Nurses are expected to be so many things, a friendly smile, a confidant, a caretaker, an advocate, and so much more.
In order to prove you are all of these things, you first have to show what your core values look like.
When you are asked “What are your values?” in a nursing interview, you want to amaze the potential employer by telling them your strongest values.
Also, give them examples of what each of them means to you, which should solely focus on the job and all of the duties expected of you.
Below is a list of five example answers you can use when preparing your own that can help you formulate a response that will have you hired in no time.
What Are Your Values Nursing Interview Question Answers
Take a look at the list of values below, and the example answers to go with each.
Then come up with your own list and personalize it to showcase your skills and qualifications for the job.
1. Compassion
As a nurse, you have to have compassion for others. You must apply this compassion to every patient that comes through the doors.
It is easy to lose your cool under a lot of stress when you are overworked or just simply burned out.
See also: How Do You Handle Stress Nursing Interview Question
No matter what, keeping calm and treating your patients with compassion is rule #1.
Example answer:
One of my biggest values lies in compassion.
I feel it is crucial to keep calm for those who are dealing with any type of stress and struggle.
Working in the nursing field for so many years, I have realized that being sensitive to patients and families is the best way to handle any situation.
2. The need for knowledge
Letting the interviewer know how much importance you place on learning and growing, even well into your career, will give them an insight into your values as a nurse.
And the need to be equipped with all the proper tools and education for all types of medical situations.
Example answer:
I truly value learning and growing in the nursing field.
I feel like the medical work is consistently changing, and it is my job and duty to my patients and coworkers to keep up with these changes.
The more I understand the job, the more I can do for others.
3. Trustworthiness
Building trust with patients is key to providing them with great care.
Informing the interviewer that one of your biggest values is trustworthiness is going to let them see you are in the field for the right reason and that you have the personality required to be successful.
Example answer:
I have found, over the years, that it is crucial to building a good relationship with people right from the start.
Once you gain a person’s trust, you will have a better chance of getting them to comply with treatments, procedures, appointments, and so forth.
I will take a little extra time to get to know my patients so they know I am there to help them and they can feel comfortable asking me questions and discussing concerns.
See also: Nursing Scenario Interview Questions
4. Holding myself accountable
Many healthcare facilities work in fast-paced environments with a lot of key players working side by side.
See also: Rapid Response Nurse Interview Questions
There are many times when the ball is dropped, and a mistake happens. The best way to handle this issue is by holding yourself accountable.
Using this example during an interview will prove to the employer you are confident in your work, skills, and knowledge but willing to admit when you make a mistake and will do what is necessary to correct it, rather than trying to pass it off to the next person.
See also: Tell Me About a Time You Failed Nursing Interview
You also want to make sure the employer knows you are willing to put in the work, when necessary, to stay up-to-date on all new information coming into the healthcare field and stay up on your credentials and licensing when it is time to renew.
Example answer:
I feel it is critical for everyone on a team to hold themselves accountable for their actions.
I know I practice this daily when at work and in my personal life.
I will take responsibility for my actions, and if I make a mistake, I will do everything in my power to correct them or get help when necessary.
When I am at work, I am 100 % present and will give my all to do the right thing and use my skills and the tools I have learned thus far to provide the best care possible.
I will also hold myself accountable to learn anything I am not familiar with and ask questions instead of going it alone when I am unsure of the proper procedure.
5. Showing strength and empathy
The best way to handle patients appropriately is by putting yourself in their shoes for just a moment.
Treat these people the same way you would like yourself or your family treated if they were in the same situation.
Employers want to ensure their patients are being taken care of correctly and with respect and empathy.
Example answer:
Showing empathy is one of my strongest values when working with people.
I find patients and their families respond better when you are giving them straightforward, no-nonsense answers but with a little kindness.
Sugarcoating a condition or prognosis isn’t helping anyone.
However, giving them the information in a soft and empathetic way will help them process everything that is going on.
See also: Tell Me About Yourself Nursing Interview
How to Answer About Your Values in Nursing Interview?
When you are asked about your values in an interview for a nursing position, you should always be honest and straightforward.
Prepare a list of all your positive qualities and strengths in the nursing field and compile them into a list that will organize a value system personal to you.
Then turn those into a well-thought and formulated answer.
Conclusion: What Are Your Values Nursing Interview
Having a strong value system is crucial to the nursing field.
When an interviewer asks, “What are your values?”, you want to impress them with a prepared, confident, and solid answer that is going to show your strengths in the field.
Also, mention the reasons you would make the best candidate for the job.
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