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

Preparing for a career as a psychiatric nurse? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your clinical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and experience working with individuals with mental health disorders. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, clinic, or private practice, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. How did you become interested in the field of psychiatric nursing?
  A: I have always been passionate about helping others, and I became particularly interested in the challenges and complexities of mental health care during my nursing studies. This led me to pursue specialized training and experience in psychiatric nursing.
• 2. What do you find most rewarding about working as a psychiatric nurse?
  A: The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the progress and improvement in my patients' mental health. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I have played a role in their recovery and wellbeing.
• 3. How do you cope with the emotional demands of working with individuals with mental health disorders?
  A: I prioritize self-care and have developed strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout. This includes practicing mindfulness, talking to colleagues for support, and engaging in activities outside of work that bring me joy and relaxation.
• 4. How do you handle difficult and challenging behavior from patients?
  A: I use a patient-centered approach, actively listening and empathizing with the patient while setting clear boundaries and expectations. I also collaborate with the patient's treatment team to develop a plan for managing difficult behaviors.
• 5. What measures do you take to maintain patient confidentiality and privacy?
  A: In addition to following HIPAA guidelines and facility protocols, I prioritize building trust and establishing a safe and confidential environment for my patients to share their personal information with me.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a time when you had to de-escalate a tense situation with a patient.
  A: In one particular case, I had a patient who was experiencing a psychotic episode and became agitated and aggressive. I remained calm and used therapeutic communication techniques to de-escalate the situation, ensuring the safety of both the patient and myself.
• 7. How do you handle conflicting opinions or decisions with other members of a patient's treatment team?
  A: I believe collaboration and open communication are critical in a multidisciplinary team. If there are conflicting opinions, I make sure to listen to all perspectives and offer my own insights, always keeping the best interest of the patient in mind.
• 8. Give an example of how you have shown empathy towards a patient.
  A: During a therapy session, I had a patient who broke down in tears while discussing their struggles with depression. I showed empathy by actively listening, validating their feelings, and offering support and encouragement.
• 9. How do you handle a patient who refuses to participate in their treatment plan?
  A: I approach the patient with empathy and try to identify the root cause of their refusal. I then collaborate with the patient to address any concerns and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. If the patient still refuses, I respectfully explain the potential consequences of not adhering to their treatment plan.
• 10. Tell me about a time when you had to prioritize multiple tasks and assignments as a psychiatric nurse.
  A: During a particularly busy shift, I had to assess and administer medication to multiple patients, document notes, and provide emotional support to a patient in crisis. I prioritized by assessing the patient in crisis first, and then delegating tasks to other nurses to ensure all patients received timely and appropriate care.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a patient who exhibits suicidal ideation?
  A: I would first ensure the patient's safety by removing any potential means of self-harm and contacting the appropriate treatment team members. I would then assess the patient's current mental state and develop a safety plan with them.
• 12. How would you react if a patient became physically aggressive towards you?
  A: My first priority would be to ensure the safety of myself and others. I would calmly remove myself from the situation and seek assistance from other members of the treatment team. I would then follow facility protocols for managing aggressive behavior, such as redirecting the patient's attention or using physical restraint if necessary.
• 13. How would you handle a patient who continuously requests medication or refuses to take their medication?
  A: I would first assess the patient to determine the underlying reason for their behavior and then collaborate with the patient and their treatment team to develop a plan for addressing the issue. If necessary, I would also consult with the facility's pharmacist or psychiatrist for additional support and guidance.
• 14. What would you do if you suspected a patient was being abused in their home?
  A: I would follow the facility's protocol for reporting suspected abuse or neglect, which typically involves notifying the appropriate authorities and documenting any observations or interactions with the patient. I would also provide support and resources to the patient as needed.
• 15. How would you handle a patient's family member who is upset and anxious about their loved one's mental health?
  A: I would validate their feelings and actively listen to their concerns while also respecting the patient's confidentiality. I would then provide education about the patient's condition and reassurance about the treatment plan. If necessary, I would involve the patient's treatment team for additional support and guidance.

Technical Questions

• 16. Can you explain your experience with administering and monitoring psychiatric medications?
  A: As a psychiatric nurse, I have experience with different classes of psychiatric medications and their intended effects and side effects. I am also trained in medication administration techniques and regularly monitor and document patients' responses to their medications.
• 17. How do you ensure patient safety during medication administration?
  A: I follow the "five rights" of medication administration – right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time. I also thoroughly assess the patient's medication history and check for any potential drug interactions before administering a new medication.
• 18. What interventions do you use to manage a patient's anxiety?
  A: Some interventions I use include deep breathing techniques, guided imagery, and cognitive-behavioral therapy methods. I also educate patients about the benefits of consistent routines and healthy coping strategies, such as exercise and journaling.
• 19. How would you assess a patient for suicidal ideation?
  A: I would use a combination of direct questioning, observation of physical and emotional symptoms, and information from the patient's medical history and risk assessment tools. I would also follow up with the patient regularly and adjust the assessment as needed.
• 20. Can you walk me through your approach to developing a care plan for a patient?
  A: First, I obtain a thorough patient history and assess their current physical, emotional, and social needs. I then collaborate with the patient and their treatment team to determine specific goals and interventions to address the patient's individual needs and preferences. I also regularly evaluate and adjust the care plan based on the patient's progress and reassessment data.