Austin Health takes pride in offering compassionate care to all patients. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
To succeed in the healthcare industry, you should have substantial compassion for your patients and their loved ones. The interviewer wants to see if you consider yourself a compassionate person to determine if you will provide the level of care they are accustomed to. Talk to the interviewer about your compassionate qualities while providing an example.
"I understand that compassion is one of the top qualities I need to bring to the workplace, being in the healthcare profession. I consider myself a very compassionate individual. I am warm-hearted, responsive to my patient's needs, and always empathetic."
"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I would comfort patients and their family members during the patient's last moments, brush their hair, hold their hands, and read and sing to them. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization."
Focus on ensuring the interviewer understands you are a compassionate person. Give your personal example that shows you have compassion for others. You can say you are compassionate, but giving an example where you have helped others is a better way to let the interviewer know. For example, you can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, held the hand of dying patients, or comforted a grieving family member.
