Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a patient's rights or needs.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

During my time as a registered nurse, I had a patient who was being discharged against medical advice due to financial constraints. I knew it was important to advocate for their rights and ensure they received the care they needed. I contacted the hospital social worker to explore options for financial assistance and connected the patient with local resources for continued care. Additionally, I reached out to the patient's insurance company to discuss coverage options and appeal the denial of certain treatments. Through these efforts, we were able to secure financial assistance and ensure the patient received the necessary treatments. It was a rewarding experience to advocate for the patient's rights and see them receive the care they deserved.

Here is a more solid answer:

In my role as a registered nurse, I had the opportunity to advocate for a patient's rights and needs. I encountered a situation where a patient was scheduled for a procedure, but they expressed concerns about the anesthesia that would be used. I listened attentively to their concerns and reassured them that their voice mattered. I promptly informed the anesthesiologist about the patient's anxiety and facilitated a meeting where the patient could discuss their fears directly. I also contacted the patient's primary care physician to gather additional information about their medical history and discuss alternative options. By actively involving the patient in the decision-making process, we formulated an anesthesia plan that addressed their concerns and ensured their safety. This experience highlighted the importance of effective communication, empathy, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills in advocating for a patient's rights and needs.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more context and specific details about the situation. It emphasizes the candidate's role in actively advocating for the patient and highlights the importance of communication, empathy, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. However, it can still be improved by including more specific examples of how these skills were utilized.

An example of a exceptional answer:

Let me share with you a time when I went above and beyond to advocate for a patient's rights and needs. I had a patient who was scheduled for a surgical procedure, but they expressed concerns about the hospital's cleanliness and infection control measures. Understanding the importance of addressing their concerns, I immediately contacted the facility's infection prevention team to conduct a thorough assessment and implement necessary improvements. I facilitated a meeting between the patient, the infection prevention team, and the hospital administration to ensure open communication and collaboration. Additionally, I researched best practices and presented evidence-based recommendations to enhance infection control measures in the facility. As a result of these efforts, the patient felt heard and confident in the hospital's commitment to their safety. This experience reinforced the significance of strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to critically analyze and address patient concerns in a healthcare setting.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing a more complex situation and demonstrating the candidate's initiative, leadership, and research skills. It highlights the candidate's proactive approach to addressing patient concerns and the impact of their advocacy on the overall patient experience and satisfaction. The answer effectively connects the candidate's skills and attributes with the job description.

How to prepare for this question:

Reflect on past experiences where you had to advocate for a patient's rights or needs. Think about the specific situations, the actions you took, and the outcomes achieved.

Prepare to discuss the importance of communication and interpersonal skills in advocating for patients. Be ready to provide examples of how you have effectively communicated with patients, their families, and healthcare teams.

Consider the role of empathy in patient advocacy. Reflect on how you have demonstrated empathy in past interactions with patients and how it has positively influenced their experience.

Think about your problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in the context of patient advocacy. Prepare examples of how you have analyzed complex situations, identified solutions, and implemented effective interventions to address patients' rights or needs.

Familiarize yourself with healthcare laws and regulations related to patient rights and advocacy. Be prepared to discuss how you have followed these laws and upheld ethical standards in your nursing practice.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?