5 Common Oncology Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Kellie Hanna, CPRW
By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert Last Updated: April 11, 2022

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Getting a job in the nursing field can be a long process. You’ve made huge strides already by completing your resume and an outstanding cover letter. Next, you need to worry about preparing for the face-to-face interview that will serve as the final hurdle before the job offer. This part of the employment process is crucial, as it allows potential bosses to evaluate your skills. While the questions they ask might seem very straightforward, they are designed to uncover an exceptional amount of information regarding your interpersonal skills, work habits, professionalism and other characteristics that are likely to arise when you’re on the job. While you may already be familiar with some of the more general questions interviewers present, you also need to be prepared to answer some more specific oncology nurse interview questions if you’re really looking to set yourself apart from the competition.

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5 Oncology Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

Would you say that you have good communication skills?

Yes, I believe I have exceptional communication skills. In my last position, I was regularly required to communicate news to patients and their families regarding oftentimes sensitive information. There were times when this was challenging, but as I continued with my career, I learned how to handle these situations with ease and how to keep a level head when discussing treatments, procedures and other information with patients. I know these skills will help me to make your hospital a more comfortable and efficient place for patients as well if I’m offered the position.

This job requires you to handle confidential information on a regular basis. How will you maintain your patients' privacy and build trust with them in this regard?

My initial goal will be to let both the patients and their families know that any and all medical information discussed during our meetings is entirely confidential. I’ve found that informing them of the hospital’s policy on sharing information and my positon in regards to said policy is an excellent way to build trust between us and create a foundation of honesty that’s necessary for proper treatment of a patient. I would uphold my promise to keep my patients’ information secret regardless of the circumstances. I take pride in my work, and helping patients to feel comfortable while undergoing treatment is one of my top priorities and something that I take very seriously.

This job can be stressful, particularly for those who are new to the oncology field. How do you deal with job-related stress?

Above all else, I simply ensure that it doesn’t interfere with my performance while I’m on the job. While a situation may be a bit stressful, I won’t let it stop me from providing my patients and their families with the utmost respect and the care they’ve come to expect from a distinguished establishment such as yours. The same can be said for my coworkers – my bad day doesn’t concern them, and they won’t receive the brunt of it. Overall, I try to deal with any stress on my own time and never let it impact how I do my job.

When faced with an upsetting situation, what is your first reaction?

In this line of work, stressful situations are bound to arise, particularly in the oncology field. When I’m upset, my first reaction is to take a deep breath and get my emotions under control before speaking or acting. It’s always important to remember that the patients and their families who are confronting you are more upset than you are, and that coworkers are dealing with the same amount of stress as well. Remaining calm is always my top priority in these situations.

This position can sometimes call for erratic hours and overtime. Would you be willing and able to perform duties on short notice?

Yes, definitely. While I think it’s important to maintain a work-life balance in any career, I know my services may be required at a moment’s notice in order to ensure patients are receiving the care they need throughout the treatment process. As long as I’m helping patients and their families, I’m willing to work any hours I need to.

Getting an excellent position in the nursing field can be a challenge, but studying these five common oncology nurse interview questions and answers can help you on the way to building a wonderful career.

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