3 Ways to Answer the “Why Do You Want to be a Nurse?” Question

Getting into a nursing school or applying as a new nurse will always have an interview date. During this interview, you will be asked several questions that you must answer truthfully and in the best way possible.

One of these questions includes, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” Don’t be nervous. Preparing yourself for this question is the key to acing your interview. In this post, we will give you helpful tips on answering your interviewer with this question in total confidence.

Get Ready to Be a Nurse

When asked, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” gather your thoughts first. Take your time answering. You can take several steps to plan your answer during the interview.

Writing your answers is helpful; you should avoid memorizing them. It may sound nice in your head, but it won’t sound as genuine to the one interviewing you. Here’s how you can prepare for your interview.

1. Be Genuine

There’s no need to embellish your answer or create a response so you sound good to the interviewer. You only need to take some time to reflect on your core values. Think of the reasons why you felt inspired or motivated to pursue a career in the nursing field.

If you’re unsure how to answer it directly, think about this – what’s with nursing that makes you excited or happy? What made you interested in being a nurse? And what do you hope to achieve once you become a nurse?

If you can answer all these questions, you can also answer the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?”

2. Have a personal anecdote

Sometimes, sharing your personal story about why you want to be a nurse shows your employers a glimpse of your values. Bringing anecdotes into your interview sets you apart from other candidates.

One good example is that you may pursue a nursing career because one of your family members is a successful nurse and inspired you to be one too.

It could also be because one of your family members experienced a health problem that pushed you to become a nurse. Whatever reasons you have for pursuing this career, the question allows you to relate and articulate the different factors of your life.

Besides, sharing a personal story is always memorable. Why not share yours?

3. Get inspiration from your experience

Use your background and interests to draw your answers. For example, let’s say you’ve been helping children, volunteering in a senior home, or feeding the homeless.

If you’ve worked with these people, you can share your experience and how it has impacted your life. Including your experience in your answer will add value to the interviewer. It’s excellent input to add too.

Once you’ve answered the question, close your answer with a nod to the future and what you’d like to accomplish in your nursing career. Bringing your answer from the past and into the future shows that you’re thinking ahead and have the determination to make your dreams a reality.

In Closing

Nursing is an exciting profession, but it’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. It involves your skills and knowledge and may require your physical strength. So, you must be sure that you are ready for this job.

Answering the question, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” is your first step. If you can answer it honestly, you’re one step away from a bright future!

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