Are you looking to move into a band 6 nurse position and wondering what interview questions they might ask? Want sample answers including how to answer the scenario and competency based questions?
For those wishing to progress up to Band 6 there are many opportunities. Your role will be more specialised and you may choose to apply for a post in a specific area or practice.
Examples of Nursing Band 6 job titles include:
- Senior or Specialist Staff Nurse
- Ward or Deputy Manager
- Specialist Nurse Practitioner
- Team Leader
- Posts may be in areas such as within Theatre, ICU, District Nursing or Paediatrics
Getting that step up to Band 6 will require not just the right experience and skills, you will also need to show in your application and interview that you are ready to make this move.
On average, I would expect to see that you have completed sufficient time within Band 5, that you have gathered key skills both clinical and softer such as the ability to communicate effectively with patients and others.
They will look for circa 12 to 18 months in a previous role before applying to Band 6. In addition, they may expect to see that you have completed recent and relevant specialist training connected with the area you are keen to enter.
Top tip: Download our free Band 6 interview questions PDF here.
In this article:
- What Your Band 6 Interview Questions focus on
- Top 10 Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions
- Band 6 Clinical Governance Questions
- Band 6 Safeguarding Interview Questions
- Band 6 Leadership Interview Questions
- Scenario Examples for Band 6 Interview
- Sample Answers to Nursing Band 6 questions
- Band 6 Presentation Topics For Interview
- Get Your Band 6 Job Faster With InterviewGold
What Your Band 6 Interview Questions Focus on:
For posts at Band 6, your interview will be more in-depth with questions exploring not just your ability to give advanced patient care but also to lead a team and manage resources. As you are transitioning from up from a Band 5, you should expect interview questions exploring the following core Band 6 responsibilities:
- Experience and Skills: They will explore your readiness to take on the extra responsibilities associated with a Band 6 role, for example here are some interview questions to consider.
- Strong Clinical Leadership and Supervision: Band 6 roles often involve mentoring, supporting, and supervising junior staff, which may include tasks related to recruitment and onboarding.
- Ability to Give Advanced Patient Care: They will ask questions exploring your ability to provide advanced and more complex patients care and deal with more complex cases.
- Teamwork: As you are progressing into a Band 6 post, they will be interested in exploring your ability to support the senior team, to work as a team player and to lead junior nurses and trainees.
- Ward Management: They will test your ability to competently manage the ward, review performance and carry out audits.
- Quality Care and Safeguarding: Engaging in research to inform evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of the Band 6 role, aiming to continually improve patient outcomes.
- Personal and Team Development: Supporting staff development through mentorship, clinical teaching, and leading by example.
- Quality Improvement and Auditing: Monitoring standards of care, participating in audits, and leading initiatives to improve service delivery and patient outcomes.
- Effective Communication: Effectively communicating with patients, families, and members of the multidisciplinary team to ensure safe, holistic care.
- Clinical and Ethical Scenarios: Based on likely situations you may encounter in the workplace.
Top 10 Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions
For posts at Band 6, your interview will be more in-depth with questions exploring not just your ability to give advanced patient care but also to lead a team and manage resources.
Here are our top 10 Band 6 interview questions exploring your readiness to take on the role, your ability to lead and manage a resources among others.
How would you answer: (Go here to get answers)
- Tell us why you are now ready to take on this senior Band 6 post. What skills in particular will you bring?
- What challenges do you envisage you will encounter in your first month on the ward here at our hospital?
- What would you say is the number one personal development improvement you need to make over the next 6 months?
- On your rounds you notice that one of the newer staff nurses in your change has incorrectly administered medication to the patient. What action would you take?
- How have you supported a culture of learning, accountability, or team improvement in your role?
- How would you ensure the most effective use of clinical and non-clinical resources while maintaining high standards of care?
- Tell us how you would measure performance on the ward. What key areas would you look at?
- How would you manage staffing shortages on your ward? How would you ensure patient care was not compromised?
- Describe a time you contributed to improving clinical outcomes through evidence-based practice.
- Tell us about a decision you made recently which had a positive effect on your patient’s care.
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Band 6 Clinical Governance Questions
Monitoring standards of care, participating in audits, and leading initiatives to improve service delivery and patient outcomes. This also involves Implementing Best Practices leading to improvement in quality and implementing practical changes in your clinical practice.
- Describe a time you participated in a clinical audit or quality initiative. What impact did it have?
- How have you contributed to improving clinical practice or patient safety within your current role?
Learn more: See how to get expert answers tailor made for you.
Safeguarding Interview Questions Band 6
Safeguarding is central to all nurse roles at all levels. At your Band 6 interview, the questions will be more focused on your in-depth knowledge and practical experience. Here are some examples of band 6 safeguarding questions:
- Describe a time when you dealt successfully with a safeguarding issue, outlining the actions you took.
- Tell us about a situation where you had to challenge a colleague or another professional regarding a safeguarding issue. How did you handle it?
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Band 6 Leadership Interview Questions
Band 6 roles often involve mentoring, supporting, and supervising junior staff, which may include tasks related to recruitment and onboarding.
- Describe for us a time when you used your leadership skills to resolve a difficult patient situation.
- What would you say are the most important skills a Band 6 nurse should have?
- Have you ever led a team? Tell us about the challenges you encountered.
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Scenario Examples for Band 6 Interview
You may be asked to answer scenario based interview questions either on your application or in your interview. These may be based on the core competencies such as communication or decision making. They may also be related to likely situations you will encounter in the role such as dealing with staff shortages and team development. For certain roles, you may also be asked specific clinical or ethical scenarios where you will be expected to give a detailed answer outlining the reasons and outcomes.
Here are some examples of band 6 interview scenario examples you may encounter:
- You suspect one of your nursing colleagues is under the influence of alcohol. What do you do?
- A patient deteriorates rapidly due to sepsis. You must lead the team, initiate the sepsis protocol, coordinate with the medical team, and ensure documentation and communication are clear.
- You notice a newly qualified nurse lacking confidence with wound care. You take time to coach them through the process, arrange shadowing opportunities, and encourage reflection.
- You arrive on shift and discover two nurses have called in sick, leaving the ward understaffed. You must delegate tasks effectively, prioritise patient care, and communicate with the nurse-in-charge and bank staff to maintain safety.
- Give us an example of a time when your communication skills made a difference to the quality of acre you gave to a patient.
To answer these Band 6 scenario questions effectively, there are various formulas and structures to use including the STAR method: explain the Situation, your Task, the specific Actions you took, and the Result. Focus on leadership, decision-making, and patient safety. Keep examples clear, structured, and relevant to the Band 6 role, highlighting your professional judgement and accountability.
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Sample Answers to Band 6 Interview Questions
Can you give an example of how you ensured patient safety during a busy shift?
This question explores your ability to provide excellent patient care even during exceptionally busy periods. Focus your response on how you maintained clinical standards under pressure.
How to Answer: Start by briefly outlining the busy nature of the shift—high patient turnover, staff shortages, or emergencies.
Explain how you prioritised tasks based on risk and urgency, used tools like handover sheets or safety checklists, and maintained clear communication with your team.
Mention any proactive steps you took, such as double-checking medications or escalating concerns promptly.
Highlight how you stayed calm, ensured no safety protocols were compromised, and supported colleagues to maintain a safe, efficient environment for patients. End with a positive outcome or learning point.
Sample Answer: This is something I have experience regularly in my current Band 5 role. One example I recall was just last month. It was a particularly busy shift with multiple admissions and limited staff, I prioritised patient safety by quickly assessing which patients were at highest risk, such as those requiring time-sensitive medications or at risk of falls. I delegated tasks where appropriate, maintained clear communication with the team, and ensured observations and documentation were completed accurately. By staying organised and proactive, we avoided any incidents and all patients received safe, timely care.
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Band 6 Presentation Topics For Interview
Depending on the role you may be asked to give a presentation. This can range from 10 -20 minutes and you may be asked questions afterwards.
You will be told the topic in advance, however common Band 6 presentation themes include:
- What are the key differences between senior Band 5 and Band 6, and how would you measure your success in these key areas?
- As a Band 6 nurse, how would you promote teamwork and feelings of pride? Give examples of how you have done this in your current role.
- Give a short presentation about yourself and why you are suitable for this Band 6 post.
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