Medical-Surgical Nurse Interview Questions

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult or non-compliant patient and how you handled it.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

I remember dealing with a difficult patient during my time working in a medical-surgical unit. The patient was non-compliant with their medication regimen and would refuse to take their prescribed medications. To handle this situation, I first took the time to understand the patient's concerns and reasons for non-compliance. I then made a conscious effort to build trust and rapport with the patient by actively listening to their concerns and providing education about the importance of the medications. Additionally, I involved the patient's family in discussions and encouraged their support in medication adherence. By taking a patient-centered approach and addressing the underlying issues, I was able to improve the patient's compliance and overall health.

Here is a more solid answer:

During my time as a medical-surgical nurse, I encountered a non-compliant patient who consistently refused to follow their prescribed medication regimen. This posed a challenge as it was critical for the patient's recovery and management of their condition. To address this situation, I took a holistic approach by first identifying the underlying reasons for the non-compliance. I discovered that the patient had concerns about the potential side effects and financial burden of the medications. With my excellent communication skills, I engaged in open and empathetic conversations with the patient, addressing their fears and providing them with accurate and detailed information about the medications. I also involved the patient's family in the discussions to ensure a support system outside of the healthcare setting. To address the financial concerns, I collaborated with the hospital's social worker to explore options for financial assistance and affordable medication alternatives. Through consistent education, understanding, and the provision of resources, I was able to gain the patient's trust and cooperation. The patient eventually started taking the medications as prescribed, leading to improved health outcomes.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides specific details about how the candidate handled the difficult patient. It demonstrates their excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as their ability to address the patient's concerns and utilize resources effectively. However, it could still be improved by incorporating examples of how the candidate demonstrated other skills mentioned in the job description such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and proficiency in using healthcare software and electronic health records.

An example of a exceptional answer:

During my tenure as a medical-surgical nurse, I faced a challenging situation with a non-compliant patient who was not taking their medication as prescribed. Recognizing the critical importance of medication adherence for their recovery, I took a proactive approach to address this issue. To begin, I utilized my excellent clinical skills and attention to detail to review the patient's medical history and understand their specific condition and medication requirements. With this knowledge, I initiated an in-depth conversation with the patient, employing my strong communication and interpersonal skills to establish a trustworthy and empathetic relationship. Through active listening, I identified the root causes of their non-compliance, which included concerns about side effects and confusion regarding the medication schedule. Drawing upon my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, I developed a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient's needs. This plan included medication education sessions, where I utilized technology and healthcare software to visually demonstrate the benefits and potential side effects of the medication. Additionally, I implemented a medication reminder app on the patient's phone to facilitate adherence and ensure timely doses. Understanding the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, I collaborated with the pharmacy team to evaluate alternative medication options that minimized side effects while remaining effective. By engaging the patient's family, I promoted a supportive environment, providing them with resources and knowledge to assist in managing the patient's medication regimen. Over time, the patient's trust in the healthcare team grew, and they began taking their medications as prescribed. This positive outcome not only improved the patient's health but also reinforced my belief in the power of compassionate care and innovative strategies.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed response to the question, highlighting the candidate's exceptional skills and abilities. It demonstrates their proficiency in using healthcare software and electronic health records through the utilization of a medication reminder app. It also showcases their critical thinking, problem-solving, and compassion in patient care through the development of a personalized care plan and collaboration with the pharmacy team. The answer demonstrates the candidate's ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively by incorporating various strategies to address the non-compliance issue. Overall, the answer showcases the candidate's exceptional abilities in handling difficult or non-compliant patients.

How to prepare for this question:

Familiarize yourself with common reasons for patient non-compliance and the strategies to address them.

Reflect on past experiences where you dealt with difficult or non-compliant patients and analyze the outcomes. Identify the key skills and approaches you utilized in those situations.

Practice providing clear and concise explanations of complex medical information to patients and their families.

Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists and social workers, to address patient concerns and provide holistic care.