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

•  Challenging Patient Interaction: I had a challenging patient interaction with a patient who was extremely anxious and resistant to receiving treatment. They had a fear of needles and refused to let me administer medication or draw blood. This made it difficult to provide the necessary care and monitor their condition
•  Approach to Handling the Situation: To handle this situation, I first took the time to listen to the patient's concerns and fears. I empathized with their anxiety and explained the importance of the treatment. I then offered alternative methods, such as using numbing creams or distraction techniques, to help alleviate their fear of needles. I also involved the patient's family members in the discussion to provide support and reassurance
•  Building Trust & Rapport: Building trust and rapport was crucial in this situation. I spent extra time with the patient, answering their questions, and addressing their concerns. I ensured that they felt heard and understood. By demonstrating empathy and patience, I was able to gradually gain their trust and establish a therapeutic relationship
•  Collaboration with the Healthcare Team: I collaborated with the healthcare team, including the patient's primary physician and a psychologist, to develop a comprehensive plan to address the patient's anxiety. We incorporated relaxation techniques, counseling sessions, and gradual exposure to needles to desensitize the patient over time. This multidisciplinary approach helped in managing the patient's anxiety and improving their willingness to receive treatment
•  Outcome & Reflection: Through consistent communication, patience, and a collaborative approach, I was able to successfully administer the necessary medication and draw blood from the patient. Over time, their anxiety decreased, and they became more receptive to treatment. This experience taught me the importance of individualized care, active listening, and the power of teamwork in overcoming challenging patient interactions

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

•  Conflict resolution skills: How you handle difficult situations with patients
•  Communication skills: How you effectively communicate with challenging patients
•  Problem-solving abilities: How you find solutions to overcome challenges in patient interactions
•  Empathy & compassion: How you show understanding and care towards difficult patients
•  Ability to maintain professionalism: How you handle challenging situations while maintaining a professional demeanor

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

•  Blaming the patient: Avoid blaming or criticizing the patient for their behavior or condition
•  Lack of empathy: Avoid showing a lack of empathy or understanding towards the patient's situation
•  Inability to handle difficult situations: Avoid demonstrating an inability to handle challenging patient interactions
•  Poor communication skills: Avoid displaying poor communication skills or difficulty in effectively conveying information to the patient
•  Lack of teamwork: Avoid mentioning any instances where you failed to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals in managing the patient
•  Violation of patient confidentiality: Avoid sharing any confidential patient information during your response
•  Inflexibility: Avoid showing inflexibility or an unwillingness to adapt to the patient's needs or preferences
•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid demonstrating a lack of problem-solving skills in handling the challenging patient interaction
•  Inability to manage emotions: Avoid showing an inability to manage your emotions or becoming overwhelmed during the interaction
•  Disrespectful behavior: Avoid displaying disrespectful behavior towards the patient or any other healthcare professionals involved

 Related

  Other questions asked for the Nurse in Medical function. View details for the Nurse here

• How do you handle stressful situations in a medical setting?
• Tell me about your experience as a nurse.
• How do you prioritize your tasks as a nurse?
• How do you ensure patient safety in your daily practice?
• How do you stay updated with the latest medical advancements and best practices?
• Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
• How do you handle conflicts with colleagues or other healthcare professionals?
• Tell me about a time when you made a mistake and how you rectified it.
• How do you ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?
• How do you handle a situation where a patient or their family is dissatisfied with their care?
• How do you ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in your work?
• Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs or rights.
• How do you handle a situation where you suspect a colleague is not following proper protocols?
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult or non-compliant patient.
• How do you ensure cultural sensitivity and competence in your nursing practice?
• Describe a time when you had to respond to a medical emergency or crisis.
• Tell me about a time when you had to adapt to a change in the healthcare environment.
• Describe a time when you had to provide emotional support to a patient or their family.
• What do you consider to be the most important qualities of a nurse?