How to answer these types of interview questions?

Meeshie · Sep 13, 2016

I think that's part of the point of the question - putting you on the spot. Just answer it like you were still in school. They're not expecting you to know everything. You are, after all, a nurse new enough to still have the new car smell, so to speak. If you're getting nervous, you should practice with someone. Contact your school and see if they'll put together some mock interviews with you so you can practice.

EP10 · Sep 13, 2016

How would you personally answer this question? Do they really want me to start reciting a full head to toe assessment?

Also, I feel like I'm not really experienced enough to notice patterns or the 'why' of things. For example during that question my mind immediately went to making sure the pt wasn't vomiting on her back and if she was, making sure she's turned to her side. But these questions of 'why is she vomiting' really trip me up.

Meeshie · Sep 13, 2016

Yes, they really want you to start reciting a head to toe assessment. They want to know what you'd look for. There's no guarantee you'd know why she was vomiting. First - what is she vomiting? Is it bile? Blood? Feces? A combination? What is the patient's LOC now? Has the patient had bowel sounds yet postop? You can ask questions while you're doing this. After all, if it was your patient you'd know that one. You'd know if there was an NG tube and if the patient was supposed to be on suction still and if there was a problem with that setup, for example. Etc..etc..

So your answer would start out something like: "When first entering the room I'd see if the patient was still conscious and responsive. I would make sure the patient was provided with an emesis basin. I would attempt to assess what, precisely, the patient was vomiting be it blood, bile, feces, or some combination of those. I would ensure a clear airway. A quick question, if I may? Was the patient still supposed to be on NG tube with intermittent suction? (and you get your answer and go on from there). I would be sure to check the wound and make sure that the force of the vomiting did not cause a separation of the surgical wound. I would check vitals." etc..etc..

Keeping in mind I'm half asleep here, that's probably how I'd start if I'd been given that question.

Career Columnist / Author · Sep 13, 2016

Can I say that is a pretty rough version of a clinical interview question, meaning the "head to toe assessment" part. And your thinking is very good.

Typically clinical interview questions are designed to see if you are safe. They know that you are new and don't expect you to perform like an experienced nurse. How do respond to demonstrate that you are safe?

1. You stay with the patient

2. Do an assessment- vital signs (like OP above says)

3. Call for help (you're a team player and know your limitations)

4. Notify provider

Bonus points would include anticipating interventions (I would consider/anticipate labs, oxygen, etc.)

Good luck!

Meeshie · Sep 13, 2016

I had a few doozies when I was interviewing. I also had some really interesting clinical questions. I was given a list of patients and asked what order I would see them in and why. I was asked what I would assess on those patients and I was asked about basic interventions (what orders I would expect, what I would recommend). I was asked about pre-op checklists and what needs to be done to ready a patient for surgery. I was asked to diagram the blood flow of the heart in one memorable interview and about cath lab teachings and EKG changes and what they meant.

EP10 · Sep 13, 2016

Thank you for such comprehensive answers. Definitely lets me see what routes to take with these types of questions!

georgya3, RN · Sep 14, 2016

Can I say that is a pretty rough version of a clinical interview question, meaning the "head to toe assessment" part. And your thinking is very good.
Typically clinical interview questions are designed to see if you are safe. They know that you are new and don't expect you to perform like an experienced nurse. How do respond to demonstrate that you are safe?
1. You stay with the patient
2. Do an assessment- vital signs (like OP above says)
3. Call for help (you're a team player and know your limitations)
4. Notify provider
Bonus points would include anticipating interventions (I would consider/anticipate labs, oxygen, etc.)
Good luck!

I would look for Anti emetics PRN (gravol, zofran, maxeran) because she probably has something in her file!

Qing · Sep 14, 2016

Those questions I do not mind, but the ones that really trip me up are where do you see yourself in five years? How am I supposed to know that but still I need an answer and I am aware you have to tell them that being in the same hospital being certified or continuing education with them plus knowledge growth etc. The question you mentioned is a clinical question. They just want to see what you are thinking and going to do and will go from there. You can just do what you have at the moment which is stay with the patient, assess them call for help from team and notify physician or provider. What color is the vomit ... are there chunks... etc Before they started vomiting what is their history? How were the last set of vitals? Any fever? Did they have a procedure done and are they going from NPO to transition to regular diet? Have they had a bowel movement and when? Are there any obvious trauma or bruising to areas that would be related to them vomiting? Can the patient still breathe or they losing consciousness? Were they given any medication to clear bowels if they were going to surgery? Any allergies?

EP10 · Sep 14, 2016

Those questions I do not mind, but the ones that really trip me up are where do you see yourself in five years? How am I supposed to know that but still I need an answer and I am aware you have to tell them that being in the same hospital being certified or continuing education with them plus knowledge growth etc. The question you mentioned is a clinical question. They just want to see what you are thinking and going to do and will go from there. You can just do what you have at the moment which is stay with the patient, assess them call for help from team and notify physician or provider. What color is the vomit ... are there chunks... etc Before they started vomiting what is their history? How were the last set of vitals? Any fever? Did they have a procedure done and are they going from NPO to transition to regular diet? Have they had a bowel movement and when? Are there any obvious trauma or bruising to areas that would be related to them vomiting? Can the patient still breathe or they losing consciousness? Were they given any medication to clear bowels if they were going to surgery? Any allergies?

These are all really great questions to ask in response to that clinical question. That particular nurse manager who asked me this question wanted me to go in the direction of bowel movements. She asked that question with the answer being the patient is vomiting due to constipation related to recent surgery. Of course that makes sense but I also think there are SO many different directions you can go when a pt is vomiting, could be tons of reasons. I'm really not that good with these types of open ended clinical questions, I don't know if it's due to lack of experience or just not knowing what I'm supposed to know?

Anyway, these are probably the toughest interview questions in my opinion.

The where do you see yourself in 5 years is another doozie. I also don't know what to say, I eventually want to become a CRNA but is this appropriate to tell the nurse manager of the med-surg unit I'm interviewing for? What is it exactly they want to hear that will give me brownie points with them?

Any suggestions?