It is important that you are sure of yourself in your interview for a nursing position. Prepare yourself with the most common questions that could be asked in your interview.
You already studied and did your exams. Prepare to find a job as a nursing assistant by practicing your answers to these common questions .
1. Tell me about yourself
Many people get nervous when it comes to hearing this question. That’s why it’s important to have a pertinent answer ready and even practice it in case you get on your nerves.
Talk a bit about your work experience and a bit about why you want the job. If you have a relevant anecdote, you can include it. For example, “I grew up in a community with little access to medical services, so I always wanted a job that allowed me to take care of others.” Avoid mentioning personal details that are not relevant.
2. What do you know about the tasks for this position?
Always research the site that will interview you so that you will be ready in case they ask you this question. Every job site wants to make sure you understand the basic commitments of your potential new job.
It shows that you understand the tasks that nursing assistants perform, that you know if the hospital or clinic also offers other services, such as providing care for people with limitations or if they conduct research, you can include these things in your answer.
3. How would you handle a patient who is acting aggressively?
Nursing aides face all types of patients and temperaments. Your answer should show that you behave calmly despite the stress or pressure of work, as this is unavoidable in medical settings.
4. What are your career goals?
Nursing assistant jobs are usually for beginners. If you ever want to be a licensed nurse or nurse, you can indicate it here. There are hospitals, clinics, or medical institutes that offer training programs that can help you achieve your career goals while learning in your current job.
If your training goals match these offerings, your answer to this question can help guide you if you land the job.
5. Why do you want to be a nursing assistant?
Even if they don’t ask you this question, it’s a good idea to know why you want to work as a nursing assistant. This will help you feel safe during your interview. Clarify your reasons for choosing this profession and you will have a successful interview.
6. What are your strengths?
Talk about your strengths and achievements, and cover them up with examples that show why you are good in these areas. You can use examples from previous work or personal aspects that are relevant.
If you are organized, you can explain it here and highlight how this will help you in your career as an assistant. Perhaps you’ve worked in an industry where you meet people who cause conflict, such as a job in sales. You can explain that this has helped you stay calm and be more patient with others.
7. What are your weaknesses?
It’s tempting to say something cliché, like “I work too hard,” or “I’m too dedicated to my calling,” but refrain from saying something like that. We all have our flaws and that is normal. Also, cliched answers don’t answer the question.
Think of something that is difficult for you, but that you are trying to improve in your professional life or in a personal area that is relevant to the job as an assistant. Explain the steps you are taking to change in this area. For instance:
“I really like X subject, but I am trying to study in a group to get better grades and learn in a way that is appropriate for me.”
8. How can your previous experience in this job help you?
They could ask you this question regardless of your experience as a helper. If this will be your first health job, you can use examples from previous jobs, school activities, relevant personal responsibilities, or volunteering.
If you have experience in the field of health, you can talk about your previous jobs and you can also include experience in other areas if you explain how it will help you to be a better assistant.
Don’t discount your hobbies. If they have helped you organize your priorities, clarify your career or be more patient, use them and explain how they have helped you.
9. Why did you leave your previous job?
We have all had a job that we did not like or where it did not go well, but it is important not to speak ill of our former bosses and / or colleagues, or of the job itself. Focus on the positives in your previous job, as speaking ill of other people or a job during an interview can be unattractive to interviewers.
Focus on things that are true but applicable to the interview. Maybe you like the idea of being able to help others or you always had a vocation for health. It may be that you have had an experience in your family that helped you understand that you are willing to serve people in need. You can also talk about your career ambitions and talk about the opportunities to learn something new every day at a job in the healthcare industry.
10. Do you have any questions?
Always have a question or two that you can ask at the end of the interview. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and industry you want to enter. You can look up question lists like these and adjust them according to your needs. Some ideas to get started are:
● What kinds of growth opportunities are there in this position?
● What are the communication methods you use often in this position / workplace?
● Can you explain a little about corporate culture?
You can also ask questions that clarify the next steps to take after the interview.
If you have questions about pay or benefits, save them for when you receive a job offer.
Anyway, these are just the most common questions you might expect. With a little preparation, you can safely enter your interview, even if you are asked an unexpected question. Be polite, professional, ask questions at the end of the interview and you will make a good impression.