Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Private Duty Nurse Roles – 2025

Preparing for a private duty nurse job interview? We have you covered with a comprehensive list of expertly crafted questions and answers that will help you showcase your skills, experience, and passion for providing excellent patient care. These questions cover all essential areas of the role, from clinical skills to patient interaction and organizational abilities.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a private duty nurse.
  As a private duty nurse, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of patients in their homes, providing one-on-one care and support. This has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of individual patient needs and develop strong relationships with my patients and their families.
• 2. What motivated you to become a private duty nurse?
  I have always been passionate about helping others, and I wanted to use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of those in need. I was drawn to the intimate and personalized nature of private duty nursing and being a source of comfort and care for patients and their families during challenging times.
• 3. How do you handle difficult or emotionally charged situations with patients and their families?
  I believe in clear and open communication, empathy, and active listening. I make an effort to understand the needs and concerns of my patients and their families, and work together to find the best solution for everyone involved. I remain calm, professional, and always prioritize the well-being of my patients.
• 4. What do you see as the biggest challenge of being a private duty nurse?
  The biggest challenge of private duty nursing is managing and prioritizing multiple patients and their unique needs simultaneously. It takes excellent time management, organization, and adaptability to ensure all patients receive the highest level of care and attention.
• 5. How do you stay updated on the latest medical developments and procedures?
  I actively participate in professional development opportunities, such as attending conferences and workshops, reading medical journals, and networking with other healthcare professionals. I also make it a priority to regularly review and refresh my knowledge and skills through online resources and continuing education programs.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient and how you handled the situation.
  During my time as a private duty nurse, I had a patient who was constantly combative and resistant to receiving care. I made an effort to establish a positive rapport with the patient and understand their fears and concerns. Through consistent communication and showing compassion, I was able to gain the patient's trust and provide the care they needed.
• 7. How do you handle conflicting instructions from a patient's family and the medical team?
  In these situations, I ensure open and clear communication with both the family and the medical team. I take the time to explain the differing views and priorities, and work together to find a solution that prioritizes the well-being of the patient.
• 8. Can you tell us about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency on your own?
  While caring for a bed-bound patient, they suddenly experienced respiratory distress. I acted quickly and calmly, assessing their vitals and administering appropriate treatment until the emergency responders arrived. After the incident, I followed up with the patient's doctor and family, and made changes to the care plan to ensure their safety.
• 9. How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks when caring for multiple patients in a home setting?
  I am very organized and detail-oriented, and I always create a schedule and plan for each patient's care needs. I also constantly assess and reassess the priorities of each patient, and make adjustments as needed. Communication and collaboration with the patient's family and other healthcare professionals are also crucial in managing multiple patients effectively.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs.
  I had a patient who was not receiving the appropriate pain management, despite their constant complaints of severe pain. I advocated for the patient by communicating with their doctor and providing thorough documentation of their pain levels and the need for a change in treatment. The patient's pain was successfully managed after our advocacy efforts.

Situational Questions

• 11. How do you handle a non-compliant patient who refuses to follow the care plan?
  I would first try to understand the reason for their non-compliance and address any concerns they may have. If necessary, I would escalate the situation to the patient's doctor and work with the family to find a solution that prioritizes the patient's health and well-being.
• 12. What would you do if you discovered a patient's family member is administering medication incorrectly?
  I would first ensure the safety and well-being of the patient by immediately addressing the incorrect administration of medication. I would then educate the family member on the correct procedure and ensure they fully understand how to administer the medication properly.
• 13. How would you handle a patient's family member who constantly interferes with medical decisions and treatment plans?
  I would first establish clear boundaries and communicate the importance of following the medical team's recommendations. If the interference continues, I would involve the patient's doctor and work with the family to find a solution that prioritizes the patient's health and well-being.
• 14. What would you do in the event of a medical emergency while the patient's family is not home?
  I would immediately follow the emergency protocol and call for help. If possible, I would also try to contact the patient's family and provide updates on the situation. After the emergency has been handled, I would document the incident and report it to the appropriate parties.
• 15. How do you handle a patient who constantly complains about their condition and is never satisfied with their care?
  I would make an effort to truly listen to the patient and address their concerns. I would also educate them on their condition and treatment plan, and the role it plays in their recovery. If necessary, I would involve the patient's doctor in finding a solution to address their dissatisfaction.

Technical Questions

• 16. What are the potential signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI) in elderly patients?
  In elderly patients, the signs and symptoms of UTI may include confusion, agitation, fever, incontinence, and increased urinary frequency or urgency.
• 17. How do you assess for skin breakdown or pressure ulcers in bed-bound patients?
  I assess for skin breakdown or pressure ulcers by regularly inspecting and palpating the skin for discoloration, redness, warmth, or tenderness. I also monitor the patient's position and ensure proper positioning and use of pressure-relieving devices.
• 18. What are the steps for proper handwashing?
  The steps for proper handwashing are: 1. Wet hands with clean, running water. 2. Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds. 3. Scrub all surfaces of hands, including between fingers and under nails. 4. Rinse hands thoroughly with clean water. 5. Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.
• 19. How do you administer medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube?
  To administer medication through an NG tube, the following steps are taken: 1. Check the doctor's orders and double check the medication and dosage. 2. Gather the necessary supplies: medication, syringe, clean water, and gloves. 3. Position the patient in an upright position, or as directed by the doctor. 4. Flush the NG tube with clean water to ensure it is clear and properly placed. 5. Pour the medication into the syringe. 6. Connect the syringe to the NG tube and gently push the medication into the tube. 7. Flush the tube again with clean water to ensure all medication has been administered. 8. Document the administration and any relevant observations.
• 20. How do you properly transfer a patient from a bed to a wheelchair?
  To transfer a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, the following steps are taken: 1. Explain the process to the patient and ensure their cooperation. 2. Lower the bed to a comfortable height for the transfer. 3. Assist the patient to sit up on the side of the bed, with their feet flat on the floor. 4. Place the wheelchair next to the bed at a 45-degree angle with the back facing the bed. 5. Place the patient's feet on the footrests and make sure the brake is locked. 6. Support the patient's arm farthest from the wheelchair, and assist them to stand up. 7. Pivot the patient to face the wheelchair, and assist them to sit down. 8. Secure the seatbelt and ensure the patient is comfortable. 9. Check the patient's position and make any necessary adjustments.