19. How would you handle a situation where a patient developed an infection after surgery?
  Answer: I would follow the proper protocol for handling infections, including notifying the surgeon and administering the appropriate treatment. I would also take necessary precautions to prevent further infections and stay in close communication with the patient's healthcare team.
• 20. What would you do if you discovered a colleague not following proper sterile techniques?
  Answer: I would address the situation with the colleague in a respectful manner and remind them of the importance of following sterile techniques in the operating room. If the situation persisted, I would report it to the appropriate authority to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients.