Interview help, please

[enfermeraRNinWI]

I rencently had a job interview and I think I screwed up with my answer to the question: How do you deal with conflict? I said I was very laid back and that my initial response was to keep my mouth shut unless patient care or safety is compromised. The truth is that I am not very assertive, so I need ideas on how to deal with his question. I have another phone screening interview tomorrow and i don't want to screw up again. I need a job real bad!

Thanks!!

[27400]

Give a specific example of a time you have dealt with conflict.

Conflict should be resolved in an appropriate manner. Google "conflict resolution" and think of a time when you have used these strategies to resolve a conflict.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I rencently had a job interview and I think I screwed up with my answer to the question: How do you deal with conflict?

"I said I was very laid back and that my initial response was to keep my mouth shut unless patient care or safety is compromised..."

...in which case you then do what?

sometimes things blow over by itself, sometimes not. Be prepared to say what you would do (or have done) if those conditions occur. You may want to also think about how to deal with conflict that affects unit functioning.

And think about a better choice of words than "keep my mouth shut"

Good Luck

[Rodoon, BSN, MSN, RN]

I had a Soprano moment with your 'keep my mouth shut' answer. :redpinkhe Actually, calling yourself laid back is a positive because most people believe that kind handle stress without going off the handle. It's the latter part that needs work. I'd focus on explaining how you avoid escalating a tense situation ie, don't respond in anger, respond by using unit guidelines and policies etc. BTW, conflict resolution won't work if emotions are in overdrive so being calm, cool and collected is the best first step in calming another person down.