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

Preparing for a rehabilitation nurse job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will help you showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience in providing patient-centered care for individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Whether you’re applying for a role in a hospital, rehabilitation center, or home health agency, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience working as a rehabilitation nurse.
  Answer: I have been working as a rehabilitation nurse for the past 5 years. I have experience in various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies. I have worked with patients of all ages and with various disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• 2. How do you handle difficult patients?
  Answer: I have found that the key to handling difficult patients is to remain calm and empathetic. I try to understand their concerns and build a rapport with them. I also involve the patient in their care plan and make adjustments based on their individual needs.
• 3. How do you ensure patient safety in a rehabilitation setting?
  Answer: Patient safety is my top priority. I follow all safety protocols and involve the patient in their own care to prevent accidents or injuries. I also thoroughly assess the patient's environment and make any necessary modifications to ensure their safety.
• 4. How do you handle conflicts with other members of the healthcare team?
  Answer: I believe in open and respectful communication. If conflicts arise, I try to understand all perspectives and find a solution that benefits the patient. I also involve our supervisor or mediator if needed.
• 5. How do you stay current with the latest developments in rehabilitation nursing?
  Answer: I am constantly seeking opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops and conferences. I also regularly read medical journals and collaborate with colleagues to stay updated on the latest practices and research in rehabilitation nursing.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell me about a challenging patient you have worked with and how you handled the situation.
  Answer: I once had a patient who was non-compliant with their rehabilitation plan and often exhibited aggressive behavior towards staff. I took the time to listen to their concerns and involve them in their care. I also collaborated with other healthcare professionals to address their behavioral issues and provide a more personalized care plan. This approach led to improved patient outcomes and a more positive relationship with the patient.
• 7. How do you prioritize your tasks when caring for multiple patients?
  Answer: I always start my shift by assessing each patient's needs and creating a plan for the day. I prioritize tasks based on the urgency and complexity of each patient's care. I also communicate with other nurses and delegate tasks when necessary.
• 8. Describe a time when you had to handle a medical emergency.
  Answer: I was working with a patient who experienced a sudden cardiac arrest. I immediately called for help and began CPR while waiting for the medical team to arrive. I also ensured that the patient's vitals and oxygen levels were stable until they were stabilized. The patient was able to make a full recovery, and I was commended for my quick response and actions.
• 9. How do you address non-compliance with a patient's rehabilitation plan?
  Answer: I always try to understand the reason behind a patient's non-compliance and address any barriers they may have. I also educate the patient on the benefits of following their rehabilitation plan and involve them in setting realistic goals. If needed, I collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a more manageable plan for the patient.
• 10. Tell me about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs.
  Answer: I had a patient who required a mobility aid, but the facility did not have the necessary equipment. I researched and presented evidence supporting the need for the aid to the management, and they approved it. The patient was able to receive the aid, which greatly improved their quality of life.

Situational Questions

• 11. You are caring for a patient recovering from a stroke. They are experiencing difficulty with their communication and are becoming frustrated. How do you handle this situation?
  Answer: I remain calm and patient, using nonverbal communication and visual aids to help the patient communicate. I also involve their family or a speech therapist if needed. I make sure to take breaks and reassure the patient to reduce their frustration.
• 12. You are assigned to provide care for a patient who has a severe fear of physical therapy. How do you address this concern?
  Answer: I communicate with the patient to understand their fear and find ways to make them feel comfortable. I also educate them on the benefits of physical therapy and involve them in creating a personalized therapy plan that aligns with their preferences. I monitor their progress and adjust the plan as needed.
• 13. A patient with a spinal cord injury is being discharged in a week. What are some important things to include in their discharge plan?
  Answer: In addition to arranging for follow-up appointments and home health services, it is crucial to educate the patient on safe transfers and positioning. It is also important to educate them on appropriate self-care and how to monitor for any complications. I also ensure that their home environment is safe and accessible before discharge.
• 14. You notice a fellow nurse administering medication to the wrong patient. How do you handle this situation?
  Answer: I would immediately intervene and inform the nurse of the error. I would also document the incident and report it to our supervisor. I believe in a culture of safety, and we should all be accountable for our actions.
• 15. A patient's family member is expressing concerns about the patient's progress and is becoming difficult to manage. How do you handle this situation?
  Answer: I listen to their concerns and provide empathy. I also involve the family in care planning and update them regularly on the patient's progress. If needed, I involve the healthcare team to address their concerns and ensure a partnership approach to care.

Technical Questions

• 16. What techniques do you use to improve balance and coordination in patients with neurological impairments?
  Answer: I use various techniques, such as therapeutic exercises, visual cues, and virtual reality, to improve balance and coordination in these patients. I also focus on strengthening core muscles and using assistive devices when necessary.
• 17. What is the Braden Scale, and how is it used in rehabilitation nursing?
  Answer: The Braden Scale is a tool used to assess the risk of pressure ulcers in patients. Rehabilitation nurses use this scale to identify patients who are at high risk and implement preventive measures to protect their skin.
• 18. How do you prevent contractures in patients with limited mobility?
  Answer: I use various methods, such as range of motion exercises, proper positioning, and the use of splints and braces, to prevent contractures in these patients. I also educate the patient and their caregivers on the importance of regular movement and proper positioning.
• 19. How do you ensure proper wound care for patients with pressure ulcers?
  Answer: I carefully assess the wound and follow the appropriate protocol for cleaning and dressing. I also educate the patient on the importance of proper nutrition and hydration for wound healing. I regularly monitor the wound for any signs of infection and involve the healthcare team if necessary.
• 20. How do you assess and manage pain in patients with chronic conditions?
  Answer: I use a holistic approach to assess and manage pain in these patients. I assess the patient's pain level and use various pain management techniques, such as medication, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy. I also regularly reassess the patient's pain and adjust their treatment plan as needed.