Float Pool Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

A float pool nurse is a nurse who works in the hospital’s resource pool. This type of nurse moves between units to meet staffing needs.

Float pool nurses typically work on a scheduled basis, instead of on-call, and may sign up for shifts in advance.

Float pool nurses often rotate between various departments to provide short-term staffing when there is a need.

Just like any other specialized nurses, float pool nurses may be asked many questions during the interview process.

Scope of Float Pool Nurse Interview Questions:

The types of questions asked during a float pool nurse interview will vary, depending on the position.

The interviewer will ask questions about your experience, educational background, and why you are interested in this position.

There may also be situational and behavioral type interview questions.

Experience Questions

When interviewing for a float pool nurse position, questions will likely focus on your experience.

Depending on the type of experience you have, you may be asked about:

patient care,

leadership or management experience,
case management,
or weekends/overtime.

The interviewer will likely ask you to explain situations where you have used certain skills or demonstrated certain behaviors.

For example, if your previous job included working with the elderly population you may be asked about a time when you assisted a patient with a meal, medication, or other needs.

Situational Interview Questions

A float pool nurse interview may also include situational, or problem-solving-type questions.

For example, the interviewer may ask you to describe a time when you had to solve an issue in your previous job.

They may ask you to think of a time when you had to work under pressure, or with limited resources.

The interviewer will want to know how you handled a difficult situation and what your outcome was.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Although not all interviewers will ask behavioral or skill-related interview questions, some may do so.

For instance, the interviewer may ask you what your previous manager would say about you.

They may also ask you to describe your ideal work environment.

Before you head out straight to the questions you might want to take a look at this video that gives you a great overview of the float pool nursing career.

Video made by: kaitepie, RN

So, what are some of the most common float pool nurse interview questions you may be asked during the interview process?

Those are coming up next.

Common Float Pool Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Any float pool nurse candidate will have to be ready for a wide range of interview questions, but the most common ones may include:

1. How do you manage difficult patients?

It is very common for patients to become difficult, especially in hospital settings.

Some interviewers may ask you about your experience with difficult patients during past jobs.

When answering this question, remember to include a few examples of how you approached a difficult situation.

You should provide a positive outcome and describe what worked for you.

Example answer:

I have worked with many difficult patients throughout my career.

One example is a patient who was very upset because her doctor wouldn’t see her.

I brought her some tea and we talked for a while.

She shared her story with me, and I was able to explain what was happening in the hospital at the time.

I was able to calm her down, and she understood why it may have been difficult for her doctor to see her at that moment.

See also: ER Nurse Interview Questions

2. Do you have any management experience?

Most likely, this question will be asked if the interviewer is looking for someone who has led or managed others in the past.

It is important, to be honest about your experience and skills.

If you don’t have management experience but believe you could provide good leadership within the hospital, be sure to emphasize your communication and problem-solving skills.

Example answer:

Although I do not have direct experience managing others, I do have some leadership skills that could be beneficial in this role.

For instance, when working with difficult patients I’m not afraid to use my intuition and solve problems on my own.

I also offer coworkers help when needed.

3. Can you work weekends or overtime?

Float pool nursing jobs could require you to work weekends or overtime, especially if there is a high patient volume.

Although many hospitals offer extra pay for weekend or overnight shifts, you may have to work them regardless.

Be prepared to answer this question with a positive response.

Example answer:

I am happy to work weekends or overtime.

I understand that not all shifts will be the same and we may have to adjust for sudden changes.

See also: CNA Interview Questions

4. Why do you want to work here?

Many hospitals ask this question as a way of understanding your motivation and fit within the company.

Try to think of specific reasons why you are interested in the hospital, and be sure to highlight why you could benefit from the role.

Example answer:

I am really interested in this role because I have had experience working with your organization before.

I think there are many opportunities for me to learn and grow, which is very important to me.

I also think that the work environment here seems very supportive.

5. How do you handle stressful situations?

This question is meant to assess your problem-solving skills and how you respond to difficult situations.

Before the interview, it is important to reflect on your own experiences and come up with a few examples you can use as a response.

Example answer:

I can handle stressful situations by remaining calm.

When I first got to the hospital, there was a major problem with overcrowding and it seemed like everyone was very upset.

I was able to talk through the issue with a patient and his family, which helped them feel more comfortable.

This gave me an idea of how to use an available room as overflow for the emergency department.

See also: Travel Nurse Interview Questions

6. What are your strengths as a float pool nurse?

It is important to have a few strengths prepared to discuss with the interviewer.

Strengths are often referred to as ‘soft skills,’ or your personality traits that can be applied in the professional setting.

It’s important to be genuine and present your strengths as a way of better informing the interviewer about your work ethic and abilities.

Example answer:

I’m a very hard worker and I love to learn.

These two traits have been able to help me gain great experience in the field and I’m sure they would benefit the hospital as well.

7. What are your salary requirements?

If the interviewer does not bring up salary requirements in this interview, it is probably best to wait until a later date.

If you are asked this question, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, do not give the first number that comes to your head.

You should do your research beforehand about the average pay for nurses in the area and be prepared to give a range.

Second, ask what salary range the interviewer is willing to go within, and be prepared to explain why you would like that amount.

Example answer:

I’m looking to be compensated fairly for my work.

I do not have an exact number in mind, but would like to know what range you are willing to go with and why.

These are some of the most common float pool nursing interview questions you might be asked.

Be prepared to answer them using your best examples and stories, and remember to put your personality into it.

What preparations are we talking about? Before any interview, you must prepare for any questions that might be asked.

The more prepared you are, the better.

See also: LPN Interview Questions

How to Prepare for Float Pool RN Interview Questions?

To prepare for the float pool RN interview questions, you must do the following:

1. Research the company

The key to a good interview is being able to show the interviewer that you have done your research about them and their organization.

You must know what they do, who they serve, and what makes them unique.

2. Research the common interview questions

You must prepare common nursing interview questions and answers that you might be asked.

Try to get the most interesting and memorable stories that relate to these questions.

Above, we have discussed possible float pool nurse interview questions and answers. Use them as your guide.

3. Practice your response

Your goal in an interview is to make the interviewer curious about you.

The best way to do this is to practice your responses.

You should be able to respond quickly and confidently (but not too quickly) to the float pool nurse interview questions.

4. Come up with your own unique stories

To differentiate yourself from other candidates, you need to come up with your own unique stories.

Make sure you can convey what happened interestingly and make sure it relates to the interview questions.

5. Refresh your nursing knowledge according to the company

The key to a good interview is being able to show the interviewer that you have the necessary knowledge to do the job.

Revise widely used terms in your field and be able to define them.