Registered Nurse Same Day Surgery Casual Rotating
Posted Oct 1, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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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 calmed an anxious patient before a procedure.
What they are checking: Whether they can reduce fear with clear explanations, which affects both safety and satisfaction.
Tell me about a time you worked with the OR, anesthesia or PACU to fix a problem that was slowing the day down.
What they are checking: Whether they collaborate across departments to keep surgical flow safe and on time.
What would you do
A patient tells you they ate breakfast this morning, but their surgery is in an hour. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they stop the process and notify anesthesia instead of hoping it will not matter.
The schedule is running behind and patients are getting frustrated in the waiting area. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they keep patients informed and manage expectations instead of avoiding the problem.
This role covers Huntley and Sandwich. How do you adjust when you move between departments?
What they are checking: Whether they stay safe and consistent despite different routines at each site.
About the work
Walk me through how you prepare a patient for surgery in the hour before they go back to the OR.
What they are checking: Whether they confirm consent, NPO status, allergies, site marking and meds so the case starts safely.
How do you decide a same-day surgery patient is ready to go home?
What they are checking: Whether they use clear discharge criteria for pain, nausea, vital signs and a safe ride home.
How do you teach post-op care to a patient who is still groggy from anesthesia?
What they are checking: Whether they include the caregiver and give simple written instructions, since the patient may not remember.
The posting mentions recognizing signs of abuse or neglect. How would you notice and respond to that in a pre-op setting?
What they are checking: Whether they stay alert to red flags even in quick, routine interactions.
How do you adapt your care for a child having surgery compared to an older adult?
What they are checking: Whether they think about age-specific needs, family involvement and different risks.
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As published by Northwestern Medicine.
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