How do you keep your emotions from getting in the way of your productivity?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself an emotionally driven person and, if so, if you ever let your feelings interfere with your work. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work. Remember that almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but in the healthcare industry, it is essential to keep your emotions under control.

Describe the methods you use to keep your emotions from interfering with your work. You want the interviewer to understand that you have compassion and empathy for your patients, but at the same time, you can maintain composure during difficult times.

"Everyone is emotional to a certain degree, and I consider myself caring and empathetic. A healthcare career can sometimes be emotional; 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."

"This is a great question. We've all had those tough cases. A child dies, a patient yells at you, or you must give someone a cancer diagnosis. It's professional to take a few minutes after an encounter and let those emotions come and go. I cope with these emotions by telling myself that it's not my story; it's 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."

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How to Answer: How do you keep your emotions from getting in the way of your productivity?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital job interview.

21. How do you keep your emotions from getting in the way of your productivity?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question

The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself an emotionally driven person and, if so, if you ever let your feelings interfere with your work. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work. Remember that almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but in the healthcare industry, it is essential to keep your emotions under control.

Written by Krista Wenz on August 21st, 2022

Focus Your Answer On

Describe the methods you use to keep your emotions from interfering with your work. You want the interviewer to understand that you have compassion and empathy for your patients, but at the same time, you can maintain composure during difficult times.

Written by Krista Wenz on August 21st, 2022

1st Answer Example

"Everyone is emotional to a certain degree, and I consider myself caring and empathetic. A healthcare career can sometimes be emotional; 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 Krista Wenz on August 21st, 2022

2nd Answer Example

"This is a great question. We've all had those tough cases. A child dies, a patient yells at you, or you must give someone a cancer diagnosis. It's professional to take a few minutes after an encounter and let those emotions come and go. I cope with these emotions by telling myself that it's not my story; it's 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 Krista Wenz on August 21st, 2022

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