How to Answer: In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been in the way of your productivity?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a The Mount Sinai Hospital job interview.
24. In the healthcare services industry there are many emotions in a day. Have your emotions ever been 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. Talk to the interviewer about your emotions and if they have ever affected your productivity at work.
Keep in mind that almost everyone is an emotional creature to some degree, but there are other ways to describe yourself that have a more positive connotation. If you are passionate, you could choose to refer to yourself as:
- Expressive
- Communicative
- Open
- Unreserved
- Warm-Hearted
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Focus on assuring the interviewer that while you have feelings and a heart, you can remain professional at work and not let your emotions interfere with your job. The interviewer wants to hire compassionate and empathetic individuals, but ones that will not let their emotions get in the way of their work.
Written by Krista Wenz on June 1st, 2022
1st Answer Example
"Everyone is emotional to a certain degree, and I consider myself kind-hearted and open. A healthcare career can be emotional at times; 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 June 1st, 2022
2nd Answer Example
"This is a great question. I think the right answer is, 'of course, but not for long'! We've all had those tough cases. A child dies, a patient yells at you, or you have to give someone a cancer diagnosis. It is professional to take a few minutes after an encounter like that 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 June 1st, 2022
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