Interview questions every nurse should prepare for in 2025
In South Africa’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, nursing services are more critical than ever. With growing demand in both public and private sectors, securing a nursing job means standing out, starting with your interview. As the job market becomes more competitive, South African nurses must be well-prepared, confident and ready to handle even the toughest interview questions. Whether you’re a newly qualified nurse or an experienced practitioner aiming for a better opportunity, mastering the interview process is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the most common (and challenging) interview questions every nurse should prepare for and what recruiters really want to hear.
Why interview preparation matters for SA nurses
In today’s competitive South African healthcare environment, interview preparation goes beyond knowing your clinical duties. Employers are increasingly looking for nurses who are not only technically competent but also empathetic, ethical and adaptable.
Interview questions are focusing more on soft skills like communication, cultural awareness and teamwork, because these qualities are vital in the diverse and often high-pressure conditions of South African healthcare settings. With the growing demand for agency placements and temporary roles, first impressions during interviews have never been more critical.
Being well-prepared helps you clearly communicate your value, show your readiness for the role and stand out as a professional who can thrive in any environment. Your ability to confidently share your story, skills and potential could be the key to unlocking new and lasting career opportunities.
Top 8 interview questions
1. Tell me about yourself
This is often the first question interviewers ask, and while it may seem like a casual icebreaker, it’s actually a strategic way for them to assess how well you understand your professional journey and how clearly you can communicate it. Your response should be a concise yet compelling 1-2 minute overview of your background, including your education, key experiences, and what motivates you as a nurse.
Be sure to align your answer with the specific role you’re applying for. Highlight your career progression, major accomplishments and any personal or professional experiences that fuel your passion for nursing, especially within the context of South Africa’s unique healthcare challenges. Speak with confidence, stay focused on the most relevant points and use this moment to set a strong, positive tone for the rest of your interview.
2. Why did you choose nursing as a career?
When interviewers ask this question, they’re not just making conversation, they’re trying to understand your deeper motivations and emotional commitment to the profession. Your response should reflect the personal reasons that drew you to nursing, whether it was a life-changing experience, a sense of calling or a desire to make a difference in underserved communities.
Be sincere and speak from the heart. This is your chance to share your story and demonstrate that your passion for nursing goes beyond just earning a salary. Highlight how your journey aligns with the real-world challenges and needs of South African healthcare and show that you’re in it for the right reasons.
3. Describe a time you handled a difficult patient
This question is designed to reveal how you manage stress, navigate conflict and maintain a patient-centered approach, even under pressure. To answer effectively, use the STAR method, describe the Situation, outline the Task, explain your Action and share the Result.
Choose a real-life example where your empathy, communication and professionalism helped de-escalate a challenging situation. Be careful to maintain patient confidentiality and focus on what the experience taught you. This is your opportunity to show that you’re not only capable of handling difficult moments but that you grow from them as a compassionate and responsible nurse.
4. How do you prioritise your workload on a busy shift?
This question aims to assess your ability to stay organised and focused when things get hectic which, in nursing, is almost every day. Employers want to know that you can think clearly under pressure, make quick decisions and manage your responsibilities efficiently. To prepare, reflect on how you plan your tasks, manage your time and delegate when necessary.
Share practical examples from your own experience, especially ones that highlight how you adapted to challenges like staff shortages or limited resources realities that many nurses face in South African healthcare settings. Demonstrating that you can keep your cool and make smart choices under pressure will show that you’re ready for the demands of the job.
5. What would you do if you witnessed a colleague making a medical error?
This question is designed to evaluate your ethical standards, accountability and commitment to patient safety. It’s a sensitive topic and how you respond says a lot about your professional integrity. Start by reviewing the ethical guidelines provided by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and remind yourself of your duty of care.
In your answer, focus on maintaining patient safety as your top priority. Describe how you would address the situation respectfully and professionally. Perhaps by first speaking to the colleague directly if appropriate and then following proper incident reporting procedures. Show that you understand the importance of transparency, communication and upholding the trust placed in healthcare professionals.
6. How do you handle stress and emotional challenges on the job?
Nursing can be emotionally taxing, especially when dealing with loss or trauma. When asked about managing stress, speak honestly about your coping mechanisms. Discuss healthy self-care strategies such as physical exercise, journaling, prayer or meditation, and the importance of peer support from trusted colleagues. Mention if you’ve ever sought professional counselling, and highlight your emotional maturity in continuing to provide excellent care while managing your own wellbeing.
7. How familiar are you with electronic health records (EHR)?
As healthcare systems digitise, employers want tech-savvy nurses who can navigate EHRs with ease. Be specific, mention any systems you’ve used, such as Mediclinic’s HealthView or public sector software. If you haven’t had much experience, be honest but show a willingness to learn quickly. Highlight any recent training or courses that enhanced your digital skills.
8. Why should we hire you?
This is your final pitch. Use it to tie together your clinical experience, soft skills and passion for nursing. Explain how you bring value to the role through your ability to work in a team, manage crises and deliver patient-centred care. Make sure your response aligns with the employer’s mission and South Africa’s healthcare challenges. Confidence and clarity are key, believe in the impact you can make.
Preparing for success in South Africa’s nursing interviews
Standing out as a nursing candidate will require more than just a solid qualification, you’ll need to showcase compassion, adaptability, ethical strength and a proactive mindset. These eight common interview questions are not just queries, they’re opportunities to demonstrate who you are as a nurse and how you respond to the real challenges of healthcare work. The way you prepare and answer them could be the defining factor that lands you your next job.
Remember, every interview is a chance to tell your story, reflect your professionalism and align your passion with the values of the institution you’re hoping to join. Don’t just memorise answers, internalise them, practice them and be ready to show the best version of yourself.
