Tell me about a time when you had to advocate for a geriatric patient's rights or dignity. How did you approach the situation?

SENIOR LEVEL
Tell me about a time when you had to advocate for a geriatric patient's rights or dignity. How did you approach the situation?
Sample answer to the question:
In my previous role as a geriatric nurse, I encountered a situation where a patient's rights and dignity were compromised. The patient, Mrs. Johnson, was being treated at an assisted living facility, and I noticed that the staff was not consistently adhering to her individual care plan. This was leading to frustration and a decline in her overall well-being. To address the situation, I approached the facility's management and expressed my concerns. I provided them with specific examples of the discrepancies I had observed and emphasized the importance of maintaining Mrs. Johnson's rights and dignity. I proposed implementing regular staff training sessions to ensure that all employees were aware of the specific needs outlined in her care plan. The management agreed and scheduled training sessions for the staff. I also took the initiative to personally meet with the staff members involved in Mrs. Johnson's care to discuss the importance of providing consistent and respectful care. As a result of my advocacy, Mrs. Johnson's care improved, and her quality of life significantly increased.
Here is a more solid answer:
In my previous role as a geriatric nurse, I had the opportunity to advocate for a geriatric patient's rights and dignity. I was assigned to care for Mr. Smith, an elderly patient with dementia, at a long-term care facility. One day, I noticed that Mr. Smith was consistently left alone in his room for extended periods, which not only impacted his emotional well-being but also compromised his safety. I approached the facility's management and documented the instances where Mr. Smith's rights were being violated. I also highlighted the legal and ethical considerations specific to gerontological nursing that were being disregarded. I proposed the implementation of personalized care plans for each resident to ensure their rights and dignity were respected. I collaborated with the interdisciplinary team and created a comprehensive care plan for Mr. Smith that addressed his specific needs and preferences. I also organized a meeting with the facility's staff to educate them about the importance of preserving patients' rights and dignity. As a result of my efforts, the staff became more attentive to Mr. Smith's needs, and he experienced a significant improvement in his quality of life.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details about the situation and the candidate's approach. It mentions the candidate's collaboration with the interdisciplinary team and their efforts to educate the facility's staff. However, it can be improved by highlighting the candidate's interpersonal skills and compassion in advocating for the patient's rights and dignity.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my previous role as a geriatric nurse, I encountered a situation where a geriatric patient's rights and dignity were at stake. Mrs. Thompson, an 86-year-old resident at a nursing home, was repeatedly subjected to condescending behavior and neglect by a particular staff member. Upon learning about this, I immediately initiated a one-on-one conversation with Mrs. Thompson to gain a better understanding of her concerns and feelings. I actively listened to her, providing emotional support and assuring her that I would address the situation promptly. I maintained open and transparent communication with her throughout the entire process, ensuring she felt heard and validated. Subsequently, I reported the issue to the facility's administration and provided them with a detailed account of the incidents, along with witness statements from residents and staff who had observed the behavior. I emphasized the legal and ethical implications of such conduct, demanding immediate action to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences. In collaboration with the facility's management, I organized a mandatory training session on patient rights and dignity for all staff members to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of respectful care. Additionally, I facilitated open forums for residents and their families to voice any concerns or grievances. As a result of my advocacy, Mrs. Thompson received improved care from a different staff member, and the overall culture within the facility shifted towards a more compassionate and person-centered approach.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed account of the situation and showcases the candidate's exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. It highlights the candidate's empathy, active listening, and emotional support towards the patient. The candidate also takes comprehensive and strategic actions, including gathering evidence and organizing training sessions. This answer demonstrates the candidate's leadership skills and commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of geriatric patients at a systemic level.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Familiarize yourself with the legal and ethical considerations specific to gerontological nursing. Understand the rights and protections that should be afforded to geriatric patients.
  • Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. Practice active listening and empathy to connect with patients on a deeper level.
  • Be prepared to provide specific examples from your past experiences where you advocated for a geriatric patient's rights or dignity. Highlight the steps you took to address the situation and the outcomes achieved.
  • Consider the multidisciplinary nature of geriatric care and understand the importance of collaborating with other healthcare professionals to advocate for patients' rights and dignity.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Compassion and patience
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical considerations specific to gerontological nursing

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