5 Interviewing Tips for Nurse Practitioners

When you make it to the interview stage of applying for a nurse practitioner position, you need to take steps to be prepared as possible. Preparing for a nurse practitioner job interview involves:

1. answering interview questions
2. compiling a portfolio and resume
3.  paying attention to details about the practice
4. appropriate appearance 

5 Things to have ready:

1.  Challenging experiences/general questions

• Have a couple of challenging experiences ready to showcase how you dealt with a difficult situation.  Show teamwork, and an interdisciplinary approach.
• Be prepared for general questions about your strengths and weaknesses, accomplishments, and ambitions. 

2.  Educating others about the doctor of nursing (DNP) degree

• Speak upon the DNP degree and why it is important.  Know who you are and how having a DNP prepared nurse practitioner in the practice would better them.

3. The portfolio 

• Compile your work from the DNP program.  Highlight clinical expertise, hours completed, and your DNP project.  Highlight any manuscript submissions, posters, or presentations done at conferences.
• Pay attention to detail and appearance. This allows the interviewer to know that you are professional.

4.  Have questions ready for the interviewer

• Research ahead of time the organization you are interviewing for and have questions prepared.  This lets the interviewer know you are serious about their place of work.

5. Show awareness of the latest evidence-based research in the field

• As a DNP prepared nurse practitioner, it is essential that we practice to the latest evidence-based research.  Show you knowledge on how to access literature databases, how you have implemented evidence-based care in the past, and how it will impact the practice.

Reference

Chism, L. A. (2010). The doctor of nursing practice: A guidebook for role development and professional issues. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.