Orthopedics Registered Nurse (RN)
Posted Apr 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 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.
About your past
Tell me about a time you worked closely with physical therapy to get a patient moving after surgery.
What they are checking: Whether they see early mobility as part of nursing care, not only therapy's job.
Tell me about a time you had a heavy assignment on nights. How did you keep everyone safe?
What they are checking: Whether they can organize and prioritize when there are fewer staff and resources on nights.
What draws you to orthopedics and to working nights at St. John's?
What they are checking: Whether their interest is real and they are likely to stay in a night role.
What would you do
A confused elderly hip fracture patient keeps trying to get out of bed at night. How do you keep them safe?
What they are checking: Whether they can prevent falls and recognize delirium without jumping straight to restraints.
About the work
Your post-op total knee patient complains of new calf pain and swelling. What are you thinking and what do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize possible DVT and act quickly instead of assuming it is normal post-op pain.
How do you manage pain for an orthopedic patient overnight while keeping them safe from oversedation?
What they are checking: Whether they balance pain relief with respiratory monitoring, especially with opioids at night.
Walk me through how you do a neurovascular check on a patient with a cast or after a fracture repair.
What they are checking: Whether they can catch compartment syndrome early, which is a true ortho emergency.
How do you prepare an ortho patient and family for discharge home?
What they are checking: Whether they cover precautions, wound care, blood thinners and fall risk in a way patients remember.
A patient's incision has new drainage and redness. What do you assess and who do you call?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize signs of infection and report with clear, complete information.
How do you prevent pressure injuries in patients who can't move much after surgery?
What they are checking: Whether they practice prevention consistently, since hospital-acquired injuries are tracked and preventable.
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As published by HSHS.