"In the primary care setting, working as a Physician Assistant, I coordinate care with providers in GI, Orthopedics, Radiology, and many other specialties. When care is coordinated, I, as the primary care provider, get to discuss results. Last year, I had a patient experiencing severe pain in their abdomen and I walked through a series of tests to no avail. After a blood test was done and white blood cell count was found to be high, cancer was surely a top culprit for the pain. I immediately ordered a CT scan for the patient the next day, and I called her and explained my suspicion. Sure enough, following the scan, the radiologist contacted me, saying that she had a large mass on her abdomen. Knowing the lady was a mother and a wife, I needed to explain to her what the next steps would be and explain what the results meant. I spoke with her over the phone, and she was obviously distraught. I ensured her that the Oncologist I referred her to would be diligent in taking a biopsy and providing her with the best treatment options possible. For her, knowing the following steps and timelines was extremely important."

"As a nurse who has worked in pediatrics, family practice, and urgent care, I have had to deliver bad news on many occasions to patients with some bad diagnoses. One thing that really sticks out in my mind was a mother who brought in her high school-aged son with chest pains and difficulty breathing. The boy was dressed head to toe in his team's hockey warm-ups, and upon examination, he was very hopeful that whatever was ailing him wouldn't impact him in his team's big game the following evening. After a quick exam, the physician and I suspected bronchitis. After being confirmed from tests, it was my job to explain the diagnosis and the treatment plan. I explained to the boy and his mother that an antibiotic and plenty of rest were needed over the following week. The rest was to include no school and no physical activity like hockey. Seeing the sadness in his eyes, I explained to the boy that if he were to try playing, his bronchitis could easily turn into pneumonia that could leave him hospitalized for other games into his season. He was very understanding, and his mother appreciated my approach with both of them."

Paint a good picture for the interviewer when you respond. Talk about the situation where you had to deliver bad news, how you went about it, and how your patient or colleague responded. The interviewer wants to gain insight into how sensitive you are when delivering this type of news and how you communicate to others.