Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a policy or procedural change in a geriatric department.

In my previous role as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in a geriatric department, I had the opportunity to advocate for a policy change that greatly improved patient care. The policy in question was related to medication administration. Previously, nurses were responsible for administering medications to patients without input from the patients themselves. I believed that this approach did not empower the elderly patients to actively participate in their own care, which is important for their overall well-being. To advocate for change, I gathered evidence from research studies and presented it to the department leadership. I also organized a meeting with the nursing staff to discuss the benefits of involving patients in medication administration. Ultimately, my efforts resulted in a new policy that allowed patients to self-administer their medications under supervision. This change not only improved patient autonomy but also increased medication adherence and overall patient satisfaction.

During my time as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in a geriatric department, I encountered a situation where the existing policy for geriatric patient evaluations was not aligned with best practices. The policy stated that evaluations should be conducted once every six months, regardless of the complexity of the patient's condition. However, I strongly believed that more frequent evaluations were necessary for patients with complex needs. To advocate for a policy change, I conducted a comprehensive literature review on the importance of regular evaluations for geriatric patients with complex conditions. I compiled the research findings and presented them to the department's leadership, highlighting the potential benefits of more frequent evaluations. Additionally, I collaborated with other team members, including physicians and social workers, to gather their support and feedback. As a result of our collective efforts, the policy was revised to include more frequent evaluations for patients with complex needs. This change not only improved patient outcomes but also enhanced the quality of care provided by the department.

The solid answer provides a more detailed example of the candidate advocating for a policy change in a geriatric department. It includes specific actions taken, such as conducting a literature review and collaborating with other team members. It also addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description. However, the answer could still be improved by providing more specific details about the impact of the policy change and how it aligned with the candidate's skills and qualifications.

In my role as a Gerontological Nurse Practitioner in a geriatric department, I identified an opportunity to advocate for a procedural change that would streamline the process of geriatric patient assessments. The existing process involved multiple healthcare professionals conducting separate assessments, resulting in duplicated efforts and delayed care. To address this issue, I proposed a multidisciplinary team approach, where all assessments would be conducted collaboratively in a single session. To advocate for this change, I first conducted a needs assessment by gathering feedback from the healthcare team and the geriatric patients themselves. I then developed a detailed proposal outlining the benefits of a collaborative assessment approach, such as improved efficiency, reduced patient wait times, and enhanced coordination of care. Next, I presented the proposal to the department leadership and obtained their buy-in. To implement the change, I worked closely with the team to develop standardized assessment protocols and establish clear communication channels. The new approach was successfully implemented, resulting in significant improvements in the timeliness and quality of geriatric patient assessments. This change not only increased the efficiency of the department but also enhanced patient satisfaction and outcomes.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in providing a comprehensive example of the candidate advocating for a procedural change in a geriatric department. It includes specific details about the existing process, the proposed change, the steps taken to advocate for the change, and the positive outcomes achieved. It also demonstrates the candidate's ability to think critically, gather feedback, and collaborate with different stakeholders. Additionally, the answer aligns well with the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description.