question in an interview that was hard

[karesssi, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hi everyone im a new grad and  recently had an interview that asked a question I was unprepared for and had no idea how to answer it. Can you give me some examples with how you would have answered it.

" name a time when you misinterpreted something." 

 

[amoLucia]

You're right  - that is a toughie question. I'm still thinking.

[Dani_Mila, BSN, RN]

Had a patient who was so hard with hearing. We always misinterpreted what she was trying to communicate. For example, she kept saying she cannot hear and that was admitting baseline so many people kinda brushed it off. I spoke with her and I finally found that she was talking about her remote control. She could not hear the TV because the volume was so low. In order to effectively communicate with her, we initiated cue/communication cards. And also, requested an hearing consult from the doctor because she needs hearing aids.

[amoLucia]

Dani - TY for taking the time & resulting to advocate for her.

[JKL33]

I wouldn't have an acceptable/professional answer either unless I sat here and thought about it or even made something up.

I'm sure my on-the-fly answer isn't great but it would probably be along the lines that I don't recall any major incidents related to misinterpretations  and that in general I'm comfortable asking for clarification if something isn't clear, rather than risking an assumption. With regard to misinterpreting people (as opposed to information), I just prefer to get to know them rather than making assumptions. 

They used the word misinterpret vs. misunderstand. So I think they are looking to see if people will disclose poor judgments (about others, etc.). Personally I wouldn't go down that road even if I had an example or even if I could talk about how I learned from it. Once things are said, they're out there and the interviewer has the opportunity to do their own misinterpretation!