Interview Question Help

[boo_ah_peek]

Hello! I have had this interview question a few times, and I wanted to know your take on it since we don't really get feedback on how the question was answered after an interview.

"A 60 year old man was just told that he was diagnosed with leukemia. He has asked that you sit with him. However, today is a busy day and you are backed up. What do you do?"

I said that I would happily sit with him if I had the time, but it also depended on what was going on. I said that I would have to prioritize my tasks such as if I had to check on a patient that was getting a blood transfusion or if another patient wasn't doing well. I also said that if that were the case, I could see if I could find someone else to sit with him until I can spare some time to sit and talk with him. I also offered to see if I could call any family or a social worker.

I honestly had no idea how to answer this question and still don't. Any feedback on what y'all would do in this situation would be great. Thank you!

[spotangel, DNP, RN, NP]

Hi! I would pull up a chair and sit. I would ask him how he felt and how I could help him. I would ask him what or who is his source of strength that can help him at this time. I would ask him if he needs any information about Leukemia, treatments,support groups and local resources. Based on his answers, I will alert my manager,social worker, chaplain to follow up. I will thank him for sharing time and tell him that I will be back later on the shift when things settle down.It should not take more than 5-10 minutes to do this. I will followup with him later in the shift.This is what I would do in real life and how I would answer the question.

[boo_ah_peek]

Thank you so much! This is a great answer!