Preparing For Your Nurse Practitioner Interview

To be a medical professional in today’s modern society is to embark on a noble cause, and you should be proud to count yourself among the ranks of people willing to do everything it takes to care for their fellow man. The nurse practitioner (NP) is one such position because aside from offering care and providing treatment based on a doctor’s instruction, NPs can also diagnose and treat in some cases without a doctor’s supervision.

As such, becoming an NP is a big deal, which means you can expect a thorough interview process. A nurse practitioner interview isn’t something to scoff at, as it’s different from many other interviews out there because of what the responsibilities entail.

It’s also safe to assume that you understand these responsibilities as someone applying to be a nurse practitioner. As such, it’s crucial to be as prepared as possible if you intend to make the most out of your opportunities.

We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process that allows you to figure out the best possible route to acing your interview.

Research the Employer and Position

The first step to achieving success with any interview is to take your time researching both the employer and position. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner and being given the authority to treat patients without a doctor’s supervision requires effort, and the interview process is undoubtedly a laborious process.

If you’re prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead, it’s time to familiarize yourself with your chosen employer. Do you understand the values of your chosen medical facility? What about the overall workplace culture? Without the necessary research, you’ll be far less likely to ace your interview, as most interviewers expect the people who apply to have some degree of knowledge concerning their facility and their overall values.

The same thing goes for the job description and the requirements. There’s more to becoming an NP than simply applying for the job, as there are many prerequisites to consider. These prerequisites are vital to anyone who wants to become an NP, so ensure that you have everything ready when you head to the interview.

Review Your Resume and Credentials

Without a doubt, reviewing your resume and credentials is one of the most important steps in applying to any interview. As stated above, becoming a nurse practitioner isn’t something you simply apply for without considering the prerequisites, so ensure that you look into every possible avenue.


For example, at the very least, you will need to be a registered nurse (which already takes up to five years to complete), complete an NP-related doctoral nursing program and pass an NP board exam. Keep in mind that to be a registered nurse, you’ll have to pass that specific board exam, first. As such, you likely already have the necessary knowledge to do your job well, as the road to becoming a licensed medical professional is long and arduous.


Review your credentials, and ensure that you have the necessary prerequisites before heading to the interview. Naturally, you’ll want to highlight all relevant work experience and skills, showcasing what you’ve learned during your journey through the nursing career.

For example, if you have experience in locum tenens (a traveling nurse), you’ll be more likely to be accepted as it shows you have experience traveling to different workplace cultures and filling out various roles related to nursing.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to explain any gaps in your work history, so take the time to figure out how you want to answer those questions. The same thing goes if you’ve suffered any setbacks during your career.

Prepare for Common Interview Questions

While preparing for a nurse practitioner interview comes with more obstacles than the usual job interview, there are a few universal aspects of interview preparation that you can use to your advantage. Naturally, there are many common interview questions that you’ll likely experience during the NP interview. For example, work gaps are typically the subject of a question or two during an interview, so prepare to explain why there are gaps in your work history.

Typically, the best way to carry yourself during an interview is to be confident, but also willing to make changes based on what’s required of you. The simple fact that you’re willing to learn is fantastic, but it’s crucial to answer questions concisely and with an air of confidence. After all, you’re applying to be a nurse practitioner for your employer—something that comes with a lot of authority.

If you want to wow your interviewer, take the time to consider the challenges you’ve faced throughout your career and explain how it has helped to mold you as a medical professional in the industry.

Dress Professionally and Arrive on Time

Let’s face it, an interview is about showing your potential employer that you are professional and worthy of consideration. I don’t think there’s any reason to remind an NP interviewee that they need to dress professionally and arrive on time, is there? There are many potential candidates vying for a position in your chosen facility, and you can bet that they’ll come prepared.

Wearing a business formal outfit is a must, including a suit for men and dress pants and a matching jacket for women. Keep in mind this is not an entry-level position. Aside from impeccable attire, ensure that you have all your necessary documents and references with you on the day of the interview.

Your First Step to Becoming a Nurse Practitioner

There’s no denying that a nurse practitioner interview can be nerve-wracking, but remember how hard you worked to get yourself where you are. You’ve jumped through countless hoops and successfully managed through more than one board exam on the road to becoming an NP.

Compared to all of that, the interview process is easy. Remember to stay confident and positive, and don’t forget to send the interviewer a thank you note through email after.

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