When you are preparing for any job interview, for any position, it’s insightful to review some of the interview questions. A countless number of panelists ask similar questions to aspiring nurse practitioners.
While preparing, if you know some of the important nurse practitioner interview questions then you can effortlessly crack the interview. Investing time for assessing some previous year’s questions may be beneficial for an individual.

Top 21 Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions To Prepare Well
1. Why are you interested in being a nurse practitioner?
Being a nurse practitioner authorizes an individual to make good differences in society and an individual’s life. As a nurse practitioner, I will have the potential to make direct changes to varied ages, classes, races, gender, etc.
When I was in school, I found that I’m inclined towards helping people and I was sure that nursing is what I want to do in my career. This role will help me fulfill my dreams as well as benefit society.
2. According to you, what is the most challenging feature of being a nurse practitioner?
This job in this field sometimes becomes very hectic and frustrating. Some Days are inconvenient to manage the timing and can affect the personal life. Work-life balance and changing schedules can be super challenging.
One of the major challenging aspects is that one has to deal with a patient who is suffering from a life-threatening problem. The situation can be overwhelming if one is not emotionally available.
Hence, to conquer this situation, I’m taking training from professionals. This will allow me to help all kinds of patients in an overall way.
3. How do you carry out your work under stress?
Functioning in the healthcare sector can sometimes be intense and stressful. I ensure that the stress does not affect the patient’s treatment.
There will be times when the work environment becomes stressful and pressurized. It is part of any job. However, I prosper and my work thrives under pressure. The intense situation that arises, makes my role invigorating.
4. What can you contribute to the job profile and the patients?
As we know that nurses communicate directly to the patients. One has to be patient and clear about what they speak. An individual should understand what the patients are trying to say.
Some might face problems while speaking. One should be composed and tranquil to get through the situation. They should feel that they are heard and understood. I think I am aware of all these situations and I can treat my patients with the love and compassion they need.
5. Why did you choose this hospital for applying?
I have always wanted to work in this hospital since childhood. This hospital stands out from others. It has great benefits for the workers here. And the seniors here are very humble and helpful.
There are countless things I can learn from the professionals of this hospital. The working hours are good. There is a positive balance of life. The working culture allows an individual to thrive in their job. Hence, these were the main reasons I chose this hospital.
6. What is the most difficult task you have done in your job profile?
The most difficult task I find in my job profile is watching my patients die. After having done and cared too much watching them in that state is the toughest thing for me.
Apart from that, I think night shifts are a little difficult. However, with the help of team workers, anything is possible.
7. What can a new nurse practitioner do if the patient asks for unneeded antibiotics?
Patients suffering from serious affliction and great pain may sometimes ask for unnecessary antibiotics to ease the pain. I am taking extra training based on such issues which may arise in the middle of the night.
The training will help me in specifying the correct needs of patients. And it will guide me to resolve their issues without prescribing antibiotics. However, even if they want antibiotics. Then I try educating them about the harmful and damaging effects of antibiotics.
8. How well do you get along with other male and female nurses?
According to me, empathy and the right attitude towards the job and people can help in getting along with my colleagues. During my training, I learned how to communicate effectively with seniors and colleagues.
Not keeping my expectations high with people can benefit me by maintaining a positive relationship with co-workers. Being straightforward and honest with things is one feature that can help in getting along with other nurses.
9. How are you gonna handle a dissent with a doctor over treatment of any disease?
Disagreement with doctors or physicians is a part of the healthcare department. It is inevitable. However, one can resolve the issues by calmly and patiently making their point of view clear.
Being polite and asking the other person their point of view and understanding what they are beneficial.
10. How are you going to handle and operate any clinical emergency?
As we know that nurses are the backbone of any healthcare department. With their experience and training, they are responsible enough to work in any kind of emergency.
During an emergency, a nurse has to be aware of the surrounding patients. A nurse has to take care of everyone so that because of one emergency case the other patient does not get affected.
Staying calm and letting the emergency service know is the second step. A responsible nurse carries a first-aid kit with her to ease the pain of the patient. One has to be proactive during such situations and handle them with a composed state, with the help of a team.
11. Explain a situation when you went above and beyond for your duty.
My neighbor was suffering from diabetic issues. Medications from home were not effective for him. I suggested his family admit him to the hospital. As in the hospital, he would get better treatment and help whenever necessary.
The family accepted my advice and admitted him to the hospital. His diabetes has greatly improved.
12. What skills does a nurse practitioner need for this post?
The skills which are needed by a nurse practitioner are:
- Good communication skills
- Being optimistic during emergency
- Compassion
- Good time management
- Confidence and leadership qualities
- Patience
- Analytical skills
- Thrives under pressure
- Good with problem-solving
- Teamwork and networking
- Good attitude towards seniors
- Compassionate and Calm
- Keep upgrading the new technology skills
- Gives attention to details
13. What are the abilities you have to work as a nurse practitioner?
I have abilities that make me the perfect candidate to be chosen for this post. I listen carefully and deliver my speech effectively. My strategy to solve any problems is good. I can keep myself and my surroundings calm and composed if any emergency arises.
14. What is the work style of a nurse practitioner?
Being honest and ethical is the most important part of being a nurse practitioner. A nurse practitioner should be responsible, reliable, calm, sensitive, confident, etc.
15. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to someone who wants to be a nurse practitioner?
The one piece of advice I would like to give to someone who wants to be a nurse practitioner is to never be afraid to ask questions. Staying positive and calm in every situation is helpful. Being resilient can help you in the long run.
16. What is one misconception people have about nurses?
One of the common misconceptions I heard among people was that nurses are not qualified enough to treat a patient. They have to be back and forth behind senior doctors.
17. What is your ideal work environment?
My ideal work environment is where I have a peaceful environment and no disputes among staff members. The place where I can learn new things daily. And where nurses and other staff members support each other is an ideal work environment.
18. What kind of patients do you like to treat the most?
The patients who want to recover and have a positive outlook for themselves are my favorite kind of patients. Because they are willing to recover and are ready to put the effort into themselves.
19. Mention two important elements you received from your education?
The important element which I received from education is the technique needed to diagnose diseases. And to be optimistic in tough situations and emergencies.
20. When are you most happy in this field?
I am most happy when I am discharging a patient and seeing them smile. Seeing patients happily return to their homes after recovering makes me happiest in this job.
21. Do you think you would be able to fulfill the duty of a nurse practitioner effectively?
Yes, I am very confident that I am a great choice for this post as I fulfill all the needs and requirements needed. And I think I am experienced enough in this field to handle difficult situations. My knowledge is not only limited to the theory but also the practical aspect of the job profile.
References
- https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/abs/10.1377/hlthaff.2010.0440
- https://www.bmj.com/content/324/7341/819.short
Sandeep Bhandari is the founder of PrepMyCareer.com website.
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