Example response for question delving into 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

•  Mistake in patient care: During my time as a nurse, I made a mistake in administering medication to a patient. I accidentally gave the wrong dosage of a medication to a patient. As soon as I realized my mistake, I immediately informed the charge nurse and the physician. We assessed the patient's condition and closely monitored their vital signs. I apologized to the patient and their family, explaining the error and the steps we were taking to rectify it. We contacted the pharmacist to ensure the correct dosage was administered, and I documented the incident in the patient's medical record. I also participated in a root cause analysis to identify the factors that contributed to the error and implemented measures to prevent similar mistakes in the future
•  Mistake in documentation: In my role as a nurse, I once made a mistake in documenting a patient's vital signs. I accidentally recorded the wrong blood pressure reading in the patient's chart. When I realized the error, I immediately notified my supervisor and the charge nurse. We reviewed the patient's vital signs together and corrected the documentation. I also informed the patient's healthcare team about the mistake and ensured that the accurate information was communicated to them. To prevent similar errors, I implemented a double-check system with another nurse to verify vital sign recordings before documenting them
•  Mistake in communication: There was a time when I made a mistake in communicating important information to a physician. I failed to relay a critical lab result to the doctor promptly. As soon as I realized my error, I immediately contacted the physician and apologized for the delay. I provided the necessary information and ensured that appropriate actions were taken based on the lab result. To prevent such communication errors in the future, I implemented a system of double-checking with colleagues to ensure timely and accurate communication of important patient information

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

•  Problem-solving skills: Assessing how you handle mistakes and find solutions
•  Accountability: Evaluating your ability to take responsibility for errors
•  Learning from mistakes: Determining your willingness to learn and grow from past errors
•  Adaptability: Assessing your ability to adjust and rectify mistakes in a fast-paced medical environment

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

•  Blaming others: Avoid blaming others for the mistake. Take responsibility and focus on your actions and how you rectified the situation
•  Lack of accountability: Avoid showing a lack of accountability for the mistake. Emphasize that you took ownership of the error and took steps to rectify it
•  Inability to learn from mistakes: Avoid not mentioning any lessons learned from the mistake. Show that you reflect on your errors and use them as opportunities for growth
•  Repeating the same mistake: Avoid indicating that you made the same mistake multiple times. Highlight how you implemented measures to prevent similar errors in the future
•  Not seeking help or guidance: Avoid not seeking help or guidance when needed. Mention how you reached out to colleagues or supervisors for support in rectifying the mistake
•  Lack of problem-solving skills: Avoid not demonstrating problem-solving skills. Explain the steps you took to analyze the mistake, identify a solution, and implement it effectively

 Related

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

• Tell me about a challenging patient interaction you've had and how you handled it.
• How do you handle stressful situations in a medical setting?
• Tell me about your experience as a nurse.
• Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team to achieve a common goal.
• How do you ensure patient safety in your daily practice?
• How do you stay updated with the latest medical advancements and best practices?
• How do you prioritize your tasks as a nurse?
• How do you ensure patient confidentiality and privacy?
• How do you handle conflicts with colleagues or other healthcare professionals?
• How do you handle a situation where a patient or their family is dissatisfied with their care?
• How do you handle a situation where you suspect a colleague is not following proper protocols?
• Describe a time when you had to advocate for a patient's needs or rights.
• Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult or non-compliant patient.
• How do you ensure proper documentation and record-keeping in your work?
• 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?