"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were most vulnerable. So, I do not expect thanks from my patients. It's not like I don't need positive reinforcement. Everyone does. But I made a point to find it elsewhere 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 people's lives. And I make work-related goals I can achieve for satisfaction."

The interviewer asks this question to see if you are the type of person who needs positive reinforcement or if you find motivation within to perform your job. Most healthcare professionals do not enter the profession because they seek acknowledgment. Most do the job because they love helping people, regardless of if their work goes unnoticed. Describe how you stay motivated in a sometimes 'thankless' job.

Focus on describing what motivates you to perform your job each day. Perhaps you are motivated by seeing your patients improve over time or find inspiration by working with a team to achieve a common goal. Or, you may stay motivated by the occasional 'thank you' or pat on the back.