Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a challenging physician or healthcare professional. How did you handle the situation?

I once had a challenging experience with a physician while working in a telemetry unit. We had a patient who was experiencing a critical cardiac event, and the physician disagreed with the treatment plan that I and the nursing team had developed. The physician insisted on a different approach that I believed would not be effective in this situation. To handle the situation, I respectfully expressed my concerns and provided evidence-based information to support our original treatment plan. I emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared decision-making in delivering the best possible care for the patient. After a thorough discussion, the physician agreed to reconsider and ultimately accepted our treatment plan. The situation taught me the importance of effective communication and advocating for evidence-based practices in healthcare.

In a previous role as a telemetry nurse, I encountered a challenging situation with a renowned cardiologist. We were caring for a patient with a complex cardiac condition, and the physician had a different treatment plan in mind. Despite having immense respect for their expertise, I believed that our plan would yield better outcomes for the patient. To handle the situation, I proactively scheduled a meeting with the physician to discuss our differing perspectives. During the meeting, I presented evidence-based research and explained the rationale behind our proposed course of action. I emphasized the importance of collaboration and working together to provide the best care for the patient. Through open dialogue, we were able to reach a mutual understanding, and the physician agreed to proceed with the treatment plan we had developed. This experience reinforced the significance of effective communication, critical thinking, and advocating for evidence-based practices to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

During my tenure as a telemetry nurse, I encountered a challenging situation with a prominent cardiovascular surgeon. We had a patient who required immediate intervention, but the surgeon strongly disagreed with our proposed treatment plan as it deviated from their usual approach. This situation demanded a delicate balance between respecting the surgeon's expertise and advocating for the patient's best interests. I took the initiative to arrange a multidisciplinary meeting with the surgeon, the patient's primary care physician, and other healthcare professionals involved in the case. During the meeting, I facilitated an open discussion, giving everyone an opportunity to share their perspectives and concerns. I presented comprehensive evidence, including recent research studies and clinical data, to support our proposed treatment plan. By fostering a collaborative environment, we were able to reach a consensus that incorporated the surgeon's expertise while also considering the patient's unique needs. This experience showcased my ability to lead and bring diverse healthcare professionals together, promoting collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and patient-centered care.