12 Must-Ask Questions for Your NP Job Interview

As a longtime NP, I’ve been through a lot of interviews, and I’ve also done a lot of interviews. Whether you are a new grad NP looking for a job or a seasoned NP, interviewing for a Nurse Practitioner (NP) job can feel overwhelming! But you’ve got this! My motto is always, “Prep For Success,” so let’s review 12 questions you might want to ask the interviewer. 

Bring along a copy of your resume if you are interviewing in person. If you are interviewing virtually, have it in front of you to refer to if needed. Dress professionally and err on the conservative side. Be authentic when you are interviewing. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or both you and your employer will likely be unhappy with the hire in the end. But, obviously, put your best foot forward.

After the interviewer has asked you questions, it's good to ask a few things about the practice and role to ensure it's the right fit for you and ensure your expectations are realistic. Clearly, you’ll want to vary these to fit the practice setting. Acute care is going to be much different than primary care. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

 1. How many patients would I be expected to see per day, and how long are the visit types?

Understanding the patient load and visit duration helps you gauge the pace and expectations of the job.

 2. Who, if anyone, will be there as a resource for me if needed?

Knowing if there’s a support system in place is crucial for your professional growth and daily operations.

 3. Is there any kind of orientation, and if so, how long will it be?

An orientation period can be pivotal for getting acclimated to the new environment and processes.

 4. Will I have allotted charting time and admin time?

Clarifying this can help you understand how the practice values your time and manages your workload.

 5. What type of EHR do you use, and what is the training for this system?

Familiarity with the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and its training protocol is essential for a smooth transition.

 6. Will I have my own medical assistant or back office assistant?

Sometimes, these roles are shared with other providers, so it’s good to know what to expect.

 7. What is the reason for the hire? Did someone leave?

Asking this politely can give you insights into the workplace environment and potential challenges.

 8. Are there any issues or concerns about the practice that I should know?

If you can ask this and read between the lines, it might reveal important information about the practice.

 9. What do you expect my schedule to be, and is there any flexibility?

Understanding the schedule and if there is any flexibility with it can help you balance work and personal life.

 10. How many providers do you currently have, and how many NPs?

This question helps you understand the team dynamics and the practice’s structure.

 11. Have you ever had an NP, if that’s unclear from the prior question?

Knowing their experience with NPs can give you insights into their expectations and support for your role.

 12. Would you allow me to shadow someone for a day to ensure it’s a good fit on both sides?
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Shadowing can provide invaluable insights into the practice and help you decide if it’s the right place for you. It’s an opportunity to see the day-to-day operations and get a feel for the team and environment. While legalities can sometimes prevent this, it never hurts to ask.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it's a great starting point. For more tips, I highly recommend “Advice With Erin.” She provides excellent videos on what to do and what not to do in an interview.

These 12 questions can help you determine if the practice is a good fit for you and vice versa. It’s important to find a match on both sides. Good luck! You’ve got this!​

​About the Author: Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C, is an experienced nurse practitioner and an expert on the topic of precepting. Determined to make a difference in “the Preceptor Problem,” Lynn went on to obtain her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) at the esteemed Duke University, where she focused on finding solutions to the preceptor shortage. She is the owner and founder of PreceptorLink®. The company’s goal is to simplify and streamline the process of preceptor matching while maintaining quality and professionalism throughout. www.PreceptorLink.com 
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