Interviewing for an operating room (OR) nurse position can feel a little intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can walk in with confidence. OR nursing requires a unique blend of technical skills, teamwork, and the ability to stay calm under pressure, so interviewers will ask questions that test your clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and adaptability.
Many OR nurse interviews follow a similar pattern, so knowing what to expect can give you an advantage. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most common OR nurse interview questions, why they’re asked, and how to answer them like a pro so you can nail your interview and land your next OR nursing job.
Example OR Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
1. Can you walk us through your experience in the operating room?
Why it’s Asked: Employers want to assess your familiarity with OR procedures, surgical environments, and your specific role in the perioperative setting. They need to ensure you can confidently assist in surgeries with minimal training.
How to Answer: Highlight your experience in scrubbing, circulating, or assisting with various types of surgeries. Mention the types of procedures you’ve been involved in and the surgical teams you’ve worked with. If you’re new to OR nursing, emphasize any relevant training, certifications, or clinical rotations.
2. How do you handle high-pressure situations in the OR?
Why it’s Asked: The OR is a high-stakes environment where quick decision-making and composure are critical. Employers want to know that you can remain calm, focused, and efficient during emergencies.
How to Answer: Discuss your ability to stay composed under pressure and prioritize patient safety. Give an example of a time you handled a stressful situation, such as an unexpected complication during surgery. Explain how you stayed focused, followed protocols, and worked as a team to resolve the issue.
3. What is your role in maintaining a sterile field during surgery?
Why it’s Asked: Maintaining a sterile environment is essential in preventing infections, and OR nurses play a key role in ensuring strict aseptic technique. Employers want to verify your understanding of sterility principles.
How to Answer: Explain how you ensure sterility before, during, and after surgery, including proper hand hygiene, gowning, and monitoring the sterile field. Discuss how you handle breaks in sterility and how you communicate with the surgical team when contamination occurs. Provide an example of a time you had to correct or address a sterility breach.
4. How do you prioritize tasks when preparing for a surgical procedure?
Why it’s Asked: OR nurses must be highly organized and able to prepare efficiently for surgeries. Employers want to ensure you can anticipate the needs of the surgical team and manage time effectively.
How to Answer: Describe how you gather supplies, check equipment, and verify the surgical schedule before a procedure. Explain how you communicate with the surgical team to ensure everything is set up correctly. Share an example of a time you successfully prepped for a complex or time-sensitive surgery.
5. How do you handle a disagreement with a surgeon or surgical team member?
Why it’s Asked: OR nurses must collaborate with surgeons and other team members, and conflicts can arise in high-stress situations. Employers want to see that you can handle disagreements professionally while prioritizing patient care.
How to Answer: Emphasize your ability to communicate respectfully and remain professional under pressure. Share an example of a time you resolved a conflict by focusing on teamwork and patient safety. Explain how you actively listen, clarify concerns, and find solutions to maintain a positive working relationship.
6. What steps do you take to ensure patient safety before, during, and after surgery?
Why it’s Asked: Patient safety is the top priority in the OR, and interviewers want to assess your knowledge of safety protocols. They want to ensure you follow proper procedures to prevent errors, infections, or complications.
How to Answer: Discuss preoperative checks, such as verifying patient identity, surgical site, and consent forms. Explain how you monitor patients intraoperatively and assist with postoperative care to ensure smooth recovery. Provide an example of a time you took extra precautions to prevent a potential safety issue.
7. How do you respond to a surgical emergency, such as excessive bleeding or an equipment failure?
Why it’s Asked: OR nurses must think quickly and act decisively in emergency situations. Employers need to know that you can stay composed and follow protocols to assist the surgical team effectively.
How to Answer: Describe your approach to staying calm, communicating clearly, and assisting with necessary interventions. Mention how you anticipate possible emergencies and ensure backup supplies or equipment are readily available. Share an example of a time you handled an OR emergency and contributed to a positive outcome.
8. What is your experience with different surgical specialties?
Why it’s Asked: Some OR nurses specialize in certain types of surgeries, while others work across multiple specialties. Employers want to assess your versatility and ability to handle different procedures.
How to Answer: List the surgical specialties you’ve worked in, such as general surgery, orthopedics, neurosurgery, or cardiovascular procedures. If you have a specialty, explain why you enjoy it and how you’ve developed expertise in that area. If you have a broad range of experience, highlight your adaptability and willingness to learn new procedures.
9. How do you handle patient advocacy in the OR?
Why it’s Asked: Since surgical patients are under anesthesia and unable to speak for themselves, OR nurses play a crucial role in patient advocacy. Employers want to ensure you prioritize patient rights, safety and wellbeing.
How to Answer: Explain how you verify consent, ensure correct site marking, and communicate concerns if something seems wrong. Share an example of a time you spoke up for a patient, such as questioning discrepancy in a surgical procedure or ensuring proper positioning to prevent injury. Emphasize your commitment to ethical care and patient-centered nursing.
Additional Operating Room Nurse Interview Tips
Preparing for common interview questions is important, but there are other key steps you can take to make a great impression on your interviewer, including:
- Researching the hospital or surgical center to understand their mission and values.
- Highlighting your commitment to patient safety and surgical precision.
- Demonstrating strong communication and teamwork with surgeons and staff.
- Showcasing your ability to stay calm under pressure in high-stakes situations.
- Emphasizing both your technical expertise and hands-on operating room experience.
- Asking insightful questions about the surgical team and expectations.
- Dressing professionally and arriving on time.
- Following up with a thank-you note after the interview.
Whether you’re actively interviewing or still exploring opportunities, Sunbelt Staffing offers OR nursing jobs nationwide. Browse our openings today to find your next role!