The importance of a Band 5 Staff Nurse in the NHS
The NHS Band 5 Staff Nurse plays a pivotal role in delivering front-line patient care across hospitals, clinics, and community settings. As newly registered or early-career professionals, Band 5 nurses are expected to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care, monitor patients’ conditions, administer medications, and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams. This role is often a nurse’s first step into the NHS clinical career ladder, offering a blend of autonomy, accountability, and ongoing development.
In 2025, the average NHS Band 5 salary ranges from £28,407 to £34,581 per year depending on experience and location. Additionally, nurses may benefit from unsocial hours pay, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities. A successful interview is your gateway into a stable, respected, and fulfilling healthcare career—so preparation is key.
Below are 20 essential NHS Band 5 Staff Nurse interview questions and answers to help you impress hiring panels and land the job.
Why do you want to work as a Band 5 Staff Nurse in the NHS?
Model Answer:
“I’m passionate about delivering high-quality patient care and feel that the NHS offers an ideal environment to learn and contribute meaningfully. As a Band 5 Nurse, I look forward to developing clinical competence, working in a multidisciplinary team, and supporting patients through their health journeys in a compassionate and ethical manner.”
How do you prioritise tasks during a busy shift?
Model Answer:
“I assess patient needs using the ABCDE approach, focus on clinical urgency, and use handover notes and care plans to guide priorities. I maintain flexibility for emergencies while ensuring effective time management and delegation where appropriate.”
Describe a time you dealt with a difficult patient.
Model Answer:
“A patient refused medication due to fear. I took time to listen, validate their feelings, and calmly explained the purpose and side effects of the medication. By involving them in the decision and respecting their autonomy, they agreed to proceed.”
What would you do if you noticed a medication error?
Model Answer:
“I would stop the medication if not already administered, report it immediately to the nurse in charge and prescriber, and complete an incident report as per Trust policy. I’d also monitor the patient and document everything accurately.”
How do you ensure safe and effective patient handovers?
Model Answer:
“I use the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework to communicate clearly, ensure accurate documentation, and allow time for questions to avoid misunderstandings during handovers.”
What would you do if you suspected a colleague of unsafe practice?
Model Answer:
“I’d report my concerns to the ward manager or safeguarding lead in line with the Trust’s whistleblowing policy. Patient safety is paramount, and it’s important to act ethically and professionally.”
How do you maintain patient dignity and confidentiality?
Model Answer:
“I ensure privacy during personal care, involve patients in decisions, and store records securely. I only share patient information with colleagues involved in their care, as outlined in GDPR and NHS policies.”
Can you give an example of working in a team under pressure?
Model Answer:
“During a cardiac arrest, I assisted with CPR, communicated effectively with the resus team, and supported the family afterward. The experience reinforced the importance of calm communication and clear roles.”
How do you handle emotional stress on the job?
Model Answer:
“I practice mindfulness, debrief with colleagues, and use the NHS wellbeing services. Maintaining emotional resilience helps me continue to provide safe and compassionate care.”
What’s your understanding of clinical governance?
Model Answer:
“It’s a system for ensuring high standards of care through accountability, clinical audit, risk management, and continuous professional development.”
How do you ensure infection control?
Model Answer:
“I follow standard precautions like hand hygiene, use PPE correctly, dispose of sharps safely, and adhere to Trust policies for isolating infectious patients.”
How do you document care effectively?
Model Answer:
“I document promptly, accurately, and objectively using approved abbreviations. I include what I observed, did, and the patient’s response, adhering to legal and professional standards.”
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
Model Answer:
“I once forgot to check a patient’s wristband before medication. I realised before administration, corrected the error, informed my mentor, and documented the near miss to learn and prevent recurrence.”
What do you understand about safeguarding vulnerable adults?
Model Answer:
“Safeguarding means protecting adults from abuse or neglect. I report concerns to the safeguarding team, follow the Trust’s procedures, and document observations to support interventions.”
How do you contribute to patient-centred care?
Model Answer:
“I involve patients in care planning, respect their choices, and adapt care to their values and beliefs. I also encourage family involvement where appropriate.”
What are your professional development goals?
Model Answer:
“I aim to complete my preceptorship, attend relevant CPD courses, and eventually progress to Band 6 or specialist nursing. I’m keen to build on evidence-based practice and leadership skills.”
What would you do if you had a conflict with a colleague?
Model Answer:
“I’d address it privately and respectfully, aiming to understand their perspective. If unresolved, I’d escalate to the manager. Maintaining team harmony is essential for patient safety.”
What would you do if you felt a patient’s care plan was ineffective?
Model Answer:
“I’d raise my concerns with the team, discuss observations, and contribute suggestions in MDT meetings. Ensuring the care plan meets the patient’s changing needs is vital.”
How do you manage workload while mentoring a student nurse?
Model Answer:
“I plan tasks to include teaching moments, assign them appropriate responsibilities, and offer reflective feedback. I balance clinical care with mentorship through delegation and communication.”
What do you know about the Trust you’re applying to?
Model Answer:
“I’ve researched your Trust’s values—particularly your focus on compassionate care and innovation. I’m impressed by your recent CQC rating and commitment to staff development, which aligns with my own goals.”
Final Interview Coaching and Encouragement
Interviews can be daunting, especially for a Band 5 NHS role where clinical judgment and personal resilience are tested. Remember: the panel wants to see not just what you know, but who you are. Show your passion for nursing, back your answers with real examples, and align your responses with the NHS values (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage, and Commitment).
Tips for success:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
Research the Trust’s vision and recent achievements.
Practice aloud or with a friend to build confidence.
Prepare your own questions for the panel (e.g., “What support is available for new Band 5 nurses?”).
You’ve worked hard to get this far—trust your training, reflect on your values, and let your compassion shine through. You’ve got this!
