I was in an interview the other day and was asked about a mistake I have made. I was kinda at a loss for words and sat there for a moment thinking of what I could say without taking too much time/silence to answer...and I thought about a time when I had made a wrong time medication error.
I told them about a pt who had a Lipitor ordered for 1800 and I gave it at 0800. I went on to say that my unit manager was notified, doctor was notified as well being given a one time order for that med, that the patient also ended up being fine, and how I had to fill out all of the proper paperwork for the incident.
I also went on to say what I learned from the experience and things that I put in place to ensure that it didn't happen again. But when I was driving home, I had that "why didn't I" moment and started thinking about other things I could have said that may have been a better response.
Thank you PchezRN for posting this question. Does anyone else have a good way to answer this question. I personally have a lot of anxiety in making mistakes and am going to do everything I can to not make a life threatening mistake. I have also been told that it's not a matter of if but when.
Thank you! It feels great to hear that. I knew they didn't want to hear you have never made a mistake before because...well...let's be honest, the nurse who says he/she has never made a mistake before, is a dangerous nurse in my book. I was just curious to see if anyone thought that admitting a med error was the wrong kind of error to say. It was my second interview for a hospital i've always wanted to work for! It was also a peer interview that was very formal, and they asked about 30 written structured behavioral situational questions the hospital wanted them to ask, which really threw me off gaurd. I was expecting it to be more informal and the nurses asking me questions that they wanted to know about the candidates. I guess I sit and wait for either a call back with a job offer or a denial letter in the mail. I am going to remain optimistic about it though. I feel it's the best way to be at this point
oh that was a horrible question.......a good one on the interviewers account though. Its like when they ask you about your negative qualities.......well done on coping though!!
Sorry, I don't have any advice for you, but I'd also like to ask if anyone knows WHAT an employer is looking for, exactly, when this question is asked. Especially when interviewing new grads who may not have had any opportunity to make a mistake yet. ?
That's what I was kind of thinking. Why are they asking that question. to see if you admit to one or not? They would probably,think
You're lying if you say you,haven't made a mistake.
I was expecting it to be more informal and the nurses asking me questions that they wanted to know about the candidates. I guess I sit and wait for either a call back with a job offer or a denial letter in the mail. I am going to remain optimistic about it though. I feel it's the best way to be at this point 
KCRustin
23 Posts
Thank you PchezRN for posting this question. Does anyone else have a good way to answer this question. I personally have a lot of anxiety in making mistakes and am going to do everything I can to not make a life threatening mistake. I have also been told that it's not a matter of if but when.