Nurse Flashcards
Tell us about yourself?
Forensic Science Degree
During my Forensic Science degree, I developed strong written and verbal communication skills. I produced detailed laboratory reports, court reports, and essays using Microsoft Word, and I kept contemporaneous laboratory notes to document procedures and results.
I used Microsoft Excel to organise and analyse experimental data sets and employed statistical software to determine patterns and relationships between populations.
I also delivered several academic presentations including a pharmacology lecture on the symptoms, treatments, and clinical uses of GHB where I was able to communicate complex health information clearly and accurately. I also gave a dissertation lecture to the year group below, explaining my project’s methodology and results, as well as potential areas for future development. Based on this presentation, two students selected my project to continue the work the following year, which demonstrated the clarity and impact of my presentation and showed my ability to provide and reinforce instructions.
In practical classes, I worked in paired activities, including assisting others during crime scene evidence collection. For example, while my partner bagged the item, I wrote the evidence label information and held the bag folded shut so it could be sealed or supported objects such as bottles while they were dusted for fingerprints which demonstrates my ability to work within a team.
I also prepared trays of materials for daily lab work during my dissertation, setting them up in advance using a checklist which reflects the ability to prepare equipment, materials, and kits systematically and efficiently. Throughout my lab sessions, I created chemical mixtures using reagents and followed standard operating procedures and laboratory protocols to safely handle and dispose of materials which demonstrates my understanding of COSHH and health and safety. I also used PPE, such as gloves, lab coats, paper suits, and masks when handling body fluids like blood and saliva, both in lab environments and at crime scenes to ensure I was handling biohazards correctly and wash my hands regularly to adhere to infection control standards.
To manage competing academic deadlines, I used a Kanban system that categorises tasks by effort, deadline, and progress alongside to-do lists and time blocking, which demonstrates my ability to prioritise workloads and stay organised.
I completed a module on forensic odontology which included the examination of damage to the teeth and jaw, and examination of the teeth to lead to identification of human remains. It also included the filling out of dental charts to mark areas of damage on the teeth. I also learned to identify conditions such as fluorosis, often caused when children swallow fluoride toothpaste
In my forensic psychology and substances of abuse modules, I learned about the symptoms of mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, and ADHD, as well as the development and treatment of addiction to opiates and alcohol. These modules have helped me understand and empathise with the specialised groups supported by the community dental service.
I completed work to a high standard by triple checking calculations and written work, and I during my dissertation I maintained high levels of concentration for several hours on the microscope.
Customer Service Assistant
During my role as a Customer Service Assistant, I developed a strong foundation in public-facing communication by working directly with customers. I consistently provided clear and patient support by answering queries, helping customers locate products, and providing product information and recommendations.
I handled cash and card transactions, including processing refunds and balancing the tills. I also contributed to creating promotional displays and end caps on my own, showing my ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
The role demanded a high level of organisation and multitasking, as I was often responsible for temperature checks, food preparation, cleaning tasks, and till service simultaneously. This taught me how to stay calm and efficient when managing multiple priorities. I would prioritise serving customers first, then carrying out food and health and safety documentation, and then cleaning and tidying last.
I was able to remain calm when dealing with customer complaints and could use my problem-solving skills to resolve the problem or refer it to a more senior staff member when it was appropriate to do so.
I also supported new team members by helping train them. I would demonstrate the task to them, then observe them completing it and then offer feedback. I also took on extra shifts and helped colleagues during busy periods.
I safely transported stock using manual handling techniques like bending at the knees when lifting to avoid back injuries, breaking down larger deliveries into smaller chunks, and using trolleys. I also cleaned up spillages and breakages and reported broken equipment.
Forensic Science Society Treasurer and Social Media Manager
As part of the Forensic Science Society at university, I held the roles of Treasurer and Social Media Manager.
As Treasurer, I was responsible for collecting membership fees, withdrawing and depositing money into the society’s account, and calculating the cost of materials. I used Microsoft Excel to track the status of membership fees and record budgets for events.
For each fundraising event, I assessed which tasks required immediate attention, such as securing venues or obtaining supplies, and prioritised tasks based on urgency and importance. I was in charge of buying materials for bake sales and hosting bakes sales at university fairs to source new members.
As Social Media Manager, I scheduled meetings, arranged appointments, and coordinated joint events with other university societies and guest lecturers using Microsoft Teams. I also used Canva to design social media posts and newsletters.
Continued Professional Development
I completed a training course on identifying early cancer symptoms and improving survival rates, which developed my understanding of referral pathways within the NHS and the barriers to accessing healthcare services such as socioeconomic status and gender. The module also provided a communication tool called the TED tool which elicits information from patients about their symptoms without directing them towards a specific diagnosis before they have been tested. It also covered the bowel cancer and breast cancer nationwide screening programmes.
I visited the mortuary to develop my knowledge of human anatomy and to learn to identify different organ structures.
I also visited the hospital pathology department, where I observed the safe handling of patient samples and the decontamination of equipment. This strengthened my understanding of infection control, laboratory processes, and patient confidentiality.
NHS Volunteering
I am currently volunteering within the NHS. I support staff by filing important documentation such as absence reports, staff training records, and contract information. I make sure that the correct forms are filed in the right sections and always file the most recent documents first.
I have been developing my written communication skills by typing up minutes from meetings including relevant details like main discussion points, next actions and deadline dates.
I have been developing my data entry skills by inputting staff training data into spreadsheets. I have been inputting the dates staff have completed their training to record which staff need to renew their learning.
I have also completed the modules on patient confidentiality, infection control, and adult and child protection.
Why do you want to work for the NHS?
I want to work for the NHS because its values of teamwork, care, and quality align strongly with my own. I would like to contribute to the NHS’s mission to provide healthcare services to everyone.
My background in forensic science developed my interest in health and anatomy, and my volunteer experiences in NHS and CPD courses have strengthened my desire to work in healthcare. I see this role as an opportunity to combine my scientific knowledge with my passion for helping other people.
The NHS offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced and knowledgeable professionals that I would like to learn from.
I’m excited to complete the dental nursing qualification and continue developing my skills. I’m particularly interested in contributing to national dental programmes such as Child Smile and Open Wide, and support more vulnerable groups getting access to healthcare. I’d like the chance to be involved in creating educational materials or delivering oral health information, as I would like to develop my teaching and presentation skills. I would also like to develop a specialised skill set and pursue additional training in radiography to learn how to take X-rays. I would like to help patients avoid more serious dental issues by using my problem-solving skills to extract information from the radiographs.
What do you know about the job?
I understand that the trainee dental nurse role involves supporting the dental team clinically and administratively. This includes assisting with procedures, preparing instruments and materials, maintaining high standards of infection control, and helping with patient care before and after treatment. There are also admin duties like logging referrals, managing appointments, and maintaining accurate records.
The role supports patients who might have difficulty accessing general dental services, such as children, people with disabilities, or those with anxiety.
I also know that the department plays a role in promoting oral health through educational programmes, which I’d love to support as I develop. This role offers a mix of clinical learning and patient interaction, and I’m excited to build my skills in these areas.
How do you manage stress?
I manage stress by staying organised and breaking tasks down into manageable steps. When I was at university, I used a Kanban-style to-do list system to prioritise tasks by deadline, time needed, and progress. This helped me stay on top of multiple assessments.
In my customer service job, I stayed calm by focusing on serving customers first, then updating documentation, and then cleaning and tidying when the shop was quieter. I also communicated clearly with other team members and asked for help if the queue became busy. I remained flexible so I could switch between tasks quickly.
I also find that preparation reduces stress. During my dissertation, I made a checklist of everything I needed each day and prepped a tray of materials in advance, so I had everything ready when I got to the lab.
Outside of work, I make time for things that help me manage stress long term like breathing exercises, yoga, and creative activities like painting which help me decompress after work.
What did you do to prepare for this interview?
To prepare for this interview, I read through and highlighted the job description and person specification, and identified the competencies that would be assessed. I created a table of competencies in Word, and I matched examples of my own experience to each one. I also researched the Public Dental Service to better understand the patient groups it supports. I then drafted potential interview answers and practiced them with a friend who could give me honest feedback on how to improve my responses and delivery.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself as a fully qualified and confident dental nurse working within the NHS. I’d like to continue developing both my clinical and patient care skills particularly in radiography. I would like to be involved in the public health programmes and would have liked to have contributed to supporting more vulnerable groups in the community and have developed my teaching skills. As I progress and gain knowledge, I’d like to be able to support other team members.
Give an example of when you worked well within a team
In my previous roles, I was part of a small team responsible for serving customers, preparing food, and maintaining cleanliness in the food preparation area. During peak times helped my colleagues by serving on the tills to reduce wait times and ensure customers were served quickly. I prepared hot food in advance, which allowed us to serve customers more efficiently. I also took the initiative to clean dishes, preventing them from piling up in the sink area, and helped maintain an organised and hygienic work environment. I also helped train new staff members on how to operate the tills properly, so they could help with busy periods By effectively collaborating with my colleagues, we successfully met customer demands, upheld food hygiene standards, and delivered high-quality service during the busiest times.
What are infection control measures and why are they important?
Infection control is important for protecting staff, patients, and visitors from the spread of infections in healthcare settings. It helps ensure patient safety and minimises the risk of infection. Infection control procedures include regular hand washing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Hand washing prevents infections by removing harmful bacteria and viruses. It should be done with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel for at least 30 seconds. PPE, such as gloves, masks, gowns, aprons, and eye protection, creates a barrier between the wearer and infectious germs. It is especially important to wear PPE when encountering body fluids to reduce the risk of infection.
What is confidentiality and why is it important?
Patient confidentiality is the protection of personal and sensitive information about patients and ensuring it is not shared with unauthorised individuals. It is important in maintaining trust between patients and healthcare professionals. Breaching confidentiality can lead to legal and ethical issues, and it can damage the reputation of the Trust. Protecting patient confidentiality is a legal requirement. Types of confidentiality breaches include indiscreet conversations about patients in public spaces, confirming a patient’s visit to the hospital to others, accessing health records without authorisation, or sharing patient information.
How would you deal with a patient who is anxious?
I would approach them calmly and introduce myself. I would move the patient to a more private space so they could discuss their concerns openly. I would acknowledge that they appear anxious and offer to explain the procedure they would be having. I would reassure them that lots of people are afraid of going to the dentist and ask them to explain their concerns so I could attempt to make them feel more comfortable. I would ask for more help from a more senior staff member if their anxiety escalated. I would also make sure they had suitable and safe transportation before they left the clinic. I would give them a signal to use if they felt distressed or uncomfortable and wanted the procedure to be stopped. For example, if they were very concerned about being in pain I would discuss whether it would be suitable to give them pain medication or anaesthetic with the patient and the dentist.
How would you deal with a child who was struggling to sit still during a procedure?
I would remain and calm patient and ask the child’s parent to sit with them and support them. Then I would explain what was going on and what was going to happen. I would ask them questions to distract them like what they were doing at school or what’s their favourite superhero. I would let them know that they were doing a great job, and would offer them something like a sticker at the end as a reward for staying still.
How would you handle a patient cancelling their appointment?
If a patient cancelled their appointment, I would log the cancellation in the system and updating the patient’s record. I would reschedule the appointment with the patient. I would inform the dental team so they’re aware of the change. I would see if another patient can fill the slot to avoid wasted time and check any waiting lists.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is anxiety around public speaking. At university, I would get nervous presenting in front of others. To deal with this I learned different breathing techniques to manage my anxiety, and I practiced presenting in front of friends and family to get feedback. I also recorded myself giving presentations so I could watch them back, take notes, and make adjustments. I also included visual prompts on my slides like images or keywords to jog my memory. Over time, these strategies helped me feel more in control, and by the end of my degree, I was much more confident presenting in front of others.
Give an example of when you incorporated feedback?
After delivering a presentation at university, I received feedback from my lecturers that it could be made more engaging. For my next presentation, I added crime scene photographs to visually illustrate different types of blood patterns, as well as real-life case studies to demonstrate the laboratory techniques in practice. I also realised my note-taking method wasn’t helping me prepare effectively for my presentations. I had been using bullet points in Word for speed, but the notes lacked the depth needed to meet assessment expectations. So, I researched different study techniques and switched to the Cornell method, which helped me organise information more clearly and actively reflect on what I’d learned. These changes made my work more detailed and engaging, and I received much more positive feedback in future presentations.
Why is accuracy and attention to detail important, and how do you check your work?
Attention to detail is important because small mistakes can have a negative impact, especially in a healthcare setting where accuracy affects patient care and safety. I triple check all my own work. When I fill out information in the spreadsheets at my admin position, I check off each value by scoring it with a highlighter to show I have checked it.
How do you organise and prioritise your own workload?
During my forensic science degree, I had to manage several assignments, lab reports, and exams at the same time. To stay organised, I used a combination of calendars and to-do lists to map out all my deadlines and break tasks into smaller, manageable steps. For example, when I was preparing for my dissertation alongside other coursework, I prioritised tasks based on urgency and importance focusing on data collection and analysis first, then scheduling time for writing and proofreading.
