The Crucial Role of a Band 7 Advanced Nurse Practitioner in the NHS
A Band 7 Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) plays a pivotal role in modern NHS healthcare delivery. As a highly skilled clinician, an ANP at this level is responsible for autonomous patient assessment, clinical diagnosis, prescribing medication, and leading on complex care planning. In many settings, Band 7 ANPs bridge the gap between nursing and medical roles, ensuring continuity and quality of care across both primary and secondary care environments.
According to the latest NHS Agenda for Change pay scale (as of 2024), Band 7 salaries range between £43,742 and £50,056 annually, depending on experience and location weighting. Beyond salary, this role offers immense career growth, influence in clinical practice, and opportunities to mentor junior staff and shape service development.
If you’re preparing for a Band 7 ANP interview, understanding the clinical, managerial, and leadership aspects of the role is essential. Below are the top 20 interview questions you’re likely to face—complete with tailored answer guidance.
Top 20 NHS Band 7 Advanced Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions and Answers
Tell us about your experience as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
Answer: Highlight your years of ANP practice, clinical environments (primary care, urgent care, hospital), types of patients, and any specific conditions or pathways you’ve led on. Demonstrate autonomous practice and critical thinking.
How do you ensure safe prescribing within your practice?
Answer: Refer to national guidance (e.g. NICE, BNF), continuing professional development (CPD), peer reviews, and using evidence-based prescribing.
Describe a situation where you had to make a complex clinical decision.
Answer: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Emphasise autonomy, evidence appraisal, and patient-centred decision-making.
How do you stay current with clinical guidelines and research?
Answer: Mention professional journals, CPD, conferences, clinical supervision, and membership in relevant bodies (RCN, NMC, etc.).
How do you manage clinical risk?
Answer: Discuss early identification, documentation, use of risk assessment tools, MDT working, and escalation processes.
What is your approach to leadership within a multidisciplinary team?
Answer: Reference transformational leadership, clear communication, mentorship, collaborative decision-making, and conflict resolution.
How do you approach teaching or mentoring junior staff?
Answer: Talk about structured teaching sessions, feedback models (e.g. Pendleton’s), reflective practice, and developing PDPs (Personal Development Plans).
How do you handle a patient complaint?
Answer: Emphasise listening, empathy, investigation, following trust policy, and learning from feedback.
Can you discuss a time you improved a service or pathway?
Answer: Explain how you identified a gap, implemented change (e.g. QI project), and evaluated outcomes using data or patient feedback.
How do you balance your clinical workload and administrative duties?
Answer: Describe time management strategies, prioritisation, and delegation where appropriate.
How do you assess patient capacity and consent?
Answer: Reference the Mental Capacity Act, best interest decisions, and documentation.
Describe your experience with audits or quality improvement initiatives.
Answer: Share specifics—what you audited, methodology, findings, and actions taken as a result.
How do you manage patients with multiple co-morbidities?
Answer: Emphasise holistic care, prioritisation, evidence-based management, and integrated care with the MDT.
Tell us about a challenging patient interaction and how you managed it.
Answer: Demonstrate professionalism, de-escalation, and patient-centred communication.
How would you deal with a disagreement between team members?
Answer: Talk about remaining neutral, active listening, mediation, and focusing on patient outcomes.
How do you contribute to safeguarding in your role?
Answer: Reference knowledge of safeguarding policies, referral pathways, and previous cases you’ve managed or escalated.
How do you handle pressure or high-acuity situations?
Answer: Discuss resilience, structured thinking (ABCDE approach), and clinical prioritisation.
How do you support diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare?
Answer: Reflect on cultural competence, inclusive communication, and respecting patient autonomy and beliefs.
How would you handle a situation where a doctor disagreed with your clinical decision?
Answer: Highlight respectful communication, presenting evidence, and escalation if patient safety is compromised.
Why do you want this Band 7 ANP role specifically?
Answer: Tailor this answer to the trust or practice—mention alignment with values, the opportunity to lead, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Interview Coaching Tips and Encouragement
Interviews for Band 7 ANP roles are rigorous because of the responsibility the role carries. But remember: you’ve been shortlisted because you’re capable. To perform your best:
Practice aloud using the STAR method.
Research your local trust’s vision, values, and current priorities.
Have 2–3 questions ready to ask the panel.
Dress smartly, even for online interviews.
Maintain eye contact and speak clearly and confidently.
Don’t be afraid to pause before answering.
Reflect genuine care, professionalism, and clinical competence.
Final encouragement: Confidence is built from preparation. Trust your clinical knowledge, your patient advocacy instincts, and the years you’ve already invested in becoming a high-level practitioner. You’ve got this!
