Mayo Clinic Registered Nurse Mock Interview
Practice 50 Mayo Clinic RN interview questions covering patient-centered care, teamwork, and clinical excellence.
Question 35 of 50
What do you do when a patient yells at you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Example Answer
Community Answers
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer will ask you what you do when a patient yells at you because it is common in nursing. It is essential for nurses to remain calm and professional in these situations and to try and understand the underlying reason for the patient's outburst. The interviewer is likely looking for someone with experience dealing with difficult patients and who can handle these situations tactfully and empathetically. It is important to remember that as a nurse, your primary goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients, even when they may be challenging to work with.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I have found it common for patients to lash out at those trying to help when frustrated, scared, or in pain. When a patient yells at me, I want to see why they are upset and resolve the issue. I calmly ask them why they are yelling at me. Once I understand why they are upset, I can decide how to address their concern and make them happy. If they lash out at me because of a medical condition or mental health issue, I will address their health or mental health concerns. In my experience, I have found that people want to be heard and understood and have their concerns addressed. For me, it's about remaining calm and professional while diffusing the situation and making the patient happy."
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