The STAR Method

Behavioral questions ("Tell me about a time when…") are best answered with a structured story:

S: Situation	Set the scene in one or two sentences. Where were you? What was happening?
T: Task	What was your responsibility in that moment?
A: Action	What did you specifically do? Use "I", not "we".
R: Result	What happened? What did you learn? Tie it to patient care when you can.

Prepare 4–5 STAR stories from clinicals or simulation: a conflict, an error or near-miss, a time you advocated for a patient, a time you asked for help, and a proud moment.

Ten Questions to Expect

• "Tell me about yourself.": 60–90 seconds: your path to nursing, clinical strengths, why this unit.
• "Why do you want to work here?": Research the hospital's mission and unit; be specific.
• "Tell me about a time you dealt with conflict on a team.": STAR; focus on communication, not blame.
• "Describe a mistake you made and what you did.": Own it, report it, describe the safety lesson. Never claim you've made none.
• "How do you prioritize when everything feels urgent?": ABCs first, unstable before stable, delegate appropriately, communicate.
• "A patient's condition is deteriorating, what do you do?": Assess, stay with the patient, call for help early, SBAR to the provider, document.
• "How do you handle a disagreement with a provider's order?": Verify, voice concern respectfully, escalate up the chain if patient safety is at risk.
• "What are your strengths and weaknesses?": A real weakness plus the concrete step you're taking on it.
• "How do you manage stress?": Honest, healthy strategies; mention debriefing and asking for support.
• "Where do you see yourself in five years?": Growth within nursing: certifications, precepting, specialty interest.

Questions to Ask Them

• "What does orientation look like for new graduates, length, preceptorship, support?"
• "How does the unit support continuing education and skill development?"
• "What do nurses who thrive on this unit have in common?"
• "What are typical nurse-to-patient ratios here?"

Day-of Checklist

• Copies of resume, license/authorization to test status, certifications (BLS/ACLS), references
• Professional dress; arrive 10–15 minutes early (do a route test-run if on site)
• Phone silenced; notebook and pen
• Rehearse your STAR stories out loud at least once
• Send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours