I just completed a phone interview for an RN new graduate program at a major hospital that included 4 scenario questions. Would anyone have some insights on what should be done if presented with the following:
1.) Pt is 6 hrs post-op and back on med/surg floor. Pain is 4 on a 10 scale after receiving all PRN meds. The spouse at bedside is very agitated concerning the pt's pain. (NOTE: I started by asking what the pain was immediately after surgery or at any time prior and the interviewer said I was making it more complicated than it was.)
2.) Pt is a 59 y/o female w/pneumonia. Pt becomes confused. Husband insists they see a doctor right now. (NOTE: I started my answer by assuming the confusion was d/t hypoxia r/t inadequate ventilation.)
3.) You are at a “pod” with 12 patients. There are 3 RNs and 1 NA. You have 3 pts assigned to you: one that is vomiting, one is requesting to ambulate, and one whose family is requesting that the bed be changed. (NOTE: I was puzzled as to the significance of having 3 RNs. It would seem that they are busy with their own pt’s and that this would not affect how I handle my 3 pts.)
4.) The doctor gave an order to DC the oxygen on a pt, which you did. Three hours later the pulse-ox is 87-89%. (NOTE: At this point, does it matter what the doctor’s order was?)
I stumbled through some answers on all of them but in looking back I wish I was more creative, thorough, and organized. What do you think the interviewer was looking for with each of these questions? What points should I have made sure to hit? Any responses, however brief or elaborate, on all or some of these scenarios would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!:)
Featured Replies
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later.
If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
I just completed a phone interview for an RN new graduate program at a major hospital that included 4 scenario questions. Would anyone have some insights on what should be done if presented with the following:
1.) Pt is 6 hrs post-op and back on med/surg floor. Pain is 4 on a 10 scale after receiving all PRN meds. The spouse at bedside is very agitated concerning the pt's pain. (NOTE: I started by asking what the pain was immediately after surgery or at any time prior and the interviewer said I was making it more complicated than it was.)
2.) Pt is a 59 y/o female w/pneumonia. Pt becomes confused. Husband insists they see a doctor right now. (NOTE: I started my answer by assuming the confusion was d/t hypoxia r/t inadequate ventilation.)
3.) You are at a “pod” with 12 patients. There are 3 RNs and 1 NA. You have 3 pts assigned to you: one that is vomiting, one is requesting to ambulate, and one whose family is requesting that the bed be changed. (NOTE: I was puzzled as to the significance of having 3 RNs. It would seem that they are busy with their own pt’s and that this would not affect how I handle my 3 pts.)
4.) The doctor gave an order to DC the oxygen on a pt, which you did. Three hours later the pulse-ox is 87-89%. (NOTE: At this point, does it matter what the doctor’s order was?)
I stumbled through some answers on all of them but in looking back I wish I was more creative, thorough, and organized. What do you think the interviewer was looking for with each of these questions? What points should I have made sure to hit? Any responses, however brief or elaborate, on all or some of these scenarios would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!:)