How
What
Why
Describe
Pot Luck
100
How has your training prepared you for a nursing career?
•I had an internship position at Dr. Smith's office after graduating last May, which gave me hands on experience with patients, and I am anxious to pursue my career specializing in pediatrics. •My clinical training in the urgent care center prepared me for the fast paced care required of an medical assistant. •I had the opportunity to work as a nurse for Dr. Jones, who was writing about new findings in the treatment of heart disease when I was working at his office. The knowledge I gained during that time prepared me for assisting with senior patients in a more effective way.
100
What do you find difficult about being a nurse?
•Sometimes I find it difficult to leave work at work, as I tend to become very involved with my patients. •I think the most difficult part of being a nurse is when I have a patient that is very unhappy, or in a lot of pain, and I can't comfort them to the degree I'd like. •I prefer to look at difficulties as challenges, and I enjoy conquering challenges.
100
Why are you interested in working in our facility?
•Your facility has one of the top rated diabetic offices in the area, and I am interested in utilizing my experience with diabetic patients in an office that utilizesthe latest research and techniques. •I really enjoy working in Geriatrics, and your facility has a great reputation for its programs and population. •I have worked in large group practices, where I gained valuable experience, but I enjoy working in a small office, where you can get to know your patients, the doctors, and your colleagues on a more personal level.
100
Describe a difficult situation and how you handled it.
If you have healthcare experience, they want to know how you have dealt with angry doctors, emotionally upset families, or difficult patients. If you lack healthcare experience, you can discuss a difficult situation that occurred in school or a previous workplace.
100
Tell us why we should hire you?
This is the last time to truly sell yourself to the interviewer. Emphasize your positive attributes, reaffirm that you are a team player, and tell them why you are the best candidate for the position that they need to fill.
200
How do you think you will handle stress on the job?
Explain how you specifically will handle stress. If you were in the medical field in some other capacity explain how the stress is different and you recognize that and how you will handle the increase in stress.
200
What do you find most rewarding about being a nurse?
•The most rewarding thing for me is seeing children when they feel better and are happy. •Interacting with the patients and their families is what I find most rewarding. •I find helping patients through recovery, which is often one of their greatest challenges, to be most rewarding.
200
How would you handle stress on the job?
•By focusing on the most important thing, the care of the patient. I feel I owe it to my patients to stay calm and focused on them. •In the ER setting, there are often stressful situations that arise. I just make sure that the stresses of the job don't interfere with the care of the patient. •I am generally an easy going person, and I don't allow on the job stress to interfere with my work.
200
Have you assisted with any medical office procedures?
•Even if you are a fresh graduate, you likely have some experience as an extern. Prepare for this question in advance by thinking of all procedures in which you have assisted. When answering the question, give a detailed but succinct account of your experience and your contribution to the experience.
200
Do you have any questions for us?
Ask the interviewer something, whether it pertains to patient per day, length of orientation, or educational opportunities. You might appear uninterested if you have no questions
300
How do you protect the rights and confidentiality of patients?
This is the perfect opportunity to impart your knowledge of HIPAA. Your answer should show that you are very knowledgeable regarding regulations and that you place patient rights and confidentiality at the top of your priority list as a medical assistant. If you are at all unclear about HIPAA regulations, be sure to study the material thoroughly before rehearsing your response.
300
What schedule do you hope to work? Are you willing to work extra hours?
•Be honest. If you really want the job and are willing to work any schedule needed, say so. If, however, you have no intention of working late hours or weekends, simply let the interviewer know the hours that you are available to work. The same applies to extra hours. You are more likely to be hired if you are willing to work any time you are needed. However, saying that you are willing and then complaining about the hours once you start working is a recipe for disaster.
300
Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team?
•That depends on the circumstances. I enjoy being part of a treatment and support team, but I also like the autonomy of working alone. •I believe that nursing in a hospital or large office is a team effort, and I really enjoy making my contribution to the team. •You need a certain amount of independence to work without the daily support of a team.
300
Tell us what your current/former boss would say about you.
The interviewer is basically looking for clues that will shed light on your work ethic and interpersonal skills. Direct quotes work well. "Jill always said I was dependable" is a direct quote that says a lot
300
What do you enjoy the most about nursing?
the interviewer most likely wants to hear about your passion for helping patients or your eagerness for learning.
400
How do you work toward becoming better as a nurse?
Do you regularly read professional journals? Are you a member of a professional organization? Are you taking classes to earn additional certifications? If so, detail all of your efforts and explain how you feel the efforts will improve your skills and allow you to contribute more fully to your profession.
400
What makes you right for this position?
This question can be tricky because you need to show your worth without sounding cocky or arrogant. Research the business ahead of time and become familiar with its mission and values. Take the time to figure out how your personal qualities fit the needs of the business and use that fit to provide your answer.
400
What was your favorite clinical experience? Least favorite? Why?
No right or wrong answer - just truthful and obviously your least favorite experience would not be in the same as the department you are applying for!
400
What is your greatest strength?
•When I'm working on a project, I don't want just to meet deadlines. Rather, I prefer to complete the project well ahead of schedule. •My time management skills are excellent and I'm organized, efficient, and take pride in excelling at my work. •I pride myself on my customer service skills and my ability to resolve what could be difficult situations.
400
Tell me what your former employer describe you?
•In all likelihood, the interviewer will actually speak with your former employer so honesty is key. Answer as confidently and positively as possible and list all of the positive things your past employer would recognize about you. Do not make the mistake of simply saying you are responsible, organized, and dependable. Instead, include traits that are directly related to your work as a medical assistant, such as the ability to handle stressful situations and difficult patients, the way you kept meticulous records, and more.
500
How much experience do you have with patients?
Be very honest and clear with your answer. If you have past experience on the job, state the number of years you have worked. If you are a recent graduate, detail how long you served in an externship as well as any relevant volunteer experience you have. Explain how you have interacted with patients and make sure to emphasize that you are completely comfortable working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
500
What made you choose nursing as a career?"
•My mother was a nurse, and seeing the satisfaction she feels every day by helping people in her job inspired my own interest in the field. •I believe that the nursing field is one of the most interesting and growing careers available today, and I enjoy the difference I can make in a patient's experience.
500
Why should I hire you?
This is where you sell yourself!!
500
Are You a ‘People’ Person?
•Although it may be phrased a little differently, the gist of this question is clear: Do you like being around people? If you don’t, being a nursing isn’t a good fit for you. After all, you’ll be working directly with patients throughout the day. It helps a lot if you sincerely like interacting with them. While answering this question, make sure to mention that you like helping people too. This will drive home the point that you are a talented medical assistant and would be a valuable part of the team.
500
Do you like being around people?
•People skills are a necessity for nursing. When answering this question, be sure to show that you enjoy interacting and working with others and that you also derive great enjoyment from helping others. This will show that you are a team player and that you would be a valuable team member.
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