Mental health nursing interview questions are designed to help hiring managers understand if you’d be a good fit for their role. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but a bit of preparation can go a long way into growing your confidence ahead of the interview. In this blog, we’ll look at 11 commonly asked mental health nursing interview questions and example answers to help you plan the best way to structure your own.
Common mental health nursing interview questions
Mental health nursing interviews will often contain a mix of situational, behavioural and competency-based questions. Approach each question as an opportunity to share your knowledge, experience and insights gained from your nursing career.
11 common mental health nursing interview questions
1. Can you tell us about yourself?
Hiring managers will often ask open-ended questions at the start of the mental health nursing interview to learn more about you as a person. This question is all about you and although it may sound like an easy one, planning what you’ll say ahead of time will allow you to get the best out of it. When answering, consider sharing your passion for mental health, your motivations for wanting the job and any personal or professional insights that will highlight your suitability.
Example: "I have been a mental health nurse for eight years. I’m really passionate about supporting people through their recovery journey. My approach is to build strong connections with patients, ensuring they feel heard and valued. I thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy working as part of a team to provide the best possible care. I’m currently looking for a new challenge and this role feels like a great fit for my skills and experience. Outside of work, I prioritise my wellbeing through my hobbies which include hiking and crafting, which keep me refreshed and focused."
2. Tell us about your mental health nursing experience
This question seeks to understand how your practical experience would set you up for success. In your answer, you should establish how long you’ve worked as a mental health nurse and highlight your responsibilities. Be sure to mention any additional courses or qualifications that you’ve undertaken that support the criteria outlined in the job specification. Keep your answers succinct and only talk about experience relevant to this role.
Example: “I have worked in mental health care for three years, gaining hands-on experience in supporting individuals with diverse needs. My role has involved conducting assessments, developing care plans and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient support. I have also worked closely with patients experiencing crisis situations, helping them navigate their recovery journey with empathy and professionalism. Through this experience, I have strengthened my ability to communicate effectively, manage challenging situations and provide compassionate care.”
3. What strategies do you use to build trust with patients?
Mental health nursing hiring managers want to know that you will make your patients a priority. This question allows you to share the different strategies you might use to support service users. Use your experience to inform your answer, providing some examples of actions you’ve taken and the results they had on the patient’s health outcomes.
Example: “I prioritise empathy and respect, acknowledging each patient’s unique experiences without judgment. I also think transparency is important, clearly explaining treatment plans and setting realistic expectations. Consistency builds trust so I follow through on commitments to create a sense of reliability. Lastly, I’m a big believer in encouraging collaboration, involving patients in their care decisions to empower them and strengthen our therapeutic relationship.”
4. Can you describe a time when you had to de-escalate a difficult situation?
Due to the nature of working with people who are sometimes in crisis, mental health nurses can encounter challenging situations as part of their roles. Interviewers ask this question to assess your ability to remain calm, think critically and apply effective communication skills in high-pressure situations. Your response should demonstrate your problem-solving skills, emotional intelligence and how you would ensure patient and workplace safety using de-escalation techniques to resolve tense interactions.
Example: "During a busy shift, a patient became increasingly distressed after receiving unexpected news about their treatment plan. They started pacing and raising their voice, expressing frustration. I maintained a calm and reassuring tone, acknowledging their feelings and giving them space to vent. Instead of rushing to provide solutions, I asked open-ended questions to understand their concerns better. Gradually, they began to feel heard, and I was able to guide them towards a more constructive discussion about their options. My intention was to create a safe space for the patient to express their emotions."
5. How do you ensure patient confidentiality in sensitive cases?
This technical question asks you to demonstrate your ability to apply privacy regulations in real-world scenarios. Hiring managers are looking to assess your understanding of ethical and legal responsibilities in protecting patient information. Your response should include how you handle sensitive data appropriately and demonstrate your ability to follow confidentiality protocols and maintain trust with patients.
Example: "I ensure patient confidentiality by strictly following ethical and legal guidelines, such as data protection laws and hospital policies. I only share patient information with authorised individuals and always obtain consent when necessary. I also take precautions like securing records, using private spaces for discussions and maintaining professional discretion to protect sensitive information."
6. What role does teamwork play in mental health nursing?
Effective mental health services have cohesive teams that work together to support patient’s best interests. Interviewers are looking for someone who can support and elevate existing teams. They also want to know how you work with multidisciplinary teams and how you communicate with colleagues to contribute to better patient care. Consider how your team-working abilities improve treatment outcomes, ensure continuity of care and provide support in challenging situations.
Example: "I believe teamwork is essential in mental health nursing because it ensures patients receive well-rounded, coordinated care. I actively collaborate with doctors, therapists and support staff to develop treatment plans, share insights and provide consistent support. I really value peer support, as working together helps manage challenging situations and maintain a positive work environment that ensures patients get the quality care they need."
7. How do you stay updated on the latest mental health care practices?
Mental health care is a constantly evolving field, with new therapies, guidelines and evidence-based approaches. Interviewers will often ask this question to assess your commitment to professional development. They want to ensure you actively seek out best practices and stay abreast of changes in regulations and patient needs. When answering, consider the ways in which you engage in continued professional development, from training courses and qualifications to workshops and mentorship from senior colleagues.
Example: "I stay updated by attending professional conferences, participating in workshops and engaging in continuous learning through certification programmes. I also follow reputable psychology journals and often make use of online research journals to keep up with the latest developments in evidence-based practices to share with my team.”
8. What would you do if a patient refused treatment?
This question seeks to understand how you would face the challenge of respecting patient autonomy while ensuring their safety. Lean into your experience and give examples where you may have done this successfully. Focus on the strength of your communication skills while highlighting your knowledge of mental health protocols.
Example: "If a patient refuses treatment, I first ensure they fully understand their options and the potential consequences of their decision. I take time to listen to their concerns, provide reassurance and explore alternative approaches that align with their needs. If necessary, I involve the multidisciplinary team to assess whether additional support or interventions could help."
9. How do you manage stress and emotional challenges at work?
Employers need resilient workers who can manage the pressures of a mental health nursing career. It’s ok to acknowledge the stresses associated with the role but it’s also important to demonstrate how you overcome them to avoid burnout. Be authentic in your answer, considering the actions you take to protect your own wellbeing as a mental health nursing professional.
Example: "I manage stress by staying organised, setting boundaries and practicing self-care. I make time for activities that help me unwind, like exercise and mindfulness, and I lean on my colleagues for support when I need it. Reflecting on challenging situations also helps me process emotions and stay focused on providing quality care."
10. What techniques do you use to assess a patient’s mental health status?
Hiring managers need to evaluate your ability to conduct thorough and effective mental health assessments. Asking this question enables them to understand how you gather information, apply clinical judgment and use standardised tools to assess a patient's condition. Your answer should be underpinned by your commitment to patient-centred care, giving insight into how you work with people with different needs, while demonstrating your knowledge of assessment techniques.
Example: "I use a combination of structured assessments and observational techniques to evaluate a patient's mental health status. This includes conducting mental status examinations, assessing their mood, cognition and behaviour, and using validated screening tools for specific conditions. I also rely on active listening, patient history and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a comprehensive understanding of their mental wellbeing."
11. How do you approach creating a treatment plan for a new patient?
Patient care plans are essential to providing structured, individualised support for patients. By asking this question, the hiring manager wants to know how you’d gather patient information and apply evidence-based practices to create effective treatment strategies. In your response, detail what you would do, highlighting your assessment and communication skills.
Example: "I begin by conducting a thorough assessment, gathering information on the patient's history, symptoms and personal goals. Based on this, I collaborate with the patient and the multidisciplinary team to set clear, achievable objectives. I ensure the plan is tailored to their needs, incorporating evidence-based interventions and regular reviews to track progress and make adjustments as necessary."
Mental health nursing interview tips
Mental health nursing interview questions are designed to get you to open up about your experience as a mental health nursing professional. Your answers will help interviewers understand how you would support patients, fit with the existing team and manage challenges in certain situations.
Top tip: Do your homework
Researching a future employer is a crucial step in preparing for a mental health nursing interview. It allows you to tailor your responses to align with their values, priorities, and patient care approach. Their website, social media and published reports can be a treasure trove of information that can help you understand what they value in an employee.
Look at the specific mental health services they offer, whether inpatient care, community outreach, or specialised programmes, so you can highlight relevant experiences in your answers. Similarly, knowing their patient demographics, such as adolescents, elderly individuals, or those with complex needs, enables you to frame your skills in a way that fits their patient base. Thorough research will not only enhance your responses but also demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
Top tip: Prepare, prepare, prepare
The best way to overcome those pre-interview nerves is to prepare. You should know the job description inside out as this will help you identify where your strengths are and the best examples to use to demonstrate your skills. Planning responses for common questions – like the ones we’ve shared above – will also help you deliver structured and insightful answers that demonstrate confidence and professionalism.
You could also swot up on employee review forums like Glassdoor to get insights into workplace culture and expectations. Not only will this help you plan answers for your mental health nursing interview questions, but it will allow you to come up with some thoughtful and probing questions for them!
Top tip: Make a great first impression
Whether your mental health nursing interview is in-person or online, you only get one chance to make a first impression. That means looking professional, turning up on time and assuming the interview has started before you even make it in the door. How you conduct yourself over email and the way you speak to a receptionist impact whether you get the role or not. Good timekeeping not only shows punctuality but also allows you the space to calm down and collect your thoughts before getting started.
Mental health nursing job opportunities with Pulse Staffing Australia
Mental health nursing careers give you the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life every day. If you’re looking for a new role, Pulse Staffing can connect you with opportunities that fit your skills, experience and ambitions. Speak to one of our specialist recruiters today.