Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Medical Surgical Nurse – 2025

Preparing for a medical surgical nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your experience, skills, and knowledge in providing care to surgical patients. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or ambulatory surgery center, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a medical surgical nurse and why you chose this specialty.
  As a medical surgical nurse, I have been caring for patients across the lifespan who are undergoing surgical procedures. I chose this specialty because I enjoy the fast pace and variety of patients that I get to work with in this setting. I also have a strong interest in the human body and how it responds to surgical interventions, and I find it rewarding to help patients recover and achieve their health goals.
• 2. Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult or challenging patient? How did you handle the situation?
  In my experience, communication is key when dealing with difficult patients. I had a patient who was constantly agitated and uncooperative following their surgical procedure. I made sure to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and involve them in their care as much as possible. By building a rapport and understanding their needs, I was able to help them feel more at ease and achieve a positive outcome.
• 3. How do you prioritize your tasks and responsibilities as a nurse?
  As a nurse, I prioritize my tasks and responsibilities by assessing the needs of each patient, prioritizing urgent or time-sensitive tasks, and delegating tasks to other members of the healthcare team when appropriate. I also make sure to constantly reassess and reprioritize as needed, as patient conditions and priorities can change quickly in a medical surgical setting.
• 4. How do you handle a situation where you disagree with a physician’s orders for your patient?
  First and foremost, I always make sure to communicate my concerns calmly and professionally with the physician. I may also seek a second opinion from another physician or utilize evidence-based research to support my concerns. Ultimately, I understand that the physician is responsible for the patient’s care and I will follow their orders, but I also advocate for my patients and their well-being.
• 5. Can you tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a multidisciplinary team? How did you contribute to the team’s success?
  As a medical surgical nurse, I regularly work with a variety of healthcare professionals, from surgeons and anesthesiologists to physical therapists and social workers. In one instance, I was part of a team caring for a patient who was recovering from a complex surgical procedure. I collaborated with the physical therapist to ensure the patient was safely mobilizing, facilitated communication between the patient and their family, and provided ongoing education to the patient and their caregivers. By working together, we were able to help the patient achieve a successful recovery.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. Can you discuss your experience with wound care and infection control?
  As a medical surgical nurse, I have extensive experience caring for post-surgical wounds and preventing infections. I am knowledgeable in proper wound care techniques, such as sterile dressing changes and wound irrigation, and I utilize evidence-based practices to prevent infections, such as proper hand hygiene and disinfection protocols. I am also skilled in identifying signs and symptoms of infection and intervening appropriately.
• 7. How do you handle medication administration and documentation?
  I adhere to the five rights of medication administration (right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time) and utilize barcode scanning technology to ensure safety and accuracy. I also carefully document all medications given and any adverse reactions or changes in patient response.
• 8. What experience do you have with pain management strategies for post-surgical patients?
  In my practice, I am well-versed in various pain management modalities, such as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. guided imagery, massage), and multimodal pain regimens. I also regularly assess and reassess patients’ pain levels and work with them to develop individualized plans for pain relief.
• 9. Can you explain your experience with post-operative care, including monitoring for complications and initiating interventions?
  In my current role, I am responsible for monitoring post-operative patients for signs of complications, such as bleeding, infection, or respiratory distress. I regularly assess vital signs, surgical sites, and drainage devices, and intervene promptly if any issues arise. I also collaborate closely with the healthcare team to ensure appropriate interventions are implemented and patient outcomes are monitored.
• 10. How do you ensure patient safety during transfers and mobilization?
  Patient safety is a top priority for me, and I take necessary precautions to ensure safety during transfers and mobilization. This includes assessing patients’ ability to participate, utilizing proper equipment and techniques, providing education and coaching, and monitoring for any signs of distress. I also collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement appropriate mobilization plans for each patient.

Cultural Fit

• 11. How do you prioritize and provide culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse backgrounds?
  I recognize the importance of providing culturally sensitive care and strive to do so by understanding and respecting each patient’s cultural beliefs and practices. I actively seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures and utilize resources, such as healthcare interpreters and cultural competency trainings, to better support my patients.
• 12. Can you discuss a time when you had to handle a difficult or challenging situation with a patient’s family? How did you handle it?
  I had a patient whose family was very involved in their care and became very anxious and demanding when their loved one’s condition took a turn for the worse. I made sure to communicate regularly and transparently with the family, address their concerns and fears, and involve them in care decisions when appropriate. By building trust and collaboration, we were able to work together and support the patient through this difficult time.
• 13. How do you handle ethical dilemmas or conflicts in the workplace?
  In my practice, I follow the nursing code of ethics and use a framework for ethical decision-making, such as ANA’s nursing decision-making model. I also seek guidance and support from my colleagues, nursing leaders, and ethical committees when faced with complex situations. Ultimately, I prioritize advocating for my patients and maintaining their rights and dignity.
• 14. Can you discuss a time when you had to provide care to a patient from a different cultural background than your own? How did you approach the situation?
  I had a patient with a language barrier and limited understanding of the healthcare system. I utilized a professional interpreter, as well as visual aids and simplified communication techniques, to ensure that the patient had a clear understanding of their care and any instructions. I also made sure to involve the patient’s family and respect their cultural practices throughout the patient’s stay.
• 15. How do you handle stress and maintain self-care in a demanding and fast-paced medical surgical environment?
  As a medical surgical nurse, I understand the importance of self-care and stress management. I make sure to practice healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise and mindfulness, and I also utilize resources, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), for additional support and counseling when needed.

Behavioral Questions

• 16. Can you tell me about a time when you had to quickly adapt to changes in patient condition or unexpected emergency situations?
  I had a patient who experienced a sudden cardiac event and required immediate intervention. I quickly assessed the patient’s condition, alerted the physician and other members of the healthcare team, and coordinated and assisted with the rapid response. By acting quickly and remaining calm and focused, we were able to stabilize the patient and prevent adverse outcomes.
• 17. How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with team members?
  In my practice, I value effective communication and teamwork and strive to openly and respectfully resolve conflicts. I make sure to listen actively, acknowledge other perspectives, and find a compromise or solution that benefits the patient. I also utilize strategies, such as debriefing and mediation, to address issues and prevent future conflicts.
• 18. Can you tell me about a time when you had to think critically and make a difficult decision in a time-sensitive situation?
  In my role as a medical surgical nurse, I encounter many challenging and rapidly changing situations that require critical thinking and quick decision-making. One instance that stands out to me is when I had a patient who experienced anaphylactic shock during surgery. I had to quickly assess the situation, initiate appropriate interventions, and effectively communicate with the healthcare team to ensure a positive outcome for the patient.
• 19. Can you discuss a time when you had to handle multiple priorities and tasks? How did you keep organized and meet all responsibilities?
  As a medical surgical nurse, I am used to managing multiple patients, tasks, and responsibilities simultaneously. I am detail-oriented and organized, and I use prioritization and time management techniques, such as lists and calendars, to stay on track and meet all of my responsibilities. I also communicate with my team and delegate tasks when necessary to ensure all patients receive safe and timely care.
• 20. How do you continue to develop and improve your nursing practice and keep up-to-date with industry changes and advances?
  I understand the importance of lifelong learning in nursing and actively seek out opportunities to develop and improve my practice. This includes attending conferences, participating in workshops and trainings, and staying up-to-date with evidence-based research and best practices. I also take advantage of continuing education and certification programs offered by my employer to ensure I am providing the best possible care to my patients.