After every application, the next step is conducting an interview. Being a nurse is not an exception. Getting the job in hospitals or private clinics requires answering some interview questions to valid your position. If you are a potential nurse, you should take this event seriously and prepare the standard interview questions and answers. Here is an article for future nurses to enter the medical field.

Job Interview Questions for Nurses in New Zealand:

The big day is coming. It is time to prove that you are the one who matches the requirements. It is essential to make sure that you have made the necessary preparations to meet interviewers, such as your dress code, attitude, body language, etc.. Whatever the professional field, every job interview includes classic questions such as, tell me about yourself, why did you choose this profession? It would help if you prepared for them even though they are disconnected from your specific position.

Before stepping into your interview, here are some tips to win the meeting:

-Bring your notebook, a copy of each important document ( CV, Cover letter, a reference list).

-Conduct research about your work environment, nature of activities, etc... The best way to map out your upcoming position is to visit the clinic's official website and learn about its healthcare services and how to subscribe to them, what kind of beneficiary clients, and what kind of insurances are submitted to the healthcare system of New Zealand.

-Identify your strengths and skills for the nursing position. Take a look at;  Health and Safety Committees

For more details about entering any professional field in New Zealand, take a look at Fratres. You will find interview tips, job search guidelines, and interview questions and answers.

Nursing Interview Questions

Without further ado, here is a list of the upcoming interview questions that can be used during your interview:

1.Why do you want to work in this medical department?

This question is to know the reasons for choosing a specific medical department when you have applied for the job. Here is a sample answer:

 I chose to work as a Pediatric nurse for various reasons; I am very familiar with this field. I spent eight months of internship and volunteer experience. I am also efficient when it comes to child care, newborn care, and treatment. I have the skills that enable me to operate in this medical department. Take a look at; Know About Doctor Career in NZ 

2. Are you ready to take another job? For example, if your wish is to work in the emergency room and the hospital offers you a position in the pediatric department? Can you manage both?

This is a tricky question! Interviewers want to know whether you are a multi-tasked person or not? Whether you can handle several tasks or not? Whether you can deal with various medical cases or just a specific case? It has many points to clarify. Your answer should include:

Your professional abilities, your way to organize your schedules and tasks to be accomplished, and your empathetic side, whether you are willing to tackle various responsibilities or not. The answer is not about looking very perfect and able to handle multiple tasks. You have the total freedom to confirm or reject this suggestion. The trick here, if yes, explain how you would operate in both departments. If no, explain which department you can ensure better performance and save lives.

3. What does your job consist of?

This is a common question, in which you should read the job offer carefully, take a good hold of the requirements and list your duties. Here is a sample answer:

As a nurse, my job often changes depending on the work environment in which I work. Since I am working in the emergency room, my job consists of taking the primary assessment of patients, doing first aid and rescuing emergent cases, interfering in fasting the entry process of certain instances, and providing maximum help in minimum time.

4. After achieving your studies to become a future nurse, does professional reality meet your expectations? Otherwise, what did you want to do other than nursing?

This question is about the applicant’s professional expectation; whether the theoretical side meets the practical/professional side. Your answer should insist on the nursing profession, you can say, for example;

Despite the difference between my studies and my professional experience, I always wanted to be a nurse. Nursing is a noble job. This field taught me how to manage stress, how to help people without discrimination, and how to give as much as I can. I feel satisfied when I see patients overcoming desperate health conditions. This is inspiring. This job taught me how to give importance to human lives and health. The practical side of nursing confirmed my studying choice. I don’t regret choosing this field.

5. What are the things that have marked you the most about this job?

This question is to highlight the merits of the nursing profession from your own experiences. Your answer should revolve around your personal impression and the advantages you have earned from the job, like saying;

Many situations marked me in this job. I have become more careful about my health. I advise people to adhere to healthcare protocol during this pandemic disease not to lose loved ones. I also become more organized and more active when it comes to dealing with patient’s appointments. I am also surprised that previous patients are still in touch with me, sending me flowers and gifts, and are still recognizing my efforts, which are my duties. I also become more professional in coordinating with various departments and helping patients reach their appropriate practitioner as quickly as possible.

These were the top 5 interview questions and sample answers for nursing jobs in New Zealand. Remember that they are more specific questions about explaining a medical procedure and testing medical knowledge. The questions might involve demo answers about the first aid process. Try to expect the particular questions related to your nursing field, internship, and experience.