Nursing Trends
For almost fifty years, the nursing department has developed and advanced to great heights. And it is all thanks to clinical nurse specialists. Ever since they came into the picture, healthcare facilities and systems have evolved and progressed significantly.
The CNS profession came second in a survey of the “Best Jobs in America,” in 2013. And the US Department of Labor predicts that this role will experience exponential growth over the next few years.
Advanced knowledge of nursing research and the ability to identify areas of growth in the healthcare system are vital for any clinical nurse specialist.
Who are Clinical Nurse Specialists?
Clinical nurse specialists are professional nurses who do more than conventional nursing duties. A nurse’s responsibility requires one to help patients with their illness, medications, etc. On the other hand, clinical nurse specialists or CNS handles more than the regular nurse job. They specialize in diagnosing injuries or illnesses and supervising the staff to ensure top patient care.
Additionally, they are involved in the management and developing procedures or policies for the working staff. CNS also oversees research work, practice studies, etc. These research results and findings are evaluated and applied to practical use under their supervision.
As a result, the workload of clinical nurse specialists is extensive than regular nurses. Not only do they provide patient care, but they also serve as consultants for the nursing staff.
What do you need to get a CNS job?
Thus, to get a job in the CNS department, you need a degree in a specialized area. And your degree should focus on all the requirements for this particular job. If you have completed your CNS degree, chances are you have applied for a job.
And there is only one thing that is between you landing that job. Yes, the walk-in interview.
A job in the medical department requires you to answer some tough and challenging questions. It is the medical and healthcare department, after all.
But, we are here to help you crack that interview and come out in flying colors. In this article, we will look at some common interview questions related to clinical nurse specialists. So, let’s hop into it.
Questions most commonly asked at Clinical Nurse Specialists interviews
Tell us a little about yourself.
This is one of the most common questions asked in interviews. Usually, you will expect this question and be prepared for it. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Firstly, you do not want to sound like you have memorized a script. Secondly, do not tell them about your personal life. Focus on your educational background, achievements, and your current situation. You can add a touch of personal details but not anything over the top.
What do you know about the company?
Before you walk in through the door, make sure to research the company you’re applying for. Check out their history and background and the people in charge. You can also check the news for any media exposure the company currently has, breakthroughs, etc. Doing so will help create a good impression and shows that you have an interest in their work.
Can you work under pressure?
Here, you can say that you can deal with pressure while working on specific research or projects. You can mention your ability to work extra hours to meet deadlines. You do not want to take a long pause to answer this question. Additionally, you can say that pressure helps you refocus your energy and develop quick and practical solutions.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This is another common question, and it’s either easy or challenging to answer depending on the type of job. However, you don’t want to tell them about your strengths or weaknesses. Please stay on the subject and keep them related to the job.
Regarding your strengths, you can state that you can motivate the staff, thrive under pressure, keep a positive attitude, etc. Do not give generic answers. Tell them about the quality of results you can produce and how your strengths can supplement the job you’re applying for.
And when it comes to weaknesses, do not lie and tell them you have none. Most interviewers can see right through it. Instead, tell them about work-related issues and how you strive to solve them.
Do you have any field experience regarding this job?
This question will test your understanding of the field and whether you’re a suitable candidate or not. Here, you want to mention specifics related to a CNS job. If you don’t have any, try to get as close as possible. You want to tell them about your experience working with computers and networking and your contributions during your last tenure.
How will you compensate for your lack of experience?
If you’re a newbie and have little to no experience, you can expect this question. You want to tell your employers about experiences they don’t know that supplement what you will say next. Then, you can discuss your ability to learn new skills or tasks quickly with a positive work ethic. But only mention them if you will live up to your words or expectations.
Tell us something about your last job.
This is an easy but tricky one to answer. Again, if this is your first job application, you will pass. But if you have past work experience, do not mention anything negative. You don’t want to mumble about the manager’s or co-worker’s attitude or the unfavorable environment. Instead, keep things positive. Mention only the good things that kept you there before you quit.
Why did you quit your previous job?
Again, you want to stay positive here. You do not want to mention anything related to your salary or your employer. Keep them to yourself and respond positively. You can tell them that you are looking for a new experience with a fresh batch of people. Plus, tell them you are interested in expanding and exploring your capabilities with the new environment and staff.
However, if your previous employer fired you, you must prepare a factual and confident statement. Remember to keep it brief and do not act dramatic or sound negative about anything or anyone. Your emotions should not dictate your answers.
What do you think is the ideal job for you?
There are no right or wrong answers to this. So you do not want to be specific. Do not give generic answers like your dream job is to work under this company, and so on.
On the other hand, do not say that you have interests in doing other jobs other than in the medical field. This will leave the employers wondering and concerned whether you are fit for the job.
Instead, you can say that your ideal job is where you can put your skills to good use. Plus, it will be a job where your qualifications can contribute and make a difference to the field and the company as a whole.
Tell us what you have done to improve your knowledge regarding this job
If you’re applying for a job, you have probably kept yourself updated about improvements in the field. You’re going to get questions regarding this. You can tell them about improvement activities related to the job and how they are pushing the boundaries of the field. Tell them about self-improvement experiences as well to keep them interesting.
You can also attend seminars and enroll in courses to keep updated on current trends in the field. This way, your reply will be even more prosperous. Companies want goal-oriented people who are self-sufficient and show a desire for success.
What will you do if you have multiple assignments and little time to finish them?
This question will test your ability and understanding of time management. The best answer here is to state that you can set different priorities for different tasks. Once you do that, tackle the important ones first.
You can also set a time frame and strive to finish it in that period. This way, you will complete every project in the provided time. And most importantly, tell them that you can request help from your colleagues and collaborators. This will also highlight your importance on teamwork.
Did you face any hygiene or health issues in your last job? If so, how did you handle it?
This question will test your ability to communicate and solve problems. If you were in such a situation, mention the positive side of the experience. Tell them about what assistance you provided to solve the problem.
On the other hand, you can tell them about your strategy if you haven’t experienced anything like that. You can tell them that if you face such situations, you will remain calm and positive. Firstly, you want to assess the problem and make it a top priority to bring it under control.
If a doctor does not approve your diagnosis or method, what is your next step?
This is a common question asked in medical interviews. The best answer here is to say that you will do what is best for the patient. You do not want to sound like a loose cannon and act on your interests. If you do, you will sound harsh, and the employers will consider you a risk. You want to create a good impression about how you can act during a conflicted situation.
Why should we hire you?
This question will determine how you will stand out from the rest of the candidates. Do not compare yourself with the other applicants or say you have a superior skill set. You should also not provide generic replies like, “I am the best person for this job,” etc. You don’t want to sound overconfident.
Instead, focus on your strengths and mention other necessary skills, if any. Highlight your achievements and what similar contributions you can bring to the company.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
You can answer this question by mentioning your goals and what your objectives are for the company. People are instantly attracted to those who set long-term goals and work to achieve them. It will also highlight your personality and work ethic.
It would help if you also did your research on the company’s prospects and aims. If you can put your skills to supplement their objectives, it will set you apart from the rest.
Closing Thoughts
The working conditions and responsibilities of a clinical nurse specialist are vast. Along with medical and healthcare knowledge, one needs to have outstanding leadership and consultation skills.
Therefore, employers should look for well-qualified and experienced candidates. On the other hand, you as a candidate should prepare and equip yourself with all the necessary information. Do your research, be professional, and most of all, be passionate about your work.
