25 Medical Surgical Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Medical surgical nurses are responsible for the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and surgery centers. To become a medical surgical nurse, you’ll need to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

If you’re looking for a job as a medical surgical nurse, you’ll likely face some common interview questions. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that will help you prepare for your interview.

1. Are you certified in any areas of nursing?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have any certifications that show your commitment to continuing education. If you are certified, be sure to list the certification and what it means. If you aren’t certified, explain why you haven’t pursued certification yet.

Example: “Yes, I am certified in Medical Surgical Nursing. I have been a Medical Surgical Nurse for the past five years and have extensive experience in providing care to patients with acute and chronic medical conditions. During this time, I have gained an understanding of how to assess patient needs, develop individualized plans of care, and provide evidence-based interventions that promote optimal outcomes. I also have a strong knowledge base of pharmacology principles and understand the importance of medication safety. In addition, I have completed continuing education courses related to Medical Surgical Nursing, such as wound care management, infection control, and pain management. My certification demonstrates my commitment to staying current on best practices and standards of care.”

2. What are some of the most important skills for a medical surgical nurse to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills necessary for this role. You can answer by listing some of your most important skills and explaining how they help you in your work as a medical surgical nurse.

Example: “As a medical surgical nurse, I believe the most important skills to have are excellent communication and critical thinking. Communication is key when working with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals. It’s essential that all parties involved understand each other clearly in order to provide the best care possible. Critical thinking is also an important skill for a medical surgical nurse as it allows us to quickly assess situations and make decisions based on our knowledge and experience.

In addition to these two skills, I believe having strong organizational and multitasking abilities are also essential. Medical surgical nurses often work in fast-paced environments and need to be able to manage multiple tasks at once while staying organized. Finally, having compassion and empathy towards patients is also important. As a medical surgical nurse, we must always remember that we’re caring for people who may be going through difficult times and need our support.”

3. How would you describe the relationship between a medical surgical nurse and a patient?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with patients. Your answer should include a personal story about how you have helped a patient in the past, or how you would help a patient if they were nervous or scared.

Example: “The relationship between a medical surgical nurse and a patient is one of trust, compassion, and respect. As a medical surgical nurse, I strive to create an environment where the patient feels safe and comfortable enough to share their concerns and ask questions. It’s my responsibility to provide them with accurate information and support so they can make informed decisions about their care. I also take time to get to know each patient on a personal level, which helps me better understand their individual needs and how best to meet them. My goal is to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care possible while feeling respected and valued throughout their experience.”

4. What is the most challenging part of being a medical surgical nurse?

This question can help interviewers understand what you find challenging and how you overcome challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss a specific situation where you overcame a challenge or the steps you took to improve your skills in that area.

Example: “The most challenging part of being a medical surgical nurse is the fast-paced environment. Every day brings new challenges and patients, so it’s important to stay organized and on top of your tasks. It can be difficult to keep up with all the changes that occur throughout the day, but I believe this is what makes medical surgical nursing so rewarding.

I thrive in high-pressure situations and am able to quickly assess patient needs and develop an appropriate plan of care. I’m also very detail-oriented, which helps me ensure that I’m providing the best possible care for my patients. My experience has taught me how to effectively manage multiple tasks at once while still maintaining quality care.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you had to provide compassionate care to a patient.

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have empathy and can provide quality care. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped a patient feel more comfortable or supported them through a difficult time.

Example: “I recently had a patient who was admitted for surgery and was very anxious about the procedure. I took the time to sit down with them, explain the process in detail, and answer any questions they had. I also provided emotional support by listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. During the pre-operative assessment, I made sure to provide comfort measures such as warm blankets, music, and extra pillows. After the surgery, I continued to check on the patient regularly to ensure they were comfortable and that their pain was managed appropriately. My compassionate care helped my patient feel more at ease throughout the entire experience.”

6. If a patient was experiencing pain, how would you help them manage it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would interact with patients and their families. It also helps them determine if your methods are similar to those of the hospital’s current nursing staff. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you helped a patient manage pain.

Example: “If a patient was experiencing pain, I would first assess the situation and determine the source of the pain. Then, I would discuss with the patient their current level of pain and what treatments they have tried in the past to manage it. After gathering this information, I would work with the physician to develop an individualized plan for managing the patient’s pain. This could include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or other interventions. I would also provide education to the patient about their condition and the treatment options available to them. Finally, I would monitor the patient’s progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure that their pain is managed effectively.”

7. What would you do if you noticed a fellow nurse making a mistake while administering medication?

Medical errors are a serious concern in healthcare, and employers want to ensure that you have the ability to speak up when necessary. In your answer, demonstrate how you would handle this situation with respect for the other nurse while also ensuring patient safety.

Example: “If I noticed a fellow nurse making a mistake while administering medication, I would first assess the situation to determine if there was any immediate danger to the patient. If so, I would take action to ensure that the patient is safe and secure before addressing the issue with the other nurse. Once the patient’s safety has been secured, I would then approach the nurse in a professional manner and discuss what happened. I believe it is important to be understanding and supportive of our colleagues, as we are all human and make mistakes. I would explain why the mistake was made and offer suggestions on how to prevent similar mistakes from happening again in the future. Finally, I would document the incident according to hospital policy and report it to my supervisor.”

8. How well do you handle stress? Can you provide an example of a time when you were able to remain calm during a stressful situation?

Medical surgical nurses often work in high-stress environments, so employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the job. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you have experience handling stress and remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I believe I handle stress very well. As a Medical Surgical Nurse, I am faced with stressful situations on a daily basis and have learned to remain calm in order to provide the best care for my patients. For example, during one shift I had two critically ill patients who were both experiencing rapid changes in their vital signs. Despite the pressure of having to monitor them closely and make quick decisions, I was able to stay focused and keep my composure. I quickly assessed each patient’s condition and communicated effectively with the other members of the healthcare team to ensure that they received the necessary treatments. In the end, both patients recovered and I was proud of how I handled the situation.”

9. Do you have experience working with patients who speak different languages?

If the hospital you’re interviewing for has a diverse patient population, employers may ask this question to make sure you can communicate with patients who don’t speak English. In your answer, explain how you’ve worked with non-English speaking patients in the past and what strategies you use to overcome any challenges that come up when communicating with these patients.

Example: “Yes, I have experience working with patients who speak different languages. During my time as a Medical Surgical Nurse at my previous job, I worked in an area where many of the patients spoke Spanish and Portuguese. To ensure that all of their needs were met, I took it upon myself to learn basic conversational phrases in both languages so that I could better communicate with them. This allowed me to provide more comprehensive care for these patients and build trusting relationships with them. My ability to bridge language barriers enabled me to create a positive environment for everyone involved.”

10. When performing a procedure, how do you ensure that you follow all safety procedures and protocols?

Medical surgical nurses often perform procedures, such as administering medications and drawing blood. These tasks require a high level of attention to detail and the ability to follow protocols precisely. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific steps you take to ensure that you are following all safety measures.

Example: “When performing a procedure, safety is always my top priority. I make sure to follow all safety procedures and protocols by taking the time to read through any relevant documentation thoroughly before beginning the procedure. This includes reading through the patient’s medical history, understanding their current condition, and familiarizing myself with any specific instructions or precautions that may be necessary for the procedure. During the procedure itself, I pay close attention to detail and double-check each step of the process to ensure accuracy. Finally, I take the time to review the results of the procedure afterwards to confirm that everything was done correctly and safely. By following these steps, I am able to guarantee that all safety procedures and protocols are followed in every procedure I perform.”

11. We want to improve our post-surgery recovery rates. Where would you start if you were given responsibility for improving post-surgery recovery rates for one of our surgical suites?

This question is a great way to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to take initiative. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to improve post-surgery recovery rates in that specific department or unit.

Example: “If I were given responsibility for improving post-surgery recovery rates for one of your surgical suites, the first thing I would do is assess the current situation. This includes looking at the patient outcomes and identifying any areas that need improvement. I would also review existing protocols and procedures to ensure they are up to date and in line with best practices.

Next, I would work closely with the team to develop a plan of action to improve post-surgery recovery rates. This could include introducing new protocols or refining existing ones, as well as providing additional training and education for staff on how to optimize care for patients during their recovery period. Finally, I would monitor the progress of the plan and make adjustments where necessary to ensure the desired results are achieved.”

12. Describe your experience with performing diagnostic tests.

Medical surgical nurses often perform diagnostic tests on patients, such as administering blood pressure readings and taking temperature measurements. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with these tasks and how you feel about performing them. Use your answer to highlight your skills in performing diagnostic tests and the level of comfort you have doing so.

Example: “I have extensive experience performing diagnostic tests in a medical surgical setting. During my time as a Medical Surgical Nurse, I was responsible for administering and interpreting laboratory tests such as complete blood counts, urinalysis, and other specialized tests. I am also familiar with the use of imaging technologies such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to diagnose conditions.

I understand the importance of accuracy when it comes to diagnostics and take great care to ensure that all results are accurate and up-to-date. I always double check my work and make sure that any discrepancies are addressed immediately. I also stay current on new developments in diagnostic testing so that I can provide the best possible care to my patients.”

13. What makes you stand out from other medical surgical nurses?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, think of a skill or quality that makes you unique from other medical surgical nurses. Try to choose something that is relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “I believe my experience and dedication to patient care makes me stand out from other medical surgical nurses. I have been a nurse for over 10 years, with the last 5 of those in medical surgical nursing. During this time, I have developed excellent clinical skills and an understanding of how to provide compassionate care to patients.

In addition, I am passionate about staying up-to-date on the latest advances in medical surgical nursing. I attend conferences and read articles regularly so that I can stay informed and be able to provide the best possible care to my patients. Finally, I am committed to providing quality patient care and strive to ensure that each patient receives individualized attention and treatment.”

14. Which operating systems have you used in the past and which do you prefer?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with operating systems and how you interact with them. If you have not used many different operating systems, consider mentioning the ones you are most comfortable using in your answer.

Example: “I have experience working with a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. I am comfortable using all three, but my preference is for Windows. I find that it is the most user-friendly system and provides the best support when troubleshooting any issues. It also has the most comprehensive range of applications available which makes it easy to customize for specific needs.

In addition to this, I have experience in setting up networks and configuring hardware and software. This includes setting up firewalls, routers, switches, and other network components. I’m confident that I can quickly learn new systems and adapt to different environments.”

15. What do you think is the most important aspect of providing direct patient care?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it means to be a medical surgical nurse. It also gives them insight into your values and priorities as a healthcare professional. When answering this question, consider which aspects of nursing are most important to you personally. Consider discussing two or three aspects in order to give the interviewer a more complete picture of your perspective on the role.

Example: “The most important aspect of providing direct patient care is having a strong commitment to the well-being and safety of each individual patient. As a Medical Surgical Nurse, I understand that my role is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in order to ensure positive outcomes for patients. I strive to be an advocate for my patients by listening to their concerns and understanding their needs. I also believe it’s essential to collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create effective treatment plans. Finally, I recognize the importance of educating patients on their conditions and treatments so they can make informed decisions about their health. With these qualities, I am confident I will be able to provide excellent patient care.”

16. How often have you performed patient care tasks due to a colleague being unavailable?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle working with a team of nurses and other healthcare professionals. It can also show them your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific instances where you had to step in for another nurse or medical professional and the positive outcomes that resulted from your actions.

Example: “I have had the opportunity to provide patient care when a colleague was unavailable on multiple occasions. In my current role as a Medical Surgical Nurse, I am often called upon to step in and help out with tasks that are outside of my job description. This has included taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing wound care. I understand the importance of being flexible and willing to take on additional responsibilities when needed.

In addition, I always make sure to stay up-to-date on all new protocols and procedures so that I can be prepared for any situation. I also strive to maintain an open line of communication with other nurses and medical staff so that we can work together to ensure the best possible outcome for our patients.”

17. There is a disagreement between two other nurses on how to perform a certain task. How do you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your leadership skills and ability to resolve conflicts. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you helped two nurses work through their disagreement.

Example: “When faced with a disagreement between two other nurses, I believe it is important to remain professional and respectful. My first step would be to listen to both sides of the argument in order to understand each nurse’s perspective. After listening to both perspectives, I would then work to find a compromise that takes into account both points of view.

I have found that by taking this approach, I am able to foster an environment of collaboration and respect among my colleagues. This allows us to move forward together as a team and ultimately provide the best care possible for our patients. Furthermore, I believe it is important to document any disagreements so that we can refer back to them if needed in the future.”

18. What have you done to stay current on medical advancements?

Medical advancements are a major part of the medical field, and it’s important for nurses to stay up-to-date on new treatments and procedures. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re committed to your career and want to learn more about how to provide quality care to their patients. In your answer, explain what steps you take to keep yourself informed about current developments in healthcare.

Example: “I have made it a priority to stay up-to-date on medical advancements in the field of Medical Surgical Nursing. I attend conferences, seminars, and webinars related to my specialty whenever possible. I also read industry publications and keep an eye out for new research that could be beneficial to my practice. Finally, I am actively involved in online forums where I can share best practices with other nurses and learn from their experiences. By staying current on medical advancements, I am able to provide the highest quality care to my patients and ensure they receive the most effective treatments available.”

19. Describe a time when you had to make tough decisions in the face of conflicting opinions from other nurses.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation and how you used your critical thinking skills to make the best decision for patients.

Example: “In my previous role as a medical surgical nurse, I had two other nurses who disagreed with me on how to treat a patient’s condition. One nurse thought we should administer antibiotics while the other believed that would only worsen the patient’s condition. After discussing our options with the doctor, they agreed with the second nurse and we decided not to administer the medication.”

Example: “I recently had to make a tough decision while working as a Medical Surgical Nurse. I was faced with conflicting opinions from other nurses on how best to treat a patient who was suffering from an infection. Some of the nurses wanted to take a more aggressive approach, while others felt that a less invasive treatment plan would be better for the patient.

After carefully considering both sides of the argument, I decided to go with the more conservative treatment option. I explained my reasoning to the other nurses and made sure they understood why I chose this course of action. Ultimately, my decision proved to be successful in treating the patient’s infection. This experience taught me the importance of being able to make difficult decisions when faced with conflicting opinions.”

20. How would you handle a patient who is uncooperative or difficult to work with?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to work with challenging patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you worked with a difficult patient and how you handled the situation.

Example: “I once had a patient who was very uncooperative when I tried to take their vitals. They refused to sit still for me to take their blood pressure or temperature, so I asked them if they would mind sitting on the bed while I took their pulse. This helped me get their vital signs without having to physically restrain them, which allowed us to continue our conversation about their condition.”

Example: “I understand that working with difficult patients can be challenging. However, I believe it is important to remain professional and compassionate when dealing with these situations. My approach would be to first assess the situation and try to identify any underlying issues that may be causing the patient’s uncooperative behavior. Once I have identified the root cause, I will then work to develop a plan of care tailored to meet the patient’s individual needs. This could include providing emotional support, offering resources or referrals, or simply taking the time to listen to their concerns. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure the patient feels heard and respected while also receiving the best possible care.”

21. Have you ever encountered an ethical dilemma while caring for a patient? If so, how did you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to make ethical decisions in the workplace. This is because medical professionals often have to balance their patients’ needs with legal requirements and hospital policies. In your answer, try to describe a situation where you had to make an ethical decision while caring for a patient. Try to show that you can use your critical thinking skills to resolve challenging situations.

Example: “Yes, I have encountered an ethical dilemma while caring for a patient. One example was when I had to decide whether or not to administer a medication that the patient’s family requested but the physician did not order. In this situation, I discussed the issue with my colleagues and supervisors to ensure that all perspectives were considered before making a decision. Ultimately, we decided that it would be best to follow the physician’s orders in this case. We also consulted the hospital’s ethics committee to make sure our decision was in line with their policies.

I believe that having these conversations is important in any ethical dilemma so that everyone involved can come to a consensus on how to proceed. I am confident that I can handle any ethical dilemmas that may arise in the future as a Medical Surgical Nurse.”

22. What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when administering medications?

Medical errors can be costly for patients and the hospital, so interviewers want to ensure you have a system in place to avoid them. They may ask this question to see if you have experience with administering medications and how you do it safely. In your answer, share what steps you take to make sure you give patients their correct medication at the right time.

Example: “I understand the importance of accuracy and precision when administering medications. As a Medical Surgical Nurse, I use several strategies to ensure that I am providing safe and effective care for my patients.

The first strategy I use is double-checking all orders before administering any medication. This includes verifying the patient’s name, age, weight, allergies, and other relevant information. I also review the type of medication, dosage, route, frequency, and duration of administration. Finally, I check to make sure that the medication is appropriate for the diagnosis or condition being treated.

Another strategy I employ is using the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. Before administering any medication, I always confirm that it is the correct one for the patient by checking their medical record. I also verify the dose with the physician order and ensure that I am giving the medication through the proper route. Finally, I document the date and time of administration in the patient’s chart.

These are just some of the strategies I use to ensure accuracy and precision when administering medications. I believe these practices help me provide the highest quality of care possible for my patients.”

23. Tell me about your experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Medical surgical nurses often work with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and surgeons. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in a team setting. In your answer, explain how you collaborate with other members of the medical staff. Share an example of a time when you helped another member of the team solve a problem or achieve a goal.

Example: “I have been a Medical Surgical Nurse for the past five years and I am very experienced in working as part of a multidisciplinary team. In my current role, I work closely with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care to patients. I understand that each member of the team has their own unique skillset and I strive to collaborate effectively with them to ensure that our patients get the best possible care.

I also take initiative when needed and can step up to lead projects or tasks if necessary. For example, I recently took on the responsibility of coordinating a patient education program which involved creating educational materials, organizing meetings between members of the healthcare team, and providing support to patients. This experience taught me how to successfully manage a project from start to finish while ensuring everyone was on the same page.”

24. Describe a time when you provided education to a patient or their family members.

Medical professionals often need to educate patients and their families about medical procedures, medications or other aspects of care. Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you can help others understand the healthcare process. In your answer, describe a specific situation where you helped someone understand something related to nursing. Explain what steps you took to ensure that person understood the information.

Example: “I recently had a patient who was admitted for surgery. Before the procedure, I took the time to explain the risks and benefits of the procedure to both the patient and their family members. I also provided them with information about what to expect during recovery and how to care for themselves once they were discharged. I made sure to answer any questions that they had, and gave them resources to refer back to if needed. After providing this education, the patient and their family felt more informed and comfortable with the procedure. This experience showed me the importance of taking the time to provide patients and their families with quality education so they can make an informed decision about their health.”

25. How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple demands?

This question can help interviewers understand how you manage your time and responsibilities. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had multiple tasks to complete in a short period of time and the steps you took to prioritize them effectively.

Example: “When faced with multiple demands, I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. First, I assess the situation to determine which tasks need immediate attention. This helps me identify the most important tasks that must be completed first. Then, I create a plan of action for each task, breaking them down into smaller steps if necessary. Finally, I assign deadlines to each task so that I can stay organized and make sure everything is done in a timely manner.

I also take into account any potential risks associated with each task, such as patient safety or financial implications. By doing this, I am able to ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. My experience as a Medical Surgical Nurse has taught me how to quickly assess situations and prioritize tasks accordingly.”