Tell us about a time when you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a colleague. How did you resolve it?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a colleague. How did you resolve it?
Sample answer to the question:
I once had a disagreement with a colleague regarding the treatment plan for a patient. We had differing opinions on the best course of action. To resolve the conflict, I scheduled a meeting with my colleague to discuss our perspectives and the reasoning behind our recommendations. I actively listened to their concerns and shared my own thoughts. We both realized that our main goal was the well-being of the patient, so we decided to collaborate and combine our ideas to create a more comprehensive treatment plan. We presented our revised plan to the rest of the healthcare team, and they agreed it was the best approach. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and teamwork in resolving conflicts.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my role as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the treatment plan for an elderly patient with multiple chronic conditions. My colleague believed that increasing medication dosage was necessary, while I proposed a more holistic approach involving lifestyle modifications and non-pharmacological interventions. To resolve the conflict, I suggested having a meeting to discuss our differing perspectives. During the meeting, I actively listened to my colleague's concerns and provided evidence-based research to support my proposed approach. We both realized that a combination of medication adjustments and lifestyle changes would be ideal for the patient's overall well-being. We collaborated on creating a detailed treatment plan that incorporated both of our recommendations. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and evidence-based practice in resolving conflicts and providing optimal patient care.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details about the conflict and demonstrates the candidate's problem-solving skills, collaboration, and communication abilities. It also incorporates the key skills mentioned in the job description. However, it could be further improved by including specific examples of the holistic approach and non-pharmacological interventions utilized in the treatment plan.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my time as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the management of a complex patient case involving an older adult with multiple comorbidities. My colleague believed that hospitalization was necessary, while I advocated for an outpatient management approach to prevent unnecessary hospitalization and maintain the patient's quality of life. To resolve the conflict, I initiated a multidisciplinary team meeting with other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, including physicians, pharmacists, and social workers. We discussed the patient's medical history, current condition, and prognosis. I presented research and evidence supporting the outpatient management approach, highlighting successful case studies and patient outcomes. I actively listened to my colleague's concerns and valued their expertise. Through collaboration and compromise, we developed a comprehensive care plan that focused on close monitoring, telehealth visits, home health services, and community resources. The patient's condition improved, and they were able to avoid hospitalization while maintaining an acceptable level of health and well-being. This experience enhanced my ability to navigate complex healthcare discussions, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and employ evidence-based practice to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive account of a conflict with a colleague, showcasing the candidate's advanced problem-solving skills, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. It demonstrates their ability to navigate complex healthcare discussions and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams. The answer aligns well with the skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job description. However, it could be further improved by including specific examples of the community resources utilized in the outpatient management approach.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past conflicts or disagreements with colleagues and identify key learnings from those experiences.
  • Consider specific examples of conflicts related to patient care or treatment plans in the adult-gerontology field.
  • Prepare to discuss your approach to conflict resolution, highlighting skills such as effective communication, active listening, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.
  • Familiarize yourself with research studies, evidence, and successful case studies that support your perspectives on patient care in the adult-gerontology field.
  • Think about how you would navigate complex healthcare discussions and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Problem-solving

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