Give an example of a time when you worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

JUNIOR LEVEL
Give an example of a time when you worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Sample answer to the question:
One example of a time when I worked collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team was during my clinical rotation at a pediatric oncology unit. I was assigned to work with a team that consisted of pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists. We had a patient who was undergoing chemotherapy and was experiencing severe anxiety and distress. As a team, we brainstormed ideas on how to help alleviate the patient's anxiety, taking into consideration their age, developmental stage, and interests. We decided to implement therapeutic play activities during the chemotherapy sessions to distract the patient and provide emotional support. I collaborated with the child life specialist to create a customized play plan for the patient, incorporating their favorite toys and activities. It was rewarding to see how our collaborative efforts made a positive impact on the patient's well-being and helped them cope with the treatment process.
Here is a more solid answer:
During my clinical rotation at a pediatric oncology unit, I had the opportunity to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care to a young patient undergoing chemotherapy. The team consisted of pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists. We encountered a case where the patient was experiencing severe anxiety and distress during their chemotherapy sessions. Recognizing the importance of addressing the patient's emotional needs, we held a team meeting to discuss potential interventions. I actively participated in the discussion, sharing my insights based on my pediatric oncology knowledge and experience. Through effective communication and collaboration, we decided to implement therapeutic play activities as a form of distraction and emotional support. I worked closely with the child life specialist to create a personalized play plan for the patient, taking into account their age, developmental stage, and interests. We incorporated the patient's favorite toys and activities into the play sessions, which helped alleviate their anxiety and provided a sense of comfort. This collaborative approach not only improved the patient's well-being but also strengthened the bond within the team as we saw the positive impact of our efforts.
Why is this a more solid answer?
This is a solid answer because it provides specific details about the candidate's experience working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team in a pediatric oncology setting. It demonstrates their knowledge, skills, and abilities in pediatric oncology, effective communication, and collaboration. However, it can be further improved by providing more examples of how the candidate contributed to the team's success and highlighting the outcomes of their collaborative efforts.
An example of a exceptional answer:
During my clinical rotation at a pediatric oncology unit, I actively engaged in collaborative work with a highly skilled multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care to a 6-year-old patient undergoing chemotherapy. This team, composed of pediatric oncologists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists, faced a complex case involving a patient with severe anxiety and distress during their chemotherapy sessions. Recognizing the psychological impact of the treatment, I took the initiative to conduct thorough research on evidence-based interventions to address pediatric anxiety in healthcare settings. Drawing on my knowledge and experience in pediatric oncology, I proposed implementing therapeutic play activities as a multimodal approach to distract and support the patient. I initiated discussions within the team, presenting my research findings and sharing my ideas on tailoring the interventions to the patient's specific needs. Together, we developed a comprehensive play plan that integrated the patient's favorite toys, arts and crafts, and storytelling into the chemotherapy sessions. I took the lead in organizing and coordinating the play sessions, ensuring a seamless integration of the interventions into the patient's treatment plan. Through effective communication and collaboration, the team successfully implemented the play plan, resulting in a significant reduction in the patient's anxiety levels and improved overall well-being. This experience highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork in pediatric oncology and reinforced my passion for providing holistic care to patients and their families.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
This is an exceptional answer because it goes above and beyond in showcasing the candidate's expertise and accomplishments in working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team in a pediatric oncology setting. It demonstrates their proactive approach to research and incorporating evidence-based practice into their decision-making. The answer also emphasizes the candidate's leadership skills and their ability to coordinate and implement complex interventions. Additionally, it showcases their commitment to holistic care and the positive outcomes they achieved for the patient. The answer aligns with the job description's requirements and evaluation areas.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on your past experiences collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, specifically within a pediatric oncology context. Think about the challenges you faced, your contributions, and the outcomes achieved.
  • Familiarize yourself with current research and evidence-based interventions for pediatric anxiety in healthcare settings. Be prepared to discuss how you can apply this knowledge in your role as a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner.
  • Practice articulating your thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely, highlighting your expertise in pediatric oncology, effective communication, and collaboration.
  • Consider how you can showcase your leadership and organizational skills in coordinating and implementing interventions within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Think about the importance of holistic care in pediatric oncology and how you can contribute to providing emotional support to patients and their families.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary team
  • Pediatric oncology knowledge and experience
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills

Want content like this in your inbox?
Sign Up for our Newsletter

By clicking "Sign up" you consent and agree to Jobya's Terms & Privacy policies

Related Interview Questions