Tell us about a time when you successfully resolved a conflict with a coworker or colleague.

I had a conflict with a coworker regarding the prioritization of patient care. We both had different opinions on which patients needed immediate attention. To resolve the conflict, I initiated a one-on-one meeting with my coworker. We discussed our concerns and listened to each other's perspectives. Through open communication, we were able to understand each other's viewpoints and come to a compromise. We decided to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions and the urgency of their needs. This resolved the conflict and allowed us to provide efficient and effective care to our patients.

In my previous role as a primary care nurse, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the allocation of resources for patient care. We had a limited supply of a certain medication, and my colleague wanted to reserve it for a particular patient, while I believed it should be used for multiple patients who could benefit from it. To resolve the conflict, I suggested that we review the medical records and consult with the primary care physician. We collaborated with the physician and discussed the medical history and needs of each patient. Through this process, we identified the patients who would benefit most from the medication and reached a consensus on its allocation. This not only resolved the conflict but also ensured the fair and appropriate use of resources for patient care.

The solid answer expands upon the basic answer by providing specific details about the conflict and the steps taken to resolve it. It addresses the evaluation areas of communication, collaboration, and problem-solving by highlighting the use of open communication, collaboration with the physician, and problem-solving through review of medical records. However, it could be improved by discussing the impact of the resolution on patient outcomes and addressing the job description in more detail.

During my time as a primary care nurse, I encountered a conflict with a colleague regarding the management of a patient with multiple chronic conditions. My colleague believed that the patient's conditions were beyond our scope of practice and wanted to refer them to a specialist, while I believed that with proper care coordination and support, we could effectively manage the patient's conditions in the primary care setting. To address this conflict, I initiated a series of meetings with my colleague and other members of the healthcare team, including the primary care physician and a care coordinator. We discussed the patient's medical history, current treatment plan, and available resources. Through these discussions, we identified the gaps in our knowledge and skills and developed a comprehensive care plan that included regular monitoring, education, and collaboration with specialists when necessary. This resolution not only improved the patient's access to care but also strengthened the collaboration and trust among the healthcare team members.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond the solid answer by providing an in-depth description of the conflict and the steps taken to address it. It demonstrates strong communication and collaboration skills by involving multiple team members in the resolution process. Additionally, it addresses the evaluation areas of communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and patient-centered care by emphasizing the importance of care coordination and the impact of the resolution on the patient's access to care. However, it could be further improved by providing specific examples of how the resolution improved patient outcomes and by incorporating more details from the job description, such as proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.