Tell me about a stressful situation you encountered as a Geriatric Case Manager and how you handled it.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell me about a stressful situation you encountered as a Geriatric Case Manager and how you handled it.
Sample answer to the question:
As a Geriatric Case Manager, I encountered a stressful situation when one of my clients had a sudden decline in health and needed immediate hospitalization. It was a challenging situation because I had to communicate and coordinate with multiple healthcare professionals to ensure the client received the appropriate care. I handled the situation by quickly assessing the client's needs, contacting the hospital, and providing them with all the necessary information. I also maintained close communication with the client's family to keep them updated and provide emotional support. Despite the stress, I remained calm and focused on the client's well-being.
Here is a more solid answer:
As a Geriatric Case Manager, I encountered a highly stressful situation when one of my clients, Mrs. Smith, experienced a sudden decline in health and needed immediate hospitalization. This situation required me to act swiftly and efficiently in order to ensure the best possible outcome for Mrs. Smith. Firstly, I contacted the hospital to inform them of Mrs. Smith's condition and provide them with all the necessary information. I also coordinated with the primary care physician to obtain medical records and ensure continuity of care. Additionally, I communicated with Mrs. Smith's family to keep them updated on her condition and provide emotional support. Throughout this highly stressful situation, I remained calm and focused on the well-being of Mrs. Smith, leveraging my excellent organizational skills to manage the various tasks involved. Ultimately, Mrs. Smith received the necessary care and support she needed, and her condition improved after hospitalization.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing specific details and examples of how the stressful situation was handled. It highlights the importance of acting swiftly and efficiently, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and effectively communicating with the client's family. It also emphasizes the candidate's organizational skills and ability to remain calm in stressful situations. However, the answer could be further improved by including the use of case management software and discussing the impact of the situation on the client's quality of life.
An example of a exceptional answer:
As a Geriatric Case Manager, I encountered a highly stressful situation when one of my long-term clients, Mrs. Smith, experienced a sudden decline in health and required immediate hospitalization. Mrs. Smith had been living independently with mild cognitive impairment, and her decline was a shock to both her and her family. In this situation, I immediately contacted the hospital and provided them with a comprehensive report on Mrs. Smith's medical history, medications, and current symptoms. I also worked closely with the hospital staff to communicate Mrs. Smith's preferences and ensure that her care was aligned with her individualized care plan. Concurrently, I maintained close contact with Mrs. Smith's family, providing them with regular updates and offering emotional support during this difficult time. In addition, I utilized our case management software to update Mrs. Smith's records and ensure seamless coordination among her primary care physician, specialists, and other healthcare providers. Despite the high stress and emotional toll, I remained dedicated to Mrs. Smith's well-being, visiting her in the hospital and advocating for her needs. Thankfully, Mrs. Smith's condition improved over time, and she was able to return home with additional support services that further enhanced her quality of life.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a detailed and comprehensive response to the question. It includes specific details about the client's background, the actions taken to handle the situation, and the impact on the client's well-being. The answer demonstrates strong communication and organizational skills, as well as empathy and dedication to the client's needs. It also shows the use of case management software to streamline processes and ensure effective coordination of care. The exceptional answer covers all the evaluation areas and aligns well with the job description.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past stressful situations you have encountered in your role as a Geriatric Case Manager and how you handled them.
  • Highlight your communication and interpersonal skills in your answer, as they are vital in this role.
  • Emphasize your ability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations.
  • Discuss your organizational and time management skills, as they are crucial for effective case management.
  • Consider mentioning your proficiency in record-keeping and case management software.
  • Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your ability to coordinate and facilitate access to services for aging adults.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Ability to handle stress
  • Organizational skills

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions