Registered Nurse, Outpatient Surgery - Variable Shifts
Posted Sep 16, 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
This role has variable shifts and you may float to other units. Tell me how you handle being moved somewhere less familiar.
What they are checking: Whether they are flexible and know how to work safely when floated outside their usual area.
Tell me about a time you noticed a change in a patient's condition and escalated it. What happened?
What they are checking: Whether they use the chain of command when something seems wrong instead of waiting.
Tell me about a performance improvement project or shared governance work you took part in.
What they are checking: Whether they engage in unit improvement work, which this posting names as an expected duty.
What would you do
A patient tells you in pre-op that they took their blood thinner this morning. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they catch safety issues before surgery and escalate to the surgeon and anesthesia right away.
How do you teach discharge instructions to a patient who is still groggy, and to the family member driving them home?
What they are checking: Whether they adjust teaching for a sedated patient and include the caregiver so instructions are actually followed.
The schedule is running two hours behind and patients in pre-op are getting frustrated. How do you handle the room?
What they are checking: Whether they keep patients informed and calm while the day runs late, which shapes the whole experience.
A post-op patient's pain is not controlled and they want to go home anyway. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they balance patient wishes with safety and involve the provider before discharge.
About the work
Walk me through how you get a patient ready for surgery in pre-op, from arrival to handoff to the OR.
What they are checking: Whether they have a complete pre-op routine covering consent, NPO, meds, site marking and history.
What are you watching for in the first hour after a patient comes out of surgery?
What they are checking: Whether they know post-op risks like airway problems, bleeding, nausea and pain that need fast action.
How do you decide a same-day surgery patient is safe to go home?
What they are checking: Whether they apply discharge criteria carefully rather than sending patients out to keep the schedule moving.
How do you make sure your handoff to the OR or PACU nurse is complete?
What they are checking: Whether they give a structured handoff, since missed details between phases of care cause harm.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Mercyhealth.