In the healthcare industry, problems arise frequently. When a major problem arises, what is your first reaction?

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The interviewer wants to know if your reactions to problems reflect maturity and professionalism. How you react will significantly determine how you fit with their existing team.

Perhaps your computer crashes, and you realize you may have just lost all of your hard work, or maybe a deadline is rapidly approaching and you have limited time. Demonstrate to the interviewer that you take a methodical approach to problem-solving rather than reacting impulsively when a problem occurs.

"I have taught myself to be much calmer with my first reactions when problems arise. Now, I step back and review my options for solving the problem rather than allow myself to become frustrated."

Anonymous Answer

"When major problems arise, my first reaction is to be calm. I will step back and review my options for solving the problem."

Alexandra's Feedback

Good answer! This shows you remain calm under pressure.

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Anonymous Answer

"To step back and further assess the situation. This is not the time to panic. Just relax, and you will solve the problem."

Lauren's Feedback

Fantastic response! Keeping calm and logical under pressure is exactly what the interviewer is looking for. I supplemented your answer to include methodology and protocols.

"When a major problem arises, my first reaction is to take a step back to assess the situation. There is no need to panic; being proactive versus reactive is the most logical way to address things. My assessment would prioritize tasks that needed to be done and running through all necessary protocols to ensure the issue is addressed correctly and adequately."

Anonymous Answer

"Remain calm, take a step back, and focus on solutions."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are smart action steps. Try taking your answer a touch further and offering an example of a time when you needed to react calmly under pressure.

Anonymous Answer

"Problems arise almost every day when you work with customers or patients. The first thing that I do is find out what the problems are and the best way to solve the problem. A customer came to me because she could not get her medication and she needed it. I ask the pharmacist if she really needs her medication and why she couldn't get it. The pharmacist explains she does not have any money. I ask the pharmacist how much and I paid for her medication. The patient came back and said thank you, I have cancer and really needed my medication."

Marcie's Feedback

Wow! It was very nice of you to pay for the customer's medication out of your own pocket! But, in reality, you can't do that for everyone. In this case, is there a solution for folks who can't afford their medications? Perhaps you can mention that some pharmaceutical companies, nonprofits, and states offer drug assistance programs for uninsured people. More importantly, focus your answer on how you react initially when a problem occurs. How do you find out what the problem is? Do you listen intently and repeat back what you hear to make sure you're understanding correctly? Do you remain calm and collected? Restructure your answer and talk more about how you react in these kinds of situations. Good job!

Anonymous Answer

"My first reaction is to make sure I understand the scope of the problem and understand the impact."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start! Consider the soft skills you use too, like remaining calm and ensuring everyone is safe.

How to Answer: In the healthcare industry, problems arise frequently. When a major problem arises, what is your first reaction?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Davita job interview.

3. In the healthcare industry, problems arise frequently. When a major problem arises, what is your first reaction?

How to Answer

Written by Rachelle Enns

Answer Example

"I have taught myself to be much calmer with my first reactions when problems arise. Now, I step back and review my options for solving the problem rather than allow myself to become frustrated."

Written by Rachelle Enns

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"When major problems arise, my first reaction is to be calm. I will step back and review my options for solving the problem."

Alexandra's Feedback

Good answer! This shows you remain calm under pressure.

Show More Answers

Anonymous Answer

"To step back and further assess the situation. This is not the time to panic. Just relax, and you will solve the problem."

Lauren's Feedback

Fantastic response! Keeping calm and logical under pressure is exactly what the interviewer is looking for. I supplemented your answer to include methodology and protocols.

Anonymous Answer

"Remain calm, take a step back, and focus on solutions."

Rachelle's Feedback

These are smart action steps. Try taking your answer a touch further and offering an example of a time when you needed to react calmly under pressure.

Anonymous Answer

Marcie's Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"My first reaction is to make sure I understand the scope of the problem and understand the impact."

Jaymie's Feedback

You're off to a good start! Consider the soft skills you use too, like remaining calm and ensuring everyone is safe.

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