Tell us about a time when you had to address a conflict or disagreement within a multidisciplinary team while caring for a geriatric patient.

In my previous role as a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I was part of a multidisciplinary team caring for a geriatric patient who had conflicting treatment recommendations from different specialists. To address the conflict, I scheduled a meeting with all team members involved, including the patient and their family. We discussed the differing opinions and concerns openly, allowing each person to express their points of view. I facilitated a productive discussion to find common ground and develop a unified care plan. We considered the patient's overall health, goals, and preferences, and reached a consensus that incorporated aspects of each specialist's recommendations. Through effective communication and collaboration, we were able to resolve the conflict and provide the best care for the patient.

In my previous role as a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I encountered a conflict within a multidisciplinary team while caring for a geriatric patient who required a complex treatment plan. One specialist recommended a surgical intervention, while another preferred a conservative approach. This led to disagreements and tension among the team members. To address the conflict, I took the initiative to schedule a team meeting where all stakeholders could openly express their concerns and recommendations. During the meeting, I facilitated a respectful and inclusive discussion, ensuring that everyone had equal opportunity to contribute. I actively listened to each person's perspective and validated their concerns. Through effective communication and active problem-solving, we were able to find common ground and develop a compromise that incorporated aspects of both treatment options. The team agreed to closely monitor the patient's condition, evaluate the effectiveness of the conservative approach, and reassess the need for surgery if necessary. This solution not only resolved the conflict but also ensured that the patient's best interests were prioritized. The experience taught me the importance of open communication, adaptability, and collaborative problem-solving in multidisciplinary healthcare settings.

The solid answer provides specific details about the conflict, the candidate's actions, and the outcomes of the conflict resolution. It demonstrates the candidate's effective communication and interpersonal skills by describing how they facilitated a respectful and inclusive discussion. It also showcases their adaptability and problem-solving skills by explaining how they found a compromise that considered both treatment options. However, the answer can be further improved by including specific examples of how the candidate demonstrated the evaluation areas.

During my time as a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I encountered a conflict within a multidisciplinary team while caring for a geriatric patient with multiple chronic conditions. The patient's primary care physician recommended a medication regimen that conflicted with the recommendations of the geriatric specialist. The primary care physician believed in aggressive management of symptoms, while the geriatric specialist emphasized a holistic approach focusing on quality of life. Recognizing the need to address this conflict, I initiated a comprehensive meeting involving the primary care physician, the geriatric specialist, the patient, and their family. I carefully facilitated the discussion, ensuring that everyone had a chance to express their concerns and perspectives. I actively listened to each viewpoint and asked clarifying questions to ensure a thorough understanding. To find a resolution, I suggested conducting a thorough evaluation of the patient's overall health status, including their goals and values. I worked alongside both physicians to develop a care plan that incorporated aspects of each approach, prioritizing the patient's comfort, symptom management, and quality of life. This involved tailoring the medication regimen to consider potential side effects while still addressing the patient's symptoms. The compromise allowed the patient to have an active role in their care decisions and ensured that their individual needs were met. The conflict resolution resulted in improved collaboration and increased trust among the healthcare team members, ultimately benefiting the patient's well-being.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed and realistic scenario of conflict within a multidisciplinary team and how the candidate successfully resolved it. It includes specific details about the conflicting treatment recommendations, the candidate's facilitation of the discussion, and the development of a tailored care plan. The answer also highlights the candidate's ability to prioritize the patient's needs and values while maintaining open communication and collaboration with the healthcare team. It demonstrates exceptional problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills. The answer could be even stronger by including specific examples of the candidate's compassion and patience, as well as their ability to effectively manage physically demanding tasks in the context of the conflict resolution.