LPN Interview Preparation Guide

This is a very commonly asked question as well. There are many settings and facilities in which nurses can work. The interviewer wants to know why you chose their facility. The answer to this question can be augmented by researching the company before hand. Having some background can provide concrete reasons to work for the company and let the employer know you did your research. Another good thing to do when applying to a facility is to ask about its reputation. Ask around and see what can be found “through the grapevine.” Of course take personal testimonies with a grain of salt and remember there are always two sides to every story. However if a facility has a good reputation, it is most likely well deserved. Show the interviewer that you did your homework and let them know that you like their positive reputation. Find out if the facility you are interviewing for has a special focus or function; rehabilitation, geriatrics, pediatrics, oncology, etc. If you are drawn to a facility because you want to work in a certain specialty, let the interviewer know that. They will likely be happy you chose them over similar facilities.

This question can be a tricky one to answer. One way to overcome this is simply to not pick one option. Spin the answer to show that you have the ability to work in both situations. Nurses are part of a larger healthcare team which is responsible for patient care. As such, nurses must be able to work as part of a team. Emphasize your ability to collaborate as well as being able to work independently; both are critical skills for nurses.

Do something wrong? …break policy and procedure? Mistreat a patient? This question has several variations but all are aimed at the same issue. The interviewer is trying to figure out if you have integrity and are trustworthy. While it may not be first instinct to “rat out” a fellow nurse or other employee, you must remember the bottom line: patient care and safety. If you see another nurse mistreat a patient or break a rule that could lead to patient harm speak up! There are procedures in place that protect whistle blowers. Always follow the chain of command in your facility and report things that need to be reported.

This is a question that often does not need to be asked. Many interviewers offer a tour of the facility with the interview. They may even conduct the interview while walking through the facility. However, if the employer does not offer a tour, ask for one. This can give you valuable firsthand knowledge of a facility. Be sure to pay attention to patients and how well cared for they are. Notice staff members and how they interact with each other; does everyone seem miserable or is everyone smiling? Use all your senses to evaluate a facility.

A practice nurse should be presentable and personable while she performs her tasks deftly and efficiently, with minimal unpleasantness for the patients.

I’ve always loved nursing, but my interest in health care really started when I volunteered at a homeless shelter in college. Seeing so many people without care inspired me to pursue a career devoted to caring for others. I kept going back and volunteering, which got me hooked. It was great to be able to contribute positively to society that then led me to a field I feel so passionate about.

A loaded question. This is a nasty little game that you will probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it. Instead, say something like, That’s a tough question. Can you tell me the range for this position?

In most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you. If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job. Then give a wide range.

Yes, I would like to eventually become a registered nurse and maybe even pursue a specialty. I think this would make me more valuable to patients and to my employer. My ultimate career goal is to learn as much as I can so I can have the greatest impact possible. I’m also interested in taking on a lead role in nursing.

Never mention the bad points that may have caused you to seek out something better. Instead, mention the things that you have learned and maintain a positive, forward-looking perspective. Point out that you are searching for new challenges and experiences that will help you grow as an individual.

You should not pass up this chance to play up your positive attributes in preference for a standard response. Illustrate the things that motivate you by bringing up an example from your actual experience. Use the example to highlight your positive attributes without deviating from answering the actual question.