Job Interview Flashcards
How do you manage workplace conflict?
I am fortunate enough to not have had conflict amongst staff. However, I have experienced a situation where a patient was reluctant to participate in a procedure that would benefit their health. I used active listening to ease their anxiety, explained the procedure thoroughly and validated how they were feeling. They continued with the procedure and were extremely grateful afterwards. If
I were to have conflict amongst staff however, I would ensure that I did not engage in inappropriate discussion and report the conflict to a nurse unit manager so that mediation could occur.
Tell me about yourself:
I am currently in my last semester of my last year in the Bachelor of Nursing degree at CSU. I have a special interest in midwifery and would love the opportunity to pursue this career in the future. During my last placement, I had the opportunity to manage several complex patients which allowed me to build confidence in my nursing skills. As a clinician, I continuously strive for excellence in the care of my patients, I remain respectful at all times, I demonstrate compassion and remain accountable for my actions at all times. I display a strong ability to work within a team and demonstrate ethical behaviour.
What are your areas of interest and why?
Throughout my degree, I have always had a special interest in midwifery. I enjoy being involved in the process of antenatal and postnatal care and was given this opportunity whilst on a previous placement. I am interested in becoming a figure that parents can rely on for medical knowledge during the profound transition and change related to childbirth. Additionally, I enjoy working on surgical wards.
What would you do if you had a medication error?
If I had a medication error I would firstly
- Approach a senior RN and report the error
- Conduct a patient assessment and I would openly disclose to the patient what has occurred.
- Call the doctor
- Document what had occured
- Fill out an incident information management system
(IIMS) report
- Reflect on the situation for next time
A patient complains of chest pain. What do you do?
I would conduct a PQRST assessment on the patient while doing their observations. I would notify the doctor and perform an ECG as expert interpretation is required within 10 minutes. After review by the doctor, I would follow the chest pain pathway by administering oxygen, aspirin and establishing IV access. I would administer pain relief if required and organise a chest xray and bloods to be taken to assess the patients troponin level to determine if there has been damage to the myocardium.
You walk into a room and find an unconscious patient. What do you do?
I would firstly check that there were no dangers for myself or others before entering the room. I would try to rouse the patient to check their responsiveness while checking their pulse. I would press the met call button. If they had a pulse, I would begin ventilation. However, if they did not have a pulse I would begin CPR. I would take note of the time that I noticed the patient unresponsive and when CPR began so that this can be discussed with the met team.
What makes a good team?
I believe that a good team environment is based on open communication, respect for all parties involved, a shared common goal and responsible management of conflict. During my placements I have displayed teamwork by offering to undertake in activities such as routine observations or pressure area care if I notice another nurse may seem distressed or unable to management their time effectively due to a large workload.I ensure that I communicate effectively with other staff and I ensure that I participate in meetings held on the ward where necessary.
How do you show resilience?
I have a strong ability to show resilience by participating in self-reflection. I ensure that I go to the gym twice a week. I don’t use my phone after 9pm to ensure that I sleep well. I am also aware of the EAP hotline that I can contact if I need to debrief about my wellbeing.
What does quality mean to you?
I understand quality as being continuous actions that lead to improvement in health care services. It is my understanding that all nurses must meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia’s continuing professional development (CPD) requirements in order to maintain their registration and that this requirement is 20 hours of CPD per year.
What attracts you to AWH?
I am attracted to the Albury Wodonga Health Graduate Nurse Program due to their extensive support available while transitioning from a university student to a Registered Nurse. They offer an outstanding rotation system which would provide me the opportunity to gain experience in a range of different clinical settings. I also have a special interest in midwifery, so the postgraduate diploma of midwifery option is very appealing to me.
Do you have any questions?
I understand that the maternity unit has six birthing suites, 30 maternity beds and a 14 bed level 2 special care nursery. I was just wondering if there would be an opportunity for a rotation in the special care nursery as part of the graduate program at Albury Wodonga Health?
What are your weaknesses as a nurse?
When providing care for patients, I think that I am too kind at times and try to facilitate their every need. Sometimes I feel that I may not be assertive enough, which some people could view as being vulnerable. Additionally, I feel as if I am too critical of myself at times.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I am very excited for a position at Albury Wodonga Health as I see myself in 5 years hopefully working as a midwife with a background in intensive care. I believe that a position at Albury Wodonga Health will provide me with ongoing support for me to achieve these goals and facilitate opportunities for me to further my nursing practice.
What are your strengths as a nurse?
I am very determined and strive for excellence within the care of my patients. I display patience during my interactions with patients and ensure that I remain honest with myself and others in my nursing practice. I am not afraid to ask for help when needed which I think is of great importance in a graduate program position at Albury Wodonga Health.
In what ways can you benefit this organisation?
I can benefit Albury Wodonga Health as I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who has a strong desire to learn and further my personal development. I am capable of being a strong team player, and have extensive leadership skills, as reflected in my employment at Woolworths where I am required to supervise other team members. I am competent with planning, organising and prioritising tasks and I’m exceptionally sensitive to the needs of others.
