Band 6 nurse interview questions and how to answer them

If you’re an experienced band 5 nurse or are a recent nursing graduate and transitioning into band 6, preparing for your upcoming interview will give you the best chance of success. One of the greatest ways to prepare is by researching some of the most common band 6 nurse interview questions to help you practice answering them. We have compiled some questions we know get commonly asked in interviews to help give you a head start.

In this article, you will find:

• Band 6 nursing roles
• The types of questions you can expect in a band 6 nurse interview
• Questions to ask during your band 6 nurse interview
• Band 6 nursing interview tips
• Explore band 6 nurse opportunities with Pulse

Band 6 nursing roles

There are many roles that a band 6 nurse can explore through their careers. Some examples are:

• Team leader
• Lead Practitioner
• Deputy Ward Manager
• Charge Nurse
• Senior Staff Nurse

One of the main differences between band 5 and band 6 is the responsibility that comes with the role. Band 6 nurses will oversee band 5 nurses, who will come to you with any questions or issues they might have. In NHS trusts, band 5 nurses are generally seen as entry-level positions even though they may have responsibility over healthcare assistants, support workers and students. Whereas band 6 nurses oversee wards in hospitals and the staff that work in those words.

Band 6 nurses typically hold entry-level managerial positions. Positions from band 7 upwards are managerial roles that require relevant experience to progress.

The types of questions you can expect in a band 6 nurse interview

Here at Pulse, we offer temporary and permanent roles for band 6 nurses, and we conduct our interviews over an online tool called HireVue. The interview questions provided by this tool vary based on the specific roles you apply for and are customised to match specific job openings. In this article, we’ll cover common band 6 nursing interview questions and provide effective strategies for answering them.

The questions provided below will offer a combination of traditional and competency-based questions that will explore your skills and experience. Since band 6 positions aren’t entry-level, you will need to answer questions that directly relate to the role you are applying to.

Tell us why you have applied for this position.

• Example answer: “I applied for this role because I believe that I am ready to take on more responsibilities with the experience I have gained in my position. I believe the role would suit my leadership abilities that I already successfully use to delegate tasks and will allow me to develop my skills further.”

Interviewers use this question to find out if you have done your research into the role and for you to prove that you are ready to progress from band 5. They will want you to use this question to demonstrate that you are ready to take on the responsibility of a band 6 position. Make sure to include any other skills you have that could help you to demonstrate why you have applied for this post.

What have you learnt in the last 12 months that makes you a suitable candidate for this role?

• Example answer: “In the last 12 months, I have completed extra training that has given me the tools to progress from a band 5 to a band 6. In my current role, I experienced a situation during a particularly busy shift in which I decided to take control of delegating treatment between my fellow band 5 nurses. Together, we established a clear plan to treat patients in the most effective and efficient way.”

You want to use this time to demonstrate how you have improved over the last year, and you could see where else you could improve through other training opportunities. This is a great time in the interview to offer specific examples of training opportunities that you have put into practice over the past year that have prepared you for a band 6 position. While we have put every effort into providing you with answers to these questions, your own experiences will help you most and these will be different for everyone.

Can you tell us about your experience up until now that will support you in a band 6 role?

• Example answer: “Throughout my time as a nurse for [X] years whilst gaining clinical expertise in [specific areas], I’ve led projects and consistently met performance targets. My commitment to evidence-based practice aligns with the expectations of this role. Throughout my career so far, I have learnt through certain experiences that I think have given me insight to a band 6 position.”

This question shows how you have developed throughout your times as a nurse. The interviewers are looking for times that you have used your skills to perform certain tasks that would prove you are a suitable candidate for a band 6 position. In this example, relating it back to your own experience can provide a clear picture for your answer.

What do you think are the main differences between a band 5 and a band 6 post?

• Example answer: “The key difference between a band 5 and band 6 role is the increase in responsibility. If I were successful in my application to become a band 6 nurse, I would assume leadership responsibilities, overseeing and mentoring junior staff. My management and organisational skills will ensure seamless execution of established care plans, drawing on a comprehensive understanding of complex conditions and treatments. Junior nursing staff would also rely on me for guidance and support.”

This question is designed for you to show that you understand the increased roles and responsibilities that come with a band 6 role. By showing that you understand the differences between your current position and your future role, you are showing that you are prepared for these increases.

How might you deal with a staff member who is consistently late?

• Example answer: “I would take an honest and open approach to this situation by addressing the member of staff about the reason for their lateness. I would prefer to have this conversation informally since it will alleviate some of the pressure they may be facing, and to signal that they can come to me with other sensitive issues. If unsuccessful, I’d consult HR for further action.”

This question is designed to see how you would handle any conflict that may arise with any staff that you may be supervising. It may not necessarily be about lateness, but it will likely be included in your interview to see how you would handle it.

Describe a time when you used your leadership skills to manage a difficult situation.

• Example answer: “I once cared for a patient who was in severe pain. I applied my clinical skills to ensure their comfort and stability. Additionally, I collaborated with the other teams to address the situation effectively. Over the years, I’ve encountered various challenging scenarios, and my ability to adapt and collaborate has been crucial in resolving such issues.”

Hiring is about finding someone who can solve problems. For band 6, this could involve team, patients, or doctors and you should have some experience with this. You should be able to showcase your experience in handling difficult situations during your interview. In your answer, provide a specific example from your career to give the interviewer a better understanding of your problem-solving skills.

Tell us about your career highlights that may help you in a band 6 role.

• Example answer: “During my time as a nurse, I have made a lot of achievements that make me proud and continue to drive my passion for nursing. Specifically, I have done X, this was important to me because…”

Share a memorable experience where you delivered exceptional care. Reflect on a moment that ignited your passion for nursing or left you eagerly anticipating the next day at work.

What is the process you would follow to manage incidents and complaints?

• Example answer: “To manage incidents and complaints, I would report to seniors, complete documentation and log any incidents via incident report systems. This will ensure patient safety, and that the incident or complaint is investigated properly. As part of my duty of candour, it is necessary that all incidents and complaints are dealt with appropriately and honestly.”

During band 6 interviews, discussing your approach to patient complaints and concerns is common. Interviewers will assess your ability to provide effective patient care, demonstrate empathy, and solve complex patient-related issues. Be mindful that any specific examples of when you demonstrated this skill are important to include in your answer.

Describe your experience managing junior staff.

• Example answer: “In my previous position, I have proactively guided junior nurses, promoting seamless shifts and collaborative teamwork. My strong communication skills and dedication to staff growth position me well to take on more responsibility.”

As a band 6 nurse, it is your role to oversee junior staff and to lead teams to deliver high quality patient care. You will oversee wards and spend a lot of time delegating tasks to different members of the team. The interviewer is using this question to ensure that you can carry out these tasks in your everyday duties. Any previous experience you can provide examples of will help here, as you may be able to relate them to any future responsibilities of a band 6 role.

How would you continue to improve the quality of the care you give to your patients?

• Example answer: “Throughout my band 5 experience, I’ve prioritised patient care quality, actively pursuing learning opportunities and staying informed on evidence-based practices. As I step into a band 6 role, I will embrace leadership responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and further elevating patient experiences.”

It’s crucial that you demonstrate your commitment to improving care quality since band 6 nurses hold a lot of responsibility in managing this aspect of care. Because you will have some influence over decision making, you will be expected to show strategic thinking skills. Consider what improvements you would make and why and communicate these in your answer.

What strategies would you use to ensure that your team follows the correct infection control and prevention procedures?

• Example answer: “I would emphasise several strategies to ensure effective infection control and prevention procedures within the team. First, I would prioritise education and training, regularly updating team members on evidence-based practices. I’d encourage others to follow proper hand hygiene and PPE use. I would use effective communication, adherence to standard operating procedures, and regular monitoring and auditing. Additionally, risk assessment, resource allocation, and fostering a culture of safety contribute to maintaining high infection control standards.”

With this question, the interviewer is checking your leadership skills as you will be expected to lead a team. It also tests your understanding of crucial protocols that exist in the healthcare sector. One of the differences between band 5 and band 6 is the level of autonomy, and showing you are competent is vital for the role. Your answer should demonstrate that you value teamwork and quality protocol to deliver outstanding patient care.

Questions to ask during your band 6 nurse interview

It’s important to ask questions during your interview to show the interviewer that you are interested in the role. By asking questions, you will learn about the trust or organisation, helping you to Examples of questions you could ask during your interview are:

• What would my day-to-day routine look if I got the job?
• What opportunities for professional development and advancement are available in the role?
• What is the organisation’s approach to continuous quality improvement, and how can I contribute to these efforts?
• What strategies does the team use to address staff performance or behavioural issues?

Band 6 nursing interview tips

Like in any interview, first impressions matter, we have compiled a list of tips to ensure that you put yourself in the best position to succeed:

• Making sure you dress appropriately; we recommend business casual
• Arriving early to ensure that you are on time, and you can use this time to ready yourself before your interview
• Bringing any relevant documents will demonstrate how organised you are, you could even use these as reference points during your interview
• Expressing your enthusiasm for the role leaves a positive impression on the interviewer, making you a memorable candidate

Explore band 6 nursing opportunities with Pulse

Here at Pulse, we have band 6 nursing roles available in the NHS and private sector. Whether you are wanting to work permanent or locum shifts, our expert team can guide you through the hiring process, all the way from applying to attending interviews. Apply to jobs directly or register your interest to be notified of any upcoming positions.