How do you cope with stressful situations?

What You Need to Know
Entry Level Example
Answer Example
Experienced Example

In a busy hospital or doctor's office, you might be pressed for time when performing imaging or assessing patients. Stress on the job can also come from difficult coworkers or patients. Let the interviewer know you can cope with the different stresses you might encounter in your career by sharing tools or strategies to help you stay calm.

Here are some strategies that can help you stay calm during stressful situations. Take deep breaths, practice mindfulness, prioritize your tasks, take a quick break (if allowed), and talk to a friend or colleague. You can also mention how you take care of your mental and physical health on your days off, which helps lower your stress levels at work.

"I cope with stressful situations by going home to a loving family at night. Also, I have a great network of friends and mentors to help me through stressful work situations. While at work, I handle stressful moments by remaining calm and focused on the task rather than letting things overwhelm me. Staying focused makes working through stressful situations much easier over time."

"I have learned to stay relaxed and not react negatively in stressful situations. For example, I prioritize tasks that need to be done each day, working towards that final deadline to ensure I use my time wisely and have realistic expectations. This helps me to feel less stressed and more in control of my workday."

"As an experienced ultrasound technician, I've learned to rely on my training and experience to help me handle stressful situations. One of the most important things I do is to stay calm and focused, even when things get hectic. I communicate clearly and effectively with my patients, explaining what's happening and what they can expect during the procedure. I also take steps to ensure their comfort and safety, such as adjusting the lighting and temperature in the room and using gentle techniques to minimize discomfort. My goal is to provide the best possible care to my patients, even in challenging circumstances."