Rehabilitation Nurse Practitioner Interview Questions

Tell us about a time when you had to advocate for a change in a patient's care plan. What was the outcome?

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

I once had a patient who was recovering from a stroke and was struggling to regain their mobility. Their care plan consisted mostly of physical therapy exercises. However, after observing the patient's frustration and lack of progress, I advocated for a change in the care plan. I met with the interdisciplinary team and suggested incorporating occupational therapy into their treatment. The team agreed, and we started incorporating activities that focused on improving the patient's ability to perform daily tasks. As a result, the patient's motivation increased, and they began to make significant progress in regaining their independence. It was rewarding to see the positive impact of advocating for a change in the patient's care plan on their overall recovery.

Here is a more solid answer:

During my time working as a Rehabilitation Nurse Practitioner, I encountered a patient who had experienced a spinal cord injury. Their care plan initially focused on physical therapy exercises to improve their mobility. However, I noticed that the patient was also struggling with daily activities such as dressing and bathing. Recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation, I advocated for the inclusion of occupational therapy in their care plan. I collaborated with the physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive plan that addressed both their mobility and daily living needs. By incorporating activities that focused on fine motor skills and adaptive techniques, the patient experienced significant improvements in their overall quality of life. They gained confidence in performing daily tasks independently, which boosted their motivation and accelerated their recovery process. This experience taught me the importance of considering all aspects of a patient's life when developing a care plan and the positive impact it can have on their rehabilitation journey.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details about the situation the candidate encountered and the actions they took to advocate for a change in the patient's care plan. It addresses the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, such as strong clinical skills, effective communication and teamwork, keen observation, and problem-solving abilities. The answer also emphasizes the importance of a patient-centered approach to care and the positive outcome of the change in the care plan. However, it could still be improved by providing more specific examples of how the candidate effectively collaborated with the interdisciplinary team.

An example of a exceptional answer:

As a Rehabilitation Nurse Practitioner, I had a patient who was recovering from a traumatic brain injury sustained in a car accident. The initial care plan focused on cognitive rehabilitation exercises to improve memory and attention. However, as I spent more time with the patient, I noticed their emotional well-being was being overlooked. Advocating for a holistic approach to their care, I initiated discussions with the patient's family and collaborated with a neuropsychologist to include counseling sessions in their plan. These sessions provided a safe space for the patient to express their fears and frustrations, facilitating emotional healing throughout their recovery process. Not only did this change in the care plan positively impact the patient's mental health, but it also improved their overall engagement in therapy. With their emotional needs addressed, the patient became more motivated to participate in cognitive exercises and demonstrated significant progress. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of approaching patient care from a multidimensional perspective, ensuring that all aspects of their well-being are considered.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer provides a more detailed and nuanced description of the situation the candidate encountered and the actions they took to advocate for a change in the patient's care plan. It addresses all the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, including strong clinical skills, effective communication and teamwork, keen observation, strong organizational and time-management abilities, effective problem-solving and decision-making skills, and empathy with a patient-centered approach to care. The answer highlights the candidate's ability to recognize and address the emotional well-being of the patient, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to rehabilitation. The outcome described in the answer demonstrates the significant positive impact of the change in the care plan on the patient's overall recovery. However, it could still be improved by providing specific examples of how the candidate collaborated with the interdisciplinary team and effectively facilitated counseling sessions.

How to prepare for this question:

Reflect on your past experiences where you have advocated for a change in a patient's care plan. Think about specific situations and the outcomes of the changes you advocated for.

Consider the importance of a holistic approach to patient care and how it aligns with the values and skills mentioned in the job description.

Practice articulating your actions and thought process during the situation, demonstrating your clinical skills, effective communication, teamwork, observation, organization, problem-solving, decision-making, and patient-centered approach.

Highlight the positive impact of the change in the care plan on the patient's overall well-being and recovery.

Be prepared to provide specific examples of how you collaborated with the interdisciplinary team and effectively facilitated any necessary changes in the care plan.

Discuss the importance of ongoing assessment and evaluation of patient needs to ensure that care plans are tailored to individual patients throughout their rehabilitation journey.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?