Licensed Practical Nurse Interview Questions

Tell us about a time when you faced a challenging situation with a patient's family. How did you handle it and what was the outcome?

SENIOR LEVEL

Sample answer to the question:

During my time working as an LPN, I encountered a challenging situation with a patient's family. The patient's daughter was unhappy with the level of care her mother was receiving and she became confrontational with the nursing staff. I remained calm and empathetic, acknowledging her concerns and assuring her that we were committed to providing the best care possible. I listened attentively to her complaints and addressed them one by one, offering explanations and solutions. I also involved the patient's healthcare team to ensure that her concerns were addressed. By maintaining open and honest communication, we were able to rebuild trust and improve the patient's experience. In the end, the daughter expressed gratitude for our efforts and her mother's care improved.

Here is a more solid answer:

In my role as an LPN, I encountered a challenging situation with a patient's family. The patient's daughter was distressed and dissatisfied with the care her mother was receiving. She expressed her concerns in a confrontational manner, which could have escalated the situation. To handle this, I employed strong communication and interpersonal skills. I remained calm and composed, actively listening to the daughter's concerns and validating her emotions. I assured her that we were committed to providing high-quality care and addressed each of her concerns individually. I involved the patient's healthcare team, including the registered nurse and physician, to find solutions and improve the care plan. By collaborating with the family and healthcare professionals, we were able to rebuild trust and enhance the patient's experience. The daughter expressed her gratitude for our efforts and her mother's care improved as a result.

Why is this a more solid answer?

The solid answer provides more specific details of the situation and the candidate's actions. It highlights their strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as their ability to collaborate with the healthcare team. However, it could still benefit from further elaboration and examples to fully showcase the candidate's problem-solving skills and compassionate bedside manner.

An example of a exceptional answer:

As an experienced LPN, I faced a challenging situation with a patient's family that required me to demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and compassionate care. The patient's family was concerned about her deteriorating health and demanded immediate changes in her treatment plan. To handle this situation, I first acknowledged their frustrations and empathized with their emotions. I actively listened to their concerns and took detailed notes to ensure nothing was overlooked. I then promptly communicated with the patient's primary care physician and discussed the family's concerns, seeking their expert guidance. Together with the healthcare team, we carefully reviewed the patient's medical history, current condition, and treatment options. We explained our rationale behind the current treatment plan while providing alternative options that met their expectations. By actively involving the family in the decision-making process and providing transparent communication, we gained their trust and cooperation. The patient's health gradually improved, and the family expressed gratitude for our dedication and comprehensive approach to their loved one's care.

Why is this an exceptional answer?

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a more detailed account of the situation and showcasing the candidate's exceptional problem-solving skills and compassionate care. It demonstrates their ability to handle difficult situations by actively involving the healthcare team and collaborating with the patient's family. The answer also highlights the positive outcome achieved through their comprehensive approach to care. Overall, it provides a strong example of the candidate's abilities in line with the job description.

How to prepare for this question:

1. Familiarize yourself with your past experiences involving challenging situations with patient's families. Think about the specific details and outcomes to discuss during the interview.

2. Reflect on your communication and interpersonal skills. Consider how you can effectively communicate and empathize with the concerns and emotions of patient's family members.

3. Practice active listening and note-taking during the interview. These skills are crucial for understanding and addressing the concerns of patient's family members.

4. Highlight your ability to collaborate with healthcare professionals. Discuss past experiences where you involved the registered nurse or physician to address concerns and improve patient care.

5. Emphasize your commitment to compassionate care and patient-centered approach. Showcase examples where you actively involved patient's family in decision-making and treatment options.

What are interviewers evaluating with this question?