Interviews for advanced practice nursing positions actually often favor the candidate. Those healthcare shortages we are all always hearing about make nursing positions a seller’s market. However, the requirements are still really steep, and depending on where you live you may find that there are multiple applicants for every position.

What should you expect from your interview? Let’s get into it.

First, What is an Advanced Practice Nurse?

Advanced practice nurses are nurses with graduate degrees. The most common example is nurse practitioners. However, there are several different positions you can go out for including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs). Each of these specialized roles requires specific education and clinical training beyond the standard registered nurse preparation. These jobs generally have a very specific focus. Neonatal care. Psychiatric medicine. Family practice. Geriatric care. Women’s health. Acute care. In the best-case scenario, becoming an advanced practice nurse will allow you to focus on what you like about healthcare the most.

The path to becoming an advanced practice nurse typically begins with obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and working as a registered nurse to gain clinical experience. Most graduate programs require at least 1-2 years of nursing experience before admission. Next, you’ll need to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in your chosen specialty area. These programs typically take 2-4 years to complete, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time.

How Much Do These Jobs Pay?

It depends on the position. You can generally expect an income in the $100,000 range. Jobs that are difficult to fill—psychiatric positions, for example—might result in higher pay.

 Obviously, like any position, your pay will increase slowly but surely as you acquire years on the job.

How Hard is it to Get These Jobs?

The hardest part is definitely getting your credentials. Remember that shortages mean finding a healthcare job usually isn’t the problem. However, there is a problem—most communities only need a handful of advanced practice nurses. There may be six RN jobs for every NP position that opens up. This means that finding the exact job you want in your current location can take a little bit of time.

The competition for these jobs depends on where you live. Cities have more people applying for each job. Rural areas need more healthcare workers. Most employers like to hire people with experience. This makes it harder to get your first job when you’re new.

If you can move, you might find a job faster. Some places really need nurses. They might offer extra money or help with moving costs. If you can’t move, just be patient. A job will open up soon. More and more places are hiring advanced practice nurses every year.

So, What Will the Interview Be Like?

Really, it’s not so different than your usual interview. You can expect the process to be a little more lengthy and complicated than your experience getting hired as an RN. Multiple stages. A panel of interviewees , which may include doctors or other advanced practice professionals.

Probably, you will be asked about your perspective. What personal philosophy influences your approach to healthcare? How are you at collaborating?

As an advanced practice nurse, you will be making choices at a higher level than you are used to. They’ll want to make sure you are ready for that.

How to Prepare

It’s ok if you aren’t experienced. Your record as an RN will be germane to the conversation. The fact that you are being interviewed at all most likely means that they are ok with your credentials—provided that you can give a good interview. Before the interview, spend a little time thinking about your thoughts on the position. You want your responses to sound as natural as possible. Remember that communication is an important part of the job. Your ability to communicate under the pressure of the interview will give them insights into how you will react in other stressful situations.

During your education, you will have acquired clinical experience. You can certainly use that as a reference to inform the direction of the conversation. Your experience working as a registered nurse will also be relevant. If you are feeling uncomfortable, practice! Some communities will have free “mock interviews,” available, which you can schedule based on availability. If you are a recent graduate, your former college may have similar resources that you can still take advantage of. If not, enlist a friend! Simply having voiced your perspective on the job can help you come across as more confident on the big day.

Relax

Yes, you should take this interview seriously. No, you shouldn’t let it drive you into a panic. Obviously, there is no guarantee that you will get the specific job you have applied for. You can pretty much count on getting a job eventually. Advanced practice nursing applicants generally already have a healthcare job. You’re secure. Now, you just need to go after what you want.

Most of the time you’ll be seated across from someone who is very happy to have you there. Relax and remember that you’re interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.