Kaiser Permanente Registered Nurse Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Kaiser Permanente 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.
Behavioral
1. How have you responded when your supervisor asked you to work an additional shift to fill vacancies?
How to Answer
Any nurse knows that one of the downsides to the career is the need for coverage on most units 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. There may be times when you are asked to alter your schedule or pick up additional shifts to fill vacancies in the work schedule. Due to being shorthanded, you may also be asked to stay for longer hours on your current shift. Nurses with Kaiser Permanente operate as a cohesive team, with a focus on inclusivity and support. And it's essential among fellow nurses in a department, and they need to be willing to help each other out when needed. While it's vital to embody Kaiser's value of being supportive, it's also imperative that you are not committing to schedules you can't work and that you express self-awareness around your physiological needs. You should not extend yourself at the risk of your and your patient's safety.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse in my first position, I would be willing to work extra hours and shifts as needed. I am eager to learn and get oriented plus I want to help out those who may be feeling burned out from staffing shortages. In college, I worked in the kitchen, and I would often volunteer to pick up extra shifts and cover call-outs."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Given that there is a nationwide shortage of nurses, I understand the need to work additional shifts. I also align with the Kaiser value of being a supportive peer. In my current role, we have systematic approaches to ensure appropriate staffing, shift swapping, and managing planned and unplanned time away. I can be available for additional shifts; however, in some cases, I will need advanced notice to ensure I have appropriate child care in place."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
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Behavioral
2. Describe your typical relationship with physicians you work with.
How to Answer
Historically speaking, there has always been a dynamic struggle between nurses and doctors. Kaiser is likely asking you this question to determine if you work well with doctors and can successfully navigate the doctor/nurse dynamic. With a respectful approach, this dynamic struggle can be nonexistent. Kaiser seeks individuals who work collaboratively with staff and management, so a strong answer should demonstrate your ability to do so.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotations, I had the chance to work with many different physicians and NPs in various healthcare settings. I really made the most of my experience, learning all that I could from each of them. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences make them such an asset to work alongside, and though each one may have their own style, their end goal is the same; to heal patients. I found that you can't be intimidated or shy. You have to be confident in your abilities while also knowing when to seek advice or shadowing when you need to improve your skills or experience in an area."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"I understand that doctors own high-risk and sensitive responsibilities. As a best practice, I always approach relationships with my physicians from a supportive and respectful nature. In my current position, I demonstrate three key components that help me work with my physicians best. This framework is called the ideal team player. The Ideal Team Player framework is comprised of being humble, hungry, and smart. Through these competencies, I'm able to build successful relationships with a foundation of trust. With this foundation in place, physicians are more trusting when I advocate for my patients and are quick in offering their education and expertise to grow in my knowledge. I know here at Kaiser that you seek individuals who work collaboratively with staff and management, and I'm confident that this framework aligns with that."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Competency
3. How do you care for a patient who is unable to communicate?
How to Answer
As an RN at Kaiser Permanente, you may care for patients who are nonverbal due to a stroke, dementia-related illness, or other injuries or disabilities. It's important to demonstrate that you treat them with the same level of respect and deliver the same quality care that you would to other patients. You can acknowledge that these patients may require a little more time, patience, and reassurance. Give examples of ways you communicate and care for these types of patients. Perhaps you know sign language, communicate with pen and paper, read lips, or look for nonverbal signals like a smile, head nod, etc.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Just because a patient cannot speak or is in a vegetative state does not mean that they cannot think and feel. It's important to remember that when caring for non-communicative patients, treat them with the same respect and care you would with other patients. For example, as a student, I always knocked when entering the room, introduced myself, and explained why I was in their room. I would explain each step of what I was doing; for instance, if I was checking their vitals, I explained what I would do before I did it and as I moved through the clinical process. I looked for non-verbal cues for signs of pain or discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Often, patients can still communicate with a smile, a nod, etc., so it's important to be on the lookout for nonverbal cues. I also use close-ended questions that require a yes or no, if they can shake their head. Lastly, if they can write, I will provide a pen and paper to communicate, and I'm very patient throughout the process."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Nonverbal patients deserve the same quality care and attentiveness as other patients and may require a little more time to treat. Patience is key when working with patients who cannot communicate their needs in typical ways. I always speak to them in a professional tone, avoiding speaking to them like a child or a lesser person. Treating them with respect is so important. I work to build a relationship, so I understand if there are ways they can communicate (IE, writing, sign language, head nods) and utilize those methods to provide care and treatment to them."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
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Competency
4. What are your best practices for treating a VIP patient?
How to Answer
A VIP (very important patient) can be described as a patient whose status can influence judgment or actions. This is usually celebrities, politicians, or fellow doctors. This could also be family members of medical staff. Interviewers are asking this question to see if they can trust you with high-profile patients. While all patients should receive excellent care, this will be a time where you will have to be thoughtful when engaging with VIP patients.
Interviewers also ask this question to see if you are willing to bend the rules for a high-profile patient. To answer this question successfully, highlight your knowledge about the legal ramifications of treating a high-profile patient while remaining accomodating.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I have never had experience working with a high-profile patient before. In this scenario, I would follow all standard protocol Kaiser had in place for safety, privacy, and patient care. I would be sure to follow all HIPAA and an extra level of confidentiality by not sharing with anyone that I was aware a high-profile patient was in our care. I would imagine the media would probably find out, so if media were present, I would not speak to them unless to tell them who to contact as our media or communications representative. From a personal perspective, I would treat them with care and respect and would never ask for any kind of autograph or other memorabilia."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In my previous role, we cared for high-profile patients often. While I want to be mindful of their additional need for privacy, I also ensure that I am following all protocols as I do for my other patients. This means using their PHI on a minimum necessary basis, following all safety and privacy protocols, and providing care where it is the most appropriate. I know that Kaiser values honoring the patient in all aspects of care through extraordinary moments. In understanding the complexities of a VIP, I feel I am demonstrating that value."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
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Competency
5. How can you help Kaiser Permanente deliver excellent patient care?
How to Answer
Kaiser Permanente has won several awards, including being named among "World's Best Hospitals 2020" by Newsweek. 25 of Kaiser's hospitals have also been rated among the safest by the Leapfrog group. It's evident from their mission statement, "to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare in a compassionate manner that advances the health and well-being of the members," that excellence is part of their framework for success. As a nurse, you can deliver excellent care through effective communication, respect and compassion, accommodation, engagement, and more. Think of specific ways you will promote this culture and deliver excellent care to your patients.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"There are many ways I will deliver excellent patient care if given the opportunity to be a nurse at Kaiser Permanente. I will ensure patients feel respected and valued, comfortable, and confident in our abilities to treat them. I will listen to my patients and their family members, answer their questions and reassure them when appropriate. Lastly, I will go above and beyond what my patients expect of me, to ensure Kaiser Permanente is where they turn when they need exceptional care and healing."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Excellence is one of my own personal values, and delivering excellent patient care is my mission. I do this by keeping a customer-centric focus and treating my patients as customers. This includes meeting their current needs and also anticipating their future needs. With this mentality, I provide them with high-quality care and compassion so that they want to return to us when they need care, and we're the first place they recommend to friends and family. The patient experience is very important to me, and I also treat each as if they were my mother, sister, grandfather, or friend."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
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Competency
6. What best practices do you use for patients in poor health?
How to Answer
This question allows you to demonstrate your alignment with Kaiser's nursing values. They believe that care should be provided in a healing environment of caring, sensitivity, and courtesy.
Nurses see patients with levels of sickness and poor health that span a wide degree of severity. It is essential to talk about how you communicate with your patients and the steps you take to ensure their safety and comfort.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"Any time I see a new patient, I learn more about them and their history, so I thoroughly understand their health problems and what they are going through. This allows me to customize my approach to treating the patient and providing the right care. Emotionally, I'm sensitive to the situation they are going through, and physically, depending on their illness or disease, I do my best to protect them in their fragile state by washing my hands, wearing proper PPE, etc."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"When working with chronically ill patients, it's essential to treat them with compassion and empathy. I ensure to explicitly follow their treatment plan and provide as much targeted patient education as possible. I focused on the outcome and adherence monitoring while doing my best to keep them comfortable. Lastly, I ensure communication is clear in both directions so I have a strong understanding around what they need and they have clear expectations regarding their care."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Competency
7. Tell me about your experience in collecting lab samples, such as blood, tissue, and other specimens.
How to Answer
As part of Kaiser's nursing strategy, as it relates to integrity, one of their behaviors focuses on integrating ethical provisions in all practice areas. They do this by modeling and reinforcing ethical behavior.
In many clinical situations, nurses are responsible for collecting lab samples to send away for testing, such as blood, tissue, and other specimens. Kaiser asks this question to assess your ability and knowledge around collecting lab samples and following appropriate procedures.
To effectively answer this question, you should explain your experience and demonstrate your knowledge around the process and requirements. A more robust answer to this question should include an example of when you streamlined a process for collection or documentation.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I have experience collecting urine specimens from patients, both from catheters and from having patients urinate in a sample cup. It's important to ensure there is a doctor's order in place, label the cup beforehand with the patient's name and date of birth, then provide the supplies to the patient with instructions on how to collect the sample properly. Once complete, you must quickly take the sample to the lab to be processed, as leaving samples lay could cause an error in results and also delays the time it would take for the results to be obtained."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In my current role, I have experience collecting many types of lab samples, including blood, urine, fecal, skin, and other types of samples. Whenever I collect a sample from a patient, I always confirm their name and date of birth to ensure I am matching the sample back to the appropriate patient. After the sample is collected, I document it in our laboratory log, so there is a record of it going out to the lab. The lab sample must be documented appropriately, so we can track and monitor the sample and ensure the patient gets accurate results."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Competency
8. What are your best practices in caring for patients with dementia?
How to Answer
Kaiser believes in honoring patients through extraordinary care, and they believe that care should be provided in a healing environment of caring, sensitivity, and courtesy. Keeping this in mind, dementia patients require an even more profound level of sensitivity. An interviewer asks this question to determine if you have the skills and patience to care for patients with dementia.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"There are many complexities that come with treating patients with dementia. Dementia can be ruthless and quickly strips dignity from those who have it. I always treat each patient with dignity and respect, treating them the way I would want to be treated. More specifically, in caring for patients with dementia, I ensure I set a positive mood for interaction. I always state my messages clearly, asking simple, answerable questions. I break down activities into smaller steps. When behaviors are escalated, I find that redirection is the best approach."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Experienced Example
"I have a lot of experience working with patients diagnosed with dementia, and I've learned a lot of great caregiving techniques and strategies over the years. Routine is important, so ensuring they bathe, dress and eat meals at the same time every day is helpful. When assisting with activities of daily living, caregivers and clinicians should remember to always explain what they are going to do step-by-step and be patient throughout the process. Patients with dementia do best with loose clothing, so I always avoid clothing with small buttons, buckles, or similar items that may cause frustration to my patients. From a personal perspective, I'm always calm, reassuring, and respectful when I'm working with dementia patients. I avoid phrases like "like I told you before" or "don't you remember," as those can cause frustration, anger, and anxiety. There are many helpful techniques that clinicians and caregivers can practice to provide the best care possible for those impacted by dementia and other related diseases."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Competency
9. At Kaiser Permanente, we take patient privacy seriously. What is your experience level and understanding of HIPAA?
How to Answer
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act is a Federal law that restricts access to individuals' private medical information. Knowledge of what HIPAA is and what it means in the workplace is critical, as violations of this law could result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and lawsuits for Kaiser Permanente. Speak about what knowledge and experience you have relating to following HIPAA policies.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I am very familiar with HIPAA and complete annual training on the topic. I take patient privacy very seriously and ensure I protect it at all times. My workstation is always locked when I'm away from my desk and when I deal with patient family and friends inquiring about patient statuses, I always check their file to see who they have given consent to receive information."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"I understand the importance of protecting patient information and the implications if HIPAA is violated. I never leave charts laid out in the open, and I protect all documents on my desk from outside view. I only discuss the patient's care with those authorized, and I always check the patient's file before calling so I know if I'm allowed to leave a voicemail."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Competency
10. How many patients is a full workload for you?
How to Answer
Kaiser's nursing department focuses on systematically enhancing the quality and effectiveness of nursing. This is an excellent opportunity to share with the interview your ability to manage a high patient ratio and explain the numbers you feel comfortable with. Knowing that Kaiser values a treatment of patients founded on dignity and respect; they will appreciate an answer that reflects patient safety, meaning reasonable nurse/patient ratios. This is also a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your organizational abilities.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, I understand that I may have a lower number of patients until I've completed my orientation and training period. During my clinicals at the nursing home, I would have about five to six patients per shift, and when I worked in the pediatric unit of the hospital, I would have 4-6 patients. I was comfortable with those ratios as I was training and learning, but I can be flexible and take on more based on the needs of the organization."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my career as a nurse, I have found out that the number of patients that I'm comfortable handling is relative to the unit that I'm working on. When working in the ICU unit, I cared for upward of eight patients. I felt this patient ratio was unreasonable and affected the quality of care patients received. However, in MedSurg, that same eight patients feels reasonable. Regardless of the patient count, I'm confident in my prioritization skills in managing patient care. Additionally, I'm comfortable partnering and communicating with leadership to ensure that we are honoring patients through extraordinary care."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Competency
11. How do you make seamless transitions on shift changes?
How to Answer
Shift transitions can be a stressful time for patients and staff. Patients have been cared for by the same nurse all day, and that transition can come with complexities and worry. Patients want to know that they will trust the new shift nurse and ensure that they have a strong understanding of their care and conditions.
Kaiser is patient and family-centric and honors the essential role of the patient in all aspects of care, including shift changes. The interviewer is looking to see how you manage handoff and anticipate the needs of this transition. To provide a concrete answer, walk your interviewer through the framework and best practices you utilize for a successful handoff. Bonus if you can give a unique task that they maybe don't use yet.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation, we participated in shift changes by working with our instructors to give reports and then also with the next group of students or staff coming in. Our end-of-shift reporting consisted of patient status updates, notables like medication refusals, passing along family member requests, fall risk updates, food and drink intake, urinary output, etc. The method of this handoff was usually in person, but I do have experience recording my reports as well as transcribing them. I'm very thorough in ensuring the next person caring for my patient is fully equipped with the necessary knowledge."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"I think we often underestimate the importance of shift handoff. It is one of the most critical points of communication points regarding patient statuses and their future care. I understand that safety is critical during this time, and I want to be mindful of not inadvertently omitting details that may be important. To ensure that I am setting the oncoming nurse for success, I start a list of information that I can pass on. This list includes lab results, doctor comments, and any issues that arose. By keeping this list updated throughout the day, I don't have to recall every detail of the day or accidentally forget to share something that may have been relevant."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Competency
12. How do you prioritize when multiple patients and procedures demand your attention at once?
How to Answer
Considering the nationwide nursing shortage, patient loads can be significantly high. Interviewers are evaluating several competencies. They want to know that you are capable of managing high volume, what prioritization techniques you know, and always keeping patient safety at the forefront of a high patient load.
One of Kaiser's nursing principles focuses on delivering care based on national standards for quality in all practice settings. With this in mind, a successful answer would include an example demonstrating that you have a strong understanding of national standards and best practices in prioritizing patients' needs.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation at a nursing home, I worked on the transitional care unit. On this unit, many patients had just had surgery and were there to receive therapy before going home. The facility was very short-staffed, state was in the building, and it was pretty chaotic, with several patients having their call lights on at once. I remained calm and collaborated with the nurses on shift that day to divide the work and patient load to ensure everyone was being cared for. I was also honest with patients as I asked what they needed and prioritized based on their needs. For example, those needing medication or help to the bathroom took priority over a resident wanting the channel changed or someone to go to activities and find them a magazine to read."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"When prioritizing patient care, I first implement a prioritization technique that allows me to force rank the needs of patients. Using this framework, I consider many components such as avoiding harm, mitigating scenarios where patients may suffer, doing my best to prevent them from being discharged, or hindering their routine care. I'm mindful of tasks that would help a patient transition toward wellness, such as nutrition and mobility activities. I continually ask myself two questions in prioritization: What can I do now, and what happens if the patient wait's a little longer? This approach is excellent when determining who needs what and when they need it. I know that one of Kaiser's main principles is coordinating the identification of patient-centered outcomes, and I feel this strategy aligns with that principle. "
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
13. Why are you leaving your current position or company?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to learn more about why you've decided to pursue new opportunities. Discuss with the interviewer your reason for leaving, then explain what makes the role at Kaiser Permanente appealing to you. Maintain a positive and professional tone; avoid complaining about your current or previous company, manager, or team, as hiring managers usually see this as a red flag. Now is a great time to highlight what you know about Kaiser Permanente that makes them a preferred employer for you.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a recent graduate, this would be my first RN position. I have done a lot of research on employers in this area, and I was impressed with Kaiser Permanente's awards and recognition both locally and nationally. The employee reviews were exceptional, and I feel I would be a great cultural fit. I'm excited to learn more about this opportunity!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"I enjoy working for my current company and I love the patients I work with; however, the commute is getting to be too much. I recently moved and I'm commuting an hour each way, five days a week. I'm looking to find a similar role within 30 minutes or so from home and Kaiser Permanente is a premier employer in this area so I'm excited to learn more."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Discovery
14. Can you tell me about a nurse that you look up to?
How to Answer
This is an excellent opportunity to highlight a nurse who mentored you or motivated you in some capacity. This could be someone you know and have worked closely with or can be a more broad high-level example such as Florence Nightingale, your grandmother who was a nurse, or a nurse that personally treated you. Think about the answers and be prepared to showcase your mentor or hero. Bonus points if you can tie this back to a Kaiser value such as compassion, teamwork, or excellence.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"My nursing instructor was an incredible mentor and leader. I admired her for her ability to engage the class and teach hands-on, providing constructive and positive coaching and guidance. She was extremely knowledgeable and shared so many of her nursing experiences with us as real-life examples. I looked up to her as a professional but also as a person. She was kind and caring, always genuinely interested us as students first, then our success as nurses."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Before I became a nurse, I was a neo-natal volunteer for premies. I knew very little about babies, and they were all so tiny and felt so fragile. Every time I went to pick one up, I was so nervous I would drop or hurt one. One of the nurses, Stacey, could sense my hesitation and came over to see how I was doing. She turned to me and said, 'whenever you don't know what to do with a baby, just love them. That's as good a start as any.' This phrase stuck with me for life, and I use it even with my adult or geriatric patients. I admire her for her compassionate approach, and that compassion translates in how I treat all of my patients."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
15. What are your salary requirements?
How to Answer
Provide Kaiser Permanente with a target range you would like your salary to fall within, given your experience and the position you are applying for. By providing a range, you are demonstrating flexibility while also voicing what you feel your contributions are worth. The Kaiser Permanente website mentions medical, dental, and vision care insurance. Flexible spending accounts, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and educational opportunities are also mentioned.
If these or other benefits, like employee discounts, retirement saving options, or tuition reimbursement, are important to you, also share that you would consider those when considering a compensation package. You can also mention that the total benefits package would impact your desired salary, and you'd like to learn more.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new graduate, I'm open to negotiating, but ideally, I would like to earn between $X-$X/hr plus shift differentials for the evening shifts. Base salary is important to me, but the total rewards package, including medical insurance, and tuition reimbursement, are of equal interest and importance when considering an offer."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Because I have fifteen years of experience as an RN and several advanced certifications like PALS and PEARS, my target salary range is $65,000-$70,000 per year with a sign-on bonus. I may have some flexibility depending on the total benefits package and would be open to discussing it further."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Discovery
16. Are you specialized in a particular area of nursing, i.e. neonatal, pediatric, geriatric, or women's health?
How to Answer
On this particular question, the Kaiser is looking to hear how your passion translates to treating patients. They can tell where your experience comes from in your resume, and now it is time to showcase your passion for the job you are interviewing for. Kaiser focuses on teaching others to exceed through mentoring, coaching, and lifelong learning. So tying this example back to your answer will highlight what you appreciate about Kaiser and why you want to work with them specifically.
If you are interviewing for a specialty area within nursing that you have worked in the past, talk about your interests in that area and why the job is important to you. If you are interviewing for a new specialty area of care, look to point out similarities of your past duties and experiences and how they will translate to this potential new job. Recent graduates to the nursing field should talk about their clinical experiences and why they see this job as the best fit for their career.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, I don't have any special certifications or specialized areas of experience. I enjoy working with patients of all ages, and I'm flexible and willing to work on various units, but if I had to choose one area of interest, it would be working with the elderly population. When I was in high school, I volunteered for hospice and the senior citizens center, and I really liked connecting and building relationships with older adults. I enjoyed hearing their stories and experiences, and many of them did not have family or friends nearby, so it was rewarding to be that special person in their life. As I get established within an organization, I would like to gain more experience and eventually pursue specialty certifications in my area of interest."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Having worked in Family Practice as a nurse for my entire career, I've had the joy of working with mothers and their newborn children for their care when they were sick. I've provided care for newborns with a wide array of sicknesses and have always loved treating newborns. With my career goal always working on an obstetrics unit, my experience working with newborns will translate well while still providing me with the opportunity to develop and grow in the field. I know that Kaiser maintains standards of excellence in the delivery of care. So I look forward to learning from those already working in the obstetrics unit to continue life-long learning."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
17. At Kaiser Permanente, we promote work-life balance. In what ways do you maintain a healthy balance?
How to Answer
Healthcare workers are prone to burnout, so Kaiser Permanente is proactive in preventing this among their team. Their website mentions offering Eat Well Initiatives, which include one-on-one Wellness Coaching, online nutrition resources, and healthy eating options in their cafeterias. They also offer mental health & wellness tools that support emotional well-being, stress reduction, meditation practices, and more.
Give examples of how you try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email where appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I prioritize my health and wellness by exercising regularly and making sure I attend preventative appointments. I also set boundaries for when I am on my work phone or checking email after hours; that way, I can give my family the time they deserve. Lastly, I try to take my designated lunch break every day to ensure I'm not skipping meals and to give myself a mental health break."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"My family is very active, so I recharge by spending time doing activities with them. We love to go outdoors and hike and kayak, and we also enjoy going to concerts and sporting events. I noticed that Kaiser Permanente offers something called "Our Recreation Connection," offering discounted tickets and other recreational activities to employees and their families, so I'm eager to learn more about that!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Discovery
18. Tell me about your education.
How to Answer
Your path to becoming a nurse has included a great deal of education and certification. Your resume will obviously show the school(s) you attended, what level your degree was and what dates you attended. Now is your chance to expand upon your resume by talking about your experiences through nursing school, your clinical rotations, or your master's program that led you to this point in your career and how specific pieces of your education led you to this job you are interviewing for. One of Kaiser Permanente's nursing values is to continually seek knowledge in nursing and exemplify professional performance. If you can successfully tie your answer back to this value, you will demonstrate that you have learned about and understand their nursing principles.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I graduated in May from X University with my B.S. in nursing and just recently passed my boards. I love to learn and expand my knowledge, so I do plan to pursue my MSN down the road. My short-term focus is on obtaining CPR certification, ACLS and PALS within the next twelve months."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In 2004, I earned my nursing degree from Arizona State University. Since then, I routinely attend valuable continuing education courses that have supported my continued growth. Knowing that I wanted to treat substance abuse patients, I attended a conference on the opioid crisis that is sweeping the country right now. In the conference, I learned so much about spotting the signs of addiction, treating patients effectively, and the negative impact on families. I understand that Kaiser values continually seeking knowledge in nursing, which is also in line with my personal values."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
19. Why do you want to work for Kaiser Permanente?
How to Answer
Nurses have many employer options to choose from, so the interviewer is trying to learn more about what attracted you to Kaiser Permanente in particular. Check out the company website and familiarize yourself with its mission, vision, core values, and any specific awards or accomplishments that impressed you. Give an honest answer about why you want to work at Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"Since graduating, I've been very intentional about applying only to companies with good reputations and positive employee reviews. I made a list of companies with which I aligned my core values, then researched them on Comparably to learn more about how employees rate the culture and CEO. I was pleased to see Kaiser Permanente had a 4-star rating on culture and a 71% approval rating of the CEO. There were many comments about how well the company treats employees, the opportunities for professional development, and compensation. Those are all important factors to me and drew me to apply!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Kaiser Permanente is so well known in this area, and I'm impressed by the company consistently being rated as the #X healthcare system in this area. I want to join an organization focused on patient care with the most modern technology and equipment available. I am also really impressed by the awards the organization has won, and overall, I feel I would be a good cultural fit!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Discovery
20. How do you stay current on the latest health research?
How to Answer
Kaiser is a leader in the healthcare industry. The healthcare field is continually changing with new technology and research methods. Due to this, most healthcare organizations require nurses to attend continuing education courses. On top of required education, many nurses choose to stay up to speed in their field by attending training, reading publications or participating in workshops. To successfully answer this question, candidates should talk about one of the most recent training sessions they attended and expand on their particular interests in learning more in the nursing field and how they educate themselves.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I a passionate about learning and believe that it is something you should never tire of or feel like you've outgrown. I regularly complete my CEUs and often attend workshops offered in the community by other healthcare systems. I belong to several LinkedIn professional networks and follow organizations like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic to stay current on the newest breakthroughs in technology and treatments."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"As part of my continuing education requirements, I recently participated in a continuing education course focused on the opioid crisis and use disorders in primary care. This training was wildly insightful and beneficial, considering the there have been over 81,000 drug overdose deaths from opioids in 2020 alone. This course provided me with new context around identification, treatment, and risk assessments related to opioid usage. As a nurse, I understand that I play a vital role in patients' treatment and care, so I take my continued education very seriously and genuinely welcome the opportunity to learn new information that can help me grow as a nurse and provide a more educated level of care."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
21. What motivates you to provide top-of-the-line nursing care?
How to Answer
Most people who go into the nursing profession are naturally attracted to helping people who are most in need of help. They thrive on helping patients through very tough times by providing both medical care and emotional support. No matter how many years of experience a nurse has, they must stay motivated in order to provide top-of-the-line nursing care. Nursing, while often a very rewarding career, can be exhausting and emotionally draining, so it is important for nurses to be able to stay motivated in their current work environments. Kaiser is asking this question to determine what motivates the candidate and to determine if your values align with theirs. To successfully answer this question, the candidate should provide details as to what motivates them to become better nurses. A more successful answer would include a specific example of a situation that motivated a candidate to continue or better their nursing practice.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I love helping people, and I find nursing to be such a rewarding career. I love knowing that I have helped others heal and feel better so they can return back home to their friends and family. I'm also motivated by the culture and reputation of the organization I work for as I strive to promote a culture of teamwork and excellence by providing high-quality care to patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Given that nursing can be incredibly taxing at times, it's not always possible to stay motivated. I've found the best way to stay motivated is by honoring my values and why I decided to become a nurse in the first place. Patients deserve a high level of respect and dignity in their care, and my kindness, trustworthiness, and emotional intelligence allow me to deliver the type of care patients deserve. When I feel a lack of motivation, I remind myself of the treatment my patients deserve, which helps me to maintain my motivation continually."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
22. What do you feel is the toughest part about being a nurse?
How to Answer
It's no secret that nursing is a complex, stressful career. The interviewer at Kaiser Permanente would like to better understand what you personally feel is the toughest part about being a nurse. It could be the emotional side of nursing, dealing with the death of patients, working long hours away from friends and family, burnout from staffing issues, or even dealing with the politics of nursing. Give a genuine response about what you feel is the toughest part of being a nurse. Avoid being negative or complaining or sharing a response that could cause the interviewer to second guess your abilities. Try to end your response on a positive note about how you've overcome this challenge or with insight into a positive outlook on the situation or issue, especially if it's one you may run into working at Kaiser Permanente.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"I'm just starting my career, so I'm sure I will experience many challenges throughout my nursing journey. Initially, I feel it will be tough to feel confident in everything I do, and I may feel pressure to know everything or excel at all nursing skills that I may not have developed yet. An additional challenge may be instilling confidence and trust in my abilities with my new colleagues as a new grad nurse, but I will go above and beyond to prove that I'm a reliable colleague and am dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to our patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"As a nurse, we care for physical needs, but so often people forget about all the emotions that come along with that physical care. Over the years, I have witnessed so many patients who are terminally ill, others who are struggling with addiction, mothers losing their children, and patients without any family by their side. Those kinds of situations take a toll on you, especially when you've built relationships and patients, and sometimes it's tough to overcome your own emotions to continue getting your job done. It can also be tough to leave that stress and emotion at the door, and sometimes you end up taking it home with you, which impacts your family. I've learned many coping techniques over the years, but overall, I would say that's still the toughest part of being a nurse."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Discovery
23. What made you want to become a nurse?
How to Answer
Nursing is one of the most challenging careers. It taxes you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But! Someone has to do it; someone has to save the lives, birth the babies and treat the patients. Interviewers are asking this question to see what your foundational basis for nursing is. On the challenging days, they need to know that you can course-correct with your desire to be a nurse to provide compassion and excellence, which are two of Kaiser's nursing values.
To best answer, this question, avoid leaning on 'I like helping people.' While this may be true, it's a generic response lacking depth. We should be specific and honest in our delivery while highlighting how our reasons for being a nurse align with their values and principles.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"I have several family members who are nurses, and I was introduced to the work that they did at a very young age, and that exposure attracted me to the field. I explored this interest further in high school by becoming a nursing assistant and working at our local nursing home. I also volunteered at the hospital to gain experience and to be sure that this was truly a career path I was interested in. I completed my nursing program this past spring and can't wait to start working. I love working with people of all ages, and I find such fulfillment in helping others!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"Ever since I was a small child, I had an innate desire to help people. As I got older, I started developing leadership skills such as remaining calm in high-stress situations and quickly jumping in when a problem needed to be solved. In high school, I developed a strong love for science and anatomy, which ultimately led me toward my desire for nursing. Nursing is an exciting and fast-paced profession that provides an opportunity to impact patients in the community positively. While I know it can be taxing at times, it's also what gives me a mission, vision, and purpose. I feel a strong sense of compassion for the patients I treat, and I understand that this is a value for Kaiser as well."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Discovery
24. What is your 5-year plan?
How to Answer
As part of Kaiser's nursing values, they mention the importance of attaining knowledge and competency that reflects current nursing practice. This means that Kaiser interviewers ask you this question to gather insight around how well this position aligns with your overall career aspirations. Investments in hiring can be extraordinarily high, so employers need to know that you have a vested interest and are looking to remain part of the team for an extended period of time.
To successfully answer this question, your response should demonstrate your desire to grow with Kaiser as you continue to develop as a nurse. Make them a part of your long-term journey while expressing your desire to elevate in your role and keep those contributions with Kaiser.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, my short-term goal is to establish myself with a company that I align with culturally and one that I believe in their mission and vision. I want to learn as much as I can and really focus on growing my skills and experience as a nurse. From there, I may be interested in exploring other specialty units to gain additional experience, obtain specialty or advanced certifications and eventually consider leadership opportunities when the time is right."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"While it's challenging to determine where I'll be in 5 years, I've always been a 'put me where you need me' employee. Where I see myself in five years will depend largely on what Kaiser's needs are five years from now. My personal values align with Kaiser's values as well, and I know that Kaiser values professionalism, patient/family-centric environments, compassion, teamwork, excellence, and integrity. With this in mind, over the next five years, I'd like to continue focusing on my strengths in these areas. By doing this, I can continue to develop and grow my skills while supporting Kaiser in the alignment of our shared values."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
25. Describe a difficult challenge you recently faced, how you handled it and what was the outcome?
How to Answer
As a nurse, there will never be a shortage of difficulties to face. Kaiser interviewers are looking at your ability to demonstrate clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills when facing challenges. The ability to show these competencies align with Kaiser's value regarding excellence.
To best present this answer, be sure to highlight your ability to remain calm and act strategically when faced with complex challenges.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"In my first year of college, I experienced the stress and pressures of being a full-time student. I didn't have proper time management skills then, so it was very stressful trying to manage all my classes and assignments and prep for exams. I learned that self-care was essential, and I also developed time management techniques that helped me successfully plan out my weeks and months and set goals and milestones to achieve them. My first year was a great learning experience and I learned how to adapt and overcome in stressful situations."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"As a nurse, you are faced with complex challenges often; however, I think back to one patient in particular who was yelling and screaming at everyone, but especially at his hospital roommate. This onset was sudden, and this wasn't typical behavior for him. Before addressing the issue, I first checked all of his documentation. I quickly realized that earlier that morning, he had received difficult information concerning his diagnosis. In this situation, we thought it would be best to move him to a private room, at least until he had some time to process the information. It is important to understand that people don't generally have outbursts for no reason, and it's vital to acknowledge that everyone processes difficult information differently; while screaming and yelling isn't the best way, we always understand that our patients are going through a lot and it's important to get creative in supporting their needs."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
Situational
26. Describe a time you had to teach a patient something they weren't receptive of learning.
How to Answer
There will be times when you encounter a patient at Kaiser Permanente who is reluctant to take a new medication or to learn new habits to support a healthier lifestyle. It could be because they have not received enough education on the matter to understand the benefits, they could have questions that physicians have not been able to answer, or it could be because of a mindset they are unwilling to change. Whatever the situation, as a nurse, it's your job to help patients understand the benefits of making certain decisions relating to their health. Give an example of a time you've experienced this situation. Include your approach to the patients and the tools and techniques you used to educate or persuade the patient.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"During clinicals, I had a patient who had recently had a heart attack, and the doctor had ordered them to be on a cardiac diet. I was trying to educate the patient on what that diet entailed, but they were very annoyed and told me they did not plan to make any of those changes. I listened to their concerns and took opportunities to explain more about how this diet would benefit them and how it could impact their quality of life and possibly even the length of their life. I wasn't forceful and took an approach of coming from a place of genuine concern and care for their wellbeing. I left literature on their tray table so they could explore it further when they were ready, and I also checked back with them to see if they had any questions I could answer. I found this patient loved cooking, so I pulled some recipes I thought they would find appealing and sent them home with the patient upon discharge."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"I recently had a pediatric patient diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that impacted her ability to walk and do normal daily activities and caused her hair to fall out, which was very upsetting to her. I spent time with her, reviewing some printed material from the hospital, but I didn't feel like she was taking in the information. She spent a lot of time on her cell phone and social media, so I went home that evening and found some Instagram influencers battling the same disease and shared them with her the next day. I encouraged her to follow their pages and read some of their blogs so that she could learn more and see ways they coped with their disease. She was very receptive to this, and I found her often watching videos, sometimes even smiling. It's important to meet people where they are and find ways to educate patients in a way that appeals to them."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Situational
27. How would you respond if you were asked to perform a task that you were not trained to do?
How to Answer
This question is less about your actual skill set and more about your attitude and approach when faced with a situation like this. In your answer, demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn, your ability to self-help, acknowledge and speak up when you need help or are uncertain about something, and your ability to problem-solve or seek guidance from another team member. It's also beneficial to emphasize that you would never attempt something you weren't trained to do that could jeopardize the safety of a patient.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"As a new grad, I realize I may encounter a situation where I'm asked to perform a task I don't know how to do. I would first be honest that I don't have the experience or training to complete the task, but I would be willing to learn! I would ask if there was a colleague or supervisor to assist me. If it were an admin task, I would see if I could self-help and research how-to online through an article or video. I would never attempt something I didn't feel comfortable with my abilities to do so, especially if it could endanger a patient."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"Occasionally, there may be an admin task I'm unsure how to complete because of new technology or a change in the process. In these cases, I would approach the trainer or a peer I knew to be strong in this area and ask if I could shadow them or if they could take a minute to talk me through the step. I'm a quick learner, so once I'm shown something once, I usually catch on quickly and won't need additional support. If someone asked me to provide a treatment I didn't know how to do, I would never guess at it or "wing it" because that could cause serious harm to a patient. I would be honest and ask for assistance or additional training."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Situational
28. Tell me about a time you had to communicate bad news to a patient. How did you effectively communicate that news and what was the outcome?
How to Answer
One of the most challenging parts of nursing is delivering bad news to a patient or their family. Nurses need to demonstrate their tactful ability to provide unfavorable information from a supportive and compassionate perspective. Knowing that Kaiser's nursing values include treating a patient as a human and not a condition, your answer must demonstrate your ability to separate the person from the diagnosis.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Entry Level Example
"There have been times during my training that I would have to let a patient know they were not going to be able to be discharged as soon as they had hoped. When delivering that news, I'm always compassionate and empathetic to their situation, trying to put myself in their shoes and understand how they are feeling. I always explain the "why" behind why they can't be discharged yet, either. It may be because we're waiting on further tests, or we suspect something is going on with their health, it could be because the doctor isn't available to do rounds or sign off, or perhaps they need additional monitoring to be cleared. Whatever the situation, I always explain it to them and allow them time to ask questions so they better understand and can manage expectations."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"As a pediatric nurse early in my career, my partner physician had to inform a family that their child had a brain tumor. The physician allowed me to be present during this conversation for emotional support. The most important step anyone can take when delivering bad news is to allow the recipient to respond however they need to. Expect that the patient will not respond well, and that is entirely alight. Receiving information like this is life-changing and can trigger many phases of grief, especially when the outcome is unknown.
We were sure to provide clear next steps, some possible expectations and offered our support in any capacity they needed. The most powerful action to take in a situation like this is just sitting with them and being there. I find when delivering difficult information, our instinctive reaction is to solve or talk the feelings away, but there is so much value in the compassion and the silence."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
29. Tell me about a time when you cared for a patient whose values or beliefs were different from your own. How did you handle the situation?
How to Answer
One of Kaiser's nursing principles is ensuring that we treat each patient as an individual to be cared for, not just a medical condition to be treated. With this in mind, Kaiser interviews are asking this question to see if you have the ability to put your own beliefs aside to honor a perspective that differs from yours. They want to know that you have the ability to challenge and manage your biases to honor patient care.
To successfully answer this question, you should provide an example when you treated a patient who had values or beliefs different from your own. Additionally, align your answer with Kaiser's value of compassion and providing excellent care.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During my clinical rotation, I encountered a twelve-year-old pediatric patient who was in an ATV accident. He appeared to be in severe pain, and the doctor ordered some medication for him to get relief. The medication was not a narcotic or opioid; over a few hours, it was clear that it was not helping this young man. The doctor had come in and spoken to the patient's mother, who was adamant that she did not want him given any other medication for pain because she was afraid he would become addicted. Even though the patient rated his pain a 9, the mother refused to consent for him to have any other pain medication. While I personally disagreed with her decision, it was not my choice, and my role as the professional was to provide her with education and answer her questions. I respected her concerns and her decision as a mother and followed the alternate care plan her and the doctor had decided upon until he was discharged."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"I once cared for a Buddhist patient and had no knowledge of their belief system. As I got to know him and built that patient-clinician relationship, I learned he was very modest. He often did not want anyone to assist him with personal care, so I respected his wishes and helped him set up his bath and personal care on his own, providing the setup and safety precautions for him to do those things himself. I also learned that he had an aversion to most animal meat products, so I took extra care to ensure his meals were prepared and served the way he wished. While I may not have agreed with his beliefs, it's important to be able to set those differences aside and provide the same level of care, kindness, and treatment as you would any other patient."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Situational
30. Describe a recent issue you had with a doctor or co-worker's decision. How did you handle it?
How to Answer
One of Kaiser's nursing principles is contributions to the professional development of peers and colleagues. This principle means behaving with a high level of emotional intelligence and acting as a leader among your peer and colleague groups.
To be an effective peer, it sometimes means flagging inappropriate behaviors or flagging issues that may compromise patients' safety. In this scenario, Kaiser seeks to understand how you demonstrate managerial courage and have practical reasoning skills to know when it's best to ignore a behavior versus action.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During my training, I worked on the transitional care unit with another student nurse, who I often observed her taking shortcuts that impacted the patient's progress with rehab. For example, a patient was ordered to ambulate to the bathroom, and PT encouraged that as often as possible to build up their strength and continue healing after surgery. The nursing student would often give them a bedside commode or, worse, the bedpan. There were several instances where I observed this while she tended to different patients. Understanding the importance of following doctor's orders, especially those that are in place to promote rehabilitation, I knew this had to be addressed. In my debriefs with my instructor, I did share my observations and feedback, and she said she would address the concerns with the other student confidentially. The next time we were paired on the same hall, I noticed she followed the doctor's orders, and the issue had been resolved."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"During my time working at a skilled nursing facility, we were short-staffed one evening during medication passing. Our standard operating procedure was to pass medications to patients in teams of two to ensure that proper medications were administered to each resident. My co-worker told me to do two of the wings alone to save time, and I immediately told her that I was uncomfortable going against policy for the safety of the patients. Another co-worker and I teamed up to complete the pass in the entire facility quickly with no incidents. Additionally, I wanted to contribute to the professional development of my peers, so I circled back with them to share my concerns and the implications of not following this policy. I offered my support to ensure that they follow all protocols moving forward."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
31. Tell me about a time in which you had to handle an irate physician, co-worker, or patient. How did you handle it and what were the results?
How to Answer
As a nurse, you deal with patients, family members, and co-workers during very stressful times. These stressful times can lead to emotional outbursts like rage or sadness. In dealing with someone angry, it is essential to demonstrate your listening skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain calm and collected, not to escalate the situation.
It's helpful to remember that no one seeking care feels well, which heightens emotions. Additionally, there is a lot of trauma associated with hospital settings, medical treatments, and pain. One of Kaiser's nursing values is maintaining standards of excellence when it comes to the delivery of care; tying your answer back to this value will demonstrate the ability to navigate a difficult situation and demonstrate your understanding of Kaiser Permanente and what is important to them.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During clinicals, I had an older patient who refused to work with me or allow me to provide any sort of care or treatment. When I first entered her room, she let me know that she did not want a student with no experience to even touch her. I respectfully acknowledged her concerns and reassured her that my instructor was on site and that there was oversight and supervision, but she still refused. I did not take it personally and asked her if she would mind if I shadowed the floor nurse so I could continue to learn and observe, to which she agreed. I did this for a few weeks. Then one afternoon, when her regular floor nurse was providing treatment, the patient's roommate turned her call light on, and I was able to move over and assist her with care and dressing a wound. When I finished, I washed my hands and came around the room divider, and the patient who was refusing my care previously said she overheard my conversation and was impressed with my kindness and care and actually apologized for the way she treated me. Initially, it was a negative experience that turned positive. I'm glad I could demonstrate my abilities and genuine care for others, even by treating another patient in her presence."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"When managing complex patients, it's essential to show that you care while looking for an underlying cause. In paying attention and staying calm, you're able to connect more effectively with the patient. This also allows me to maintain standards of excellence when it comes to delivering care, which I know is valuable to Kaiser. I was able to use this technique in my current role as a nurse in the pain clinic.
We had a patient in one day who was demanding more narcotics for her pain. She had walked into the clinic without an appointment to demand another prescription. As the only nurse in a small clinic that day, I sat the patient down to talk to them. I used a calm voice and listened to what they were asking for. After listening, I explained that I would need to check their records for their last prescription and speak with the attending physician in the clinic that day. After seeing that their previous prescription was written many months ago and the patient had missed their last appointment, I was able to talk to the physician to get another prescription written. Once prescribed, I explained to the patient how it was vital for them to keep their regularly scheduled appointments, and she walked away happy."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
32. Tell me about a time when you committed a medical error in your nursing career. How did you handle it?
How to Answer
No matter the career or profession, mistakes happen in the workplace. In the medical field and the practice of nursing, mistakes are often medical errors that affect the patient. The repercussions from medical errors can range anywhere from minor to very severe and life-threatening. When a medical error is committed by a health professional, it is important that they immediately report the error and do not attempt to cover it up. Integrity is a core value of Kaiser Permanente and your answer should reflect a strong demonstration of your integrity.
To successfully answer this question, the candidate should explain a situation in their career when they committed a medical error and how they took action to resolve and report the situation. A stronger answer to the question would include details of what the candidate learned from the error, and how learning from the situation will prevent them from making the mistake again.
While nursing errors can be fatal, nurses are human, and mistakes can happen. The most important factor when making a medical error is to take immediate ownership. Answers should reflect that as soon as you realized that you have made a mistake, you first tended to the patient to ensure their safety and address any errors that you have made. Next, inform your supervisor immediately.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"As a new nurse, I made a medical error when I started working on the hospital's peds floor. In pediatrics, weight is usually documented in kilograms since recommended medication doses are documented in kilograms. Upon intake, I entered the patient's weight in the system, and when it automatically converted to kilograms, I thought it was a mistake, so I adjusted it up to reflect the patient's weight in pounds. This was a big mistake because it made it so the patient would be getting much more medication than they were supposed to. At first, I didn't realize what I had done, but later while I was entering history and physical on another patient, I realized my mistake. As soon as I was finished with this patient, I immediately informed my supervisor of my mistake. Luckily, the patient had not received medication yet, but an error was still documented. To ensure I did not make this mistake again, I went through a training program to understand how to document weight properly."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Answer Example
"Years ago, I took a verbal order from a physician over the phone regarding a medication dosage change for a patient. I documented the information and gave the patient the increased dosage. When the doctor came to the facility to do patient rounds, he read the document and said it was incorrect and that he had told me a different dosage. He may have misspoken on the phone, or I could have misunderstood him, but either way, it resulted in a medication error. Thankfully, it was not a narcotic or similar medication, so no major issues occurred, but it was still a medication error that could have been prevented. In the future, I always repeated back what I heard and triple-confirmed those types of changes before making them with the patient."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Situational
33. Tell me about a time a fellow nurse was not helping with the workload and how you managed that.
How to Answer
There will be times when peers don't carry their weight, but in nursing, this means running the risk of impacting patient care and experience. One of Kaiser's values is teamwork, specifically, respecting the collective contributions of the team as partners in success. Interviewers are likely asking this question to see if you can self and peer managing successfully. They want to know that you can demonstrate managerial courage when needed with minimal intervention.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During clinicals, there was a fellow student who I noticed would be gone for long periods, and I often noticed her hiding out in a patient's room while she texted or checked email. We fell behind on our tasks and patient care, and I became frustrated. One day, a patient had their call light on, and when I answered it, the patient told me that the same student nurse had put her on the bedpan 35 minutes prior and left her there without checking back. I spoke with my peer privately and let her know that her absence during the shift was causing hardship for the rest of us, picking up the slack, and patient care was being neglected. She apologized and said she was dealing with some personal matters. I was compassionate and understanding and suggested if she needed to take a break to notify someone or talk to the instructor about time off until her affairs were in order. In the following days, I saw a shift in her efforts; she was more present and pulling her weight. In this situation, I felt the best approach was to confront her directly, and thankfully that resolved the situation, and I didn't have to involve my instructor."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"In my current role, we had a new nurse who was not effectively managing her patient load. Patient lights were on for extended periods, and the situation was becoming unmanageable. Assuming positive intent, I approached the conversation from a supportive perspective. I let her know that I noticed she struggled with her patient load and asked if everything was alright. She shared that she was not confident in her IV skills and was still very nervous every time she ran an IV. This was causing delays in getting to her other patients promptly. I allowed her to shadow with me on more of my IV's and offered to shadow her to provide insight and best practices. I also asked her to let me know if her nerves were getting the best of her so I could intervene sooner, so the patient load didn't become overwhelming."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
34. Tell me about a time you witnessed a colleague not following safety precautions and how you handled that.
How to Answer
If safety protocols aren't followed in clinical settings, the outcomes could be fatal. There will be times in your nursing career that you witness your colleagues violating safety guidelines that put the patients and the hospital at risk. For Kaiser, this is in line with systematically enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the nursing practice. Holding peers accountable is a vital competency in the nursing sector.
To best answer this question, you should focus on two main components. One, ensuring that you address the behavior immediately, and two, that you circle back to provide your peer feedback and support for the betterment of the patients.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"Before nursing school, I worked as a nursing assistant and faced an ethical dilemma relating to the incompetence of one of my peers. Personally, I really liked her, but she was not a good nursing assistant. She often violated protocols on the shift and caused hardships for the rest of the staff. It was tough because I didn't want to get her in trouble, but I also knew the right thing to do was to address the behaviors. I tried talking to her one on one to remind her of handwashing protocols and minor issues, but when she began to break the rules relating to patient safety, I knew I had to report it to my supervisor. I always want to show compassion and kindness to my colleagues, but when they are making decisions that endanger patients, other staff, or the company, I have to speak up, even when it's uncomfortable."
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Answer Example
"In my current role, I noticed that a peer nurse was not following needle stick precautions; instead of scooping to recap needles, she was doing this by hand. I also saw she was setting uncapped needles to a patient's lap after an injection. At the moment, I asked if I could speak with her in the hallway. As she left, I disposed of the needles safely. Once I met her in the hallway, I explained that I disposed of the needles appropriately but needed to speak to her further regarding the situation. During our conversation, I explained the risks she was creating for herself, the patient, and the hospital. I alerted my manager of the situation and supported her in additional needle safety training. The hospital has also started looking into retractable needles for overall safety interventions."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Situational
35. How would you manage a high patient load with limited support?
How to Answer
With a national nursing shortage, it's not unreasonable to expect an unmanageable patient load at some point. High workloads can be very overwhelming at times. Interviewers are asking this question for several reasons. They want to understand how you would manage an increased patient load, but they also are looking to see if you have the skill set to contribute preventive measures to a high patient load.
Knowing that Kaiser values evidence-based data, a solid answer to this question would include your staffing and patient safety knowledge. Additionally, Kaiser continually evaluates quality and effectiveness and wants their nurses to look for ways to improve. So bonus points for providing insights regarding improvements in this workflow.
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021
Entry Level Example
"During clinicals, we had a manageable patient load, but I know with the nursing shortage many healthcare systems are experiencing, I may face a time where I have a high volume of patients assigned to me. My first step would be to prioritize my patients based on acuity. In providing care, I would be proactive in anticipating patient needs so that I wasn't responding to call lights and reacting to situations I could have prevented. We learned a lot about cluster care as a time management technique, so that is something I would practice as well to help manage my time and prioritize. I would delegate where possible and include the CNAs as they have the capacity. If there were any patients I felt weren't getting appropriate care, I would let my supervisor know and see what advice or support they could provide.
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 17th, 2022
Experienced Example
"When working with a high patient load, I first prioritize using a triage severity index. I look at who needs life-saving interventions, high-risk patients, urgent, semi-urgent, and non-urgent. Using this framework allows me to ensure that all safety protocols are being met and that patients receive excellent care. If the patient load remains high, I partner with my manager to evaluate why high patient loads continue to happen. Once we have a better understanding of the root cause, we can determine appropriate nursing models to ensure that the patient load is more balanced and within safe ratio limits. Some of these models include assembly line nursing, zone nursing, team nursing, and crossover nursing depending on current needs."
Written by Angela Fontaine on April 18th, 2021