CNA - MedSurg Surgical and Oncology
Posted Aug 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026
Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
Behavioral
Tell me about a time you noticed something off with a patient during rounding that wasn't part of your assigned task list. What did you do?
whether the candidate understands purposeful rounding as active observation, not just checking boxes, and reports up promptly
Tell me about a time you had to lift, transfer, or reposition a patient who couldn't help much with the movement. What did you do to keep both of you safe?
understanding of proper body mechanics and use of assistive devices given the heavy physical demands listed
Tell me about a time you had more tasks than time during a shift. How did you decide what came first?
prioritization skills on a busy med surg floor with call lights, errands, and multiple patients
Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news or sit with a patient or family member who was scared or grieving.
emotional resilience and bedside manner appropriate to an oncology and surgical population
What made you want to work nights on a surgical and oncology floor specifically?
genuine motivation and realistic expectations about the schedule and patient population
Technical
What's your experience documenting vitals, intake and output, and other patient data in an electronic medical record?
basic EMR literacy and comfort with accurate real-time documentation
Can you describe the correct process for collecting and labeling a urine or sputum specimen?
knowledge of specimen collection protocol and identification accuracy, which is a patient safety issue
How do you approach hand hygiene and isolation precautions when moving between patients on a unit that includes oncology patients?
grasp of infection prevention basics, especially relevant for immunocompromised cancer patients
What does it mean to you to provide age-appropriate care, and how would that look different for a younger adult patient versus an older adult on this unit?
understanding of age-specific care principles required across the patient population served
Are you currently registered as a Nurse Aide in good standing with the state, and do you hold or can you obtain BLS certification within 45 days?
basic eligibility and readiness to meet mandatory licensure requirements on time
Situational
Walk me through how you'd handle a patient who refuses to be repositioned, but you know they're at risk for skin breakdown.
whether the candidate balances patient dignity and autonomy with clinical responsibility, and knows when to loop in the RN
You're on a med surg oncology floor working nights. A patient's family member is upset and raising their voice at you at 2 a.m. How do you handle that?
composure and de-escalation skills in a night shift, low-staffing environment
If you saw a coworker skip a step in a transfer or positioning procedure and it made you uncomfortable, what would you do?
willingness to speak up for patient and staff safety without needing explicit permission
You're asked to help with post mortem care for the first time on shift. How would you approach that, both practically and emotionally?
maturity and comfort with the harder realities of the unit, and willingness to ask for guidance
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As published by Advocate Health.
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