How the heck was I supposed to answer this interview question?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

I think I'm having interview PTSD. :crying2:

I had an interview today for a job I'm really interested in - at one point, they asked for a scenario wherein a patient went downhill really quickly, and wanted to know how I reacted. I talked about one patient who was fine the first time I checked on him, with labored resps and cyanosis when I looked back in 30 minutes later. I called a MET team, then coded him, then he went to ICU. What was I supposed to say on this one?!? I feel like I blew it.

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What was the interviewers' response?

Maybe you should have said something about you did a quick assessment, determined that you needed back-up/Team assistance, started CPR, etc. In other words, given some detail. Maybe? I don't know. As I said, how did the interviewer respond? Obviously, you did do an assessment, maybe they just wanted to hear it?

Of course, you probably ace'd the question, Girl! Quit worrying. Nothing you can do about it now anyway.

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

She just kind of nodded and went on to the next question... Eep! I probably did leave out a lot of detail - I totally took it for granted that they'd assume I assessed. I called MET rather than start CPR because the guy was on tele, his rhythm was stable (at that point) and he was coherent. He just looked bad. I tend to obsess over the awkward five-minute portions of interviews and completely ignore the hour and fifty-five minutes that went fine...

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Specializes in Oncology.

I think you answered fine. You recognized the need for treatment and went about making it happen quickly.

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She just kind of nodded and went on to the next question... Eep! I probably did leave out a lot of detail - I totally took it for granted that they'd assume I assessed. I called MET rather than start CPR because the guy was on tele, his rhythm was stable (at that point) and he was coherent. He just looked bad. I tend to obsess over the awkward five-minute portions of interviews and completely ignore the hour and fifty-five minutes that went fine...

I hear ya!

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Good answer! Now relax and have a glass of wine :yeah:

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I think you answered just fine!!!

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What a silly question. Ummmm, he was blue so I figured why waste my time, and I moved on to the next patient?? I mean seriously, I think the response in that situation is pretty universal, and your answer sounds good to me. Maybe they were looking for the fact that you "followed facility policy?" Who know's. Good luck!

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

You all are making me feel so much better. This board is a lifesaver sometimes. Definitely LOL'd at "...he was blue, so I figured why waste my time..."

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

Interviewers always give you medical scenarios. Always take a minute to think (say something like Hmmm, good question I will just think about that), then follow your DRABC - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing and Resucitation. I had one where they said everyone for some reason or other, was off the ward, a post-op GI patient is bleeding profusely, what would you do? Think: raise the alarm FIRST - always get help FIRST, then follow DRABC. The inverviewers want to see how critically and fast you can think in an emergency. They are not interested in how much advanced first aid knowledge you have - they only want to know the BASIC stuff.

I think your answer was good. I would always say in an interview BEFORE answering any scenario that it is also important to ALWAYS follow your hospital or facilities policies re medical emergencies, and that is what you did.

Good thinking calling the MET people, well done!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.
She just kind of nodded and went on to the next question... Eep! I probably did leave out a lot of detail - I totally took it for granted that they'd assume I assessed. I called MET rather than start CPR because the guy was on tele, his rhythm was stable (at that point) and he was coherent. He just looked bad. I tend to obsess over the awkward five-minute portions of interviews and completely ignore the hour and fifty-five minutes that went fine...

I just read this. Don't assume anything in an interview - that they will 'just know'. Always outline everything in as precise detail as possible, even if you end up saying too much - better than saying too little.

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Don't forget that assessment includes what we initially see with our eyes and hear with our ears before we lay hands or a stethoscope on a patient. Plus, a HTT assessment isn't expected in a situation like you describe.

In this case, you patient was cyanotic and you wouldn't have known that without looking at him, and you definitely did the right thing in calling for help so she can't fault you for that.

I think you did well and your nerves are getting the better of you right now, so try to relax.

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