31 Interior Health Authority Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Interior Health Authority interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Interior Health Authority has a diverse workforce. When have you worked amongst a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Even better, give an example of being able to embrace diversity in the workplace.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers me unique learning opportunities."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I am so glad you pointed out your need for diversity at Interior Health Authority. I greatly value diversity. I grew up in a fairly homogeneous town in Montana. When I hit my 20's, it was so important to me to learn about other cultures. I worked with community volunteer organizations in Peru, inner-city Chicago, and Russia."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2. Interior Health Authority was initially looking for someone with 5 years' experience in a similar role. Considering you have just 2 years' experience, would you be willing to accept this position at a lower salary?
How to Answer
Are you willing to earn your way up if the interviewer does not want to offer you top compensation? Discuss with the interviewer what you would expect for compensation if offered this position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I would be happy to earn my way to the top compensation level if required. I do assure you that, despite my being shy of experience by a couple of years, I am a top performer and you would not be disappointed in my performance."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I understand I do not quite meet the qualifications of experience you are looking for and am willing to be compensated in adjustment to that fact. However, I do look forward to proving my worth to Interior Health Authority in hopes to be considered for the median salary for the role."
Written by Ryan Brunner
3. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader.
Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time.
Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I think that it is possible to be a great team member, even when disagreeing with the leader. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other despite the difference in opinion."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that being a good team member is more about attitude than it is about compatibility. You do not need to agree with everyone 100% of the time, to be effective in your job."
Written by Ryan Brunner
4. At Interior Health Authority, we believe that a healthy workforce is an important factor in promoting the health and well-being of our patients. What are ways that you choose to live a healthy lifestyle?
How to Answer
Healthy living in the eyes of Interior Health Authority boils down to eating well, staying active and living tobacco free. While your interviewer surely can't hold any lifestyle choices against you in your interviewer, be sure to point out ways that you choose to live a healthy lifestyle. After doing this, talk about how your lifestyle choices can impact how you can be a motivator and a great example for the patients that you would work with. Using real life personal example would be very helpful for your interviewer to grasp how you make healthy living choices on a daily basis.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"For me and my family, a healthy lifestyle revolves around staying active at all times. I actively train and compete in 5k, 10k and even a few half-marathons each years and I'm currently working towards finishing a full marathon at some point in the coming years. Running keeps my body in shape and helps keep my mind refreshed as well. With our kids, we run, bike, hike, kayak and do many other activities outside to help promote a healthy lifestyle over watching television or playing video games. I find that with our life choices, I am able to speak to my patients about the importance of exercise in their cardiac rehab process and they see me as a reliable source of information because of my personal experiences."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I feel fortunate that I learned to make healthy choices regarding diet and exercise at a young age from my parents. Growing up, our snacks were vegetables and fruits and meals consisted of a great balance of healthy foods. It was almost foreign going to a friends house where snacks were potato chips, cookies and brownies. Fast food was a rare occurrence in our house rather than a daily or weekly staple compared to others. Working with patients in the family medicine clinic that are looking to lose weight, I can speak from a knowledgeable standpoint on diet because of my own choices."
Written by Ryan Brunner
5. What is your greatest weakness?
How to Answer
Pick a weakness that is not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness.
Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar at a nearby community center. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I believe I could improve on some technical skills including Excel and Word. Currently I am at a beginner to intermediate level; however, I would be more comfortable at an advanced level. I have enrolled myself in an evening/weekend workshop for the next six weeks. We will see how stellar my skills are after that course!"
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I know this will come off as cliche, but it's truthful. My weakness is in not delegating. I know what I want to be done and how I want it done, so it's often easier to do it myself. However, it can inhibit my ability to grow. I cannot take on every step of a project; I need to be able to give the task or a portion of it to another team member or direct report, let go of the control and know it will be taken care of. I've spoken with my current manager about it, and we've developed a system where he can call me out on the behavior since often I'm not aware of it. By bringing awareness to it at the moment, I find my propensity to hold onto control has decreased, so I'm certainly moving in the right direction."
Written by Ryan Brunner
6. With the expanse that we stretch throughout southern British Columbia, are you open to any relocation opportunities is they would come up in the future if hired?
How to Answer
Interior Health Authority is a large organization that has large hospitals, small community hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities all over southern British Columbia. For this question, your interviewer is simply looking to gauge whether you'd be open to opportunities to relocate in the future with the organization. For your answer, you can be open to it, opposed to it or even impartial at the moment, but it's important how you answer the question to paint the picture for your interviewer. No matter how you answer, be sure to reiterate your commitment to the position you are interviewing for and the organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Being from the area, I fortunately have family all over the region and may be open to opportunities with Interior Health Authority if they would better myself and my career opportunities as a Registered Nurse. This position really interested me because my spouse and I want to live near family in Golden. We also have family in Revelstoke and Vernon and my spouses job enables him to be able to work from pretty much anywhere we can get an internet connection at home. From your perspective, what are potential growth opportunities that you could see for me in these locations 5 to 10 years down the road?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Right now, my family is really focused on remaining in the Nelson area or a nearby location where I could commute to work. My children are in school and it is very important for us that they remain close to grandparents, cousins and friends that they have developed in this area. From a career perspective, this would be a dream destination for myself as a Pharmacist and I would have every intention of eventually retiring from Interior Health Authority here in Nelson."
Written by Ryan Brunner
7. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?
How to Answer
Employers want to know that you have a methodical approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and your ability to come up with innovative solutions.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my sound decision making. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I believe I am a great problem solver because I am sure to gather as many facts as possible, I look at the problem and its potential solutions from multiple angles, and I am not afraid to make a creative decision that might seem off the beaten path."
Written by Ryan Brunner
8. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of situation offered in this position prior, to the interview. If you aren't completely clear on the workplace environment or culture, kindly ask the interviewer to expand on the work environment for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to focus on the positive, so if it's okay, I would like to share with you what my ideal work environment looks like. My ideal environment is organized, collaborative, positive, energetic, and encouraging. I love working with like-minded people who set challenging goals for themselves. I thrive when I work for supervisors who encourage curiosity and creativity in problem-solving."
Written by Ryan Brunner
9. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
How to Answer
Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date on their respective field, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways that you receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends.
Tell the interviewer about those daily update emails you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, and seminars you have taken.
Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start up a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Every morning I listen to X Podcast because I find the information to be fresh, and valuable. In addition to this podcast, I also subscribe to a couple of industry blogs. One is ABC, and the other is XYZ. I greatly value the information shared between fellow professionals. What resources do you prefer to stay on top of industry trends and changes?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid fan of google alerts! I will receive an email with the related information any time there is a major headline about the healthcare services industry. In addition to this, I also subscribe to a couple of medical-related journals."
Written by Ryan Brunner
10. What would be the important factors for you to truly enjoy the work you would perform here at Interior Health Authority?
How to Answer
Interior Health Authority strives to create an environment where employees enjoy the work that they do, their environment and those that they work with. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to get a sense of what makes you tick and what will make you happy in your job. There are no right or wrong answers for this question, so make sure to speak from the heart in your answer. Is it the people that make you truly happy in your work? If so, talk about why this is important. Does the opportunity to learn and grow in your work make you happy in your work? If so, discuss why this is important to you and your career.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I knew a career in healthcare would keep me focused and passionate from a very young age. As an experienced nurse now who has experience all over the hospital and clinic settings, my motivators in enjoying my work have certainly changed over time. With my experience, I absolutely thrive on being an educator to my peers to help the next generation of nurses advance our field even further than my generation did. I see this position has the opportunity to work with a wide variety of staff. If hired, would there be opportunities for me to precept in this position?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I really thrive and function well when working as part of a team that is hard working, utilizes each others strength and has a good time while we are working together. This type of environment makes coming to work each day a fun experience for myself personally because I feel part of something bigger than myself and motivation from my teammates just further adds to my great personal motivation that I have."
Written by Ryan Brunner
11. If Interior Health Authority hired you today, what would you accomplish first?
How to Answer
When you start a new position, it is essential to set a goal on how you will make a positive impact quickly after being hired. Tell the interviewer what your impact goal is, should you be the successful candidate. If you want to make an impact with your answer, refer to the immediate needs of the company such as increasing budgets, or improving patient care, for instance.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"When we were speaking earlier, you mentioned that you were urgently seeking to improve the level of patient care and compassion at this facility. I want to offer my strong skills when it comes to building patient rapport and help to improve the satisfaction of everyone that uses the services of Interior Health Authority. I plan to make a positive impact very quickly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"This question is a delicate one, and you need to show respect for the onboarding process, then give a moderately ambitious project that you could execute. This concept is often called your 'value proposition' in marketing. "Hire me because I'll do X."
But remember this is your campaign promise, if hired, it will likely be your first target to hit and depending on the environment, it could make or break you. The best approach is to give a functional analysis of the employers' needs and your skills."
Written by Ryan Brunner
12. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?
How to Answer
There are many facets of health care. If you could choose any area of healthcare to specialize in, which would you choose? Be sure to tie your answer into some aspects of what Interior Health Authority does.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"If I could choose any area of healthcare services to be a subject matter expert in, I would choose geriatric care. I do feel that this particular focus is not as popular as some, and become an expert in it would allow me to snowball in my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I have a variety of interests within healthcare service, so that is a tough question for me! I suppose if I had to narrow it to just one area of expertise, I would say palliative care and the necessary family care that comes with it."
Written by Ryan Brunner
13. What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
How to Answer
Stress can often be a regular part of the day to day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (IE: a bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on mine or my teams part. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that our patients and clients are assisted properly."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"To be completely transparent, I probably bring myself the most stress because of my innate desire to be the best. I strive for perfection too often, which causes undue stress on myself. I manage this by focusing my energy on productive activities that are good for my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner
14. Tell me about yourself.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to tell the interviewer a few things about yourself. You can begin with your recent education, family life, volunteer work, or talk about your travels. Bring up anything that is interesting and highlights your ability to be a responsible, reliable, and bright individual.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"A bit about me - I love to travel, read, and conduct research. I am a recent grad from Columbia University and have spent the past 12 months traveling the world. It was the best experience that I could have given myself as I was able to learn so much from seeing how the rest of the world lives. I returned to the US just last month and had been actively looking for work the past couple of weeks. I am looking forward to getting into the routine of a career again."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid marathon runner and have traveled to 10 countries in the last eight years to compete in a variety of races. I am a competitive individual and enjoy keeping fit. Being newer to my career in healthcare services, my biggest goal as of late has to take as many related courses and workshops as possible. I am eager to get a great start on my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner
15. If hired for this position at Interior Health Authority, you'll quickly find that we don't take patient safety lightly. What do you consider to be the keys of patient safety in your role?
How to Answer
A person that is sick or injured and seeking care at Interior Health Authority comes with the assumption that they will be safe in their care. But the healthcare world is filled with many hazards, even within the walls of a hospital or clinic, and it is up to the caregivers to ensure that each patient is care for safely. For this question, think of the key things that you do each day to ensure that each patient is cared for in the safest manner possible. In your answer, be sure to reiterate to your interviewer that you always keep patient safety in the forefront of your thinking.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In phlebotomy, there are many factors that I control that keep my patients safe when I am drawing blood and I always work through steps in a methodical manner to ensure the safety of my patients. The first factor I always consider is where I conduct the draw. I make sure that it is well lit and clean where I will be drawing from the patient. I make sure that I am prepared by having my gloves, single use needles and sample tubes on my cart at all times to ensure a safe and speedy draw. I utilize my alcohol wipes with each and every patient to ensure a clean entry and I quickly bandage the area and give the patient instructions on when it is safe to remove the bandaging."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"In physical therapy, the safety of my patients starts with my initial assessments and medical record review on new patients to ensure that I set forth a therapy plan that their body is able to handle without any further physical injury. I then work my outpatients in ensuring that they have a safe home environment by providing education and resources to help make their home life safer. My final step to ensure patient safety is to not put them at risk for further injury at any time through my therapy by pushing them too hard. I'd rather take the extra time to ensure that patients are in the physical condition needed to perform the tasks that I ask of them."
Written by Ryan Brunner
16. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
How to Answer
In which situation are you the happiest and most productive? Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (IE: I only like to work by myself). You may work well without the need for much management or direction, or perhaps you are better driven in a collaborative and team led environment. Either way, be honest with the interviewer about your preferences without leaning negatively, either way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I have found, in the past, that I work well in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
17. Patient care requires a strong amount of compassion. Do you consider yourself a compassionate person?
How to Answer
To succeed in the healthcare services industry, you should have a solid level of compassion for your patients or customers. Talk to the interviewer about the compassionate qualities that you possess. How would you rate your level of compassion for others?
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I understand that compassion is one of the top qualities that I need to bring to the workplace, being in the healthcare services profession. I consider myself a very compassionate individual. I am warm hearted, responsive to my patients' needs, and always empathetic."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Some ways to describe yourself could be:
- Understanding
- Warm Hearted
- Empathetic
- Responsive
- Charitable
- Tender Hearted"
Written by Ryan Brunner
18. Here at Interior Health Authority, infection control measures are held in the highest regard to promote the safety of both the patients and our staff. What measure do you take in your work to promote infection control?
How to Answer
In hospitals, clinics and in the home health setting, healthcare workers are the first in a line of defense in preventing sickness and disease from spreading to patients and workers. For your answer to this question, talk about the big and the little things that you do on a day to day basis to prevent the spread of infection. If you have any direct training in regard to infection prevention, be sure to bring that up to your interviewer as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As an X-ray Tech, infection prevention starts with cleaning and sanitizing all imaging equipment after each patient use. In my current position, we've been trained to follow our policies in using a solution that contains 70% alcohol to kill any germs that may be around. For myself and our schedulers, we have to allow time to be diligent about this after each patient and I take pride in doing so. On top of this, I wash my hands thoroughly after each patient and use hand sanitizer around whenever possible."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"On our med/surg unit, we have patients with many different sicknesses at any time and as a nurse, there are several things I do to prevent transmission of diseases or sicknesses to myself, my colleagues and other patients. Hand hygiene is of utmost importance and I follow all protocols to wash prior to entering and prior to leaving each patient's room. I also ensure that I follow all gowning requirement for patients that are suffering from highly contagious sicknesses or may be quarantined. These measure all start with proper diagnosis so talking through symptoms is very important to preventing the spread in our setting."
Written by Ryan Brunner
19. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
How to Answer
Being flexible, and able to handle change is a skill that all employers desire to see. Discuss with the interviewer your ability to approach a problem using new methods. Give a recent example but make sure to spend more time highlighting the resolution rather than the problem.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"When our facility came under new management last year many new methods and policies came into place. I was able to learn some exciting new approaches to our challenges in patient care and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"It's funny; they say people in medicine are 'lifelong learners'. But on top of that, we're in this digital revolution, and everyone has to learn new software all the time. I'm finally getting old enough to realize that its difficult to be constantly adapting. I think my 75-year-old aunt telling me how to use my iPhone helped me appreciate that it's all about humility. Not WHO is teaching you, but if you are willing to learn. In the medical context, I just took an updated CPR course, and it went from the 2:15 compressions to continuous compressions and I had to adapt to avoid my past way of thinking."
Written by Ryan Brunner
20. Talk about your ability to partner with colleagues outside of your work unit and explain why it is important to do so at times to provide great patient care.
How to Answer
To provide the best, most comprehensive patient care possible, a true team effort is often required that spans along every provider and caregiver that touches a particular patient. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand who the key players are that you will work with outside of your work unit and that you can do so effectively. If you have any examples of times you had to collaborate with people outside your work unit, talk about that situation and why it was important.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my current role as a Medical Lab Tech ii a large healthcare organization, my communication skills are very important as I often need to communicate with providers in hospital medicine, most specifically on my night shifts. Being that cur Pathologists aren't on night shift, I often have to pick up the phone to clarify orders put in by the Hospitalists to ensure that my results are delivered in a timely manner. They are a great group of providers to work with and respond very quickly on their shift to my requests or calls."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"During my time as a NP in family medicine, I consider myself the coordinator of care for my patients that need to be referred to other providers for care beyond my scope. I have a current patient that was found to have a mass on her ovary and I referred her to an Gynecologic Oncologist offsite from our organization for the best care possible. In the referral, I reached out to the provider to provide as much details as possible and to ensure that the physician had all of the medical records he needed for her care. We developed a great rapport for communication back and forth as I saw that patient continually throughout her care with that provider as she had to travel quite a distance for care with that provider."
Written by Ryan Brunner
21. At Interior Health Authority we seek to hire individuals who have ambitions of growing their career. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
How to Answer
Every hiring manager would like to know that their investment of time and training will pay off. Assure the interviewer that you see this position as a long-term fit. How does this role with Interior Health Authority fit into your longer-term plans?
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In 3-5 years I would like to see my career with Interior Health Authority include a path towards a leadership role. I am very keen on paving a long-term career in the healthcare services realm and would love the opportunity to do that here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"One of the attractive points of working for Interior Health Authority is that you care about the growth of your employees. I'm motivated to learn and am looking for a long-term fit. In 3-5 years I'd like to be grounded in the clinic, learn about this site, your patient base and earn certifications that would help the unit advance. Personally, I'd like to get involved in some of the local volunteer organizations. I speak Spanish, and I have an interest in urban outreach so it would be nice to do something formal in that context...health-education or fundraising."
Written by Ryan Brunner
22. What are some methods that you use to be efficient in your work? Why is efficiency in your work important to you?
How to Answer
One of the goals of Interior Health Authority is to be sustainable through innovation, productivity and efficiency. For the organization to be efficient, your interviewer knows that the person that they hire for the job you are interviewing for needs to be efficient in their work and your interviewer will be looking to find out how you work efficiently in your job. On top of explaining why efficiency is important for the obvious reasons, talk about what you do on a day to day basis to ensure that you are working efficiently. Depending on your job, working efficiently can involve a wide array of things. Make sure you try and capture all of the little things that you do that add up to on the job efficiency.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As a Phlebotomist, efficiency starts in my time with each patient, especially on busy days when the lab and inpatient orders are both very busy. Having had extensive training on effective sticking, I can work on even the most difficult of draws in a quick and efficient manner. Beyond each individual patient, I have advocated to work on an active system where I can go see patients around the hospital whenever possible rather than them reporting to the lab. This enables a quicker draw on their end and frees up space in our waiting room, which is a win-win for all involved."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As a nurse in a busy clinic, communication is key to being efficient and I am a great communicator, both verbally and written. If I ever need to communicate with a provider, a fellow nurse or a scheduler, I do so in a timely manner and never hesitate to communicate quickly. The other thing that I personally do to help me be efficient is to be proactive, rather than reactive, whenever possible. If I know I need to follow up with a patient, I do so in a quick manner. If I notice an issue, I bring it up immediately. This prevents backups of work that can throw efficiency off in a really bad way and in my clinic setting, this just wouldn't be acceptable."
Written by Ryan Brunner
23. It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job'. How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you - even on the hardest of days. Do you need to have verbal recognition? Are you motivated solely by the success of your team? Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I am an easily motivated individual, and it does not take much to keep me engaged. I am fully aware that healthcare-related positions can seem thankless. Honestly, the best thanks that I can get is a pat on the back now and then. The majority of my motivation comes from simply helping people."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were least capable of censoring themselves or giving back. So, I stopped needing thanks from my patients. It's not like I don't need positive reinforcement. Everyone does. But I made a point to find it in other places instead of expecting it from my patients. Nowadays I make an effort to expressly thank the people I work with when they do a good job. I focus on being grateful to be allowed to see private, raw, emotional parts of peoples lives. And I make work-related goals I can achieve for satisfaction."
Written by Ryan Brunner
24. One of our main values is trust at Interior Health Authority. If hired for this position, what ideas would you look forward to expressing if we put that trust into you?
How to Answer
Interior Health Authority believes in empowering their employees so much that they made it one for their four core values. They value trusting employee to express their ideas on the job and they encourage this of employees on a very consistent basis. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear that you are comfortable in being an expert in your work and that you are confident in your ability to be empowered in your work. Be sure to research the position you are interviewing for in details and speak confidently about the ideas that you could help bring to the team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"As you can see from my resume, I have a lot of great experience working with the native aboriginal populations in British Columbia and I have a lot of great ideas on community health needs and ideas for these people based on my current job. Paired with my experience in social services, I think I'd bring a unique perspective to the Community Health Facilitator position here that you wouldn't find in other candidates."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"As a Certified Autism Specialist, I'd love to carry my expertise in this area to the Occupational Therapy team here at Interior Health Authority. With our field sub-specializing more and more, I have a passion for therapy for children with autism and this certification has helped both me and the patients that I work with. I would be available as a resource to any members of the team here and would look forward to any opportunities to help provide training to the staff as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
25. Healthcare service companies require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. How do you ensure that your work is properly organized, and highly accurate?
How to Answer
The success of the healthcare industry thrives on the accuracy of information, and organization. Talk to the interviewer about the ways that you ensure accuracy and organization in your day to day activities. Perhaps you use a particular app or software. Maybe you are a pen and paper person. Whatever your method, be sure to highlight that you are successful in organizing your day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I am a highly detailed person, and I thrive on having a high level of organization in my day. This organization includes my scheduling, paperwork, and more. If I am offered a position with Interior Health Authority you will never find me to be disorganized! I utilize my Outlook calendar and set alerts for myself for deadlines and important activities. My documentation is strong as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I'm a bit of a nerd. I carry around a notebook and write down important facts if I think there is a chance I will forget them. But this is usually just for transitions. Every clinic I've ever worked in has its way of communicating and recording facts, so I put time and attention into using the system the people around me are using. That way its easier to transition care and the patient has all their info in the same place. My notebook saves me when I'm swamped, but I try to be efficient and put info directly into the [group record/EMR/chart] when I can."
Written by Ryan Brunner
26. At Interior Health Authority, we value the ability of our employees to be respectful to all people. Talk about a time where it was difficult to show respect in the workplace and explain how you overcame this.
How to Answer
In the healthcare setting, you often have to deal with patients that are rude, mean or just plain not fun to be around, but you have to maintain the ability to stay positive and treat others with respect by being courteous. This can also pour over the fellow colleagues as well. For this question, your interviewer will be looking to judge your ability to overcome working with difficult patients or colleagues by having you demonstrate your ability to maintain a positive and nurturing demeanor. In your example, describe the situation in detail and talk about the methods you use to maintain a respectful relationship with all that you encounter in your work.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"For this question, I can't help but think back to a patient I was caring for in my days as a nurse on a Med/Surg unit out of college. The gentleman was hospitalized after complications from hip replacement surgery and he was not a happy camper that he had to undergo what he was. From my first shift in working with him, he was extremely rude to our staff, demanding constant attention around the clock for some very menial things. He called me some pretty harsh names during my first few shifts, but this never broke through my shell. Each interaction I had with the man, I kept a smile on my face and communicated with him clearly what I was going to be doing and what he could expect of me. If I had to decline any of this requests, I explain in detail why I couldn't in language that he could understand. In this situation, it was important that I understand where he was coming from and I really did feel for him in his situation."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"In my first position out of college, I worked with a surgeon who was very demanding in the OR. While I've found that most surgeons are demanding, what has always stuck with me was that this surgeon wasn't courteous or respectful to any staff in the OR as compared to others that are respectful in their being demanding. A huge difference for sure. With this particular surgeon, I didn't take his rudeness personally and I actually made extra effort to say my please's and thank you's to almost kill him with kindness. I have a very positive attitude in the workplace and I never let this falter in this situation. In the end, the patient matters and this surgeon was phenomenal in his work and that is what mattered the most."
Written by Ryan Brunner
27. What is your patient care philosophy?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to research the company before your interview. You want to get to know their care philosophy so that your answer can reflect what is important to them. What is the core of your care philosophy? Keep your answer concise yet sincere.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Every day at work, I remind myself that everyone I come across has their struggles. Every person we care for has a story. I make sure to get to know my patients whenever possible. Everyone has the right to compassionate care."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I have three philosophies when it comes to my work. One for the clinic, one for me, and one for the patient. First, I work in a system, and I respect that. I follow the rules, I maintain my certifications, and I appreciate the policies and values of whatever site I work. Patient care is a privilege, and I respect the role I have in clinical care and the part other people have. Second, I want to be the best at what I do. Every day I learn something, and that's because I choose to get better.
Last, I adapt to the individual. If I'm meeting the requirements of my position, and evolving within my profession, then I am free to adjust to my patient and be the provider they need. Some patients need a lot of attention; some want less, and some need boundaries. I have trained myself to adapt my communication style, so a patient gets what they need."
Written by Ryan Brunner
28. Talk about a time that you had to manage a task or responsibility that fell outside of your normal job duties. How did you handle this situation?
How to Answer
At the heart of this question, your interviewer will be looking to gauge your accountability when you are tasked with something that falls out of your regular job duties. Interior Health Authority values integrity in the workplace and the organization expects employees to be accountable for their actions. In your answer, talk about a situation that demonstrates your ability to be held accountable when you've been asked to work outside of your normal duties. If you can, talk about communication you had with your leadership or team to learn about the situation and then talk about what you learned from the situation to paint the full picture for your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In my current role as a Health Unit Coordinator in the Emergency Room setting, I get asked to help fill in for shifts in surgery and on the hospital floors if we are short staffed. In these times, I often have to think on my feet to learn the new departments and I what I need to do to be effective. When I work on a new unit, I talk with as many people as I can to learn what is expected of me because what us HUC's do on different units can vary greatly. While doing this can be stressful, I f id that I learn a lot and that helps me become a much better employee in the end."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"Being a team player in a small clinic setting right now, I often gets asked to do some things outside of my nursing job description to help the clinic run smoothly and to better overall patient care. Just last week, we were experience a slower day in the clinic and I had some hours of gap time between patients. Our clinic administrator asked if I could help our scheduling staff contact patients that were requiring rescheduling. I gladly obliged and went and met with our two schedulers very quickly. As a nurse, I know our scheduling system well but the piece I needed to comprehend was the communication wording that they used with patients to reschedule appointments. After speaking with them for just am couple of minutes, they gave me a list of patients to call directly and I couldn't have been happier to help out in this situation."
Written by Ryan Brunner
29. Tell me about your healthcare related education and training.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your formal post-secondary education as well as any on the job training. Talk about your most positive take-away's from your post-secondary experience and be sure to tie in how that experience will help you succeed in this position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"I have a nursing degree as well as additional on the job training within clinical research. I feel that my nursing education opened up many potential industry-related avenues for me. I graduated top of my class and completed a valuable internship with 'XYZ Health Services'. All of these experiences have helped prepare me for success in this role with Interior Health Authority."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I did my undergraduate in chemistry and medical school at St. George's University. I loved surgery, so my electives were in general surgery, trauma epidemiology, and orthopedics. I'm happy to be moving on to more responsibility as a resident. I have had some amazing mentors, and I found that I could perform with some different teaching styles."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Chad's Feedback
30. In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself to be an emotionally driven person. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work.
Keep in mind - almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but there are other ways that you can describe yourself that have a more positive connotation. If you are passionate, you could choose to refer to yourself as:
- Expressive
- Communicative
- Open
- Unreserved
- Warm Hearted
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Everyone is emotional to a certain degree, and I would consider myself kind-hearted and open. A career in healthcare can be emotional at times; however, I choose to focus on the positives. For instance - if we are close to losing a patient, I will focus on the positive memories rather than the illness. This mindset has consistently allowed me to continue with a productive shift no matter the emotions that come my way. "
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"This is a great question. I think the right answer is, 'of course, but not for long'! We've all had those tough cases. A child dies, a patient yells at you, or you have to give someone a cancer diagnosis. Its professional to take a few minutes after an encounter like that and let those emotions come and go. I cope with these emotions by telling myself that it's not my story, its the patient's story. I think it's okay to be moved by someone else's experience, but I don't need to make it mine."
Written by Ryan Brunner
31. As part of our mission here at Interior Health Authority, we strive to provide our services in a timely manner. How do you ensure that you are timely in the services that you provide to your patients or customers?
How to Answer
In the essence of this question, your interviewer will be looking for you to have a strict patient focus on how you work in an efficient and timely manner to provide results to your patient. The organization's mission is focused on patient care and your answer to this question should be as well. Think about the ways and examples that you have demonstrated your ability to follow up in a timely manner with patients or have worked in diligent ways to give them the care that they deserve and reiterate this to your interviewer.
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"In the primary care setting working with patients over long periods of time, I get to work with them on chronic issues and overall well-being and I absolutely love this aspect of primary care as a Nurse Practitioner. In any case, being timely with follow-up with patients is essential to build trust with them and to show that that I am truly a partner in their care. I deliver what I promise to patients by keeping a checklist in the EHR and following up quickly. I set aside administrative time when possible at least three days of week to accomplish follow up items and this system works really well for me."
Written by Ryan Brunner on January 16th, 2019
2nd Answer Example
"I have worked in both an extremely busy retail setting and in the in-patient pharmacy setting as a Pharmacy Tech. While the positions have their subtle differences, being timely in filling orders accurately all comes down to being organized and on top of my game on a daily basis when I report for duty. I maintain a clean and organized work space and I don't hesitate to stay on top of my colleagues to promote this organization. Having a distraction free work environment and a clean environment really influences my ability to work efficiently and accurately. On top of these abilities, I have the ability to prioritize orders in an inpatient setting like this here at Interior Health Authority and this skill would benefit the entire team greatly if I was hired for this position."
Written by Ryan Brunner
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Chad's Feedback