2023 Nursing Training Interview Questions, Answers & Dressing

Applicants who wish to get admission into nursing and Midwifery training colleges usually get interviewed before they are admitted. The 2023/2024 Nursing Training Admission forms were recently released. The interview date will soon be announced

In today’s article, we will be looking at some of the questions which are usually asked during such interviews. Some people believe that getting into nursing training colleges in Ghana is difficult. This can also be attributed to the fact that for some people, this is their first interview, and they may be unfamiliar with the types of questions that may be asked. In this article, I will provide you with a list of the most frequently asked questions during nursing school interviews.

Many applicants who apply for nursing and midwifery programmes are mostly anxious about the interview. This can be attributed to the fact that to some people, it is their first time attending an interview and the fact that they may not know the kind of questions that may be asked. Below are some questions compiled to help you prepare for the nursing interview.

Background Questions: This usually starts with: “Tell us about yourself”. The interviewer mostly wants to know about you. Give a brief description of yourself including your personality but not too personal details, your strengths. Pay attention to your educational history and especially the course you did in Senior High School.

Briefly mention hobbies that demonstrate intellectual and/or community engagement such as reading, music, sports, and volunteering. Based on the answer you give, many questions may arise from that, so be sure you know what you are saying. Interviewers may also ask how the course you studied relates to nursing. So, if you studied General Art, General Science, or Agricultural Science, how are you going to apply it in nursing?

Current Affairs and Politics: The interview cannot be complete without questions relating to current events and happenings. Questions are asked about current health events and happenings such as in 2020 we experienced COVID-19 and a meningitis outbreak. Other current events that may not be related to nursing or health may be asked. It is also important that one must know the political figures in their community. This includes The Municipal/District Chief Executive, the Member of Parliament, and the Regional Minister. You should also not forget to know the name of the Health Minister.
Some specific questions that may be asked:

Why do you want to be a nurse?

This is one of the most asked questions in nursing interviews. When answering this question, try to be as real as possible. Avoid using “I want to help people!” since it has been used by so many interviewees over the years.

What would you do if a patient or family member threatened you? In nursing, the patient’s needs are always first, and you are the professional and as such you should possess the quality to deescalate the situation. Your answer should therefore portray these qualities.

What qualities do you think a good nurse should possess?

Qualities of a good nurse include empathy, respect, good communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and more. Your answer should have these.
Do you have any questions for us? This is sometimes the last question asked. You can ask any reasonable question about the nursing program that you find interesting. If you have no questions, that is also ok.

Other questions include:
• What are some of your hobbies or passions?
• If you see a classmate stealing, what would you do?
• A nurse at a clinical practicum site is acting unethically. What would you do?
• What are your personal strengths?
• What are your personal weaknesses?
• What would your previous bosses or classmates say about you?
• Why do you want to be admitted into our nursing school?
• What would you do if you find yourself struggling in a nursing course?
• What is your proudest achievement to date?
• What kind of experiences have you had with nurses in the past?
• Are you satisfied with how this system works in our country?
• How important do you think communication skills are for a nurse?

READ ALSO LADY WHO WENT FOR NURSING INTERVIEW IN CAPE COAST FOUND DEAD

The above is not exhaustive, the questions may differ and therefore this serves as a guide. Just remember every interview is unique, you may get a few questions or a lot. It all depends on how you communicate. One of the main purposes of an interview in nursing is to find out how articulate you are because communication in nursing is very essential.

Here is the list of the questions asked during nursing training colleges interview

1. Why did you choose our college?

2. What are your personal strengths and weaknesses?

3. Can you think of any qualities you have that would help you as a nurse? Is there anything else you’d like to work on?

4. What are your core values?

5. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

6. What would you do if you find yourself struggling in a nursing course?

7. Do you have any role model in life?

8. What would you do if a patient or family member threatened you?

9. What do you think is the most difficult aspect of nursing?

10. What kind of previous interactions have you had with nurses? Are you satisfied with how our country’s system operates?

11. Nursing studies are difficult and time consuming. Are you prepared to deal with that? What are you willing to give up?

12. Why do you want to attend our nursing school?

13. We have a large number of applicants for this nursing program. Why do you believe we should select you over other candidates?

14. What are your personal strengths?

15. What are your personal weaknesses?

16. What would your previous bosses or classmates say about you?

17. Why do you want to be admitted into our nursing program?

18. What would you do if you find yourself struggling in a nursing course?

19. What would you do if you have a conflict with a professor?

20. Tell us why you’d be the best candidate for our nursing program.

21. Do you have any questions for us?

22. What is your proudest achievement to date?

23. What qualities do you think a good nurse should possess?

24. What would you do if a patient or family member threatened you?

25.Do you have dependable transportation?

26. Why are you interested in attending our nursing school?

27. What qualities do you believe you have that are bound to make you a successful nurse?

28. What kind of experiences have you had with nurses in the past? Are you satisfied with how this system works in our country?

29. How important do you think communication skills are for a nurse?

30. Do you have any questions for us

Please take note that these are only some of the questions to expect. These questions are sampled from students who are currently in the nursing training college. Some of who went through our coaching came out successfully and are now students in some of the nursing training colleges in the country whiles some are currently practicing on the field.

Do take note that the nursing training interview is in two sections.

You will write an objective test paper of 100 multiple-choice questions. These questions will be from English, Maths, and Science.
You will face a panel for a face-to-face interview.

Tell us about yourself
The interviewer here is not wanting to hear about your life story or

“Tell me about yourself ” is likely the most common “question” interviewees face. It is quite cloudy. This open-ended question can be taken in any number of different directions, and the interviewer wants to see what comes to your mind when prompted with such a vague request. Everyone’s answer to this question will be completely unique, based on their own experiences, values, and priorities. However, there is a good rule of thumb to keep in mind:

It’s not a list, it’s a story.

You may be tempted to simply recite your CV or information from your application. Do NOT do this! It is, of course, absolutely fine to discuss things you have mentioned in your application, but you must avoid a dry recitation of your activities, scores, presentations, etc. The interviewer will already have access to this information if it is an open interview. Even if it is a closed interview, where the interviewer won’t have access to that specific information, you still should not simply run down a list of factoids or trivia about yourself. You need to take this opportunity to let your best qualities shine through by telling the story of who you are!

To compose an expert answer that is sincere, reflective, and that highlights your best qualities, you need to craft a compelling narrative, using anecdotes organized around 2-3 events, qualities, values, competencies, or priorities that you think best represent who you are at your core (and, of course, one event/story can embody multiple qualities at once – a time when you acted with compassion may also be a time that you did so in a leadership position where you engaged in conflict resolution, while maintaining the integrity of your position). In general, people love stories, and offering an answer that allows your interviewer to “see” you as a leader, educator, collaborator, compassionate caregiver, etc., will do much more for the impact of your answer than a loose string of events, benchmarks, or scores.

Tell us why you want to be a nurse

There are a number of reasons why I want to become a nurse, but chief among them is the importance of the nurse as a front-line representative of the healthcare system. In many healthcare facilities, from clinics to emergency rooms, nurses are the first medical professionals patients encounter. Whether for routine care or on the worst day of their lives, nurses have the opportunity to ascertain how to coordinate resources in the patient’s best interest. As well, nurses play a key role as patient advocates, both in terms of ensuring each patient’s needs are effectively prioritized within the healthcare system, and by acting as representatives in the community, running CPR and first-aid courses, holding vaccination clinics, or in working for key healthcare organizations, like the Red Cross.

Though I’m still at the beginning of this journey, I’ve seen that nurses often have a unique opportunity to foster relationships with patients – frequently having both more and more frequent opportunities to connect with those in their care than physicians. Nurses also have a unique role in any medical team, acting as the core support for all other members. The opportunities for compassionate and active support of others – of patients and other medical professionals – and to do so on the front-line of medical care is what draws me to this profession, in particular.

Tell us what you know about nursing

You will stand out to the interviewer as a candidate who truly has a passion for the specific nursing program you are applying for if you know more about it than the average person. If your dream is to work as a nurse in a well-baby nursery, you’d better be knowledgeable about the area in which you envision yourself working. Try to find out more about the duties of the specific nursing specialties you are being interviewed for. Talk to nurses already in that field and also do some reading about the field before the nursing interview.

Tell us why you want to school here

Your reasons for wanting to school at that institution should be positive. Also, make a connection between your career goals and how they can be achieved at their institution. Make sure you have the mission and the vision of the institution at your fingertips and align it with your dreams and aspirations.
Describe to us how you perform under pressure
The settings in which nurses work can quickly turn into pressure-cooker environments. To be blunt, the interviewer does not want to hire or admit anyone who is so emotionally fragile that they’ll shatter like plate glass when faced with the day-to-day pressures of the nursing job.
Discuss your biggest strengths and weaknesses
The interviewer wants to hear about strengths that would be assets in the workplace. Since we all have weaknesses, the person conducting the interview will know you’re a liar if you deny having any. Make sure you talk about some of your weaknesses but make sure your strengths are strong enough to cover them up.

Can you name some of the qualities that would benefit you as a nurse?

Over here, What you say does not necessarily have to reflect in your interview presence—they understand that you experience stress, and cannot show them all your best cards. But you should believe that you have what it takes to become a great nurse—one day…On the other hand, humility can make wonders in the interviews. People in the interviewing committee prefer to choose humble students, people who are aware of their imperfections, people who believe that there is always room for improvement and that learning never stops..

Are you a team player?

Healthcare facilities prefer to hire people who work well with others, have good social and communication skills, get along well with patients and visitors, and can pull together as a team for the sake of patient care. No member of the penal will admit you if you are not a team player or can’t go along well with others.

What motivates you to be a nurse?
Companies and institutions training nurses prefer to hire or admit healthcare workers who are motivated by intangible ideals, not concrete realities such as money. Even if cash is your ultimate motivation, do not elaborate on your need for money. Tell them how you always love to care for the sick and probably give them real examples of how you took care of a sick person.

Do you have any role model in life?

You can go with some famous nurse, such as Clara Barton, or Edith Cavell. You can also opt for one of the charity figures, such as Mother Teresa. Another alternative is to pick someone who’s close to you, someone who works in healthcare and does a good job every day (your father, your uncle, a good friend of you, etc).

Recall a difficult situation and describe how you handled it.

If you have healthcare experience or have even been part of a red cross or any health union, this is the time to show it off. They want to know how you have dealt with angry doctors, emotionally upset families, or difficult patients. If you lack healthcare experience, you can discuss a difficult situation that occurred in school or somewhere and how you handled it.

Tell us why we should admit you.

This is the last time to truly sell yourself to the interviewer. Emphasize on your positive attributes, reaffirm that you are a team player, and tell them why you are the best candidate on the applicants list.
Do you have any questions for us?

Usually, this is the last question you will be asked in an interview. The interviewer at this point will like to know your courage level. You can ask the interviewer a question or two, whether it pertains to nurse/patient ratios, length of orientation, or educational opportunities. You might appear uninterested if you have no questions. Just make sure you ask a question.

2023 Nursing Training College Interview Requirements

Applicants are expected to carry the under-listed items to their interview venue on the day of the interview. As such, it’s important to get these items available in advance.

Proof of Application. Applicants must make sure they download and print out their proof of application and carry it to the nursing training interview. This will show that you truly applied to the said nursing training institution.

Photocopy of result slip. The applicant must carry along the photocopy of the results slip used in the application. In the event that an applicant combined two different results, the two must be carried along.

Passport Pictures. Each applicant must carry along two passport size pictures per result used. If an applicant combined two results in the application, the said applicant must carry four passport photos. Two for each result slip.

Proof of Interview Invite. This may sound weird but you have to show proof that you have actually received a text message inviting you to the interview. Carry along with the mobile phone that the text was sent to and show the message on request.

Birth Certificate. All applicants are expected to come along with their birth certificates. Most nurses training colleges will however give you the chance to provide it within 30 days upon getting admission if you do not have it immediately.

Interview Fee.Last but not least, applicants would be expected to pay an interview fee upon arrival. The interview fee is expected to be GHS 100 as has been the norm over the years unless there are any recent changes. The nurses training college will, however, communicate the exact amount in the text message to the applicant.

2023/2024 Nursing Training Interview Questions, Answers And Dreassing Tips

How to prepare for a nursing school interview

How can I introduce myself during the interview?
A Quick Guide to Introducing Yourself in an Interview
Start by researching the company and your interviewers.
Dress appropriately for the interview.
Avoid distractions and keep eye contact.
Be confident and comfortable.
Be aware of body language.
Prepare what to say.
Rehearse our introduction with a friend.
How should I wear my hair to a nursing interview?
Keeping your hair as simple as possible is ideal for a nursing interview. For example, you could wear your hair up in a neat ponytail if you have longer hair, or if you have shorter hair you could wear it down but styled neatly. Avoid wearing fancy or large hair clips or other hair accessories.
However, this sort of information is just as critical in assessing a potential employee’s “fit” as their skill set. In short, I make it a key objective to delve into this very subject.

How should I wear my hair to a nursing interview?

Keeping your hair as simple as possible is ideal for a nursing interview. For example, you could wear your hair up in a neat ponytail if you have longer hair, or if you have
shorter hair you could wear it down but styled neatly. Avoid wearing fancy or large hair clips or other hair accessories.
However, this sort of information is just as critical in assessing a potential employee’s “fit” as their skill set. In short, I make it a key objective to delve into this very subject.

Dressing for Nursing training interview

Dress as if you were going to a business interview. This would include:
• Solid color, conservative suit (black, blue)
• Coordinated blouse
• Moderate shoes
• Limited jewelry (pearls are a nice touch)
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• Tan or light hosiery
• Sparse make-up & perfume
Try to relax and be yourself. Project a positive, self-confident, sincere, congruent attitude (not cocky or arrogant-this will turn off the interviewer fast). Lean forward slightly in the chair, smile, make eye contact, and don’t cross your arms or legs.
Appear at ease and enthusiastic. Speak in complete sentences with correct grammar and intelligent vocabulary.

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