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Kaiser Permanente Registered Nurse Mock Interview

Question 3 of 35 for our Kaiser Permanente Registered Nurse Mock Interview

Kaiser Permanente was updated by on October 28th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 3 of 35

How do you care for a patient who is unable to communicate?

"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."

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How to Answer: How do you care for a patient who is unable to communicate?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Kaiser Permanente job interview.

  • 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

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "Nonverbal patients are just as important as other patients. I treat them the same way I do other patients and don't disregard their need for help just because they cannot vocalize it. As an RN, I have to be more conscious of their needs. I once had a patient who had a stroke and was nonverbal. She had her own portable whiteboard and marker. With those, I was able to communicate with her with no problem."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      Excellent job advocating for and providing multiple ways you support and care for nonverbal patients. The interviewer will also appreciate that you gave a specific example in your response.

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