Tell us about a situation where you had to advocate for a patient's needs. How did you approach it and what was the outcome?

In my previous role at XYZ Hospital, I encountered a situation where I had to advocate for a patient's needs. The patient, Mr. Smith, had been experiencing severe pain, but the doctors were hesitant to increase his pain medication due to concerns about addiction. I approached the situation by gathering detailed information about Mr. Smith's pain levels and documenting the impact it had on his daily activities. I also consulted with the pain management team to explore alternative pain relief options. After presenting a comprehensive report to the doctors, highlighting the negative impact of untreated pain on Mr. Smith's overall well-being, they agreed to adjust his medication. As a result, Mr. Smith's pain was effectively managed, and he experienced improved comfort and quality of life.

During my time as a Licensed Practical Nurse at ABC Clinic, I encountered a situation where I had to advocate for a patient's needs. The patient, Mrs. Johnson, had a language barrier that made it difficult for her to communicate her symptoms effectively. I approached the situation by consulting with a medical interpreter to ensure accurate communication with Mrs. Johnson. I also took the time to establish a trusting relationship with her, showing empathy and actively listening to her concerns. By collaborating with the healthcare team and conveying Mrs. Johnson's needs, we were able to provide her with the necessary tests and treatments. As a result, Mrs. Johnson's condition improved, and she expressed gratitude for the individualized care she received.

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details about the situation, the candidate's approach, and the outcome. It also mentions the evaluation area of excellent communication and interpersonal skills by highlighting the candidate's collaboration with a medical interpreter and their establishment of a trusting relationship with the patient. However, it can still be improved by incorporating the other evaluation areas from the job description.

I would like to share a situation where I had to advocate for a patient's needs as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the emergency department of DEF Hospital. A young patient, Sarah, arrived with severe abdominal pain, but the initial assessment didn't reveal any acute emergencies. However, Sarah continued to express her distress, and I recognized the need for further investigation. Despite some resistance from the attending physician, I approached the situation by gathering a detailed medical history, closely monitoring Sarah's vital signs, and seeking a second opinion from a senior nurse. Together, we advocated for Sarah to undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a ruptured appendix that required immediate surgery. Thanks to our persistence and quick action, Sarah underwent successful surgery and had a smooth recovery. This experience reinforced the importance of trust, teamwork, and timely intervention in advocating for patients' needs.

The exceptional answer provides a detailed and compelling account of a situation where the candidate advocated for a patient's needs, showcasing their ability to think critically and collaborate effectively with the healthcare team. It demonstrates the candidate's strong understanding of infection control practices and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment by highlighting their quick action and recognition of the need for further investigation. The answer also emphasizes the evaluation area of compassionate bedside manner and a patient-oriented approach by showcasing the candidate's commitment to ensuring Sarah received appropriate care. Overall, the exceptional answer effectively addresses all the evaluation areas from the job description.