Top 10 Healthcare Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
In any case, preparing for the healthcare interview may be rather difficult due to the specifics of the sphere and the presence of certain requirements for all its participants. If you are aspiring for a nurse, medical assistant, or an administrative position, then it is always good to prepare for the questions that will touch on both your technical prowess, as well as your people skills.
In this article, you will learn the list of 10 interview questions that may be commonly asked in the healthcare field, followed by example answers to those questions to ensure that you can give your best shot when it comes to the interview.
1. Can You Tell Us About Yourself?
The interviewer wants to know you, what you know, and what you have been through.
Example Answer: “I have five years of registered nurse experience, with emergency and pediatric care on the clinical side, I have learned most importantly how to be productive and effective while still maintaining a patient and gentle touch When it relates to the patient, I have a passion for patient advocacy – I understand that getting the patient better is the end goal, and that knowledge of myself as being a calm persona under pressure is something that the unit needs.”
2. Why Did You Choose a Career in Healthcare?
Interviewers use these questions to check how passionate or interested you are in the said field.
Example Answer: “I have always had an interest in the welfare of other people that is why healthcare is an opportunity to improve people’s lives every day.”
Healthcare is quite an interesting field because it presents both science and care components, which are accompanied by the necessity to learn more each day.
3. How Do You Handle Stressful Situations?
Healthcare institutions are one of stressful places. The interviewer wants to know some questions that have to do with stress in the workplace, so the possible questions are as follows, how do you handle stress?, etc.
Example Answer: “At my previous workplace I worked in the ER and I knew that stress is inevitable because of the kind of job we do. To manage stress I ensure that am organized, make sure that I have prioritized my tasks, and take short breaks too. In my opinion, I strongly believe in teamwork, because the load share between is always a good idea.”
4. Can You Describe a Time You Dealt with a Difficult Patient?
This question checks your critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
Example Answer: “For example, one day a patient was very worried about his surgery to which I duly explained the surgery, answered all questions, and tried to reassure the patient about the result of the surgery which made the patient quiet afterward and thanked me a lot for the time I spent with him. ”
5. How Do You Stay Updated with Medical Advancements?
It is important to be up to date in this field of specialization, especially in matters of life and death. Interviewers want to know whether you are abreast with the changes within the fields that you cover.
Example Answer: “I read medical journals, and join webinars and professional development courses. I recently finished a course in the new trends in wound care which I have used in my current job.”
6. What Would You Do If You Made a Mistake with a Patient’s Care?
This question given above tests your truthfulness and ethical standards of behavior at the workplace.
Example Answer: “First, I would immediately report it to the patient and my supervisor, consciousness can be a powerful tool and not to conceal my mistake. Then I will sit down with the team to discuss ways of correcting the mistake.”
7. How Do You Prioritize Your Tasks During a Busy Shift?
In healthcare particularly, decision making, especially priority making is extremely useful. This question is designed to test your organizational skills.
Example Answer: “When on duty, first I determine priorities of the working shift I am on and, always, patient safety is the priority; among the tasks I perform there is always a list I prioritize the activities and, if possible, I delegate some tasks.”
8. Can You Provide an Example of a Time When You Worked as Part of a Team?
Health care is a very broad field and thus requires teamwork. This question has the advantage of presenting the interviewer with how you work with others.
Example Answer: “In my previous job, I was able to work in a team to care for a patient with multiple comorbidities and we met on a daily basis to review the patient’s condition and treatment plan hence being able to do the best for the patient and turn around the patient’s condition.”
9. How Do You Handle Conflicts with Colleagues?
Workplace conflict can occur in several places of work. Specifically, the interviewer has an interest in how you deal with them in a professional way.
Example Answer: “In case of having a conflict of interest with another employee and in order to resolve it, I would try to do it in a professional manner and in person, without raising my voice but in a very polite way I would discuss with the employee and listen to him or her and then we would look for the best solution for the patient and the team.“
10. Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
This question lets the interviewer know your plans and heart desires in your career.
Example Answer: “I envision myself being in the healthcare profession with five years as a nurse manager or in a similar position with the goal of enhancing the knowledge and experience in order to bring out the best when attending to patients.”
Conclusion
Applying to a healthcare interview means more than just being knowledgeable about the position you are interviewing for. It is all about translating knowledge, practical experience, enthusiasm, and, of course, the desire to help people. Herein below are the sample interview questions and answers to facilitate your practice, and by doing so, you’d be ready to rock your interviewer. So, the main aspects that people should remember when it comes to effective first impressions are confidence and integrity. Good luck!
