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

Looking to land a job as a male nurse? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your medical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re applying for a role as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or licensed practical nurse, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about yourself and why you decided to become a nurse?
  As a male nurse, I have always been drawn to the healthcare field and have a strong desire to help others. My compassionate nature and the ability to provide hands-on care led me to pursue a career in nursing. I am also stimulated by the constantly evolving nature of the healthcare industry and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives.
• 2. How do you stay current on the latest healthcare developments and best practices?
  I make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest healthcare developments by attending conferences, completing continuing education courses, and regularly reading professional journals. I also collaborate with colleagues and ask for feedback to continually improve my practice.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or challenging patients?
  As a nurse, I understand that patients may be going through a difficult time and may not always act in a pleasant manner. In these situations, I remain calm and empathetic, actively listen to their concerns and try to find solutions to alleviate their discomfort. I also involve the patient's family and other healthcare professionals in the care plan to ensure the best possible outcome.
• 4. How do you handle stress and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced healthcare environment?
  Healthcare can be demanding, and it's essential to remain organized and focused under pressure. I manage stress by staying organized and prioritizing tasks according to urgency. I also take regular breaks and engage in stress-relieving activities such as exercise or meditation to maintain a clear and focused mind.
• 5. Tell us about a time when you had to make a difficult decision in a patient's care.
  As a nurse, I have faced numerous challenging situations, but one that stands out is when I had to decide whether to perform CPR on a patient with a terminal illness who had a DNR order. After consulting with the patient's family and the healthcare team, we decided to honor the patient's wishes and provide comfort care instead of CPR. It was challenging, but ultimately the right decision for the patient's quality of life.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult coworker.
  In my previous role, I had a coworker who often disagreed with my ideas and did not communicate well with the rest of the team. To effectively work with this coworker, I actively listened, addressed their concerns, and found common ground. We were able to establish a positive working relationship and continued to work collaboratively.
• 7. Give an example of a time when you had to handle an unexpected medical emergency on your own.
  During a night shift at the emergency department, a patient came in with severe allergic reactions that rapidly progressed to anaphylaxis. On that particular shift, I was the only nurse on the unit, and I had to assess and provide immediate treatment to the patient on my own. I followed the emergency protocol, administered medication, and continuously monitored the patient until the doctor arrived. The patient responded well to the treatment, and the doctor commended my quick thinking and action.
• 8. Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs.
  As a male nurse, I have encountered patients who feel more comfortable with a female nurse providing intimate care. In one situation, a male patient expressed his discomfort and requested a female nurse. I spoke with the patient and reviewed his care plan with the healthcare team, addressing his concerns and advocating for his needs. We were able to find a solution that was satisfactory for the patient and respectful of his preferences.
• 9. Describe a situation where you had to handle a heavy workload.
  Working as a nurse can be physically and emotionally demanding, and at times, the workload can be heavy. In my current role, I have experienced a high volume of admissions and had to manage multiple patients with complex care needs. To handle this workload, I prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities to other team members, and ensure I take breaks to maintain my own well-being.
• 10. Give an example of a time when you had to provide culturally competent care.
  As a nurse, it's crucial to provide care that is respectful and sensitive to patients' cultural backgrounds. During a shift, I had a patient from a different cultural background who was hesitant to receive a particular treatment due to their beliefs. I worked closely with the patient's family and cultural liaison to understand their perspective and find a suitable alternative that met both their needs and medical requirements.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you prioritize tasks if you were responsible for managing multiple patients with complex care needs?
  If I had multiple patients with complex care needs, my first priority would be to assess each patient's condition and determine the most urgent or critical cases. I would then delegate tasks to other team members, set realistic timelines, and communicate any changes or updates to the healthcare team. I would also prioritize any ongoing treatments or medications to ensure patients receive timely care.
• 12. What would you do if you encountered a patient exhibiting aggressive behavior?
  I would remain calm and assess the situation to understand the reasons behind the patient's aggressive behavior. I would then try to redirect their attention and engage in communication to de-escalate the situation. If necessary, I would involve the patient's family, other healthcare professionals, and implement any de-escalation or behavioral management techniques that have proven successful in the past.
• 13. How would you handle a situation where a patient's family member is demanding care that goes against medical recommendations?
  In these situations, I would listen to the family member's concerns and provide them with a thorough explanation of the patient's medical condition and recommended treatment plan. If necessary, I would involve the healthcare team and provide the family with additional resources or information to help them understand the situation. It's crucial to maintain open communication and address any misconceptions or concerns respectfully.
• 14. What would you do if you discovered a medication error after administering it to a patient?
  If I discovered a medication error after administering it, I would immediately stop the medication, assess the patient's condition, and notify the healthcare team and the patient's doctor. I would also document the error accurately and follow the organization's protocol for medication errors. I would then work with the healthcare team to implement any necessary follow-up measures and prevent similar errors in the future.
• 15. How would you handle a situation where you suspect a coworker may be under the influence of drugs while on duty?
  If I suspected a coworker may be under the influence of drugs while on duty, I would immediately report my concerns to my supervisor or the appropriate authority. I would also try to address the issue with the coworker privately and offer support or help if needed. Patient safety is our top priority, and any concerns about a coworker's behavior should be reported promptly.

Technical Questions

• 16. What is your approach to infection control and preventing healthcare-associated infections?
  My approach to infection control is to follow the best practices and guidelines set by the CDC and my organization. I ensure proper hand hygiene, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and properly dispose of and handle medical waste. I also educate patients and their families on proper infection control measures and collaborate with the healthcare team to monitor and prevent healthcare-associated infections.
• 17. What's your experience with electronic medical records, and how do you ensure accuracy and confidentiality?
  I have experience working with electronic medical records to document and access patient information accurately and efficiently. To ensure accuracy and confidentiality, I follow the organization's policies and procedures and double-check my entries before signing off. I also maintain strict confidentiality by only accessing patient information necessary for their care and not disclosing any information without consent.
• 18. How do you handle medication administration and ensure patient safety?
  To ensure safe medication administration, I follow the "five rights": right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. I also verify the patient's identity, compare the medication label with the order, and double-check any calculations. I also educate patients about their medication, potential side effects, and any necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
• 19. What should you do if a patient develops an allergic reaction to medication?
  If a patient develops an allergic reaction to medication, I would assess their condition and stop the medication. I would then notify the healthcare team, check the patient's allergies and medical history, and provide necessary interventions such as administering medication to counteract the allergic reaction, monitoring vital signs, and notifying the patient's physician for further instructions.
• 20. How do you prioritize and manage patient referrals and consults?
  As a nurse, I prioritize and manage patient referrals and consults based on the urgency of the situation and the patient's needs. I also work closely with the healthcare team and utilize tools such as the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) to ensure clear communication and timely referral. I also follow up with the patient and the consulting team to ensure proper care and communication of any results or changes in the patient's condition.