How to answer this question

[Newyorker22]

I was reading a book for new graduate nursing students that offers some practice questions students might be asked on interviews. One of the questions was: What would you do if you were the RN for a PCT (or Nursing Assistant) who did not get a task done on time. How would you handle the situation?

How does my answer sound? I would say it depends on the task that needed to be completed, but mention the importance of patient safety to the PCT (such as if the PCT didn't clean the patient effectively or in a timely manner). Explain why it could have put patient safety at risk, such as the risk for loss of skin integrity if the patient was sitting in urine for a long period of time). Tell the PCT he/she can reach out to you for help if they are busy with another task. If the PCT still refuses to do the task, you can use the "two-challenge rule," meaning that you tell the PCT that you are "concerned" about the task not being done, that it makes you feel uncomfortable that the patient might be impacted by the task not being done (such as if the task was turning the patient every 2 hours), and that patient safety was at risk in the situation. If after that conversation the PCT still refuses to do the task, approach the nurse manger regarding your concern for the patient because of the uncompleted task and lack of team support between you and the PCT.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

You may first want to find out why the PCT didn't complete the task. Their answer will dictate how you handle the situation, and also allow you to problem solve and find solutions. I wouldn't immediately be concerned that they simply didn't want to do the task. If it were a new task, you could assist them in learning the task by helping them. If they were too busy, then your answer for that is appropriate. If they refused to do the task, find out why. Are they pregnant and didn't want to go in the room of someone receiving chemo? Do they believe that it's not their job. Has the patient sexually harassed them?

Just my 2 cents. Best of luck on your interviews!