This is a question interviewers love to ask. Stress is an inevitable part of any job, especially in nursing. Nurses have some of the highest levels of job related stress of any career. Some specific stressors vary depending on position and facility; some are universal. Either way you can count on having to manage stress on the job. The key to this is learning what works for you. Once you figure this out, you can easily relay this to a potential employer. Good ways to manage stress on the job can include simple things such as deep breathing or counting to ten. As cliché as they sound they can often work. Other more creative ways to manage stress include preventing it in the first place. Good organizational skills and time management skills can make the difference between a crazy or stressful shift and one that is more under your control. Collaborating with other team members and not being afraid to ask for help when it is needed are also great ways to decrease stress. One important thing to remember is that as nurses, we are there for the patients. We are there to ensure high quality care. It is important to stay calm and focused during stressful situations.

Of course, there are less than desirable answers to this question as well. One common method of stress management is smoking. Despite knowing the dangers millions continue to smoke cigarettes and nurses are no exception. This is not a good thing to tell potential employers. Never lie if the interviewer asks, but don’t give smoking as one of your preferred stress management techniques. This is unprofessional and not in the best interest of you or your patients. Many facilities nationwide have a ban on smoking for patients and employees.