Top Nursing School Interview Questions

Nursing school interviews can feel intimidating but the best way to handle the nerves is preparation. Knowing the kinds of questions you might be asked, and practicing thoughtful responses, can help you walk into your interview with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll cover common interview questions, ranging from general introductions to policy-based scenarios, and share sample answers that demonstrate what admissions committees are looking for.

At Go-Elective, we support future nurses by providing international internships that build cultural competence, adaptability, and patient care skills. These experiences give you concrete stories to share during interviews, showing schools that you’re ready to handle the challenges of nursing.

General Questions

These questions help interviewers learn more about you and break the ice:

Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to become a nurse?
Why do you want to study at this school?
What will you do if you’re not accepted?
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Questions About Experience and Background

Interviewers want to assess whether your past experiences have prepared you for nursing school. Examples include:

Tell us about a time your confidence was shaken.
Describe a time when you worked as part of a diverse team.
Have you ever had to help someone who didn’t want assistance? How did you handle it?
What was your favorite and least favorite class, and why?
How have you handled high-stress situations in the past?

In-Depth and Scenario Questions

These push you to reflect on your motivations and decision-making:

Why should we admit you over other qualified applicants?
What was the main factor influencing your decision to become a nurse?
In your opinion, what is the most essential trait for a nurse?
A pediatrician refuses to see unvaccinated children. How would you respond?
What do you think is the most pressing healthcare issue in your community?

Policy and Ethics Questions

Because nurses navigate complex policies, you may be asked:

What are your views on mandatory vaccinations for nurses?
What would you do if a patient disclosed information but didn’t want the doctor to know?
How do you stay informed about evolving healthcare policies?
Can you discuss a healthcare policy issue you’re passionate about?
What would you do if a policy conflicted with a patient’s best interest?

Sample Nursing Interview Answers

#1. Tell me about yourself.

Sample Answer:
“I grew up admiring my mother’s work as a nurse, which inspired me to volunteer in a hospital during high school. Later, I studied science in college and worked in a local clinic, where I realized my true calling was patient care. These experiences taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of teamwork—qualities I want to carry into my nursing career.”

Why it works: The answer highlights personal motivations and real experiences without repeating academic details already in the application.

#2. Why do you want to become a nurse?

Sample Answer:
“When I was hospitalized as a teenager, a nurse’s kindness and skill made an incredible difference in my recovery. That experience showed me how powerful nursing care can be, and it inspired me to pursue this path so I can provide the same compassion and support to others.”

Why it works: Personal, specific, and heartfelt.

#3. What is the essential trait for a nurse?

Sample Answer:
“I believe adaptability is the most important trait for a nurse. Every patient has unique needs, and being able to adjust quickly—whether in communication, clinical decision-making, or collaboration—ensures safe, effective, and compassionate care.”

Why it works: Focuses on a single trait and ties it to patient outcomes.

#4. Nurses often work long shifts. What are the challenges?

Sample Answer:
“Long shifts can lead to fatigue and errors if nurses aren’t careful, but they also allow continuity of care, which patients appreciate. I believe the key is balancing rest and teamwork so nurses can deliver safe, consistent care.”

Why it works: A balanced, thoughtful perspective that shows awareness of real-world challenges.

FAQs: Nursing School Interviews

#1. How should I introduce myself in a nursing school interview?

Keep it short—state your name, where you’re from, and one or two experiences that influenced your interest in nursing.

#2. What questions should I ask the interviewer?

Ask about the interviewer’s own career path, or about opportunities for hands-on experience and mentorship in the program. This shows genuine interest and engagement.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for your nursing school interview means more than memorizing answers. It’s about reflecting on your experiences, values, and motivations. Practice different types of questions, use your real-world experiences to demonstrate readiness, and remember that authenticity matters.

At Go Elective, our global nursing internships help you build clinical skills and cultural competence that make you stand out in interviews and beyond. By combining strong academics with meaningful experience, you’ll enter nursing school with confidence and a clear sense of purpose. Explore our pre-nursing internships and nursing electives abroad.