Tell us about a time when you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a healthcare team member. How did you resolve it and what was the outcome?

SENIOR LEVEL
Tell us about a time when you had to handle a conflict or disagreement with a healthcare team member. How did you resolve it and what was the outcome?
Sample answer to the question:
One time, I had a disagreement with a fellow healthcare team member about the best approach to a patient's treatment plan. We both had different opinions on what would be most effective, which caused some tension. To resolve the conflict, we decided to have a calm and respectful discussion where we shared our perspectives and listened to each other. We were able to find common ground and come up with a compromise that satisfied both of us. In the end, the patient's health improved, and we learned the importance of open communication and teamwork.
Here is a more solid answer:
I encountered a conflict with a healthcare team member while working on a patient's care plan. We had conflicting opinions on the best course of action, which led to tension within the team. To address the issue, I suggested a team meeting where we could openly discuss our differing perspectives. During the meeting, I actively listened to my team member's concerns and shared my own thoughts in a respectful manner. We came to a mutual understanding and compromised on a treatment plan that incorporated both of our ideas. As a result, the patient received comprehensive care and experienced positive outcomes. This experience taught me the importance of effective communication, active listening, and collaboration within a healthcare team.
Why is this a more solid answer?
The solid answer provides more specific details and examples of the conflict and resolution process, demonstrating the candidate's skills in communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. However, it could still be improved by providing additional information on the specific outcome of the conflict and how it positively affected the patient's care.
An example of a exceptional answer:
In my role as a Licensed Practical Nurse, I encountered a conflict with a fellow healthcare team member regarding the management of a patient with complex needs. The disagreement stemmed from a difference in opinion on the appropriate medication dosage. Recognizing the importance of addressing the conflict promptly, I initiated open and transparent communication by scheduling a meeting with the team member involved. During the meeting, I actively listened to their concerns and shared my own perspective in a calm and empathetic manner. Through this collaborative discussion, we were able to uncover a shared goal of ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient. We researched evidence-based practices, consulted with the supervisor, and ultimately reached a consensus on the dosage adjustment. By resolving the conflict and implementing the agreed-upon plan, the patient's condition improved, and they experienced a faster recovery. This conflict served as a valuable learning opportunity, highlighting the significance of effective communication, evidence-based decision-making, and a patient-centered approach in delivering high-quality care.
Why is this an exceptional answer?
The exceptional answer provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the conflict, emphasizing the candidate's strong communication skills, evidence-based decision-making, and patient-centered approach. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to address conflicts promptly and effectively, resulting in positive outcomes for the patient. The answer also reflects the candidate's continuous learning mindset and ability to apply lessons from conflicts to improve future practice.
How to prepare for this question:
  • Reflect on past experiences where you had conflicts or disagreements with healthcare team members and think about the outcomes of those situations.
  • Consider how you effectively communicated and resolved conflicts in the past. Identify the strategies and approaches that worked well for you.
  • Familiarize yourself with evidence-based practices and the importance of incorporating them into decision-making processes.
  • Practice active listening skills, empathy, and maintaining a calm and respectful tone during difficult conversations.
  • Think about how conflicts can be learning opportunities and how you can apply lessons from past conflicts to improve future practice.
What are interviewers evaluating with this question?
  • Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Teamwork

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