Upon receiving your CNA certification, you’re probably excited to start working in the healthcare field.
But before you can get the job, you must first successfully pass the interview.
The questions vary and can stem from different topics.
Even so, these will mostly center around your understanding and/or experiences as a CNA.
Below, we put together some common questions that may come up during the interview, along with how to answer them appropriately.
Table of Contents
Reason for Becoming a CNA
Why do you want to work in this career field?
With this question, potential employers want to determine your motivation in becoming a CNA.
This includes how you’ll manage yourself in this field, considering the stressful and taxing work environment.
So in your answer, you need to acknowledge these things—the stress, the demanding hours, and the need for flexibility.
Show them that you’re mentally, emotionally, and physically strong enough to handle your duties.
If you can, share a personal story or two that you have the compassion and desire to help your patients.
Motivation and Inspiration
What keeps you motivated while on the job?
Staying motivated in a stressful environment is not easy.
So potential employers want to know how you can continue helping people in such an environment.
Tell them honestly your inspiration for working so hard—may it be your family, personal reasons, or goals.
The interview must be able to…
- Recognize your passion in your answer
- Discern that you can thrive in this kind of work setting
Edge over Others
What personal qualities or skills do you possess that set you apart from the other candidates?
A potential employer expects you to be…
- A team player
- Compassionate
- Dependable
- Emphatic
- Knowledge and experienced
- Professional
So, highlight any recognitions and honors that you’ve received that will showcase those things.
If you’ve been previously employed, give a specific example of when you went the extra mile.
For example, when you used your observation skills to improve a patient’s condition.
Taking Care of an Unpleasant Situation
What would you do if you saw a coworker speak disrespectfully to an unhappy patient?
As a CNA, you’re to maintain professionalism all the time when interacting with patients.
Otherwise, you’ll lose control of the situation, distressing the already uncomfortable patient.
So to answer this question, demonstrate that you take patient care and their rights very seriously.
In this case, reporting your coworker to the supervisor immediately is the acceptable solution.
If you have relevant experience, tell the interviewer how you handled a similar situation.
Let them know the steps you’ve taken to…
- Solve a tense situation
- Calm the patient down
- Perform your duties efficiently even with an uncooperative patient
Solving Internal Disagreements
Have you ever experienced a situation when you did not get along with a coworker?
How did you handle the disagreement?
While this question has a negative connotation, you should be able to navigate around it well.
Answer this in a way that reflects you as an individual with a peaceful and calm disposition.
For instance, how you listened to the coworker with understanding and talked it out with them to solve the problem with ease.
Taking an Initiative
Was there ever a time you had to take charge at work?
Usually, this question is under the premise that your coworkers are unavailable and you’re the only one left capable of finishing a task.
And so, you should answer in a way that demonstrates your ability to take initiative while still respecting the protocols.
Doing so will highlight your unique strengths in…
- Leadership
- Delegating responsibilities
- Managing time in-between patients and duties
- Working under pressure
Future Goals
What are your future goals?
It’s one of the most common interview questions that employers ask.
Answer honestly and let them know your career plans in the future.
For example, how you want to improve your skills to establish yourself in the healthcare field.
As of now, though, don’t tell them any plans for continuing education like pursuing a nursing degree.
Keep this to yourself first.
Otherwise, your future employer might take it in another way, with you not being able to stay for long.
About Your Previous Employer
How do you feel about your last boss?
It’s taboo to speak ill of your previous employer, even if you had an unpleasant experience with them.
And so, point out only the positive moments where you appreciated your former employer.
Talk about the achievements and new ideas they implemented that made a difference on the job.
If you can, provide specific examples of how your previous boss made a positive impact on your career.
Once the prospective employer hears your answer, they will deem you a good future employee.
Answers That Show Competence
Employers don’t look for perfect answers.
They just want to ensure you…
- Understand the demands of the industry
- Can safely perform the job of an entry-level CNA
So if you’re prepared and confident during your interview, you will land the job and start a great career in healthcare.
