Interview preparation is crucial because it increases your likelihood of securing an operating room nursing position. Effective and thorough preparation will help you present yourself with confidence, clearly articulate their skills and experiences, and respond effectively to the questions. By practicing potential interview questions, you can can refine your answers, reduce your anxiety, and demonstrate you are the best candidate for the OR job.
Preparation reflects positivity on a candidate’s enthusiasm and performance, and it will leave a good impression on the potential employer. In a competitive job market, being prepared can elevate a candidate above fellow candidate.
Interview Questions
Preparing for your OR RN interview involves anticipating questions about both your medical, technical knowledge and skill set. Here are 20 potential interview questions along with potential answers:
1. Why did you choose to become an operating room nurse?
Answer: “I thrive in high-pressure environments where precision and teamwork are essential. Working in the OR requires a nurse to use their technical skills and advocate for their patients during critical moments.”
2. Tell me about your experience in the operating room.
Answer: “I have x years in perioperative nursing in a variety of specialties including general surgery, X, and X. I’m proficient in maintaining a sterile field, handling instruments, and positioning patients.”
3. What roles have you performed in the OR?
Answer: “I’m comfortable setting up instruments and maintaining sterile technique as a scrub nurse, as well as team coordination, documentation, and patient care as a circulating nurse.”
4. How do you handle the stress of the OR environment?
Answer: “I remain focused, follow protocols, and rely on communication and teamwork. I exercise and travel to avoid burnout.”
5. What qualities make a good OR nurse?
Answer: “Attention to detail, thinking on your toes, teamwork, calm under pressure, and a commitment to patient safety and advocacy.”
6. What are the steps you take to maintain a sterile field?
Answer: “I follow strict aseptic technique, monitor for breaks in sterility, and ensure all team members adhere to infection control procedures.”
7. How do you prep a patient for surgery?
Answer:”I verify the patient’s identity, consent, and surgical site, assess allergies, verify NPO status, remove jewelry, and collaborate with anesthesia to position and monitor the patient appropriately.”
8. What do you do if a surgeon breaks sterile technique during surgery?
Answer: “I would respectfully alert the surgeon and take immediate steps to correct the situation, such as replacing contaminated items.”
9. How do you ensure surgical counts are correct?
Answer: “I perform counts with another RN or tech before the procedure, during critical points during the surgery, and after the surgery by following hospital protocols and thorough documentation.”
10. Do you have any experience with different surgical specialties?
Answer: “I’ve worked in general, x, x and specialties. I can adapt to new specialties easily by learning the instrumentation and surgeon preferences.”
11. What would you do if a surgical instrument is missing during the final count?
Answer: “I would notify the surgeon immediately, stop closure if needed, assist with an intraoperative X-ray if indicated, and follow count discrepancy protocols.”
12. How do you handle a code blue in the OR?
Answer: “I initiate CPR if necessary, assist with the crash cart setup, manage medications, and document the code while coordinating with anesthesia and the surgical team.”
13. Describe a time you had to deal with an emergency during a procedure.
Answer: Discuss the incident.”I remained calm, assist with anesthesia, kept the team updated, and ensured all necessary supplies were ready for conversion to an open procedure.”
14. What would you do if you noticed a potential wrong-site surgery?
Answer: “I would immediately stop the procedure, confirm the site with the team and EHR, and escalate to the surgeon and surgical leadership. Patient safety is #1.”
15. What are your steps during an equipment malfunction mid-surgery?
Answer: “I quickly troubleshoot, switch to backup equipment, notify biomedical if needed, and make sure the surgeon and team are updated.”
16. How do you manage conflicts in the OR?
Answer: “I remain professional, focus on the patient, and use assertive but respectful communication.”
17. How do you handle a new or difficult surgeon?
Answer: “I am professional, communicate effectively, and learn their preferences. I will ask questions to better understand their workflow and build rapport.”
18. How do you communicate with anesthesia during a case?
Answer: “I give clear, concise updates and listen for changes in the patient’s condition or vital signs.”
19. How do you ensure a smooth handoff post-op?
Answer: “I provide a comprehensive report to PACU or ICU, including the type of procedure, EBL, medications, drains, positioning, and any intraoperative concerns.”
20. Have you mentored or trained new OR nurses?
Answer: “I guide them through procedures, encourage questions, and discuss best practices to build their confidence and clinical judgment.”
Interview preparation is key to a strong, first impression. By practicing possible interview questions, you can improve your communication skills, reduce your anxiety, and convey your qualifications for the OR RN position. Preparation will help boost your confidence and demonstrates your commitment and professionalism. Being well-prepared is an important step toward career success as a nurse.
Take the next step in your preparation—check out our Resume Guide to make sure your application stands out!