Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Practice Nurse Roles - 2025

Are you preparing for a practice nurse role? As a crucial member of the healthcare team, a practice nurse plays a vital role in providing direct patient care, education, and support. To help you excel in your next job interview, we have compiled a list of 20 up-to-date questions and simple answers that will assess your experience, decision-making skills, and cultural fit for the role.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your previous experience as a practice nurse.
  Answer: I have been working as a practice nurse for the past 5 years, providing direct patient care and conducting health assessments. I have experience in managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and promoting overall wellness through patient education and preventative care.
• 2. Why did you choose to work as a practice nurse?
  Answer: I have always been passionate about providing quality healthcare to patients in need. Working as a practice nurse allows me to have a direct impact on people's lives by building relationships with my patients and helping them improve their overall health and well-being.
• 3. How do you stay updated with the latest healthcare practices and industry changes?
  Answer: I make sure to attend workshops, seminars, and webinars to stay updated on the latest healthcare practices and changes. I also regularly read medical journals and attend conferences to learn from industry experts and stay informed about new developments in the field.

Behavioral Questions

• 4. Can you tell me about a challenging patient care situation you have encountered and how you handled it?
  Answer: One of the most challenging situations I have faced as a practice nurse was dealing with a patient who was afraid of needles and refused to take their insulin injections. To handle this situation, I took the time to listen to their concerns and explained the importance of insulin injections in managing their diabetes. I also worked with the patient and their family to come up with alternative ways to make taking injections less scary. Eventually, the patient was able to overcome their fear and successfully manage their diabetes with insulin injections.
• 5. How do you handle conflicts with coworkers or other members of the healthcare team?
  Answer: I understand the importance of open communication and finding resolutions in a professional and respectful manner. If I encounter a conflict with a coworker or other team members, I first try to address it directly with them and listen to their perspective. If we are not able to come to a resolution, I involve our manager to mediate and find a solution that works for everyone involved.

Situational Questions

• 6. What would you do if a patient is refusing to follow your treatment plan?
  Answer: I would first try to understand the reason behind the patient's refusal and address any concerns or misconceptions they may have. If necessary, I would involve the patient's doctor and other members of the healthcare team to create a treatment plan that the patient feels comfortable with and is willing to follow.
• 7. How would you handle a situation where a patient is experiencing a medical emergency?
  Answer: In a medical emergency, the first thing I would do is assess the situation and call for help if needed. Then, I would follow the emergency protocols to stabilize the patient, provide any necessary first aid, and communicate with the patient and their family about the situation. I would also document the incident accurately and report it to the appropriate authorities.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 8. What kind of patient assessments have you handled in your previous practice nurse roles?
  Answer: In my previous roles, I have conducted various patient assessments, including health, mental health, and pain assessments. I have also performed diagnostic tests, administered medications, and assisted with minor surgical procedures.
• 9. How do you handle patient confidentiality in your daily practice?
  Answer: Patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare, and I make sure to follow all protocols to protect patient information. I only share patient information with other members of the healthcare team on a need-to-know basis and ensure that all electronic and physical records are kept secure and confidential at all times.
• 10. Are you familiar with electronic medical records (EMR) systems?
  Answer: Yes, I have experience working with EMR systems in my previous roles. I am comfortable using various software, including EPIC, NextGen, and Cerner, to document patient records, manage appointments, and communicate with other healthcare providers.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 11. How do you ensure a patient-centered approach in your practice as a nurse?
  Answer: I believe it is essential to understand and respect each patient's unique needs and preferences to provide the best care possible. I make sure to listen to my patients, involve them in their treatment plan, and address any concerns or questions they may have to ensure they feel heard and valued.
• 12. How do you handle patient diversity and cultural differences in your practice?
  Answer: As a nurse, it is crucial to be culturally sensitive and respectful towards all patients. I make sure to educate myself on different cultures, customs, and beliefs to better understand and communicate with my patients. I also work closely with interpreters and involve the patient's family and community in their care whenever possible.

Professional Development & Values

• 13. What motivates you to continue learning and developing as a practice nurse?
  Answer: I am constantly motivated to learn and improve my skills as a nurse to provide the best care to my patients. I believe in staying updated with the latest medical practices and advancements to enhance my knowledge and skills and provide the best possible care to my patients.
• 14. How do you handle stressful situations in your job as a practice nurse?
  Answer: To manage stress in my job, I make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance, engage in stress-reducing activities, and practice self-care. I also communicate with my colleagues and seek support from my manager when needed. In times of high stress, I prioritize my workload and take breaks when necessary to avoid burnout.

Values and Ethics

• 15. What ethical principles do you use to guide your practice as a nurse?
  Answer: As a nurse, I follow the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. I respect my patients' rights to make informed decisions about their care, prioritize their well-being, do no harm, and treat all patients with fairness and equality.
• 16. Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to make an ethical decision? How did you handle it?
  Answer: Yes, I have encountered situations where I had to make ethical decisions, such as respecting a patient's wishes for end-of-life care. In these situations, I communicate openly and respectfully with the patient and their family, seek advice from my colleagues and follow the appropriate protocols and regulations to ensure ethical decision-making.

Goal-oriented Questions

• 17. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years as a practice nurse?
  Answer: In the next 5 years, I see myself growing and excelling in my role as a practice nurse. I would like to further my education and obtain additional certifications in areas that align with my interests and career goals. I also strive to take on more leadership roles and contribute to the improvement and development of our healthcare system.
• 18. How do you set and achieve your professional goals as a nurse?
  Answer: I believe in setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to guide my professional development. I continuously assess my progress, seek feedback from my manager and colleagues, and make changes to my goals as needed to achieve them successfully.

Teamwork & Collaboration

• 19. How do you collaborate with other healthcare professionals in your role as a nurse?
  Answer: As a nurse, I believe in open communication and teamwork. I regularly collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, and pharmacists, to ensure a holistic approach to patient care. I communicate patient updates and collaborate on treatment plans to provide comprehensive care to our patients.
• 20. Can you give an example of a successful teamwork experience in your previous role?
  Answer: In my previous role, I worked with a multidisciplinary team to develop a program for diabetes education and management in our community. We each brought our expertise and collaborated on creating educational materials, developing a treatment plan, and conducting group sessions. The program was well received, and we saw a significant improvement in our patients' overall health and well-being.