Discussing your strengths and weaknesses in a nursing interview can be a tricky line to toe, but you will almost always get asked these sorts of questions.
When answering questions about your weaknesses, specifically, you should point to weaknesses that aren’t impossible to improve upon.
By noting weaknesses that you are actively working to improve, you bring positivity and initiative to the interview.
This is an important interview question because employers want to know that you are self-aware enough to see your downfalls and learn from them.
Knowing that you are committed to self-improvement is crucial in a professional work environment, as expectations may shift and change from time to time.
Employers also use your answer to questions about weaknesses to gauge how skilled you are in certain areas, like how well you work under pressure, for example.
Your answer also gives the interviewer an idea of your confidence level and your potential cockiness or struggle to work on a team.
If you want to learn how to answer this question in a way that paints a positive picture of yourself, keep reading.
We’ll be highlighting five sample answers to weaknesses for nursing interview questions and giving tips on how to provide these answers.
What Are Your Weaknesses Nursing Interview Answers
Below are five different examples of answers you can provide to weaknesses for nursing interview questions.
Note that these weaknesses aren’t necessarily complete incompetencies but normal human shortcomings that allow you to improve and grow.
1. I sometimes struggle to prioritize tasks well.
While having difficulty with prioritizing tasks is a weakness, it isn’t a weakness that can’t be worked on.
Being able to acknowledge that you can improve your ability to know which tasks take precedence over others is important.
The employer may understand that you’re working on yourself and are willing to take constructive feedback in the future.
2. I sometimes struggle with spending too much time on minuscule tasks.
Time management is another weakness to speak about in a nursing interview, as it likely isn’t going to rule you out as a candidate.
For example, if you sometimes spend too much time on paperwork due to perfectionist tendencies, you can discuss this with the interviewer.
It is possible to pay too much attention to little details when you should be focusing on the larger picture of the whole job.
3. I am somewhat unfamiliar with the software at this hospital.
If this is your reality and you choose to answer the question with this answer, be sure to give a “however”.
Essentially, if you know you aren’t proficient in the software of the hospital you’re applying to, express your willingness to learn.
You might even note that you are a quick learner and great at adapting.
Remember: it’s okay to note your downfalls, and doing so carefully will show your commitment to honesty.
4. I sometimes struggle with over-commitment.
Note that you should be careful about how you word this answer. If you struggle to say “no” at times, then say just that.
Don’t say that you are a “pushover” or “doormat,” as words like these have a more severe and negative connotation to them.
By tying the weakness to difficulty with over-commitment, you show self-awareness and a willingness to work on this trait on the job.
5. I struggle with nervousness at times.
When noting any potential anxiety and/or nervousness on the job, try to do so in a way that normalizes these experiences.
Everyone gets nervous from time to time, especially in a high-pressure environment like a hospital.
But if you can point to tools you use to face these weaknesses, your employer will see that you have the drive and care deeply about the job.
For example, maybe you have a mindfulness technique that helps you in these situations, then include that in your answer.
See also: What Are Your Weaknesses as a Dental Assistant
How to Answer What Are Your Weaknesses in a Nursing Interview?
As you answer questions about personal and professional weaknesses for nursing interviews, you should keep a few things in mind.
It’s important to maintain positivity when you answer so that you don’t paint yourself in a bad light.
1. Be transparent
Honesty and transparency are very important in any professional job interview.
But especially in a nursing interview, you should use this time to show the employer that you are a reliable and trustworthy candidate.
They don’t want to hire someone who is going to talk his/herself up for the sake of getting hired.
Therefore, avoid giving vague answers like “My only weakness is being a perfectionist.”
2. Focus on your drive to improve
If you can, point to your awareness of your weaknesses, then seamlessly transition into why you want to improve.
This method of answering shows that you don’t see yourself as perfect and also have the initiative to be the best nurse you can be by learning from your experiences.
See also: Nursing Conflict Scenario Examples Interview
3. Show self-awareness
Self-awareness is a great quality to illustrate when answering questions about your strengths and weaknesses.
See also: What Are Your Strengths Nursing Interview
Employers don’t want to hire candidates who are blind to their downfalls, as this can lead to problems on an individual level and within the nursing team.
See also: What Can You Bring to Our Team Nursing Interview
Additionally, having self-awareness shows an employer that you are on your toes and ready for whatever comes next in your job as a nurse.
Conclusion: Weaknesses for Nursing Interview
Nurses should know that there is a good chance that they will get asked about weaknesses for nursing interview purposes.
This question is essential in the interview, as the employer will use your answer to determine your:
- abilities,
- self-awareness,
- modesty,
- and willingness to improve.
If you aren’t sure where to start in answering this question, then take a look at our sample answers above.
Remember, whether you are pointing to your difficulty with time management, organization, or some other skill set, you can always turn it into an opportunity to express your desire to improve.
Always be honest with your answer, and put your best foot forward.
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