10 OR Nurse Interview Questions Usually Asked by Hiring Managers

Perioperative nurses, or OR nurses, are highly-efficient team members who perform vital functions before, during and after surgery. Although their role is less visible than surgeons, their presence is invaluable for procedures and patient health. If you enjoy caring for people and working in a fast-paced, highly-precise environment, OR nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path to pursue.

Despite the shortage of qualified OR nursing staff, hiring managers still sift through countless resumes to find suitable candidates. Your resume may be the first step that gets you through the door – the second is tackling the OR nurse interview questions.

Your answers highlight strengths and weaknesses to hiring managers. With some practice and tips from this list, you can transform the interview from a rigid formality into an effective, smooth and enjoyable conversation.

1. What Experience Do You Have in OR Nursing?

While you might expect this question for virtually any position, many people forget that it sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. When answering, briefly highlight your specializations, experience, certifications and training. Don't forget to give them a glimpse of your personality – they want to know you as a person, too. Remember that you are "selling" yourself during the interview. If you're not confident with your background and experience, they won't be either.

2. What Pulled You to Apply for an OR Nursing Position at Our Hospital?

This question serves two purposes:

• To gauge your interest in the position
• To see if you put thought into your choice of hospital

Many candidates still make the mistake of skipping the "research the company background" part, and hiring managers notice. If your values match those of the hospital and you show genuine interest in your career and advancement, they'll take note and want you on the team.

3. Can You List The Protocol or Routine Procedures You Perform Before an Operation?

OR nurses must follow specific procedures before surgery. While some apply to every setting, others are site-specific. Make a list of essential protocols every OR nurse performs before an operation, such as checking room sterility and ensuring that all supplies are ready. Also include questions you ask every patient before a procedure. Examples include:

• Verifying their identity
• Going over their health history
• Asking about allergies (such as if they have latex allergies)

4. Tell Us About a Time You Noticed Something Wrong or Dangerous in the Operating Room and What You Did About It

Prepare by thinking of a time when you noticed something wrong that was detrimental to the patient's safety or team's efficiency. Identify the problem, why it was an issue, how you responded to it and the outcome. Your answer indicates your responsiveness, attention to detail and ability to reduce risk and liability.

5. How Do You Soothe Anxious Patients or Their Family Members?

Nursing requires empathy and compassion. Calming an anxious patient or family member is part of your job. Through a compassionate framework, relay how you comfort patients and their loved ones by giving specific examples. You can mention how you remind them that they are in the hands of professionals and that their safety is the team's main priority. Other examples include receiving patients warmly and acknowledging their fears and concerns.

6. What Would Be The Ideal Environment For an Operating Room Nurse?

The hiring manager wants to know if you fit within the hospital or medical center's environment. Use this opportunity to emphasize your knowledge about optimal surgical settings and your standards as an OR nurse. You can research tried-and-true practices that increase operating room efficiency and mention them as well.

7. Do You Believe That Conflict Resolution Is An Essential Skill To Have as an OR Nurse?

This question shows your problem-solving and people skills and how you navigate problems in a sensitive environment. To effectively manage conflict, it's vital to identify issues before they become significant grudges. Addressing the problem, communicating effectively and seeking a resolution are necessary conflict resolution skills to have for effective results.

8. What Would You Modify if You Had the Chance To Improve Your Efficiency as an OR Nurse?

Here is where the Hiring Manager identifies strengths and weaknesses while evaluating your knowledge. You can mention an aspect of your job that you believe needs general improvement instead of ones that you dislike personally. For example, if you'd like more responsibilities and think OR nurses can handle them, make that clear. This enthusiasm translates well and positions you as a knowledgeable and reliable candidate.

9. How Do You Stay Calm in Highly Stressful Situations?

Operating rooms are taxing environments. However, stress leads to mistakes that have legal repercussions and put the patient at risk. Make a list of what you do to stay focused and calm during hectic situations to remember before the interview. Some examples include journaling, meditation, stretching exercises or breathing exercises.

10. If You Identify an Ethical Dilemma, Would You Speak Up?

As a nurse, you must follow a code of ethics that stresses autonomy, beneficence, justice and non-maleficence. Always mention these values if asked about your stance on ethical issues to make your position clear. You can emphasize your dedication to ensuring that every patient receives fair treatment and your commitment to maintaining such an environment when hired. It is part of your duty to speak up when you see something wrong - any other answer places your job and others at risk.

Wrapping Up

We hope that these ten common OR nurse interview questions give you an idea of what to expect before speaking to a hiring manager. Keep in mind, however, that your resume is an integral part of landing the interview. With Rocket Resume, you can custom tailor your resume to specific roles that help you make an impression. Our resume formats are Applicant Tracking System (ATS) friendly and completely readable by hospital systems. As a bonus, you get a $20 credit if you sign up today.

Get started now by using our customizable template options – your resume is waiting, and so is your future job.