This question helps you determine if a candidate is well-suited for the role by identifying what draws them to the field. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Personal connection to nursing or health care
• Sense of service and the desire to help others
• Compassionate heart and demeanor

“It is important for certified nursing assistants to not only understand their duties, but also be able to keep track of all of these daily tasks. Asking how they manage their time can help you to determine their level of organization and understand systems that they might utilize to ensure all daily work is completed.” —Michelle Hensley, DNP. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Willingness to assist patients with activities of daily living and provide excellent patient service
• Technical nursing assistant skills, like the ability to take vitals and dress wounds
• Time management, organization and multi-tasking abilities

Nursing assistants should be attentive to signs of patient abuse, both in their own conduct and in the care provided by others. In addition to maintaining the highest standards of patient care, candidates should understand the importance of following workplace procedures for reporting concerns. In some states, nursing assistants may have responsibilities related to reporting suspected patient abuse or neglect, depending on local laws. For more information, please visit the government webpage on the topic. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Proactive response to observations of abuse
• Willingness to report concerns through appropriate workplace channels and, when required, external reporting processes
• Commitment to one’s own highest standards of treatment and care

It’s important that patients feel they can maintain their dignity while under care. One key way to provide this is by doing everything possible to respect each patient’s privacy in their own room. A nursing assistant should be friendly and respectful the moment they enter the patient’s room. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Keen observation skills
• Ability to be empathetic to others’ emotions
• Other soft skills, including patience and humility

Nursing assistants deal with conflict in a calm, responsible and patient-centered manner. An important element in resolving conflict is communication. For example, strong nursing assistant candidates feel confident discussing a patient’s concerns with them directly and attempting to identify a solution together. Ideally, the CNA also uses this as an opportunity to educate and inform the patient about their role. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• A compassionate, patient-centered approach to conflict resolution
• The ability to remain calm and clear-headed in a crisis
• The ability to listen and articulate their thoughts well

Nursing assistants commonly interact with patients who have progressive memory diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia, which could result in confusing interactions and conversations. These professionals understand how their responses could impact a patient's well-being. As an interviewer, this question helps you assess whether the candidate is empathetic and thoughtful in their interactions with patients. It also allows candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of common conditions they may encounter when caring for patients. A good answer typically demonstrates:

• Empathy and kindness
• Knowledge of best practices for memory care
• Self-awareness

This question helps you to identify whether your nursing assistant has the right qualifications for the role. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Relevant certification for that state
• Up-to-date medical knowledge
• Understanding of what they learned during their training or education

This question helps you to identify how organized a nursing assistant is and their understanding of patient needs. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Understanding of allergens and dietary requirements

Use this question to learn about a nursing assistant’s ability to support patients with disabilities. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Compassion
• Empathy
• Problem-solving skills

This question helps you to find out about a nursing assistant’s communication skills. Evaluate responses that demonstrate:

• Sign language skills
• Understands body language or non-verbal communication
• Creates a supportive and psychologically safe environment