Vanderbilt University Medical Center Mock Interview
Master 35 Vanderbilt University Medical Center interview questions covering clinical excellence, patient safety, and teamwork.
Question 10 of 35
It is often said that a career in healthcare is a 'thankless job.' How can we keep you motivated and engaged, even on the days when you feel your work goes unnoticed?
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Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
The interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you, even on the most challenging days. They want to see if you need verbal recognition or if you are inspired by your team's success. Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past.
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were least capable of helping themselves. So, I have never needed 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 my patients' lives."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
"I am an easily motivated individual, and it does not take much to keep me engaged. I am fully aware that healthcare-related positions can seem thankless. Honestly, the best thanks that I can get is a pat on the back now and then. Most of my motivation comes from simply helping people and seeing a smile on my patient's faces when they feel better."
Krista Wenz has been on thousands of interview panels hiring EMS professionals and firefighters for public and private agencies.
Many healthcare professionals do not enter the industry to be recognized. Just seeing a smile on a patient's face or a patient feeling better is usually all of the thanks they need. Whatever keeps you motivated, be sure to let the interviewer know.
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I find my job very rewarding. I love what I do. I love taking care of patients and making sure they receive the best care. I keep myself motivated and engaged by knowing I did the best I could in the care I gave. I stay motivated when I know I have my team's support throughout my work shift.
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Be careful of talking in circles. The structure of your answer is everything when it comes to impact. I have provided an example, below.
"I stay motivated through the support of my team and knowing that my patients are receiving the best care from me. I love what I do and find my job very rewarding."
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