Top 10 NHS Band 6 Nurse Interview Questions and Winning Answers
Preparing for a Band 6 nurse interview with the NHS can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re stepping up from a Band 5 position or transitioning into a leadership role, nailing the interview is all about preparation and confidence. To help you succeed, we’ve compiled 10 common NHS Band 6 interview questions along with example answers. These questions cover key areas such as leadership, clinical governance, and conflict resolution—giving you the edge you need to secure your next big role.
| # | Question | Answer |
| 1 | Can you describe your leadership style?
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“My leadership style is collaborative. I believe in empowering my team by encouraging open communication, sharing responsibilities, and supporting professional development. For example, in my current role, I regularly mentor junior staff, ensuring they feel confident while maintaining high standards of patient care.”
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| 2 | How would you handle a situation where a member of your team is not performing well? | “I would first assess the situation to understand the root cause, whether it’s a skills gap, personal issues, or workload. I’d have a private, supportive conversation with the individual to address concerns, agree on achievable goals, and offer guidance or training. Monitoring progress and providing ongoing feedback is crucial to ensure improvement.”
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| 3 | Can you discuss a time when you had to deal with a challenging patient or family?
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“In my previous role, I worked with a family who was distressed about their loved one’s prognosis. I used active listening, empathy, and clear communication to address their concerns. I ensured they were fully informed about the care plan, and I arranged a meeting with the multidisciplinary team to provide additional support.”
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| 4 | How do you ensure high standards of patient care within your team?
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“I ensure high standards by setting clear expectations, leading by example, and regularly auditing care delivery. I encourage feedback, engage in reflective practice, and facilitate training to ensure my team stays up-to-date with evidence-based practices. For instance, I implemented a weekly huddle to address concerns and review performance metrics.”
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| 5 | How would you manage a conflict between team members? | “I would address the conflict promptly and impartially. I’d speak to each team member individually to understand their perspectives and then facilitate a resolution through open discussion. My aim would be to promote understanding and rebuild trust while ensuring patient care is not compromised.”
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| 6 | What do you understand about clinical governance, and how would you implement it in this role? | “Clinical governance ensures the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care. I’d implement it by conducting regular audits, ensuring adherence to guidelines, and encouraging incident reporting for learning purposes. I’d also prioritize staff training and feedback sessions to foster a culture of continuous improvement.”
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| 7 | How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in a busy environment? | “I manage my time by assessing the urgency and importance of tasks and delegating appropriately. For instance, during a busy shift, I ensure critical patient needs are met first while delegating less urgent tasks to capable team members. Using tools like handover sheets and prioritization frameworks, I stay organized.”
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| 8 | How would you support the development of junior staff members?
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“I’d support junior staff by offering mentorship, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging reflective practice. I’d also create opportunities for skill development through shadowing, supervised practice, and training sessions. For example, I regularly facilitate workshops on wound care and medication management.”
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| 9 | Tell me about a quality improvement project you’ve been involved in. | “In my last role, I noticed delays in discharge processes due to incomplete documentation. I initiated a project to streamline the process by introducing a discharge checklist and training staff on its use. As a result, the average discharge time was reduced, improving patient flow and satisfaction.”
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| 10 | How would you ensure compliance with infection control policies? | “I ensure compliance by leading by example, conducting regular audits, and providing training on infection prevention. I reinforce the importance of hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, and adherence to cleaning protocols. During the pandemic, I implemented additional measures to ensure safety, such as daily briefings on updated guidelines.” |
Mastering a Band 6 interview requires more than just knowledge; it’s about showcasing your ability to lead, innovate, and deliver exceptional patient care. By practicing these questions and tailoring your responses to reflect your experiences and strengths, you’ll walk into the interview room prepared to impress. Remember, confidence is key, and every answer is an opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the ideal candidate. Good luck with your journey to becoming a Band 6 nurse!
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