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Radiation Therapists Mock Interview

Question 5 of 35 for our Radiation Therapists Mock Interview

Radiation Therapists was updated by on August 21st, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 5 of 35

Tell me about a time when you had to be very careful in communicating delicate information.

"I performed a radiation treatment on a woman with breast cancer. We noticed that as she continued with her treatment over some time, she was not showing signs of improvement. She asked me, 'How does everything look?' I didn't want to scare her with my response. So, I told her, 'Things look stable, but you may want to talk more with the oncologist to get the details. Right now we think it's a good idea to continue radiation.' I must be sensitive with my approach and delivery at all times."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you had to be very careful in communicating delicate information.

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Radiation Therapists job interview.

  • 5. Tell me about a time when you had to be very careful in communicating delicate information.

      Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

      Due to the nature of your job, you must exercise sensitive communication with your patients. Even if they seem calm and confident, understand that they may be dealing with severe forms of cancer. It might not take much to upset or worry them as they struggle to cope with a potentially life-threatening illness. Discuss how you would communicate with a patient about to receive disappointing news or test results.

      Written by Krista Wenz on August 19th, 2023

      1st Answer Example

      "I performed a radiation treatment on a woman with breast cancer. We noticed that as she continued with her treatment over some time, she was not showing signs of improvement. She asked me, 'How does everything look?' I didn't want to scare her with my response. So, I told her, 'Things look stable, but you may want to talk more with the oncologist to get the details. Right now we think it's a good idea to continue radiation.' I must be sensitive with my approach and delivery at all times."

      Written by Krista Wenz on August 19th, 2023

      2nd Answer Example

      "I am conscious of watching my tone, the words I use, and even mind my facial expressions while working in a patient-facing situation. Last week I had a patient who was very optimistic about her treatment. Her cancer had spread rapidly, and the prognosis was not as positive as anyone hoped - yet, she remained positive. When she asked me if I had seen a case like hers before and what the outcome was, I said, 'I cannot discuss other patient cases, but I can tell you that your positive attitude through your treatment is very inspiring. Please continue with this amazing outlook!' This way, I was able to encourage her without directing my words to her prognosis."

      Written by Krista Wenz on August 19th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Offered complementary therapies including reflexology and counseling services. Discussed the aftercare hotline for advice on side effect management.

      Suggested to discuss with review radiographer and annotated experience inpatient information system."

      Cindy's Feedback

      Ok, good start. This question is best answered with a description formulated through the STAR format. STAR stands for situation, task, action, and result. Using the star format begins with the context. What were the circumstances under which you communicated delicate information? Then describe the action you took. Here you could describe your tone or strategy to ensure the patient did not have a negative reaction to the news. Finally, you want to describe whether your approach worked. How did the patient react? If you'd like to learn more about using the STAR format, you can find a guide here: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method

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