17 Pre Op Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Preoperative nurses, also known as perioperative nurses, are responsible for the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. They work in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other surgical team members to ensure that patients have a safe and smooth surgery experience.

If you’re interviewing for a preoperative nurse position, you can expect to answer questions about your experience in a surgical setting, your knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures, and your ability to manage patients’ care before, during, and after surgery. In this article, we will provide you with sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable working with patients who are in pain?

Working with patients who are in pain can be challenging, but it’s important to show that you’re comfortable and confident when working with these types of patients. When answering this question, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills and ability to provide comfort to patients.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with patients who are in pain because I have experience doing so. In my previous role as a nurse, I worked with many patients who were experiencing different levels of pain. I would always start by asking them how they felt and what their current pain level was on a scale from one to ten. Then, I would assess the patient and determine which treatment plan would work best for them.”

What are some of the most important things you do to prepare a patient for surgery?

This question can give the interviewer insight into how you interact with patients and their families. It also shows them your knowledge of pre-surgery procedures. When answering, try to focus on specific examples that show your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.

Example: “I always make sure to thoroughly explain all aspects of a surgery to my patients and their family members. I find it’s important to answer any questions they have about the procedure or recovery process so there are no surprises once they’re in the operating room. I also like to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident before going under anesthesia. For example, I recently had a patient who was very nervous about getting an IV. So, I showed her how to do it herself so she could practice ahead of time.”

How do you help patients feel calm and relaxed before a procedure?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to calm patients. Use examples from previous experience where you helped a patient feel more comfortable before a procedure or treatment.

Example: “I once worked with a patient who was very nervous about getting an IV inserted. I talked to her for several minutes, asking questions about what she did for fun and if she had any hobbies. She told me that she loved painting, so we talked about our favorite types of paint and how they differ. By the time it was time for her procedure, she was much calmer than when she first arrived.”

What is your process for documenting important information about a patient before surgery?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and organize information. Use examples from past experiences to describe your process for documenting important information about a patient before surgery, including their medical history, current medications and any other details that may be relevant to the procedure.

Example: “I always make sure to document all of my patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate, along with any notes I’ve made throughout the day about their condition or progress. This helps me ensure I have all of the necessary information available when it’s time to prepare them for surgery.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to help a patient manage their pain before and after a surgery.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this one to assess your pain management skills. Use examples from your previous experience that show how you can help patients manage their pain and stay calm before, during and after surgery.

Example: “In my last position as a pre-op nurse, I had a patient who was very anxious about the upcoming surgery they were having. We talked for quite some time about what to expect during the procedure and how we would manage any pain he experienced afterward. He seemed much more at ease when he left for his surgery. Afterward, I visited him in the recovery room and asked him how he felt. He said he was doing well and thanked me for all of my support.”

If a patient becomes anxious before a surgery, how would you help them feel more relaxed?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you interact with patients and their families. It’s important to show that you have empathy for your patients, as this is a vital skill in nursing.

Example: “I would first try to calm them by speaking calmly and reassuringly. I would explain what will happen during the surgery and answer any questions they may have. If they are anxious about being put under anesthesia, I would let them know that it is safe and that I’ve done many surgeries where patients were put under anesthesia without any problems.”

What would you do if you noticed a surgeon performing a procedure differently than expected?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. It’s important to show that you’re willing to speak up and ask questions when necessary, but also that you respect the expertise of your colleagues.

Example: “If I noticed something different about a surgeon’s procedure, I would first make sure they were aware of it. If they weren’t, I would politely interrupt them during their surgery to let them know. Then, I would ask if there was any reason for the change in procedure. If not, I would continue with my duties as usual. However, if they said there was a good reason for the change, I would take notes so I could remember what happened.”

How well do you perform your duties when you’re under pressure?

As a pre-op nurse, you may be responsible for many patients at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the pressure of working in an intense environment. In your answer, explain how you stay calm and focused when there are multiple tasks that need to get done quickly. Show them that you have excellent time management skills and can prioritize your work effectively.

Example: “I am very good at managing my time under pressure. I always plan out my day so that I know exactly what needs to get done. If something urgent comes up, I will move other tasks around to accommodate it. However, I also understand that sometimes emergencies happen and I do everything I can to help as much as possible.”

Do you have any experience working with children?

Working as a pre-operative nurse can involve working with children. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with kids and how you feel about it. If you do, share your experiences. If you don’t, explain that you are willing to learn.

Example: “I worked in the pediatric ward of my hospital for two years. I loved being able to help kids get through their procedures. It was always so rewarding when they were happy and healthy again. I also had some training on how to work with kids before I started there. I think I would be comfortable working with kids if I got more practice.”

When is it appropriate to give a patient anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a common procedure in the medical field, and employers want to make sure you know when it’s appropriate to administer anesthesia. When answering this question, explain your process for determining whether or not to give a patient anesthesia.

Example: “I always start by asking the doctor what they think about administering anesthesia. I then look at the patient’s chart to see if there are any factors that would indicate we should avoid giving them anesthesia. For example, if the patient has a history of seizures, I will usually recommend against putting them under because it could be dangerous. If the doctor agrees with my assessment, we can proceed without anesthesia.”

We want to ensure our patients feel comfortable asking questions about their upcoming surgery. How would you encourage a patient to ask questions?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your communication skills and how you interact with patients. Use examples from past experiences where you helped a patient feel comfortable asking questions or concerns they had before their surgery.

Example: “I always encourage my patients to ask me any questions they have about their upcoming surgery. I find that the best way to help them feel comfortable is by making sure they understand what I’m saying, so I try to use simple language when explaining procedures or answering questions. If a patient has a specific concern, I make sure to address it as thoroughly as possible so they can feel confident in their decision.”

Describe your experience with performing bedside procedures.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary to perform bedside procedures. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you performed a procedure on your own or with another nurse’s assistance.

Example: “In my previous role as a registered nurse, I was responsible for performing many of the bedside procedures in my department. For example, I often drew blood from patients myself, but sometimes I would need help from other nurses to assist me. In these situations, we worked together to draw blood from patients who needed multiple vials of blood drawn.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel you would fit in with their team. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Consider highlighting any experience or skills that align with what they’re looking for.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I have extensive knowledge of pre-op procedures and can help patients prepare for surgery. In my previous role as a nurse, I helped patients understand their upcoming surgeries and answered all of their questions. I also worked closely with surgeons to ensure patients were comfortable before their operations.”

Which surgical procedures have you performed in the past?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience level and how comfortable you are with various procedures. You can answer this question by listing some of the procedures you have performed in the past, or you can list the ones that you would like to perform if hired.

Example: “In my previous role as a surgical nurse, I assisted surgeons with many different types of procedures including appendectomies, hysterectomies, hernia repairs and gallbladder removals. I also helped nurses administer anesthesia for these procedures.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a preoperative nurse to have?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the qualities they are looking for in a preoperative nurse. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list several of the most important qualities and explain why each quality is important.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities for a preoperative nurse is patience. Preoperative patients often feel nervous about their upcoming surgery, so I try to make them as comfortable as possible by explaining everything thoroughly and answering any questions they may have. Another important quality is organization. It’s essential to keep track of all patient information before, during and after surgery. Finally, I think compassion is another important quality because it helps me connect with my patients.”

How often do you perform preoperative checks?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have with preoperative checks. You can answer this question by describing a specific time when you performed preoperative checks and what your responsibilities were in that role.

Example: “In my previous position, I was responsible for performing preoperative checks on patients before they went into surgery. This included checking their vital signs, reviewing any allergies or medications they may be taking and ensuring all of their paperwork is complete. It’s important to perform these checks because it helps ensure the safety of the patient during surgery.”

There is a discrepancy in a patient’s medical history. How would you handle this?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with a team. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to resolve the issue as well as how you would communicate with other members of the healthcare team.

Example: “If there was a discrepancy in a patient’s medical history, I would first verify that the information on their chart is correct. If it is, then I would contact the doctor who wrote the initial diagnosis to find out why they made the decision they did. If the doctor cannot provide me with answers, I would ask them if they would like me to refer the patient to another physician for further treatment.”