Whether you are applying for nursing school or your first nursing job, you will almost certainly be asked why you want to be a nurse. It is your chance to show motivation, insight and the values interviewers look for.
Two candidates have the same grades. One says, “I like helping people.” The other tells a short, specific story and links it to the job. Guess who gets the offer.
The 3-part formula
- A specific moment that sparked your interest: caring for a relative, a volunteering role, a nurse who cared for you.
- What it taught you about nursing: compassion, advocacy, teamwork, the skill involved.
- Why this role or course now, linking your values to what they offer.
Sample answer 1: personal experience
“When my grandmother was in hospital, one nurse took time to explain everything to us and noticed when she was in pain before anyone else. I saw that nursing is both skilled and deeply human. Since then I have worked as a care assistant, and I want to train as a nurse so I can do for other families what that nurse did for mine.”
Sample answer 2: career changer
“I spent eight years in retail management, and the part I enjoyed most was looking after people and solving problems under pressure. Volunteering at a hospice showed me those skills matter in nursing, but with a real purpose. I want a career where my work makes a direct difference to people’s lives.”
Sample answer 3: newly qualified nurse
“During my placement on this ward, I saw how the team supported each other through difficult shifts and how much the patients trusted them. Nursing to me is about being the person who notices changes early and speaks up for patients. I want to start my career here because of your preceptorship programme and the respiratory skills I can develop.”
Sample answer 4: international nurse
“I have been a nurse for five years in a busy medical ward at home. I want to grow my skills in a system with strong teamwork and training, and to bring the resilience and adaptability I have developed. This trust’s commitment to supporting international nurses is the reason I applied.”
Mistakes to avoid
- Only mentioning money, job security or travel
- Clichés with no example
- Saying you were inspired by TV dramas
- Talking negatively about other professions
- Going on for more than two minutes
“But my reason is simple: I want to help people. Isn’t that enough?”
It is a good reason, but every candidate says it. Interviewers remember a specific moment, what it taught you, and how it connects to the reality of nursing.
Your next step: Write your own answer using the formula below, keep it under 90 seconds, and practise it aloud three times before your interview.
Related: Nursing school interview questions · How to get your first nursing job
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