What would you do scenarios in job interview...what were yours?

AI13 · Jun 24, 2011

I was asked a couple. One interview they started by asking me where I saw myself in 5 years (always a scary question) I didn't want to lock myself into the job I was applying for so I said I was really interested in the learning experience and elaborated on that. They also asked me what I would do if I was put in a position of supervision or management of LPNs and CNAs. I said I would handle it professionally, I wouldn't hold my power over anyone's head, communicate effectively while also offering my help anyone that needed it. In two interviews I was asked what I would do if I was got into a confrontation or disagreement with a coworker or if an LPN or CNA I was supervising was not doing their job effectively. I said I would again handle it professionally, see if I could work it out with the individual, find out if there was a reason behind it, and if I couldn't solve it myself I would go up the chain of command. I think they may have asked me one more, but I can't remember it at the moment. Just relax, do some research on the place you're applying to, and how their organization work and you'll do great!!!

Oh and I got job offers for both interviews :)

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jun 25, 2011

I just answer honestly. One I kinda made a joke after and thankfully they laughed. The interview was for a Peds unit but the questions were pretty hospital wide general questions. So the lady goes to ask the question and stops and says "Well I guess you wouldn't really see this on a peds unit but I suppose anything is possible"

So the question was about a person that post op surgery, had a unsteady gait because they were on heavy narcs. They wanted to go have a smoke and were refusing any alternatives. (IE a Patch). What would you do.

So I said I would strongly discourage the smoking by telling them how it can effect healing but that if they still insisted on leaving to smoke I would have to check policy. That I am not sure if they would have to sign out AMA or get an Order. That I know we can't keep people against their will if they are of sound mind to make decisions so I would just ask what the policy was on it.

Then when they acknowledged my answer I said "but if it was a peds patient I would put them in time out and tell them smoking is bad!" I laughed and said I was kidding and they laughed too.

I had a couple prioritizing questions. Like which patient would you see first but it was pretty black and white even not remembering what one of the things meant. (I think tidal volume, but I completely spaced what that even was outside of knowing it had to do with breathing. But the way the question was worded you still knew who you needed to see first.

I got the job.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jun 25, 2011

Behavioral/scenario questions really vary based on the interviewer and the institution. Surprisingly, mine weren't that bad. They were mostly about how I would deal with difficult, angry patients/doctors and CNA's who refuse to do something. Stuff like that.

Just be honest. And if you really don't know, you could always mention that you would ask another fellow nurse, the nurse educators on the unit or the charge nurse for help/input, or consult policies/procedures.

CrazyCatLadyRN, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2011

I got asked a scenario on chest pain management, customer service issues, and delegation/ working with PCA's.

NeoPediRN · Jul 4, 2011

I'm no longer a new grad but have been on many interviews. Most recently, I was asked:

1) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I responded that I saw myself as a certified emergency nurse, precepting new grads and nursing students, attending as many advanced courses as possible, and hopefully becoming competent enough to be a resource for less experienced staff. This is truly what I want to do. I never ever want to go into management.

2) Tell me about your relationships with the physicians you work with. What do you do if the physicians are tough to work with and get along with?

I was honest (hopefully not sounding overconfident) that I had to prove myself and my skills to them at first, but after initial period I've always had a great working relationship with physicians. I then said if a physician is set in their ways and difficult to work with then you have to advocate for your patient appropriately but just know that many nurses before you couldn't change the attitude and perceptions of this doctor, and chances are you won't either so you just have to put on your thick skin and accept them for who they are.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2011

I'm no longer a new grad but have been on many interviews. Most recently, I was asked:
1) Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I responded that I saw myself as a certified emergency nurse, precepting new grads and nursing students, attending as many advanced courses as possible, and hopefully becoming competent enough to be a resource for less experienced staff. This is truly what I want to do. I never ever want to go into management.

That's funny, I was asked this same question and that is exactly what I said. I also said I might be interested in being a Clinical Instructor while still doing bedside nursing. I have NO desire to get into management.