Have you got a Nurse Interview coming up and wondering what band 5 or 6 interview questions to expect? Ready to get that promotion and looking for Band 7 and 8 interview questions and answers? Well, you have come to the right place.

I have recruited for many nursing and healthcare positions in the UK both in the NHS and in the private sector. I have created interviews for jobs ranging from healthcare and nursing assistants, staff nurses at all grades, practice nurses, district and community nurses and nurse team leaders and managers.

I am aware that for many nurses, the interview can be a daunting prospect and in fact, the fear of interviews puts many off moving to a different trust or applying for a new job. Sadly, they miss out on potentially great promotions, increased salary, and more interesting roles and this need not be the case.

This detailed article includes a guide to the types of interview questions asked at Band 5, 6, 7 and 8 and you get sample answers to help guide you.

Band 5 Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Having completed the relevant Nursing qualifications and registered with the NMC you can now apply for nursing posts at Band 5. These are usually within one of four areas: adult nursing, child nursing, mental health or learning disabilities and of course within these areas there are a range of specialties.

Examples of Nursing Band 5 job titles include:

• Staff Nurse Band 5
• Community Nurse Band 5
• Staff nurse – Endoscopy Band 5
• Neonatal Staff Nurse Band 5
• Staff Nurse, Band 5 A&E
• Registered General Nurse (RGN)
• Mental Health Nurse (Band 5)
• Children’s Nurse (Paediatric Nurse)

Top Tip: Download our free Band 5 Nurse Interview Questions PDF here.

Nurse Band 5 Interview Questions to Expect

For all Band 5 posts, you will be required to take part in a formal interview.

Once you have passed the initial shortlisting, you should receive an update and an invitation to interview. You will take part in a formal interview, which may take place the same day or at a later date agreed by you.

Your interview will most likely be in front of a panel, with a minimum of 2 people and you should expect a blended interview with a combination of questions including competency based. Be prepared with examples showing compassion, professionalism and safe, evidence-based practice in patient care.

What your Band 5 Interview Questions will focus on:

• Previous experience, skills, training and motivation
• How you deliver Safe and Compassionate Patient Care
• Clinical Questions and Assessments and Observations
• Communicate Effectively with Patients and Teams
• How you manage Your Workload with Supervision
• Your ability to engage in Continuous Learning and Reflection
• Knowledge of NHS topics and issues

Band 5 Nurse Interview Questions Examples

Here are some common Band 5 interview questions exploring your experience, motivation, ability to manage a busy shift and provide excellent and safe care.

How would you answer: (Go here to get answers)

• What personal qualities do you bring which makes you an effective Band 5 nurse able to deal with a busy schedule?
• What skills do you use when you have an exceptionally busy ward. Give us as recent example.
• What do you imagine you will find most challenging in your role as a Band 5 nurse?
• Tell us about a time when you have excellent care to a patient who was on an end of life pathway. How did you show compassion?
• Can you tell us about your previous nursing experience and how it has prepared you for this Band 5 role?
• How would you manage multiple tasks to complete during a shift. How would you prioritise your workload?
• Can you briefly talk me through your understanding of Safeguarding in a Nursing environment.
• Describe a time when you felt you gave optimum care to your patient. What did you do that made the experience so good for your patient?
• You have made a mistake when treating a patient. What do you do?
• Give us a recent example which shows your ability to effectively communicate challenging information to a patient or their family.

Sample Answers to Band 5 Interview Questions

Here is a short sample answer to one of the questions above asking about your ability to manage busy shifts. You can get a more detailed and fully personalised answer from InterviewGold.

How would you manage multiple tasks to complete during a shift. How would you prioritise your workload?

Here is a short sample answer to help guide you when answering this question. In your interview you would need to make it more personal and relevant to the role being recruited for.

Sample Answer: Managing multiple tasks is part of my daily work on the ward. Here is how I successfully get them done and how I prioritise effectively. During a shift, I start by reviewing patient needs, identifying time-critical duties such as medication rounds or deteriorating patients. I assess urgency, clinical risk, and deadlines, then create a mental or written task list. I stay flexible, adapting as situations change, while communicating with my team to coordinate care and delegate when appropriate. I always ensure safety is the top priority and escalate concerns as needed. Regularly reassessing my workload helps me stay on track. Staying organised, calm, and using effective time management allows me to maintain high-quality care even during busy or unpredictable shifts.

It is always a good idea to then give an example of when you actually did this as that will provide evidence of your skills.

Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

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:

• Sister/Charge Nurse – Emergency Department (Band 6)
• Deputy Ward Nurse Manager – (Band 6)
• Community Mental Health Practitioner (Band 6)
• Senior Theatre Practitioner – (Band 6)
• Structured Clinical Management (SCM) Practitioner (Band 6)
• Surgical First Assistant – (Band 6)
• Breast Care Nurse
• Children’s Mental Health Nurse
• Midwife – (Band 6)
• Police Liaison Nurse – (Band 6)
• 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.

Top tip: Download our free Band 6 interview questions PDF here.

Band 6 Interview Questions to Expect

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 your Band 6 interview questions to exploring the following core responsibilities.

• Experience and Skills
• Clinical and Ethical Scenarios
• Clinical Leadership and Supervision
• Advanced Patient Care
• Personal and Team Development
• Quality Improvement and Auditing
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Ward and Resource Management
• Commitment to Quality Care and Safeguarding
• Effective Communication

Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions Examples

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 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)

• What have you learned in the past 12 months which makes you a suitable candidate for this Band 6 position?
• Talk us through an example which demonstrates your ability to deal effectively with emergency situations.
• Tell us about a time when you identified a training need for yourself and what you did to address it?
• In this Band 6 role how would you ensure that your team were fully committed to delivering excellent care?
• How would you ensure the most effective use of ward resources while ensuring that high standards of care were delivered?
• Have you ever taken steps to help a colleague develop their skills? What approach did you take, and what was the outcome?
• Tell us about a time you went above and beyond to support a patient emotionally or personally
• How have you supported a culture of learning, accountability, or team improvement in your role?
• Describe a time when you used your communication skills to improve the care of one of your patients.

Sample Answer to Band 6 Interview Questions

How do you expect proposed changes will impact on your ability to provide quality care?

How to Answer: Remember there may be questions certainly from Band 6 and above regarding NHS Hot Topics, for example, mental health issues, funding, the Charlie Gard case.

Less likely, you may even be asked about older issues and how they continue affecting your daily care such as the Francis report. So while rare, it is worth spending a little time on these hot topics even those which now seem out of date but may still be part of your nursing protocols.

You must keep your knowledge and skills up to date and you will be asked questions related to the 6Cs and NHS Hot Topics.

How to Answer: This question relates to proposed changes and these can be at NHS or Trust level or even clinical in nature. What is required is a response showing that you are up to date, you understand the implications of changes, you are skilled and experienced with change and you can continue providing safe and effective care even during times of change.

Sample Answer Snippet: I see proposed changes as an opportunity to improve the way we deliver care. While any change can be challenging at first, I believe with clear communication and proper training, we can adapt effectively. I have been through major changes during my last post and continued to support my patients and colleagues effectively throughout. I stayed focused on patient needs and remain flexible, ensuring quality care was maintained throughout the transitions. Let me talk you through that recent example in more detail where I can show you my ability to both adapt and work efficiently when changes are being implement. [Continue by giving an example using STAR.]”

Band 7 Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Nursing is a unique profession and the level of responsibility taken on by a senior nurse is often under-estimated. At Band 7, the interview questions will be different to those at lower bands, reflecting these higher-level responsibilities and greater degree of accountability.

Here are some of the most popular Band 7 nurse job titles in the NHS (UK):

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Ward Manager
• Senior Staff Nurse
• Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP)
• Practice Development Nurse
• Triage Nurse Lead
• Infection Control Nurse
• Safeguarding Lead Nurse
• Patient Flow Coordinator
• Quality and Risk Nurse Advisor

What your Band 7 Interview Questions focus on:

At Band 7, you will be expected to take on the responsibilities of advanced leadership. For example, when taking on a Ward Manager post, you will be expected to show an ability to manage teams, to liaise with other senior administrative colleagues as well as clinical professionals.

• Band 7 Leadership and Management
• Clinical Expertise and Decision-Making
• Change Management
• Patient Safety and Quality of Care
• Resource and Staff Management
• Communication and Influencing Skills
• Policy and Governance
• Personal and Team Development
• NHS key issues, hot topics and impact of changes

Band 7 Interview Questions and Answers

Here is a small sample of Band 7 interview questions with a short answer guide. How would you answer?

What management experience do you have which is essential for this Band 7 post?

To answer this question effectively, focus on the specific management responsibilities you’ve undertaken that align with a Band 7 role. Highlight experience such as:

• Leading a team or shift, including delegation, supervision, and ensuring safe staffing levels.
• Managing performance, such as addressing underperformance, conducting appraisals, or mentoring junior staff.
• Coordinating care delivery, overseeing ward operations, and ensuring compliance with clinical governance and CQC standards.
• Service improvement, where you’ve led or contributed to audits, implemented change, or introduced new protocols.
• Resource and rota management, including efficient use of staff and materials during high-demand periods.

End with a reflection on how these skills have prepared you to lead confidently, improve outcomes, and support staff in a Band 7 role. Would you like a full sample answer using this structure?

(Get fully personalised answers)

What have you done to improve your skills and professional knowledge in the last year?

As you move into a Band 7 post, your ability to develop both yourself and your team comes into focus. You will be required to show that you are self motivated, that you can identify gaps in your skills and fill those with training or some form of on the job experience.

Demonstrate how you take on additional learning to ensure you stay up to date and your reasons for particular areas of study. Your goal in your answer is to prove that you are self-sufficient, motivated and aware of latest clinical and managerial challenges and solutions. (Get fully personalised answers)

Moving up to a Band 7 post can highlight gaps in ability. What would you need to improve on to take on the role successfully?

This question is asking about a potential competency gap and you must be careful with your answer not to share a significant weakness.

Point to something you are aware of relating to your experience or skills and detail how you have taken steps to improve or close this gap.

You might link this answer with the previous in detailing your CPD. (Get fully personalised answers)

Why have you decided to apply for this specific position, and what value can you offer?

Remember, the step up from Band 6 to Band 7 can be substantial, and your new role will include different areas of responsibility to those previously covered.

Therefore, the employer is trying to gauge if you understand what is expected of you and how you can fulfil these additional areas of responsibility.

Talk about your career motivations and reflect in this your understanding of what you will be doing. (Get fully personalised answers)

Provide an example of when you have had to convince a challenging service partner to accept your point of view or recommendation and describe how you influenced them.

Communicating and Influencing is a key skill required at Band 7, whether dealing with patients, colleagues or other stakeholders.

What is required here is a strong and complex example, using the STAR formula.

Detail how you perhaps arranged a joint meeting with the community partner and involved senior nursing and social care leads. I presented evidence of the patient assessments we already conducted, highlighting duplication of effort and its impact on hospital flow.

Importantly show how you listened to their concerns, acknowledged their risk responsibilities, and proposed a streamlined joint-assessment protocol that met both teams’ requirements. I also offered to trial the approach with two patients.

When you reach this level in Nursing, you will be responsible to some degree for clinical and operational delivery. This means you will be part of negotiations with others who will have competing needs, values, or ideas. Your answer should include phrases such as active listening, seeking compromise, empathising, and generating buy-in.

(Get fully personalised answers)

How have you dealt with the under-performance of another staff member?

The answer to this question depends on whether the under-performance is clinical or whether it is to do with teamwork and general competencies.

If lapses in clinical knowledge are serious, then you are compelled to explore formal disciplinary procedures.

If the under-performance supports the team, it might be better to talk about support and mentorship to evolve them as a professional. (Get fully personalised answers)

Provide an example where you successfully led a project or programme.

While at Band 6, you might not have had extensive leadership or management experience, you are likely to have taken on some responsibility for projects or programmes.

Prepare examples and when answering, briefly outline the project’s objective, your leadership role, and key actions you took—such as planning, delegation, stakeholder engagement, or problem-solving. Emphasise how you kept the team focused, met deadlines, and delivered outcomes.

End with the impact the project had on patient care, efficiency, or service improvement.

Band 8 Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

Moving to a Band 8 post is an exciting opportunity and you will need to show that you are ready to take on the extra responsibilities. You may still carry out some nursing duties, but you are more likely to manage a large team of staff.

Your management skills at this level are essential to your success, and the bigger the team, the more this will be reflected in your salary.

Common Band 8 Job Titles in the NHS

Here are some of the most popular Band 8 nurse job titles in the NHS (UK), typically reflecting senior leadership, advanced practice, or strategic roles:

• Matron
• Head of Nursing
• Consultant Nurse
• Lead Nurse (e.g., Infection Control, Safeguarding)
• Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP)
• Service Manager (Nursing Services)
• Quality Improvement Lead Nurse
• Clinical Governance Lead Nurse

These roles involve high-level decision-making, service development, leadership, and policy implementation across clinical areas.

What your Band 8 Interview Questions focus on:

As a Band 8 nurse you will be expected to provide strategic leadership, manage services, and drive clinical excellence across departments. You will most likely be responsible for leading teams, managing resources and budgets, and ensuring high standards of patient care through effective governance and quality improvement along with other key requirements.

Here are some of the key areas that Band 8 nurse interview questions typically focus on:

• Strategic leadership and service improvement
• Clinical governance and patient safety
• Change management and innovation
• Staff management, development, and retention
• Budget and resource management
• Data-driven decision making and audit use
• Influencing and stakeholder engagement
• Policy implementation and adherence to national standards
• Resilience and handling complex challenges
• Demonstrating values aligned with NHS leadership frameworks

Band 8 Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Here is a small sample of generic Band 8 interview questions. Your answers will need to reflect the greater level of responsibility you are taking on with detailed explanations of actions taken.

What type of leader are you and how would you demonstrate effective leadership?

As a nurse at Band 8, leadership plays a critical role in not only managing teams and departments but also in shaping patient care and health outcomes. At this level, you are expected to possess a refined set of leadership skills that can inspire, influence, and drive both clinical excellence and operational efficiency.

You should also give a clearly defined description of your version of effective leadership, focused on applying exceptional standards for which you are a positive role model. (Get fully personalised answers)

When did something not go your way and how did you handle the situation?

The interviewer is basically asking if you are aware of how difficult a Band 8 job is going to be. It is a challenging role, and they want you to enter the position with your eyes wide open, fully prepared.

How you react in difficult situations will be essential, understanding that you put the both the patient and organisation as a whole before your own needs and opinions.

You may want to reference the NHS values; offer a specific example of when these were challenged and how you delivered a successful outcome. (Get fully personalised answers)

Can you describe a time you led a team through a period of change? What was the outcome?

To answer this question effectively, focus on your change management skills.

• Start by briefly outlining the context of the change—such as a service redesign, policy update, or clinical process improvement.
• Highlight how you communicated the change clearly, supported your team through uncertainty, and encouraged open feedback.
• Emphasise your ability to manage resistance, maintain morale, and ensure continuity of care.
• Describe how you involved stakeholders and ensured staff felt valued and informed.
• Conclude with the positive outcome, such as improved performance, better patient care, or increased team engagement.

Showcase by giving an example using the STAR format to structure it.

How would you demonstrate the NHS values in this Band 8 position?

Within a leadership role in the NHS, you are expected to uphold the core values of the service and your Trust. How you do this is going to define how successful you are as a Band 8 Nurse.

When answering this question, structure your response around the 6 NHS values from the NHS Constitution. These values are at the heart of all NHS roles and behaviours. Your goal is to show how you personally embody them in your daily work:

When answering this question, structure your response around the 6 NHS values from the NHS Constitution. These values are at the heart of all NHS roles and behaviours. Your goal is to show how you personally embody them in your daily work:

• Respect and Dignity – Explain how you treat patients, families, and colleagues with compassion and fairness, regardless of background or status.
• Commitment to Quality of Care – Share how you aim for excellence, follow best practices, and contribute to service improvement.
• Compassion – Talk about delivering care with kindness, empathy, and understanding.
• Improving Lives – Show how your work contributes to better outcomes, health promotion, or emotional support.
• Working Together for Patients – Mention multidisciplinary collaboration and clear communication.
• Everyone Counts – Highlight inclusion, advocating for vulnerable patients, and ensuring no one is overlooked.

Tip: Use one brief example or scenario that touches on 2–3 values in action, but always tailor your answer to the specific role you’re applying for.

(Get fully personalised answers)

What would you do to improve the service we provide for patients?

You will have influence over decision making in the Trust and so will be expected to show some strategic thinking. Consider what improvements you would make and why.

How you would deliver these changes for the Trust you are applying to, making sure you consider implementation and impact. (Get fully personalised answers)

What are the principles of change management in the NHS?

Change management within the NHS is crucial because of the constant evolution in clinical practices, technology, and healthcare policies. Effective change management ensures that transitions are smooth, efficient, and beneficial to both the providers and the recipients of healthcare services.

When answering, include the key principles of Stakeholder Engagement, the use of clear communication and a commitment to maintain patient safety and care when delivering change. Here are 3 of the core principles of change management in the NHS you can mention:

• Clear Vision and Purpose – Defining the reason for the change and the benefits it brings to patients, staff, and services.
• Engagement and Communication – Actively involving staff, patients, and stakeholders in the change process through transparent, two-way communication.
• Leadership and Ownership – Strong leadership at all levels to champion change, maintain momentum, and take accountability.

(Get fully personalised answers)

What are the most important characteristics needed for this Band 8 position?

For a Band 8 nursing position in the NHS, which typically involves senior management or advanced clinical responsibilities, several key characteristics are crucial for success.

These not only encompass clinical competence but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to patient care. Talk through the key characteristics required in the role and outline your previous and proven experience.

How to Answer Nursing Interview Questions Successfully

In Nursing, as in most professions, proper preparation is vital to getting the job. Here are some top tips to help you answer your nursing interview questions successfully.

1. Know the Trust, Department, Hospital

Online research of the Trust or Hospital will reveal its values and mission. In addition, there may also be issues that they are looking to overcome and this can help shape your answers especially for the more senior posts.

2. Review the job description and person specification

This is key and you must study this in depth and be familiar with the core responsibilities.  These can include planning the delivery of patient care and taking responsibility for implementing and evaluating that care, using an appropriate nursing model. You will also be required to provide advice and support to patients, staff and junior colleagues. Communication is key and you will be expected to develop communication networks throughout the multidisciplinary team.

3. Refresh your nursing career to date and be clear about your goals

In advance of the interview, review your CV, the areas you have worked and what you have learnt. Refresh your memory of challenging patient scenarios and for senior posts, examples of when you have shown leadership and delivery.

4. Know yourself, understand your own abilities and what you bring

The interview panel will be keen to see that you can fulfil the requirements as outlined in the job description.  They will be looking for someone who can bring the skills required and perform excellently. Drawing upon your past experience is key, so prepare and rehearse examples to scenario and competency based questions. These will be situations where you have shown an ability to communicate, to listen, to provide great care, to lead and inspire.

5. Expect Professional Values and Ethical Questions

Expect interview questions exploring your ability to adhere to the the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of conduct. These can be in the form of scenario based or competency-based questions and to prepare you should download and read the updated code which is available from the NMC website.

6. Prepare for NHS Values Based Interview Questions

Within the NHS there are six core values that all staff must adhere to and you will be asked questions exploring your knowledge and experience of working with these values.

7. Refresh your knowledge of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF)

The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) continues to play an important role in Band 7 and 8 interviews. It still provides a valuable structure for identifying the key competencies and knowledge areas required to succeed in these advanced NHS roles.

8. NHS Core Competencies and Behaviours

The person specification will outline the essential criteria required and these competency-based interview questions will be designed to see whether you have the key skills and aptitudes required.

9. Healthcare Leadership Model (HCLM)

The Healthcare Leadership Model (HCLM) is designed to support leadership growth across all roles and levels within the NHS. While not exclusive to Bands 7 or 8, it provides a useful guide for developing leadership capabilities at these senior levels and beyond. Having said that, your leadership skills will be explored and we would expect competency questions asking for examples of when you have shown leadership.

How to Succeed in Your Nursing Interview

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You will get expert interview answers created for you by the powerful ANSWER BUILDER  including STAR competency examples.

Boost your interview skills with Nursing mock interviews with accurate questions and expert interview answers. PLUS lots of great advice and features, making sure you are 100% confident and ready to get your target Nursing job.