Describe a time when you had to handle a high-stress situation during therapy


 Theme: Stress Management  Role: Physical Therapist  Function: Medical

  Interview Question for Physical Therapist:  See sample answers, motivations & red flags for this common interview question. About Physical Therapist: Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility This role falls within the Medical function of a firm. See other interview questions & further information for this role here

 Sample Answer 


  Example response for question delving into Stress Management with the key points that need to be covered in an effective response. Customize this to your own experience with concrete examples and evidence

  •  Situation: I was working with a patient who had recently undergone a major surgery and was experiencing severe pain and limited mobility
  •  Actions: I immediately assessed the patient's condition and reviewed their medical history to understand the extent of their limitations. I communicated with the patient to gather information about their pain levels and any specific concerns they had
  •  Strategies: To address the high-stress situation, I implemented various strategies. Firstly, I provided the patient with education about their condition and the expected recovery process to alleviate their anxiety. Secondly, I utilized relaxation techniques and guided imagery to help the patient manage their pain and reduce stress. Additionally, I collaborated with the patient's healthcare team to adjust their pain medication regimen as needed
  •  Results: As a result of these interventions, the patient's pain levels decreased, and their mobility gradually improved. They reported feeling more confident and motivated to participate in therapy sessions
  •  Reflection: This experience taught me the importance of effective communication and collaboration with both the patient and the healthcare team. It also reinforced the significance of providing education and utilizing various techniques to address high-stress situations during therapy

 Underlying Motivations 


  What the Interviewer is trying to find out about you and your experiences through this question

  •  Ability to handle stress: How well you handle high-stress situations during therapy
  •  Problem-solving skills: Your approach to resolving challenges in therapy
  •  Adaptability: How you adapt to unexpected stressful situations in therapy
  •  Communication skills: How effectively you communicate and manage stress with patients during therapy

 Potential Minefields 


  How to avoid some common minefields when answering this question in order to not raise any red flags

  •  Lack of specific example: Not providing a clear and specific example of a high-stress situation during therapy
  •  Inability to handle stress: Demonstrating an inability to handle high-stress situations effectively
  •  Blaming others: Blaming others or external factors for the high-stress situation instead of taking responsibility
  •  Lack of problem-solving skills: Failing to demonstrate effective problem-solving skills in resolving the high-stress situation
  •  Poor communication: Displaying poor communication skills in dealing with the high-stress situation
  •  Negative attitude: Expressing a negative attitude or lack of resilience in handling high-stress situations
  •  Lack of empathy: Showing a lack of empathy or understanding towards patients or colleagues during the high-stress situation
  •  Inability to prioritize: Failing to prioritize tasks or manage time effectively during the high-stress situation
  •  Lack of adaptability: Not demonstrating the ability to adapt and adjust strategies or approaches in response to the high-stress situation
  •  Inadequate patient care: Neglecting patient care or compromising the quality of therapy due to the high-stress situation