Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Intensive Care Nurse Roles – 2025

As an intensive care nurse, you play a critical role in saving lives and providing compassionate care to patients who require close monitoring. Employers are looking for candidates with a strong blend of technical skills, hands-on experience, and the ability to handle high-stress situations. To help you excel in your next interview, here are 20 up-to-date questions and answers that will showcase your abilities and suitability for the role.

General Questions

• 1. Can you tell us about your experience working in intensive care units?
  As a dedicated intensive care nurse, I have spent the past five years working in different ICUs, caring for patients with a wide range of critical illnesses and injuries. I am well-versed in the latest medical technology and best practices for providing personalized, specialized care to patients in critical condition.
• 2. How do you handle high-stress situations in the ICU?
  I understand that working in the ICU can be extremely demanding and stressful. To cope with the pressure, I take deep breaths, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with my team. I also utilize my critical thinking skills and stay calm and focused to provide the best care possible to my patients.
• 3. How do you handle difficult patients or families?
  In my experience, effective communication and empathy are crucial when dealing with difficult patients or families. I take the time to listen to their concerns, understand their needs, and address any issues they may have with compassion and professionalism.
• 4. How do you stay updated with advancements in intensive care medicine?
  I am committed to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in intensive care medicine. I attend regular trainings and conferences, read medical journals, and participate in online forums to keep up-to-date with industry developments.
• 5. How would you handle a conflict with a colleague or physician?
  I understand that conflicts can arise in a fast-paced environment like the ICU. In such situations, I would approach the individual privately and try to understand their perspective. I would then work towards finding a mutually agreeable solution, keeping the best interests of our patients at the forefront.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What critical care therapies are you familiar with?
  I am well-versed in a variety of critical care therapies, including mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, and vasoactive medication administration. I also have experience with invasive procedures such as intubations, central line insertions, and chest tube placement.
• 7. Can you describe your experience with code blue situations?
  I have responded to numerous code blue situations during my time in the ICU. I am trained in ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) and can effectively perform chest compressions, administer emergency medications, and coordinate with the team to stabilize the patient.
• 8. Do you have experience with electronic documentation systems?
  Yes, I have experience working with various electronic documentation systems, including Epic, Cerner, and Meditech. I am familiar with charting patient information, uploading test results, and accessing patient records as required.
• 9. How do you prioritize your tasks in the ICU?
  In the ICU, prioritization is crucial to ensuring efficient and effective patient care. I prioritize tasks by assessing the urgency and complexity of the situation, communicating with my team, and allocating resources efficiently while also considering the individual needs of each patient.
• 10. What experience do you have with caring for patients with specialized needs?
  I have experience caring for patients with various specialized needs, including those with burns, traumatic brain injuries, and organ transplants. I have also worked with patients who require specialized equipment, such as ventilators and hemodialysis machines.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Can you tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision in the ICU?
  In my previous job, I had a patient who required emergency surgery, but their family was hesitant to give consent. After thoroughly discussing the risks and benefits, I had to make a quick decision to obtain temporary legal guardianship to proceed with the surgery. Ultimately, the patient's life was saved, and the family was grateful for my actions.
• 12. How do you handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a high-pressure environment?
  I am well-versed in managing multiple tasks and deadlines in the ICU. I prioritize tasks, utilize my time management skills, delegate responsibilities when necessary, and communicate effectively with my team to ensure everything is completed in a timely and effective manner.
• 13. Tell us about a time when you had to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
  In a recent case, I had a patient with complex medical conditions who required the expertise of multiple specialists. I collaborated with the respiratory therapist, physical therapist, and dietitian to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient, which resulted in a successful recovery.
• 14. Can you give an example of how you ensured patient safety in the ICU?
  Patient safety is of utmost importance in the ICU, and I prioritize it in all my actions. For example, I always double-check medications before administering them, use the three-point check system for patient identification, and frequently review patient charts to ensure their safety and well-being.
• 15. How do you handle stressful situations with patients and their families?
  In the ICU, stressful situations are a part of everyday life, and I have learned to remain calm and empathize with my patients and their families. I listen to their concerns, provide them with accurate information, and reassure them that we are doing everything we can to provide the best care for their loved one.

Situational Questions

• 16. What would you do if you discovered a patient had a severe allergic reaction to a medication you administered?
  If I discovered that a patient had a severe allergic reaction to a medication I administered, I would immediately stop the medication, evaluate the patient's condition, and notify the physician. I would then follow the facility's protocol for managing allergic reactions and closely monitor the patient's vital signs and symptoms.
• 17. What steps would you take if a patient in the ICU started to develop signs of sepsis?
  If a patient started to develop signs of sepsis, I would immediately start them on broad-spectrum antibiotics, obtain blood cultures, and initiate fluids as per the sepsis protocol. I would also closely monitor the patient's response to treatment and escalate care if necessary.
• 18. How would you handle a patient's family member who is verbally abusive towards you?
  If a patient's family member was verbally abusive towards me, I would remain calm and professional while addressing their concerns. I would also inform my supervisor and follow the facility's protocols for managing difficult situations. My priority would be to ensure the safety and well-being of my patient.
• 19. What would you do if a patient developed a medical emergency while you were alone in the ICU?
  If a patient developed a medical emergency while I was alone in the ICU, I would call for backup and initiate the appropriate response, such as calling a rapid response team or providing immediate care as per the patient's condition. I would also follow the facility's protocol for managing medical emergencies and document the incident.
• 20. How would you handle a patient who refuses medical treatment?
  If a patient refused medical treatment, I would assess their reasons for refusal and try to address any concerns or fears they may have. I would also educate them on the potential consequences of not receiving treatment and document the refusal in their medical records. If necessary, I would involve the physician and seek guidance from the ethics committee.