Give an example of a time when you collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Give an example of a time when you collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient.
Sample answer to the question:
During my time as a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient. The patient was an 85-year-old woman who had recently suffered a stroke and was also diagnosed with diabetes. The team consisted of a physician, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, and a social worker. We all came together to discuss the patient's specific needs and goals, considering her medical conditions, mobility issues, and emotional well-being. We conducted thorough assessments, reviewed medical records, and consulted with the patient and her family. Based on our findings, we created a comprehensive care plan that included physical therapy exercises to improve her strength and mobility, speech therapy sessions to regain her communication skills, medication management for her diabetes, and emotional support to help her cope with the changes caused by the stroke. We met regularly to evaluate the patient's progress and made necessary adjustments to the care plan as needed.
Here is a more solid answer:
As a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient. The patient was an 85-year-old woman who had recently suffered a stroke and was also diagnosed with diabetes. The team consisted of a physician, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, and a social worker. We held regular meetings to discuss the patient's condition, review her medical records, and gather input from each team member. Effective communication and interpersonal skills were essential in ensuring that everyone's expertise and perspectives were heard and integrated into the care plan. We carefully considered the patient's medical conditions, mobility issues, and emotional well-being to develop a comprehensive plan. For example, we collaborated with the physical therapist to design an exercise routine tailored to the patient's needs and abilities, focusing on improving her strength and mobility. Additionally, the speech therapist provided guidance on communication strategies and exercises to help the patient regain her speech. We also worked with the social worker to offer emotional support to the patient and her family, ensuring they were coping well with the challenges brought about by the stroke. Throughout the process, I actively participated in discussions, shared my insights, and advocated for the patient's best interests. Together, we monitored the patient's progress, made adjustments to the care plan as needed, and evaluated the effectiveness of each intervention.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides specific details of the candidate's collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in developing an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient. It addresses all the evaluation areas and job description requirements, demonstrating effective communication and interpersonal skills, collaboration and teamwork, ability to handle physically demanding tasks, and problem-solving skills. However, it can still be improved by providing more examples of problem-solving and highlighting the candidate's contributions to the team.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my time as a Junior Geriatric Nurse, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for an 85-year-old geriatric patient who had experienced a stroke and was also diagnosed with diabetes. The team consisted of a physician, a physical therapist, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a registered dietitian, and a social worker. In order to develop an effective care plan, we established open lines of communication and identified the patient's specific goals and challenges. Effective communication and interpersonal skills were crucial in facilitating discussions and ensuring that everyone's expertise was incorporated into the plan. We conducted comprehensive assessments, reviewed medical records, and consulted with the patient and her family to gather all relevant information. Collaboratively, we identified the patient's mobility limitations and crafted a physical therapy plan to address her specific needs and improve her functional independence. To manage her diabetes, the registered dietitian provided education on proper dietary choices and developed a personalized meal plan. Additionally, the speech therapist worked with the patient on regaining her communication skills, while the occupational therapist helped her to regain her ability to perform activities of daily living. Throughout the process, I actively contributed to team meetings, providing valuable insights and advocating for the patient's needs. I also consistently updated the team on the patient's progress, ensuring that any necessary adjustments were made to the care plan. By collaborating with this multidisciplinary team, we were able to develop and implement an individualized care plan that addressed the patient's physical, emotional, and nutritional needs, resulting in improved overall well-being.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the candidate's collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to develop an individualized care plan for a geriatric patient. It demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills, collaboration and teamwork, ability to handle physically demanding tasks, and problem-solving skills. The answer also includes additional team members, such as an occupational therapist and registered dietitian, which shows a broader scope of collaboration. The candidate actively contributes to the team and highlights the impact of the care plan on the patient's well-being. The answer could still be improved by providing more examples of problem-solving and highlighting specific contributions made by the candidate.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with the role and responsibilities of a Geriatric Nurse.
  • Research common medical conditions and challenges faced by geriatric patients.
  • Review your experiences collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in developing care plans.
  • Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your effective communication skills, teamwork abilities, and problem-solving skills.
  • Reflect on your experiences with physically demanding tasks and how you managed them.
  • Consider the impact of individualized care plans on the overall well-being of geriatric patients.
  • Practice answering the question clearly and concisely, focusing on providing specific details about your collaboration with the team.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Ability to handle physically demanding tasks
  • Problem-solving 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