25 Interview Questions and Answers for a Registered Nurse Role in a Care Home
The role of a Registered Nurse in a care home is vital to the well-being and quality of life of residents. Registered Nurses (RNs) provide medical care, supervise care assistants, administer medications, and ensure a safe and compassionate environment. In the UK, the average salary for a care home RN ranges from £28,000 to £36,000 per year, with opportunities for progression based on experience and specialisation. The position demands not only strong clinical skills but also excellent communication, empathy, and leadership abilities.
Whether you are preparing for your first interview or seeking career progression, having insight into the most common questions and effective ways to answer them will set you apart. As an experienced career coach with over 25 years guiding candidates, I will walk you through 25 fully explained interview questions and answers for a Registered Nurse role at a care home.
Simple Opening Questions and Answers
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the first question in an interview. Focus on your professional journey, highlighting your nursing experience, care home expertise, and key skills.
Example Answer: “I am a Registered Nurse with five years’ experience in elderly care. I have worked in both private and NHS care homes, specialising in dementia care and medication management. I pride myself on building strong relationships with residents and supporting care teams to provide compassionate, high-quality care.”
2. Why do you want to work in this care home?
Demonstrate research about the facility and alignment with your values.
Example Answer: “I admire your care home’s commitment to person-centred care and continuous staff training. I want to contribute my clinical skills to support residents’ well-being and collaborate with a dedicated team that prioritises compassionate care.”
3. What are your strengths as a nurse?
Highlight clinical skills, empathy, and leadership.
Example Answer: “I am highly organised, detail-oriented, and excel at managing both patient care and team coordination. My communication skills help me understand residents’ needs and provide tailored care.”
Competency-Based Questions and the STAR Model
The STAR model (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is crucial for answering competency questions. It helps structure your answers logically and clearly.
4. Describe a time you handled a challenging patient situation.
Answer using STAR:
Situation: “A resident became agitated during medication rounds.”
Task: “I needed to ensure their safety and complete their medication.”
Action: “I calmly spoke to them, offered reassurance, and involved a colleague for support.”
Result: “The resident calmed down, received their medication safely, and later thanked me for my patience.”
5. Can you give an example of a time you led a team effectively?
STAR Answer: “I was tasked with supervising a night shift when a sudden staff shortage occurred. I delegated responsibilities based on skills, maintained clear communication, and ensured all residents received timely care. The team worked efficiently, and the shift ran smoothly without incidents.”
6. How do you prioritise tasks during a busy shift?
Answer: “I assess residents’ immediate needs, address clinical emergencies first, and then delegate tasks to team members where appropriate. Using checklists and clear communication ensures all duties are completed efficiently.”
7. Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
STAR Answer: “I administered a routine medication at the wrong time. I immediately informed my senior, documented the incident, monitored the resident for side effects, and reviewed procedures to prevent recurrence. This reinforced my commitment to safe practice.”
Clinical Knowledge Questions
8. How do you handle medication errors?
Show awareness of procedure, accountability, and patient safety.
Answer: “I follow the care home’s protocol, report the error immediately, monitor the resident, and complete a reflective review to prevent future mistakes.”
9. How would you manage a resident with dementia who is refusing care?
Answer: “I use empathy and patience, offering choices and understanding their perspective. Sometimes distraction techniques or involving family members can reduce distress.”
10. Explain how you maintain infection control standards.
Answer: “I adhere to hand hygiene protocols, wear PPE appropriately, and ensure all equipment and surfaces are cleaned regularly. I also educate staff and monitor compliance.”
Behavioural and Situational Questions
11. Describe a situation where you had to resolve a conflict with a colleague.
STAR Answer: “Two staff members disagreed over care priorities. I facilitated a calm discussion, encouraged active listening, and suggested a compromise based on residents’ needs. The conflict was resolved, and teamwork improved.”
12. How do you motivate care staff?
Answer: “I lead by example, provide positive feedback, and encourage continuous learning. Recognising achievements fosters a motivated and supportive environment.”
13. Tell me about a time you improved a care process.
STAR Answer: “I noticed that medication rounds were inconsistent. I implemented a new checklist system, trained the team, and ensured regular audits. This improved accuracy and efficiency.”
14. How do you handle end-of-life care?
Answer: “I provide compassionate support, ensure comfort, communicate with families, and work with palliative care teams to maintain dignity and respect.”
15. Can you give an example of working under pressure?
STAR Answer: “During a flu outbreak, multiple residents required urgent care. I prioritised tasks, delegated effectively, and maintained calm communication. All residents received timely treatment, and the team remained cohesive.”
Knowledge of Care Home Policies
16. How familiar are you with safeguarding procedures?
Answer: “I am fully trained in safeguarding policies, always remain vigilant for signs of abuse, and report concerns promptly following local guidelines.”
17. What steps do you take to maintain accurate patient records?
Answer: “I document care promptly, use electronic systems where available, ensure accuracy, and double-check for errors. Confidentiality is always maintained.”
18. How do you approach patient care planning?
Answer: “I assess residents’ needs, involve families, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and review care plans regularly to ensure they remain up-to-date.”
19. Describe a time you dealt with a difficult family member.
STAR Answer: “A relative was concerned about care decisions. I listened actively, provided clear explanations, and involved them in planning. Their concerns were addressed, and trust was restored.”
20. How do you stay updated with nursing practices?
Answer: “I attend CPD workshops, read professional journals, participate in online training, and discuss best practices with colleagues.”
Ending Questions and Answers
21. Do you have any questions for us?
Always prepare thoughtful questions, e.g., “What professional development opportunities do you provide?” or “Can you describe the team dynamics?”
22. Why should we hire you?
Answer: “I bring extensive care home experience, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to compassionate patient care. I am dedicated to improving resident outcomes and supporting my colleagues.”
23. What are your career goals?
Answer: “I aim to further specialise in dementia care and take on leadership responsibilities to mentor junior staff, ensuring a high standard of care.”
24. How do you handle stress?
Answer: “I use structured planning, debrief with colleagues, and take time for self-care outside work to remain resilient.”
25. What are your salary expectations?
Answer: “Based on my experience and the role’s responsibilities, I am seeking a salary within the £30,000–£36,000 range, but I am flexible and interested in opportunities for progression.”
Interview Coaching Tips and General Advice
Do: Research the care home, dress professionally, arrive on time, prepare STAR examples, and maintain positive body language.
Don’t: Speak negatively about previous employers, exaggerate experience, or interrupt the interviewer.
Practice makes perfect: Use mock interviews or book interview coaching online sessions to build confidence.
Stay calm: Focus on clear communication and demonstrating empathy, clinical skills, and professionalism.
Remember, confidence comes from preparation. Take the time to practise your answers, understand the care home’s values, and reflect on your achievements. Investing in interview training or consulting an interview coach can significantly increase your chances of success.
For personalised support, you can book one-on-one interview coaching sessions or access comprehensive job interview preparation resources. With the right guidance and practice, you can approach your care home Registered Nurse interview with confidence and secure your dream role.
