Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Staff Nurse Roles – 2026

Are you looking to ace your staff nurse job interview? This guide provides a comprehensive list of questions and answers that will help you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and experience in providing quality patient care. From evaluating your clinical expertise to assessing your ability to handle challenging situations, these questions cover all essential areas for a staff nurse role.

Behavioral Questions

• 1. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult patient. How did you handle the situation?
  A: I encountered a patient who was extremely agitated and refusing to take their medication. I remained calm and took the time to listen to their concerns. After addressing their fears, I was able to administer the medication successfully.
• 2. How do you handle conflicts with fellow nurses or healthcare staff?
  A: I believe in open communication and addressing issues directly with my colleagues. I strive to maintain a professional and respectful approach to resolving conflicts.
• 3. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency. How did you prioritize and manage the situation?
  A: During a code blue situation, I remained calm and followed the emergency protocol. I delegated tasks to my team and communicated updates to the doctor. The patient was stabilized and transferred to ICU for further care.
• 4. How do you ensure patient safety while administering medication?
  A: I always verify the patient's identity and medication order before administering any medication. I also double-check the dosage and document the administration correctly to prevent any errors.
• 5. Tell me about a time when you had to handle a patient with cultural or language barriers.
  A: I had a patient who was non-English speaking and had cultural differences that affected their treatment plan. I worked closely with an interpreter and the patient's family to address their concerns and provide culturally sensitive care.

Situational Questions

• 6. Imagine a patient is refusing necessary medical treatment. How would you handle the situation?
  A: I would first try to understand the reasons for their refusal and address any concerns they may have. If necessary, I would involve the patient's family and healthcare team to discuss the importance of the treatment and find a way to gain the patient's consent.
• 7. If a patient falls out of bed and injures themselves, what steps would you take?
  A: I would assess the patient's injuries and provide immediate first aid treatment. I would also document the incident and report it to the doctor and the patient's family for further evaluation.
• 8. How would you handle a busy shift with multiple critical patients?
  A: I would prioritize tasks based on the level of urgency and delegate tasks to my team if appropriate. I would also maintain clear communication with the doctor and the healthcare team to ensure all patients receive care in a timely manner.
• 9. How do you handle a patient who is non-adherent to their prescribed treatment plan?
  A: I believe in educating the patient and discussing the reasons for their non-adherence. I would also work with the patient to find a treatment plan that they are comfortable with and provide support to help them follow through with their treatment.
• 10. What would you do if you suspect a patient is being abused?
  A: I would report my suspicions to the appropriate authorities and follow protocol to ensure the patient's safety. I would also provide emotional support to the patient and document any findings for further investigation.

Technical Questions

• 11. Can you explain the most common types of wound dressings and when to use each one?
  A: The most common types of wound dressings include gauze, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, and alginate. Gauze is used for moderate to heavy exudating wounds, while hydrocolloid is suitable for light to moderate exudating wounds. Hydrogel and alginate are used for highly exudating wounds.
• 12. What is the most common side effect of opioid pain medication, and how do you manage it?
  A: Constipation is the most common side effect of opioid pain medication. I manage it by monitoring the patient's bowel movements and prescribing stool softeners or laxatives if necessary.
• 13. How do you handle the administration of controlled medications?
  A: I ensure that all necessary documentation is complete and checked before administering controlled medications. I also follow protocols for safely storing and disposing of these medications.
• 14. What steps do you take to prevent complications during IV therapy?
  A: I ensure proper catheter insertion and site care, monitor for any signs of infection or infiltration, and regularly check the patient's vital signs and fluid intake to prevent complications.
• 15. Can you explain the protocol to follow when responding to a code blue situation?
  A: The protocol for code blue includes immediately calling for help, following the emergency response procedure, administering CPR if necessary, and providing any required medications or interventions while waiting for the code team.

Cultural Fit Questions

• 16. How do you ensure cultural competence when caring for patients from diverse backgrounds?
  A: I educate myself on different cultures and their healthcare beliefs and practices. I also communicate openly with my patients and their families to understand their specific needs and preferences.
• 17. What do you think is the most critical element of providing compassionate patient care?
  A: Compassionate patient care involves actively listening to patients, treating them with respect, and addressing their concerns with empathy and understanding.
• 18. What motivates you to work as a nurse?
  A: Being able to make a positive impact on someone's life and improve their health motivates me to work as a nurse. The trust and gratitude of my patients and their families inspire me to continue providing quality care.
• 19. How do you handle the challenges and stress of working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment?
  A: I believe in taking breaks and practicing self-care to prevent burnout. I also rely on my support system and use stress management techniques, such as deep breathing and positive self-talk, to handle the challenges of a fast-paced work environment.
• 20. Can you give an example of how you have demonstrated our company's core values in your nursing practice?
  A: One of your core values is to provide respectful and compassionate care to all patients. In my previous experience, I encountered a patient who had different beliefs and preferences than me, but I was able to respect their choices and provide care with empathy and understanding.