Hiring managers commonly ask nursing candidates, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?,” during an interview to gain insight into their abilities. Answering this question can be a great opportunity to elaborate on your professional strengths while describing your ability to overcome your weaknesses. As a nursing student, learning some different strategies for answering this question can help you feel confident before your next interview. In this article, we explain why interviewers ask about nursing students’ strengths and weaknesses, provide some steps for how to answer this question and list example answers to help you prepare for your next interview.
Start by taking some time to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses. If youre unsure what your strengths and weaknesses are, you can try using brainstorming techniques, get feedback from others or use keywords in the job description as sources of inspiration. For example, you can try doing a free writing exercise to generate ideas. With this brainstorming technique, set a timer for five minutes and write everything that comes to mind related to your strengths and weaknesses. Then review what youve written for examples to elaborate on during your interview.
Another option is to ask a trusted peer, professional mentor or nursing instructor for feedback regarding your strengths and weaknesses. You can also review the job listing for insight into the specific skills and abilities the position requires. Using the keywords from the job listing shows youve done your research and have carefully considered how your abilities and experiences align with the needs of the position.
When describing your strengths, elaborate on how your attributes and professional skills have made a positive impact in your workplace, on your patients, among members of your work team or with the other nursing students in your graduating class. If possible, mention skills related to keywords included in the job description to show you have the abilities to excel in the position. Try to mention a combination of soft and hard skills in your answer. For example, you can describe a time when you used good communication and technical skills to explain how to use software to a colleague.
Some candidates may find it challenging to describe their weaknesses to a potential employer, but this can be a great opportunity to showcase your self-awareness and dedication to growth and development. When discussing your weaknesses, be honest and specific about something you find challenging in your career. After explaining the challenge, emphasize how youre working to overcome that weakness. Describe what specific actions youre taking or plan to take to improve your abilities and contribute to your professional development. This shows that you understand your areas of difficulty, but are willing to work hard to develop your skills.
“Before earning my masters in pediatric nursing, I was a registered nurse for almost 10 years. While I feel confident in the nursing skills Ive developed through my career, I think my greatest strength is my commitment to learning. Im a passionate learner and I try to take every available opportunity to develop personally and professionally. I pursued my masters in pediatric nursing because I felt the knowledge I could gain through the program would allow me to expand my career, learn new skills and help children and families live their best, healthiest lives.
A challenge I face in my nursing career is dealing with the physical demands of the job. I worked in the emergency room as a registered nurse, and it was always a fast-paced environment where I spent many hours on my feet, lifting patients and performing physical tasks. I know that working with children also involves many physical challenges, so I recently started taking fitness classes to improve my strength and endurance. Ive noticed improvements in my strength already, and these classes have other benefits like helping me reduce my stress levels.”
“Having recently graduated from nursing school after completing my internship, my instructors and mentors frequently praised my organization and efficiency. These skills allow me to manage my time well, sequence my responsibilities throughout the day and deliver care quickly and accurately. I take pride in organizing my work, so I feel calm and confident during my shift. When I feel prepared and confident, it benefits my patients by assuring them of my abilities to care for them, and it helps my team members know they can depend on me.
One challenge I faced during my internship was working with patients of different age groups, especially the elderly. I have little personal experience communicating with this population, but I know I may work with many elderly patients in my career. To help me improve my communication skills and feel more confident working with this population, Im going to volunteer at my local nursing home. By spending more time with this population, I hope to improve my skills for working with them while also making a difference in my community.”
* Do not forget to check also: Nursing interview questions – What does nursing mean to you?
Have you been thinking about joining the nursing profession? If you have, you have made a wise decision. Nursing careers are among the most lucrative occupations today, and BLS predictions indicate that the demand for qualified nurses will continue to increase for many years in the future.
But just what types of skills and personal characteristics do you need to become a successful nursing professional? While there are actually many skills and personal characteristics that make a great nurse, described below, you will find the top five strengths necessary for success in the nursing profession.
Each of us has some strengths and weaknesses, and it would be a mistake to claim you have no weaknesses, in your nursing school interview. Admit that you can improve on something–perhaps on everything, and ensure them that you will try your best to make it happen. That’s the attitude they seek in a perfect student for the study program.
What is more, you can talk also about improving on your strengths. Maybe you find yourself a great communicator, an excellent listener, or someone with fantastic time management. Still, you do not want to stop there. You want to continue working on your skills, at least while at school.
* May also help you succeed: How to dress for an interview. Crucial things to remember when choosing your clothes.
What is your weakness as a nursing student?
Examples of common nursing weaknesses our experts say they hear include: Paying too much attention to detail. Wanting to do everything at once. Spending too long on paperwork.
What are your weaknesses examples nursing?
How to talk about weaknesses in your nursing interviewWhat are strengths of a student nurse?
Top 10 skills nursing students need to succeedWhat are my strengths in nursing?
Having empathy to interact with the patient and their family and helping them to cope with problems is very important in a nursing position. Having the ability to understand and share those feelings with the patient and their loved ones is an essential strength for a nurse.
