Tell me about a situation where you had to handle a difficult staff member. How did you approach it?

I had a situation where one of my staff members was consistently coming in late and not completing tasks on time. I approached the situation by first having a one-on-one conversation with the staff member to understand the reasons behind their behavior. I discovered that they were going through some personal issues that were affecting their performance. I expressed empathy and offered support, but also made it clear that their behavior was impacting the team and patient care. Together, we developed a plan to address their personal issues and improve their performance. I provided additional training and mentorship to help them get back on track. Ultimately, the staff member was able to improve their punctuality and task completion, and their personal issues were resolved. This approach helped to maintain a positive work environment and ensure that patient care was not compromised.

In a previous role as a Nurse Manager, I encountered a challenging situation with one of my staff members who was consistently coming in late and not completing tasks on time. Recognizing the impact this had on the team and patient care, I approached the staff member with empathy and understanding. I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to discuss their behavior and discovered that they were going through personal issues that were affecting their performance. I listened attentively and expressed compassion, assuring them that their well-being was important to me. Together, we developed a plan to address their personal issues while also improving their punctuality and task completion. I provided additional training and mentorship, assigning a more experienced nurse to support and guide them. Through open communication and ongoing feedback, we worked together to overcome the challenges. The staff member ultimately regained their motivation and improved their performance, which positively impacted the team dynamic and patient care.

The solid answer provides a more detailed account of the situation and the candidate's approach to handling the difficult staff member. It demonstrates their leadership and team management skills by addressing the issue directly and working collaboratively to find a solution. It also showcases their effective communication and interpersonal skills through the empathetic approach taken and the ongoing support provided to the staff member. The answer could be further improved by providing specific examples of the additional training and mentorship provided, as well as the outcome of the staff member's improvement.

As a seasoned Nurse Manager, I have consistently encountered various challenges with staff members throughout my career. In one particular instance, I faced a difficult situation with a staff member who consistently exhibited a negative attitude and clashed with other team members. Recognizing the impact this had on morale and patient care, I took a proactive and comprehensive approach to address the issue. I scheduled a private meeting with the staff member, allowing them to openly express their concerns and frustrations. I actively listened and validated their feelings, creating a safe space for open dialogue. From this discussion, I gained valuable insights into their perspective and identified underlying causes of their behavior. I provided them with resources for essential communication skills training and offered mentorship to develop their teamwork and conflict resolution abilities. Additionally, I encouraged self-reflection and provided opportunities for personal growth, such as attending leadership workshops and joining committees. Through ongoing support and guidance, the staff member experienced a transformative journey, ultimately developing into a more positive and collaborative team member. This not only improved the overall team dynamic but also enhanced patient care and satisfaction within the unit.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in providing a comprehensive and detailed account of the situation and the candidate's approach to handling the difficult staff member. It showcases their exceptional leadership and team management skills by actively addressing the negative attitude and conflict within the team. The candidate demonstrates their effective communication and interpersonal skills by creating a safe space for open dialogue and actively listening to the staff member's concerns. The answer also highlights their commitment to the personal and professional development of the staff member through the provision of resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth. Overall, the exceptional answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to successfully handle difficult staff members while improving the team dynamic and patient care.