17 Perioperative Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Operating rooms are a fast-paced and intense environment, and the nurses who work in them are the backbone of the surgical team. They are responsible for the safety and well-being of the patients before, during, and after surgery. Perioperative nurses must have a strong knowledge of surgical procedures and be able to anticipate and respond to any emergency.

If you’re interested in becoming a perioperative nurse, you’ll need to interview for a job in this in-demand field. One of the best ways to prepare for your interview is to learn the most common perioperative nurse interview questions and answers. In this guide, you’ll find questions and answers that will help you understand the role of a perioperative nurse and what you need to do to stand out in an interview.

Are you certified as a perioperative nurse?

Employers may ask this question to determine if you have the necessary qualifications for the job. If you are not certified, they might want to know what steps you plan on taking to become certified. If you are already certified, they might want to know how long you’ve been practicing as a nurse and whether you’re willing to relocate.

Example: “I am currently working toward my certification in perioperative nursing. I hope to be certified by next year. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with your team because it will allow me to continue learning and developing my skills as a nurse.”

What are the most important qualifications for a perioperative nurse?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of what it takes to be successful in this role. You can answer by listing some of the most important qualifications and explaining why they are so vital to your success as a perioperative nurse.

Example: “The two most important qualifications for a perioperative nurse are excellent communication skills and critical thinking abilities. A perioperative nurse must be able to communicate with patients, surgeons, other nurses and medical staff members effectively. This means being able to clearly explain procedures and instructions to others while also listening carefully to their questions and concerns. Critical thinking is equally important because it helps me make quick decisions when necessary. I need to be able to assess situations quickly and determine the best course of action.”

How would you describe the relationship between a surgeon and a perioperative nurse?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your understanding of the role of a perioperative nurse and how you interact with surgeons. When answering, it can be helpful to describe what you think is most important in that relationship and how you would approach it.

Example: “I believe that the surgeon-nurse relationship is very important because they work together to ensure patient safety during surgery. I always make sure to communicate clearly with my surgeon so we are on the same page regarding the patient’s care. For example, if I notice something that could affect the procedure or the patient’s recovery, I will let them know right away so we can discuss possible solutions.”

What is the most important aspect of preoperative care?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the preoperative process and how you prioritize tasks. Use examples from your experience to explain what you believe is most important in ensuring a patient’s safety before surgery.

Example: “The most important aspect of preoperative care is making sure that patients are mentally prepared for their procedure. I once had a patient who was very nervous about her upcoming surgery, so I spent extra time with her explaining exactly what would happen during her operation. She felt much more comfortable after our conversation, and she even told me that it helped her get through the day before her surgery. It’s these types of interactions that make my job rewarding.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided postoperative care that resulted in a positive patient outcome.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with patients in the perioperative setting. Use examples from your previous work history that highlight your skills and abilities as a nurse, including your ability to communicate effectively with patients and other medical professionals.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with a patient who had recently undergone surgery for a broken leg. The patient was nervous about returning home after their procedure because they lived alone. I spoke with them before their discharge and explained how to care for themselves at home while recovering. They were so grateful for my advice and said it helped them feel more confident about their recovery.”

If a patient experienced severe pain after surgery, how would you handle the situation?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to evaluate your pain management skills. Use examples from past experiences where you helped patients manage their pain and how it positively impacted their recovery.

Example: “I once had a patient who experienced severe pain after surgery. I asked the surgeon about any additional medications they could prescribe, but they said that there were no other options available. The patient was in so much pain that they couldn’t sleep or eat, which made them feel even worse. I spoke with my manager about the situation and we decided to administer an extra dose of pain medication. This allowed the patient to rest and recover more quickly.”

What would you do if you noticed that a surgical supply was missing just before a surgery?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to challenges and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to communicate effectively and commitment to patient safety.

Example: “If I noticed a surgical supply was missing just before a surgery, I would first check the inventory list to see if it was there but misplaced. If it wasn’t on the list, I would immediately notify my supervisor so they could find a replacement. I would also inform the surgeon of the situation so that they knew about the shortage and could make adjustments as needed. In this case, I would do everything in my power to ensure the surgery went smoothly.”

How well do you work under pressure?

Perioperative nurses often work in high-pressure environments. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the stress of working in a fast-paced environment. In your answer, explain how you manage pressure and give an example of a time when you worked under pressure.

Example: “I am very comfortable working under pressure. I have been doing it for years as a perioperative nurse. When I first started my career, I was working with a surgeon who had a reputation for being difficult. He would rush us through procedures and expect us to be able to keep up. However, I learned that if I focused on my job and did everything right, he wouldn’t yell at me or anyone else. Now, I know how to handle him and other surgeons like him.”

Do you have experience administering anesthesia?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how you might fit into their team. If you have previous experience administering anesthesia, discuss what types of anesthesia you administered and any unique challenges you faced in that role. If you do not have direct experience with anesthesia administration, you can still answer this question by describing your experience working with patients who are under anesthesia.

Example: “I’ve worked with many patients who were under anesthesia for various procedures. I find it helpful to talk through the procedure with them beforehand so they know what to expect when they’re under. This helps me monitor their vital signs more closely during the procedure and gives me a better idea of whether or not they need additional medication.”

When is it appropriate to seek outside medical advice?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your decision-making skills and ability to collaborate with other medical professionals. Your answer should demonstrate that you know when it’s appropriate to seek advice from a physician or surgeon, as well as how to communicate effectively with them.

Example: “I would always consult with the primary physician before making any major decisions regarding my patient’s care. For example, if I noticed something unusual about a patient’s vital signs, I would immediately report it to their doctor so they could evaluate the situation. If the doctor determined there was no cause for concern, then I would continue monitoring the patient’s vitals. However, if the doctor felt more input was needed, we would discuss what additional steps to take.”

We want to improve our patient satisfaction scores. What would you do to help accomplish this?

Perioperative nurses often work with patients who are in pain or recovering from surgery. These patients may be more likely to rate their experience poorly if they feel that the nurse did not provide them with adequate care. An interviewer may ask you this question to see how you can improve patient satisfaction scores and ensure your patients have a positive experience. In your answer, try to explain what steps you would take to make sure each of your patients feels cared for and comfortable during their stay.

Example: “I think it’s important to show my patients compassion and empathy. I believe that when patients feel like we understand their needs and concerns, they’re more likely to give us higher ratings. To help improve our patient satisfaction scores, I would first make sure that all of my patients had everything they needed before leaving their rooms. For example, I would check on them regularly to make sure they were comfortable and didn’t need anything else. I would also encourage my team members to speak with patients one-on-one to get to know them better.”

Describe your experience with managing multiple patients at once.

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous experience to show that you can manage multiple patients at once while still providing quality care.

Example: “In my last position, I worked with two other nurses in the perioperative department. We each had our own patient load, but we also helped one another when needed. For example, if a surgeon was performing a complex procedure on a patient, I would help out by monitoring vital signs or administering medications as needed. This allowed me to focus more on my specific patient’s needs without having to leave their side.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. When answering, it’s important to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention something that is relevant to the job description.

Example: “I have five years of experience as a perioperative nurse, which makes me highly qualified for this position. However, I think what really sets me apart from other applicants is my ability to work well under pressure. In my previous role, we had an emergency situation where I was responsible for helping several doctors at once. I used my skills to help everyone involved in the situation feel calm and safe.”

Which surgical specialties do you have the most experience working with?

The interviewer may ask this question to determine your level of experience in the field. They want to know if you have worked with their hospital’s specialties before and how much experience you have working with them. Use your answer to highlight any specialty areas that you have a lot of experience in, but also include some that you are less familiar with so that you can show your willingness to learn new things.

Example: “I’ve mostly worked with orthopedic surgeries, but I am very comfortable with general surgery as well. In my last position, I was responsible for monitoring patients during both types of procedures. I also had the opportunity to work with neurosurgery once when one of our surgeons was out sick. It was challenging at first, but I learned a lot from the experience.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of patient education?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your communication skills and how you tailor information to patients. Your answer should demonstrate that you understand the importance of educating patients about their upcoming procedures, what to expect during their stay in the hospital and any potential risks or complications.

Example: “I think it’s important for patients to know as much as they can about their upcoming surgery before arriving at the hospital. This allows them to feel more prepared when they arrive and reduces stress levels. I also like to give patients a list of questions they can ask me if they have any concerns after our initial conversation. This helps ensure that all of their questions are answered.”

How often do you perform postoperative checks?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience with performing postoperative checks. This is an important part of the job because it helps you ensure that patients are healing properly and recovering from their surgeries. In your answer, describe how often you perform these checks in your current role.

Example: “In my previous position as a perioperative nurse, I performed postoperative checks every two hours for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, I reduced the frequency to once every four hours until the patient left the hospital. These checks help me monitor the patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, as well as any issues they might be experiencing.”

There is a new technology that could improve patient outcomes. How would you go about learning more about it and possibly implementing it at your facility?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to learn new things and apply them in a clinical setting. It also shows that you are willing to take initiative and be proactive about improving outcomes for patients.

Example: “I would first do some research on the technology, including reading any literature or studies that have been published about it. I would then talk with my colleagues who work in other departments where this technology has already been implemented. This will give me a better idea of how much time and money it takes to implement the technology and whether our facility can afford it. If so, I would present my findings to my manager and ask if we could start implementing it.”