How to Get into Nursing School (2023)

FAQs

How do you stand out in a nursing school interview? ›

Patient Care

Directly caring for patients is the biggest part of nursing, and an excellent potential aspect of your answer to the question of “why” you want to be a nurse. If you love working with patients, it could be an ideal entry into your answer to this question. “Human connection has always been important to me.

Example: “I believe that I am an ideal applicant for your nursing program because I possess the intelligence required to learn important medical knowledge, the natural dexterity to manage the physical demands of a nursing position and an empathetic heart which is well-suited to a care-giving field.

Asking the recruiter or manager how they like working at the institution is a good question to ask in a nursing interview. It will give you lots of insight into the current dynamics. The answer you receive can reveal additional information that could be a contributing factor to your decision.

“The motivation to become a nurse came from personal experience. My dad had cancer so for five years we had nurses visiting our home to treat his, as well as visits to and from the hospital. I was only young and ignorant to anything about cancer, other than it's 'a disease that kills'.

What inspired you to become a nurse? I've always loved helping and taking care of people. Everyone deserves someone that has patience and takes time to go that extra mile for them especially when they require medical care, I wanted to be that nurse.

All nurses have at least one thing in common—they want to help people. Not only do they play the role of caretaker for their patients, but in some circumstances, they can also be a friend, a confidante and a trusted adviser. It takes a special kind of person to fill all of those roles the way nurses do.

Answer “what is your greatest weakness” by choosing a skill that is not essential to the job you're applying to and by stressing exactly how you're practically addressing your weakness. Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination.

For nursing applicants, specifically, our experts said they're typically looking for strengths like flexibility, a team player, extremely organized, multitasking, leadership abilities, creative problem-solving, an excellent communicator, or curiosity about learning new things.

How do you introduce yourself in a nursing interview? ›

Really good manners number two then tell the interviewer. That you already have the skills and

College authorities want to know more about your academic interests and commitments. Talk about the specific educational, research, and other academic opportunities offered by the college that appeal to you. Expand on this idea by talking about how these opportunities help support your future goals.

You shouldn't wear scrubs to an interview. Instead, you should wear professional/business attire to an interview. It makes a good first impression and shows you're serious about the job. Interviewers (especially HR professionals) expect professional attire, not work attire, to an interview.

The hardest part of being a nurse is seeing a patient in pain or unhappy and being limited in the extent I can comfort them. The reality is that as a professional I can only do so much. However, I realize this helps me so that I do not become too emotionally invested in my patients."

Common structure of an in-person interview

Information gathering and questions/answers generally span about 20-45 minutes. This is the interviewer's time to determine your match for the role and for you to express your qualifications.

Make sure to bring a copy of your resume, a copy of your nursing license, and any other certifications you may have (ex. ACLS, BLS, PALs). Make sure you also have a pen and paper (in a padfolio) so you can take notes as well. Below is our full list of what you need to bring to a nursing interview.

What drives you to take nursing? ›

I chose nursing as my career path because I have always enjoyed helping people. Nursing is one of the most respected professions. What I love about nursing is that it is constantly evolving; there are so many things that you can do in the profession, so you don't have to stick to one specialty.

Becoming a Registered Nurse is a solid career choice when it comes to job security, salary potential, and fulfillment. For nurses who plan to work in California, the rewards and opportunities are even more promising. The average registered nurse salary in California is often higher than any other state!

2) I want to become a nurse because of their selfless care for every patient. 3) Whenever we get injured, a nurse is always ready to help us. 4) By being a nurse I want to help and take care of every people. 5) The work of nurses during the corona pandemic inspired me for this profession.

Nurses care for injuries, administer medications, conduct frequent medical examinations, record detailed medical histories, monitor heart rate and blood pressure, perform diagnostic tests, operate medical equipment, draw blood, and admit/discharge patients according to physician orders.

“Nursing is not an easy profession—it requires both physical and mental stamina to make it through those 14-hour shifts.” If you love the work you are doing and believe in the impact it makes on every patient's life, you might find yourself thriving even in a whirlwind of activity.

Example Answer 1

In five years, I see myself as a nurse practitioner. I want to continue to educate myself and become a leader in the nursing field. Hopefully, this institution will be a part of my journey and I can continue to grow as a nurse here.

A characteristic of a good nurse is one that shows empathy to each patient, making a true effort to put themselves in their patients' shoes. By practicing empathy, nurses are more likely to treat their patients as “people” and focus on a person-centered care approach, rather than strictly following routine guidelines.

Undoubtedly, if a person wants to make a magnificent career in the sphere of the healthcare industry, then B.sc Nursing course is better than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). In the matter of career growth, higher studies, and salary the value of B.sc Nursing is more than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.

You should not just name your strengths and weaknesses in clinical practice and that's it. Try to always elaborate on your answer. Explain how the strengths should help you provide an excellent care to the patients, and ensure the interviewers that you want to improve on your weaknesses.

What questions should you ask at a nursing school interview? ›

Subject specific nursing university interview questions

Why do you want to be a nurse? What experience do you have of nursing as a career? What do you think is a typical day for a nurse? What do you think will be most challenging about this course?

Women should wear a conservative outfit, such as dress pants or a tailored skirt with a modest blouse and/or a jacket. Men should wear dress slacks with a shirt and tie and consider adding a jacket. A suit is always appropriate for both men and women.

Kindness, fairness, caring, trustworthiness, emotional stability, empathy, and compassion are components that make you human on a personal level and serve you well as a nurse. You exhibit strong communication skills. You communicate well with patients and colleagues — sometimes at their worst life moments.

The key to being a successful nurse is communication.

Communication skills are one of the most important requirements of a nurse's job—both following directions and communicating with patients and families. Patients who are sick or suffering often are not in a position of strength to speak up for themselves.

Really good manners number two then tell the interviewer. That you already have the skills and

I am writing to seek admission to the University of Healthcare's prestigious nursing school. I am very interested in your nursing program because your mission of offering students the education they need to provide the best patient care possible is important to me as a future healthcare professional.

If you're leaving your current position because of salary, say it. If you want more leadership opportunities, express your aspirations and goals. Be sure to share your passion for nursing, your enthusiasm to help patients, and your eagerness to excel at the career you've worked so hard for.

College authorities want to know more about your academic interests and commitments. Talk about the specific educational, research, and other academic opportunities offered by the college that appeal to you. Expand on this idea by talking about how these opportunities help support your future goals.

You shouldn't wear scrubs to an interview. Instead, you should wear professional/business attire to an interview. It makes a good first impression and shows you're serious about the job. Interviewers (especially HR professionals) expect professional attire, not work attire, to an interview.

Is it OK for a nurse to wear scrubs to an interview? ›

Don't wear your nurse uniform

Even though a nurse uniform—commonly referred to as scrubs—is what you will likely wear each day if you get the job, this outfit is not typically appropriate for a nursing interview.

Common structure of an in-person interview

Information gathering and questions/answers generally span about 20-45 minutes. This is the interviewer's time to determine your match for the role and for you to express your qualifications.

Caring is best demonstrated by a nurse's ability to embody the five core values of professional nursing. Core nursing values essential to baccalaureate education include human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice.

Having drive and passion for the field of nursing are some of the most important aspects of a good nursing student. Because nursing school is challenging, passion for the field will help motivate you throughout your education. Passion drives success. Continuously remind yourself of your enthusiasm to help patients.