Tell us about a time you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a member of your healthcare team.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell us about a time you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a member of your healthcare team.
Sample answer to the question:
I once had a conflict with a team member regarding the care plan for a pediatric patient. We disagreed on the best course of action for the child's treatment. To handle the conflict, I initiated a meeting with the team member and expressed my concerns and perspective. We both shared our viewpoints and actively listened to each other's reasoning. Through open communication and respectful dialogue, we were able to find common ground and develop a compromise that incorporated both of our perspectives. Ultimately, this experience taught me the importance of effective communication and collaboration within a healthcare team.
Here is a more solid answer:
During my time as a Pediatric Nurse, I encountered a disagreement with a fellow team member regarding the treatment plan for a pediatric patient with a chronic condition. We had differing opinions on the best approach to manage the child's symptoms and provide optimal care. Recognizing the importance of addressing the conflict promptly, I scheduled a meeting with the team member to discuss our perspectives. I actively listened to their concerns and shared my own insights, ensuring a respectful and open dialogue. Together, we brainstormed potential solutions and considered the available evidence-based practices. Through effective communication and collaboration, we arrived at a consensus that integrated aspects of both approaches, ultimately benefiting the patient's well-being. This experience highlighted the significance of maintaining a team-oriented mindset and prioritizing the best interests of our patients.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details about the conflict situation and emphasizes the candidate's ability to schedule a meeting, actively listen, and arrive at a consensus. It also highlights the importance of evidence-based practices and prioritizing patient well-being. However, it could further showcase the candidate's problem-solving skills and provide more depth in demonstrating their teamwork abilities.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my role as a Pediatric Nurse, I encountered a conflict within my healthcare team regarding the appropriate treatment options for a critically ill pediatric patient. The disagreement stemmed from differences in the interpretation of the patient's diagnostic results and the subsequent course of action. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I took the initiative to convene a multidisciplinary team meeting to address the conflict and explore potential solutions. During the meeting, I facilitated open and respectful communication among team members, encouraging everyone to express their opinions and provide supporting evidence for their recommendations. As a facilitator, I ensured that all perspectives were heard and considered, fostering a collaborative environment. Leveraging my critical thinking skills and knowledge of pediatric care, I synthesized the information presented and proposed a comprehensive treatment plan that incorporated the most beneficial aspects from each viewpoint. The team members recognized the merit of the approach and collectively agreed to implement the plan. This conflict resolution experience reinforced the significance of effective teamwork, active listening, and evidence-based decision-making in improving patient outcomes.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of a conflict situation, showcasing the candidate's ability to convene a meeting, facilitate open communication, and utilize critical thinking skills. It highlights their expertise in pediatric care and their capacity to propose a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making and its impact on patient outcomes. This answer demonstrates the candidate's exceptional skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you had conflicts or disagreements with team members in a healthcare setting.
  • Identify the key factors that led to the conflict and consider how you resolved or managed the situation.
  • Highlight the importance of effective communication, active listening, and respectful dialogue in conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrate your ability to consider multiple perspectives and collaborate with others to find a mutually beneficial solution.
  • Emphasize the significance of evidence-based practices and critical thinking in making informed decisions for patient care.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving

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