NHS Interview Home

It might appear obvious but it is important that you prepare for the day.

• Make sure you are familiar with the job description and person specification.
• Remind yourself of what you wrote in your application on how you met those requirements.
• Learn about the organisation itself – what makes it different from others and whether those differences will have an impact on your work.
• Think about what type of questions will be asked about yourself and write down some thoughts on how you might answer them.
• Prepare some questions to ask the panel. Be careful not to ask for information that has already been provided or discussed during the interview.

During the interview

• Make eye contact with all members of the interview panel. Do not just focus on the person who has asked the question you are answering. It is important to engage with all.
• Smile! It suggests confidence.
• Be clear and concise in your responses.
• Structure your answers with 3 or 4 main points of examples from your own experience.
• Do not assume that the panel know the detail of what is in your application form or CV.
• Sell yourself – give real examples of ‘how’ you have achieved a positive outcome, specify what these were and the benefits. Be clear about what your personal contribution was.
• Remember to use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.
• Make sure you understand the organisation’s mission and can talk about why it is important to you.
• Be aware of your body language. You want to convey that you’re enthusiastic, positive and energetic.
• Remember to ask questions as it helps demonstrate that you are keen and want the job.
• Be positive at all times.

Sample Questions with Answers

1. Introduction & Icebreaker

Question: “Can you tell us a little about yourself and why you’ve chosen a career in nursing?”

Sample Answer: “I have always been passionate about healthcare and helping people, which led me to pursue a degree in nursing. Over the years, I’ve developed strong clinical skills, but more importantly, I’ve cultivated a deep sense of empathy and dedication to patient care. Nursing is not just a job for me—it’s a vocation where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives, whether it’s through daily care, providing emotional support, or advocating for patients. The NHS has always represented values I hold dear, particularly in terms of patient-centered care and community health, which is why I am excited to be here today.”

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2. Clinical Competence & Experience

Question: “Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with a patient?”

Sample Answer: “During one of my shifts in the emergency department, a patient came in exhibiting aggressive behavior due to severe pain and anxiety. The situation was escalating quickly, and the patient was refusing treatment. I knew that de-escalating the situation was crucial for both the patient’s safety and the staff’s well-being. I maintained a calm demeanor and spoke to the patient in a low, reassuring voice. I listened to their concerns without interrupting, which helped them feel heard. I then explained the treatment options in simple terms and assured them that we would manage their pain effectively. Eventually, they calmed down and allowed us to proceed. This experience taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and effective communication in critical situations.”

Follow-up: “How do you ensure patient safety during such situations?”

Sample Answer: “Patient safety is always my top priority. In situations like the one I mentioned, I ensure that I am aware of the patient’s medical history and any triggers for their distress. I also work closely with my team, ensuring that everyone is aware of the situation and has a plan in place. In cases where physical restraint may become necessary, I make sure that all alternatives have been exhausted and that we follow proper protocols with minimal force. Additionally, I document everything thoroughly to ensure continuity of care and that future healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s needs.”

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3. Teamwork and Collaboration

Question: “How do you handle working in a multidisciplinary team, and can you give an example of when you did this effectively?”

Sample Answer: “Nursing is a collaborative profession, and I enjoy working in multidisciplinary teams. In one instance, while working on a stroke unit, I was part of a care team that included doctors, physiotherapists, speech therapists, and social workers. We were caring for a patient who had experienced a severe stroke, and our goal was to create a rehabilitation plan. I contributed by offering insights from my direct care of the patient, particularly regarding their physical capabilities and emotional state. By sharing information regularly during ward rounds and meetings, we ensured the patient received comprehensive care. This experience taught me how vital clear, open communication is in ensuring a patient’s recovery and smooth discharge process.”

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4. NHS Core Values

Question: “How do the NHS core values align with your personal approach to nursing?”

Sample Answer: “The NHS core values—respect and dignity, commitment to quality of care, compassion, improving lives, working together for patients, and everyone counts—perfectly align with my personal philosophy. For example, I always strive to treat my patients with dignity and respect, regardless of their background. I maintain a commitment to quality by staying updated with best practices and continuing education. Compassion is at the heart of everything I do; I aim to ensure that patients feel cared for not just physically but also emotionally. Lastly, working together with other professionals to provide holistic care is something I prioritize, as I believe that healthcare is a team effort.”

5. Dealing with Stress and Pressure

Question: “Nursing can be stressful at times. How do you manage stress and maintain a work-life balance?”

Sample Answer: “I recognize that nursing can be very demanding, but I’ve learned several strategies to manage stress effectively. I prioritize good time management at work, ensuring that I am organized and making the best use of my time, which reduces last-minute pressures. I also engage in regular self-care activities outside of work, such as exercising and spending time with family. Moreover, I’m not afraid to seek support when needed—whether it’s from my colleagues during tough shifts or professional counseling services if I feel overwhelmed. Maintaining an open dialogue about stress helps prevent burnout.”

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6. Patient-Centered Care

Question: “Can you give an example of how you’ve provided exceptional care to a patient?”

Sample Answer: “One patient I cared for was an elderly gentleman with dementia who often became agitated, particularly in the evenings. I noticed that music seemed to calm him down, so I spoke to his family to learn more about his musical preferences. They told me he loved classical music, so I arranged to have some played during his most restless periods. This not only soothed him but also reduced the need for sedative medication. His family was grateful, and I felt I was truly improving his quality of life in a meaningful way.”

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7. Adapting to Change

Question: “The NHS is constantly evolving. How do you adapt to new policies, procedures, or technologies?”

Sample Answer: “I welcome change, as I believe it’s essential for improving patient care. I make it a point to stay updated on new procedures or technology by attending training sessions and reading relevant literature. For example, when electronic health records were introduced in my previous workplace, I volunteered to be part of the pilot group that received extra training. This allowed me to become proficient early on and assist colleagues who were struggling. I’m always open to learning, as I believe continuous development is key in delivering the best care.”

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8. Handling Errors

Question: “Can you tell us about a time when you made a mistake at work, and how did you handle it?”

Sample Answer: “During my first year as a registered nurse, I miscalculated a patient’s medication dosage, which was fortunately caught by a colleague before any harm was done. I immediately reported the error to my supervisor and reflected on the mistake, realizing that it happened because I was rushing during a particularly busy shift. Afterward, I reviewed the protocols, attended a refresher course on medication administration, and made a conscious effort to double-check all calculations, regardless of how busy I am. This experience reinforced my understanding of how vital attention to detail is, and it shaped my approach to safe nursing practice.”

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9. Future Plans

Question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

Sample Answer: “In five years, I hope to have advanced my skills and perhaps taken on additional responsibilities, such as becoming a senior nurse or specializing in an area like critical care. I am committed to continuing my professional development, potentially pursuing further qualifications to enhance my contribution to the team. I also hope to mentor new nurses, as I believe that supporting the next generation is essential for maintaining high standards in nursing care.”

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10. Closing Question

Question: “Do you have any questions for us?”

Sample Answer: “Yes, thank you. I would love to hear more about how the team here approaches continuous professional development and the opportunities available for nurses to further specialize or take on leadership roles.”