Registered Nurse (RN) - Medical Surgical Unit (Med/Surg)
Posted Aug 3, 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 noticed a patient was getting worse before anyone else did. What tipped you off and what did you do?
What they are checking: Whether they catch early warning signs and escalate promptly, which is what prevents rapid responses and codes.
Tell me about a time you made or nearly made a medication error. What happened and what did you change?
What they are checking: Whether they are honest about mistakes and report them, which matters more than claiming a perfect record.
This is part-time nights with every other weekend and a holiday rotation. How have you handled schedules like that before?
What they are checking: Whether they are realistic about the schedule and likely to stay, since turnover on nights is costly.
What would you do
You get report on five med/surg patients at the start of a night shift. How do you decide who to see first?
What they are checking: Whether they prioritize using airway, breathing, circulation and acuity rather than room order.
You're assigned a CNA who isn't getting vitals and turns done on time. How do you handle it?
What they are checking: Whether they can delegate and supervise assistive staff directly and respectfully, since the RN stays accountable.
A family member is upset that their mother hasn't been seen by the doctor today. How do you respond?
What they are checking: Whether they can offer calm, compassionate support to families during stressful times while managing expectations.
About the work
A post-op patient's blood pressure is dropping and their heart rate is climbing. What are you thinking and what do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they recognize possible bleeding or sepsis and act fast, including calling the provider with clear data.
How do you call a physician at three in the morning about a patient so you get what you need?
What they are checking: Whether they use a structured handoff like SBAR and come prepared, so the call is short and useful.
How do you teach a patient going home with a new medication or a wound to care for?
What they are checking: Whether they use teach-back and plain words to confirm understanding rather than just handing over papers.
How do you keep your charting complete and accurate when the unit is short-staffed?
What they are checking: Whether they protect documentation as part of patient safety, not something they catch up on later.
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As published by HSHS.