Job interviews can be an intimidating experience, even for seasoned nurses who have undergone numerous interviews throughout their careers. This holds true for interviews within the NHS, where the interview process typically adheres to a structured format that remains consistent, whether interviews are in person or via a video call. Typically, NHS interviews encompass a series of standard elements, such as an introduction to the panel or interviewer, a discussion of your background and experiences, and specific questions related to the nursing role and the NHS’s core values. The interview may also include scenarios or case studies to assess your clinical and ethical decision-making abilities.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the interview process can feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation and understanding of the typical interview structure, you can ace it!
In this blog, we have put together our top tips to help nurses from around the world prepare for their interviews and land their dream jobs with the NHS.
When you introduce yourself, do so with confidence, highlighting your career, accomplishments, and relevant experiences. This is a great moment for you to draw attention to skills that showcase your suitability for the nursing role.
Tip – Whether it’s a remarkable case which significantly impacted patient care, or a particular skill that helps you deliver quality healthcare, this is the right time to talk about it.
Express Genuine Interest
Articulate your reasons for applying to the nursing position, emphasizing your genuine interest and what specifically attracted you to this role. Delve into the aspects of the job that resonate with you personally, such as the ability to work closely with a diverse team, the potential for ongoing learning and professional growth, or the fulfillment derived from helping others during their most vulnerable moments.
Previous Experience
While discussing your previous experience outline your specific responsibilities, highlighting the skills and expertise you developed in each role. Don’t forget to talk about the challenges you faced, maintain a positive tone, and focus on how those obstacles helped you grow both personally and professionally. Illustrate how these positive experiences contributed to your growth as a healthcare professional and reaffirmed your passion for nursing.
Tip: Highlight the supportive work environment, training programs, or mentorship that positively impacted your development.
Skills and Knowledge
Emphasize the value you can bring to the role by highlighting specific instances where your skills, knowledge, and expertise have positively impacted patient care and outcomes. Discuss your experience in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or community care, and elaborate on the responsibilities you have undertaken, demonstrating your ability to handle diverse patient populations and complex medical situations.
Tip: Align your responses with the job description of the vacancy you’ve applied for, showcasing how your skills have yielded positive results in past roles.
Prioritizing Patient Safety
Demonstrate your understanding of patient safety by discussing your adherence to established protocols, such as infection control measures and medication safety procedures. Highlight your experience in maintaining a safe environment for patients, emphasizing your attention to detail and vigilance in identifying and mitigating potential risks.
Tip: Familiarise yourself with the core values of the NHS (National Health Service) in order to align your approach with their overarching objectives.
Clinical/Ethical Scenarios
When faced with clinical or ethical scenarios, it is crucial to approach them with careful consideration and take the necessary time to fully understand the situation before formulating a response. Take a moment to reflect on your knowledge and experience, drawing upon the relevant principles and guidelines that inform ethical decision-making in healthcare.
Interview Questions
Show your ambition and desire to learn and progress by asking meaningful questions to the interviewer; these will help display your enthusiasm and exhibit your keenness to delve deeper into understanding how you can contribute to the organisation’s success. Seek clarification regarding the responsibilities, challenges, and expectations associated with the job role. This will allow you to better understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the position you’ve applied for.
Additional Tips:
Stay Informed – Demonstrate your commitment to your field by keeping yourself up-to-date about the latest news and development in healthcare, and particularly in the NHS.
Prioritise Research – Conduct a meticulous investigation into the organisation’s values and challenges before attending the interview, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their mission and objectives.
Prepare practice scenarios – Practice situations that are relevant to the nursing role, such as emergencies, patient protection, or handling potentially violent situations. Familiarize yourself with different medications and rehearse care situations.
Be an active listener – Show your attentiveness and engagement by actively listening to the interviewer’s questions and providing thoughtful responses. Participate in the conversation to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.
How can Remedium help you prepare for your NHS video interview?
At Remedium, we are passionate about tackling the UK’s healthcare staffing crisis through ethical international recruitment. We pride ourselves on being there every step of your journey – from interview preparation to relocation, we are here to guide and support you. In addition to tailored interview support, our award-winning digital relocation software, Red Carpet, will help relieve the burden by helping you with administrative tasks like booking flights, securing accommodation, setting up a bank account, and much more.
If you are interested in a career in the NHS, register with us here!
