Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Float Nurse Roles – 2021

Are you preparing for a float nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers to help you showcase your nursing skills, adaptability, and flexibility to work in different healthcare environments. Whether you're applying for a float nurse role in a hospital, nursing home, or clinic, these questions cover all important areas of the job.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell us about a time when you had to quickly adapt to a new healthcare setting.
  Answer: In my previous role as a float nurse, I was often sent to different units and facilities at short notice due to staffing shortages. One time, I was assigned to work in a pediatric unit, which was new to me as I had mainly worked in adult care. Despite some initial challenges, I quickly familiarized myself with the unit's protocols and provided quality care to the young patients. This experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and flexible in the healthcare field.
• 2. How do you handle difficult patients or family members?
  Answer: In my experience, I have found that taking a deep breath, maintaining a calm demeanor and listening attentively can often diffuse a difficult situation. I make sure to provide clear and honest communication, address any concerns or grievances, and involve the appropriate healthcare team members, such as social workers or the patient's primary nurse, if necessary.
• 3. Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs.
  Answer: I was working as a float nurse in a hospital and noticed that one of my patients was experiencing adverse reactions to a medication. When I brought this to the attention of the healthcare team, they dismissed my concerns. However, I persisted in advocating for the patient and ultimately, the doctor changed the medication, and the patient's condition improved. This taught me the importance of being an advocate for my patients and standing up for their needs.
• 4. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency.
  Answer: As a float nurse, I am often the first to respond to emergencies, and one particular instance stands out to me. I was working in a long-term care facility and received a call that one of the residents had fallen and was injured. I quickly assessed the situation, provided first aid, and called for the necessary emergency response. This experience showed me the importance of remaining calm and level-headed in high-pressure situations.
• 5. How do you prioritize tasks when juggling multiple patients?
  Answer: In my experience, effective time management is crucial when handling a large number of patients. I prioritize by assessing the urgency and severity of each patient's condition, communicating effectively with the healthcare team, and delegating tasks where necessary. I also ensure I have a plan in place for any potential emergencies that may arise.

Situational Questions

• 6. If you received conflicting information from two doctors regarding a patient's care, what would you do?
  Answer: In this situation, I would seek clarification from both doctors, discussing the patient's condition and any potential risks or benefits of each proposed treatment plan. I would also involve the patient and their family in the decision-making process to ensure their wishes are respected.
• 7. How would you handle a patient who refuses to follow their treatment plan?
  Answer: I would first try to understand the reason behind their refusal and address any concerns or barriers they may have. I would also involve the patient in creating a modified treatment plan that meets their needs but also addresses their health concerns. If necessary, I would seek guidance from the healthcare team and involve other specialists, such as dieticians or physical therapists, to provide additional support.
• 8. If you discovered a medication error made by another nurse, what would you do?
  Answer: In this situation, patient safety is of utmost importance. I would immediately inform the charge nurse and the healthcare team, document the error, and take appropriate follow-up actions, such as notifying the patient's primary physician. I would also use this as an opportunity to discuss potential strategies to prevent similar errors in the future.
• 9. How do you handle a situation where a family member is difficult to work with?
  Answer: In my experience, building a rapport and maintaining open communication with family members is key to managing difficult situations. I would make an effort to listen to their concerns, provide regular updates on the patient's progress, and involve them in the care plan where appropriate. If necessary, I would also involve the patient's primary nurse or social worker to help address any issues that may arise.
• 10. If you were assigned to work in a unit where you have limited experience, how would you prepare?
  Answer: I would first gather information about the unit, such as their patient population, common conditions and medications, and any specific protocols or procedures. I would also review relevant policies and procedures and seek guidance from the healthcare team. Additionally, I would ask for opportunities to shadow another nurse in the unit before starting my shift to gain practical experience and ask any questions I may have.

Technical Questions

• 11. What is the difference between enteral and parenteral nutrition?
  Answer: Enteral nutrition refers to administering nutrients through the digestive tract, such as a feeding tube, while parenteral nutrition refers to administering nutrients intravenously. Both methods are used when a patient is unable to obtain adequate nutrition through eating.
• 12. Can you explain the purpose of an IV pump?
  Answer: An IV pump is used to regulate the flow rate of medications or fluids being administered intravenously. It allows for accurate and safe delivery of these substances to the patient.
• 13. How do you maintain proper infection control practices in a healthcare setting?
  Answer: Proper hand hygiene, following standard precautions, adhering to specific isolation protocols, disposing of waste correctly, and cleaning and disinfecting equipment and surfaces are all essential in maintaining infection control in a healthcare setting.
• 14. What is the purpose of suctioning?
  Answer: Suctioning is used to clear mucus, saliva, or other secretions from the airway to maintain proper oxygenation. It is commonly used in patients with respiratory conditions or those who have difficulty coughing or clearing their airway on their own.
• 15. Can you explain the difference between hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia?
  Answer: Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are abnormally low, while hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. Both conditions can result in serious health complications if left untreated or uncontrolled.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. What do you consider the most important qualities in a healthcare team?
  Answer: In my opinion, effective communication, mutual respect, collaboration, and empathy are crucial qualities in a healthcare team. These qualities help ensure high-quality patient care and a positive work environment.
• 17. How do you handle challenging or stressful situations at work?
  Answer: I make sure to communicate clearly with my team, delegate tasks when necessary, and practice self-care. I also try to maintain a positive attitude and remain calm and focused, even in high-stress environments.
• 18. What excites you about working in a float nurse role?
  Answer: I enjoy the diversity and unpredictability that come with working in a float nurse role. It allows me to continually learn and grow in my nursing skills and to work with different patients and healthcare teams.
• 19. How do you ensure patient safety when working in an unfamiliar environment?
  Answer: By following proper procedures and protocols, maintaining open lines of communication with the healthcare team, and double-checking medications and procedures, I can ensure patient safety even in an unfamiliar environment.
• 20. What motivates you to work as a float nurse?
  Answer: The opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives, to continually learn and grow, and to contribute to the overall functioning of a healthcare team are all factors that motivate me to work as a float nurse.