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

Are you interviewing for a treatment nurse position? Here are 20 top questions and answers to help you demonstrate your experience, knowledge, and skills in providing quality patient care and performing various medical procedures.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as a treatment nurse.
  As a treatment nurse, I have been responsible for assisting patients with various medical needs, such as wound care, medication administration, and monitoring vital signs. I have experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care.
• 2. How do you handle difficult or resistant patients?
  I believe that communication and empathy are key when dealing with difficult patients. I make sure to listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective before addressing any issues. I also use positive reinforcement and involve the patient in their care to promote a sense of control and reduce resistance.
• 3. How do you prioritize your tasks as a treatment nurse?
  As a treatment nurse, I prioritize my tasks based on the needs of my patients. I assess their conditions and address any urgent or immediate needs first. Then, I work through my to-do list, making sure to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed.
• 4. How do you ensure patient safety and infection control?
  Patient safety and infection control are top priorities for me. I follow all proper protocols and procedures, such as handwashing and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). I also educate patients and their families on proper hygiene and infection prevention techniques.
• 5. Tell us about a time when you had to handle a medical emergency.
  As a treatment nurse, I have encountered various medical emergencies, such as a patient experiencing a severe allergic reaction or falling and sustaining an injury. In these situations, I remain calm and follow proper emergency protocols. I communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and provide prompt and effective care to the patient.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. How do you handle a mistake or error in patient care?
  If I make a mistake or error in patient care, I acknowledge it immediately and take responsibility for it. I communicate with the patient and their family, informing them of what happened and taking corrective action. I also take the opportunity to review the incident and learn from it to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
• 7. Tell us about a time when you had to collaborate with a difficult coworker.
  I recently had to work with a coworker who had a difficult personality. To facilitate a positive working relationship and ensure quality patient care, I made an effort to understand their perspective, communicate effectively, and find common ground. This approach helped us work together effectively despite our differences.
• 8. How do you handle a high-stress environment?
  I have experience working in high-stress environments, such as the emergency room or during a natural disaster. In these situations, I stay focused on the task at hand, prioritize effectively, and remain calm under pressure. I also make sure to take breaks and practice self-care to prevent burnout.
• 9. How do you handle conflicts with patients or their families?
  I understand that conflicts may arise with patients or their families due to various reasons. In these situations, I listen to their concerns, show empathy, and try to resolve the issue in a professional and respectful manner. If necessary, I involve other healthcare professionals or a mediator to find a satisfactory solution.
• 10. Tell us about a time when you had to learn a new medical procedure.
  As a treatment nurse, I have experience learning various new medical procedures, such as administering IV medications or changing a patient’s tracheostomy tube. To learn these procedures, I seek guidance from experienced colleagues, educate myself through research and training, and practice under supervision until I am proficient.

Situational Questions

• 11. How would you handle a patient who refuses treatment or medication?
  If a patient refuses treatment or medication, I would first try to understand their reasons for refusing. I would then educate them on the importance of the treatment or medication and address any concerns they may have. If the refusal persists, I would involve the patient’s primary care provider and follow their recommendations.
• 12. How would you handle a situation where a patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates?
  If a patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates, I would follow the proper emergency protocols, notify the patient’s primary care provider, and provide any necessary treatment or interventions. If necessary, I would also communicate with the patient’s family and keep them informed of the situation.
• 13. How would you handle a challenging family member?
  I would handle a challenging family member by remaining calm, professional, and empathetic. I would listen to their concerns and address them respectfully, while also maintaining boundaries and not tolerating any abusive or inappropriate behavior. I would also involve the patient’s primary care provider and other healthcare professionals if necessary.
• 14. How would you handle a situation where you disagree with a colleague’s treatment plan?
  If I disagree with a colleague’s treatment plan, I would express my concerns and offer alternative solutions or suggestions. I would also be open to discussing the rationale behind their treatment plan and finding a compromise that ensures the best possible care for the patient.
• 15. How would you handle a patient who is non-compliant with their treatment?
  I would handle a non-compliant patient by first understanding their reasons for not following their treatment plan. I would then educate them on the importance of their treatment and the potential consequences of non-compliance. If necessary, I would involve the patient’s primary care provider and work with them to find a solution that works for the patient.

Technical Questions

• 16. How do you administer medication to a patient through an IV?
  To administer medication through an IV, I first check the doctor’s orders and verify the medication and dosage. I then prepare the medication and gather the necessary supplies, such as IV tubing and syringes. I check the patient’s IV site for signs of infection or complications before administering the medication according to proper protocols.
• 17. How do you perform a wound dressing change?
  To perform a wound dressing change, I follow proper sterile technique and make sure to assess the wound for any changes or complications. I clean the wound, remove the old dressing, and apply new dressings as per the doctor’s orders. I also make sure to document the procedure and any observations or patient response.
• 18. How do you monitor a patient’s vital signs?
  To monitor a patient’s vital signs, I use proper equipment, such as a blood pressure cuff, thermometer, and pulse oximeter. I make sure to follow proper technique and document the vital sign readings accurately. I also assess the patient’s overall condition and respond accordingly if any vital signs are abnormal.
• 19. How do you assist with patient transfers?
  To assist with patient transfers, such as from a bed to a wheelchair, I first assess the patient’s condition and ensure they are medically stable for the transfer. I also gather any necessary equipment, such as a mechanical lift or transfer belt, and involve another healthcare professional if needed. I follow the proper technique to transfer the patient safely and comfortably.
• 20. How do you administer oxygen therapy to a patient?
  To administer oxygen therapy to a patient, I first assess their oxygen levels and determine the appropriate oxygen delivery method and flow rate based on the doctor’s orders. I then ensure the equipment is working correctly and properly position the oxygen mask or nasal cannula on the patient. I monitor the patient’s response and make any necessary adjustments.