Interview Process
Professional Etiquette
Colleagues and Patient Relations
100

How early should you arrive to a job interview?

a. 1-9 min early

b. 10-20 min early

c. 30-45 min early

Answer B.

Use this as an opportunity to show your time management skills, while giving yourself adequate time to check in and settle into the environment. However, showing up too early can send the wrong message, and may be seen as if you're rushing the interviewer 

100

The only time when it is OK to post something negative about your job or a colleague on social media, is if it is on your personal account and all your settings are on "private".

True or False.

False.

It is never OK to post something negative about your job or colleagues, and it could be cause for disciplinary action.

100

Gossip is OK at work, as long as you are speaking with a colleague or patient that you trust.

True or False.

False. 

Gossip is NEVER OK AT WORK and might even be a cause for disciplinary action.

200

Your interviewer asks you what you think about your previous boss. You didn't get along with your previous boss. You answer: 

a. "He was a good leader and really kept the team focused and on-task." 

b. "We didn't exactly get along because he made a lot of impossible demands and was constantly on the phone." 

c. "He was alright, but we weren't that close." 

Answer A. 

Always stick to any positive qualities you can think of.  It is important to be honest, but avoid saying something negative.

200

You've been asked to a business lunch with your boss and other coworkers. When it comes time to order, you: 

a. Ask for a stiff drink. It will help calm you down. 

b. See what others order to eat, and follow suit with something similar. 

c. Get the lobster and steak, since the company is paying.

Answer B.

Let your boss or whoever organized the lunch take the lead with ordering. It's usually proper etiquette to order something that will allow you to have a professional conversation while eating, and to also be considerate of the budget.

200

I've seen a patient a few times in the clinic and we share a lot of common interests. They sent me a friend request on Facebook. Should I:

a. accept their request and have a good look at their profile to see what else we have in common

b. accept their request, as it might seem rude to ignore it. But to maintain some sort of professional boundary I'll limit them from seeing most of my profile and activity

c. ignore the request. When I see them next I'll thank them but politely explain that I can't accept due to my professional obligations.

Answer C.

As interacting with patients via social media can blur the boundaries between the private and the professional, it's safest to explain that you're unable to mix your social and professional relationships.

300

You're asked a really difficult question. You don't know the answer off the top of your head, so you: 

a. answer, "That's a tough question. I'm really not sure." 

b. take a deep breath and think of an answer while paraphrasing the question

c. say the first thing that comes to mind. 

Answer B.

Always keep as calm as possible, and don't say "I don't know" off the bat. Tell your interviewer what you do know, and ask appropriate questions.

300

It is OK to stay seated when you are introducing yourself to someone or they are introducing themselves to you, as long as you give them a firm handshake and maintain eye contact.

True or False.

False.

It is professional etiquette to stand up and hand shake while being introduced.

300

A patient I'm quite attracted to asked me out for a drink. The appropriate response would be:

a. to ascertain beforehand who will be paying, in the hope it avoids any awkward misunderstandings

b. accept, but make it clear that it would not be a date, as that would be unprofessional

c. thank them but politely decline, as you must maintain a strictly professional relationship.

Answer C.

Maintaining an appropriate professional boundary between healthcare professional and patients is important in preserving trust in the profession. Engaging in a close emotional relationship with a patient can also lead to accusations regarding you taking advantage of your position, or worse still, a vulnerable patient.

400

You are applying to a company that you are not familiar with, when preparing for an interview:


a.  You prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer, so that he can familiarize you with the company further.

b. Research the company. Get as familiar as you can with the information provided.

c. Ask your friends and family what they know and think about that company.

Answer B.

It's critical to have significant and reliable knowledge about a company so you can make a good impression on a potential employer, as well as to make sure you are a good fit for the company, and they are a good fit for you.

400

You've gone to the office fridge to retrieve your lunch and discover that someone has sampled your food. You:

a. Label your lunch next time with your name. 

b. Set up a video camera in the kitchen to catch the lunch bandit. 

c. Spike your food with laxatives.

Answer A.

Do your best to mark your items - the mystery bites may have been accidental. Don't risk someone's health by putting something in your food to weed out the culprit.

400

An elderly patient with whom I've had several long conversations is really grateful for the time I've spent with her. By way of thanks, she's given me an envelope containing $100. I should:

a. thank her for her generosity, and tell her that while she really didn't have to, it's much appreciated and I'll spend it wisely

b. thank her but explain that I can't accept such a generous gift. If she insists on giving me something, I can suggest that she gets a box of chocolates that the staff can share

c. take it, but make sure it's shared with the other members of the team that looked after her too

Answer B.

Gifts may be tempting and make you feel valued, but it's important to consider the repercussions of accepting them. While it might not be absolutely forbidden in some setting, in a professional setting, you must not accept any gift that may affect or be seen to affect the way that person is treated.

500

The interviewer begins with, "Tell me about yourself." Which of these is the best answer? 

a. I was born in California and moved to El Paso with my family when i was twelve. After graduating from high school,I started a family and worked a couple of part-time jobs.

b. I'm a pretty outgoing person with an open personality. I love meeting other people and visiting new places. One of my favorite things to do is spend time with friends and travel. 

c. I enjoy helping people and this drives my desire to work in this field. I have been volunteering with the American Red Cross for the past two years and have learned many useful skills. I think my experiences have prepared me to be a great health care professional.

Answer C.

When talking about yourself, keep it professional and related to the position you are applying for.

500

There should not be a problem with you wearing your favorite perfume to work every day.


True or False.

False.

Keep in mind that some fragrances might be overwhelming to other people. Also, some companies might have a fragrance-free policy.   As a general rule of thumb, always go sent free for a job interview. If fragrances are allowed, it is proper etiquette to wear a light and modest scent to work.

500

I'm suffering from diarrhea and vomiting but I just can't afford to miss work. The best thing to do would be:

a. go into work while keeping my distance from colleagues and patients in case I infect them, but stay close to the toilet facilities at all times

b. be aware that I may be infectious to both patients and colleagues. Seek guidance from a suitably qualified colleague and stick to the measures put in place to protect patients. 

c. take something for it and soldier on.

Answer B.

Healthcare professionals will get ill like everyone else.  Acting professionally includes prioritizing your health, as well as patient/colleague safety. Asking the appropriate amount of time off is better for everyone involved.

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