After completing your CNA training, the next step is the interview. Hopefully, you can ace the first interview and start working right away. If this is your first nursing position, brushing up on common CNA interview questions beforehand is a good idea. And, if you have some nursing experience, knowing what to expect in an interview always helps. Here are several common CNA interview questions, and strategies for answering each of them.
General CNA Job Interview Questions
Some general interview questions should be expected when applying for any job. Some examples of these types of questions include:
- What can you tell us about yourself?
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- Why did you leave your last job?
- What motivates you?
When answering questions like these, be honest and focus on personal growth. For example, when discussing strengths and weaknesses, focus on strengths that will be relevant to the position. When mentioning weaknesses, you should present these as areas for potential growth.
It is also a good idea to mention personal development when discussing your motivations. If possible, express an interest in the growth opportunities that a CNA position provides.
It is important to remain honest when answering these general CNA job interview questions. You want to be prepared, but you don’t want to sound like you’re reading a script. Focus on giving relevant, positive answers that accurately reflect your personality, motivation, and qualifications.
Relevant CNA Interview Questions and Answers
After answering the general questions, you will need to answer questions more directly related to CNA work. Here are some common CNA interview questions and answers you can give.
Why do you want to work as a CNA?
Any new employer will want to know why their new employees are interested in the work. When answering this question, you should emphasize the aspects of the job that drew you to the profession in the first place. The interviewer will be looking to see that you are compassionate, responsible, and reliable, as these are all important qualities.
If you have a personal experience that has motivated you to pursue this career, mention it here. It can help demonstrate passion and an understanding of a CNA’s responsibilities.
How would you handle a patient refusing care?
Caring for patients is your primary responsibility as a CNA, but things do not always go smoothly with every patient. It is important to acknowledge this fact, and also demonstrate that you have a plan for handling such situations.
This question is a good time to emphasize your compassion and communication skills. Many patients will refuse care or act difficult out of fear or uncertainty. Your interviewer will want to be sure you can listen to your patients’ concerns and comfort them about their treatment.
What should you do when entering a patient’s room?
Similar to the previous question, your interviewer will ask this to test your compassion and reliability. Many patients can be nervous about their treatment, and you want to establish trust with them when introducing yourself. Explain that you will always knock before entering, introduce yourself to new patients, and give them an opportunity to voice any concerns they have.
Are there any duties you are not willing to perform?
Being a CNA involves a lot of difficult, stressful tasks. Your interviewer may ask this question to check that you are comfortable with all of the responsibilities of the position. When answering this question, acknowledge that being a CNA is a difficult job that is not for everybody. But you should also assure your interviewer that you understand this fact, and believe yourself to be capable of handling every responsibility that will be expected of you as a CNA.
For more helpful information about working as a CNA, visit CynaMed’s CNA Resources page. We have ample resources to help CNAs find a successful career, then thrive in their position.Â
