Most-Asked Nursing School Interview Questions

Understanding the Nursing School Interview Format

Nursing schools seek candidates who demonstrate compassion, dedication, resilience, and curiosity—qualities essential to thriving in a challenging healthcare environment. Admissions teams want to see candidates who care deeply for others, can handle the demands of the profession, and continuously seek to learn and grow. Interviews allow admissions teams to better understand the candidates they are evaluating.

There are a few common formats for nursing school interviews and knowing what to expect can help you prepare. In a one-on-one interview, candidates experience a more personal conversation, often allowing for tailored questions. In contrast, panel discussions can feel more formal and may involve a variety of perspectives from multiple faculty members, assessing how candidates handle different viewpoints under pressure.

In-person interviews allow admissions teams to observe candidates' body language and interpersonal skills directly, which adds another layer of evaluation. Zoom interviews offer greater accessibility and may help ease nerves by letting candidates participate from a familiar environment. The downside is that virtual meetings sometimes make building rapport a bit more challenging.

Typical Nursing School Interview Question Topics

Nursing programs generally need to assess a few different areas during interviews. Because of this, questions can fall into a few categories. Knowing these categories can allow you to reflect on points of discussion from your personal and professional experiences.

Academic and Professional Preparedness questions assess a candidate’s foundation in relevant skills and knowledge, gauging readiness for rigorous coursework and clinical training.

Scenario-based Questions explore how candidates might handle real-life healthcare situations, showcasing their problem-solving skills and empathy.

Questions on Ethics in Nursing invite candidates to share their perspectives on today’s healthcare challenges, highlighting their awareness and moral reasoning.

Personal Growth and Future Aspiration questions give candidates the chance to share their motivations, goals, and how they plan to contribute to the field, underscoring their long-term commitment and vision.

Academic and Professional Preparedness

Questions about academic background, strengths and weaknesses, and specific interests in nursing help interviewers gauge a candidate’s readiness and personal drive. When asked about academic and professional preparation, candidates might encounter questions like:

How have your academic and work experiences prepared you for nursing school?

What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing?

Discuss a challenging project or work experience and how you overcame it.

Questions like these allow candidates to share meaningful experiences or values that draw them to the healthcare field. Candidates may also encounter questions about their strengths and weaknesses, where interviewers look for self-awareness and a commitment to improvement, assessing resilience and dedication—essential traits for a nursing career.

Scenario-Based Questions

Situational questions in nursing school interviews play a crucial role in assessing a candidate’s decision-making skills and critical thinking under pressure. These questions reveal how a candidate approaches real-world challenges, evaluates options, and chooses actions that reflect integrity and sound judgment—qualities essential in nursing. Questions like: 

Describe a time when you had to handle a stressful situation. How did you manage it?

Give an example of a situation where you disagreed with a team member in a professional setting. How did you resolve the conflict?

Scenario-based questions allow candidates to demonstrate emotional resilience and resourcefulness in various circumstances. Questions like these highlight a candidate’s ability to reflect on past experiences and apply learned lessons to future challenges.

Questions on Current Issues and Ethics in Nursing

Ethical dilemmas and current issues posed during nursing school interviews serve as vital indicators of a candidate’s values, awareness of the profession, and potential for ethical development in real-world healthcare situations. 

If you see a fellow nursing student cheating on an exam, what would you do?

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing nurses today?

If you notice a co-worker being disrespectful to a patient, what would you do?

These topics provide insight into a candidate’s awareness of the profession’s realities and reveal their initial ideas about addressing these challenges. These ethical and current-issue questions also help interviewers gauge the applicant’s current understanding of nursing ethics and their capacity for growth in this area, as they learn to navigate the pressures and complexities of healthcare settings with integrity.

Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

Nursing school interviews often include topics that explore the applicant's motivation, personal growth, and future goals within the nursing profession. These questions help interviewers understand a candidate’s long-term vision and commitment to their career. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

What are your career aspirations in nursing?

What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of nursing school?

These reflections reveal the candidate’s passion for nursing and demonstrate their commitment to lifelong learning and personal development within the profession.

Preparing for Your Nursing School Interview

Thorough preparation for nursing school interviews involves researching the program, reflecting on personal experiences, and practicing responses to common questions. In doing so, you can more readily convey your motivations, values, and aspirations.

Check out our top 7 tips for preparing for your nursing school interview:

1. Research the School’s Program, Philosophy, and Values
   Understanding the mission of the program is crucial for aligning your values with those of the institution. Start by reviewing the school's website, paying close attention to its mission statement, core values, and specific program highlights. This research can help you identify what aspects of the program resonate most with you, allowing you to tailor your responses to reflect your alignment with their philosophy.
2. Reflect on Personal Experiences
   Take time to reflect on your personal experiences, accomplishments, and challenges that have shaped your journey toward nursing. Consider how these experiences align with the values of the program. This self-reflection can provide relevant anecdotes that illustrate your passion for nursing, your commitment to patient care, and your ability to overcome adversity.
3. Practice Responses to Common Questions
   While it is essential to prepare for common interview questions, it is equally important to avoid sounding rehearsed. To achieve this, practice responding to questions in a conversational tone. Record yourself to observe your body language and delivery. Consider engaging in mock interviews with friends or mentors who can provide constructive feedback and help you refine your answers.
4. Utilize ANA Nursing Interview Tips
   The American Nurses Association (ANA) offers valuable tips for interviews. Some key suggestions include:
   
   • Be familiar with current trends in nursing and healthcare.
   • Showcase your understanding of ethical issues in the field.
   • Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within a healthcare team.
5. Prepare Questions for Admissions
   Come to the interview with a list of thoughtful questions to ask the nursing school admissions committee. Inquire about opportunities for clinical experience, mentorship programs, or the support available for students facing challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the program and helps you assess if the program is a good fit for you. 
6. Send a Thank-You Email
   After the interview, send a thank-you email to express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. Reiterate your interest in the program and highlight specific aspects of the conversation that resonated with you. This simple gesture not only reflects your professionalism but also keeps you fresh in the minds of the admissions committee.
7. Follow-Up Steps
   If applicable, inquire about the timeline for decisions and any next steps you should anticipate. This demonstrates a proactive attitude.

Being well-prepared for a nursing school interview is crucial, as it allows candidates to effectively demonstrate their passion for nursing, commitment to patient care, and alignment with the program's values and philosophy.

The BAYADA Scholars Track

The Thomas Edison State University (TESU) Accelerated BSN BAYADA Scholars Track at Cooper University Health Care is dedicated to creating exceptional clinical experiences, a variety of hands-on learning opportunities across the continuum of care, and a thoughtfully designed cohort experience. The BAYADA Scholars Track is looking for driven students eager to grow into extraordinary nurses by embracing a fast-paced and rigorous curriculum. To learn more, attend one of our upcoming information sessions, request more information or start your application.