31 Wellstar Health System Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Wellstar Health System, Inc. interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view six answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. Wellstar Health System has a diverse workforce. When have you worked amongst a diverse group of people?
How to Answer
Are you accustomed to working with a very large or diverse team of individuals? Assure the interviewer that you can handle an environment that offers diversity. Even better, give an example of being able to embrace diversity in the workplace.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time in University. I am most comfortable, and happy, in this type of environment because it offers me unique learning opportunities."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I am so glad you pointed out your need for diversity at Wellstar Health System, Inc.. I greatly value diversity. I grew up in a fairly homogeneous town in Montana. When I hit my 20's, it was so important to me to learn about other cultures. I worked with community volunteer organizations in Peru, inner-city Chicago, and Russia."
Written by Ryan Brunner
2. Wellstar Health System was initially looking for someone with 5 years' experience in a similar role. Considering you have just 2 years' experience, would you be willing to accept this position at a lower salary?
How to Answer
Are you willing to earn your way up if the interviewer does not want to offer you top compensation? Discuss with the interviewer what you would expect for compensation if offered this position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I would be happy to earn my way to the top compensation level if required. I do assure you that, despite my being shy of experience by a couple of years, I am a top performer and you would not be disappointed in my performance."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I understand I do not quite meet the qualifications of experience you are looking for and am willing to be compensated in adjustment to that fact. However, I do look forward to proving my worth to Wellstar Health System, Inc. in hopes to be considered for the median salary for the role."
Written by Ryan Brunner
3. Do you think it is possible to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can be diplomatic in the workplace, even when you may not agree with your leader.
Show the interviewer that it is possible for you to be a good team member, yet disagree with the leader from time to time. Explain that you believe everyone is entitled to their own professional opinion, yet capable of maintaining respect for each other at the same time.
Show that even if you disagree with the final decision they make, you support the direction the team is heading.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I think that it is possible to be a great team member, even when disagreeing with the leader. It's all in how you maintain respect for each other despite the difference in opinion."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that being a good team member is more about attitude than it is about compatibility. You do not need to agree with everyone 100% of the time, to be effective in your job."
Written by Ryan Brunner
4. Why do you think you will be successful in this role with Wellstar Health System?
How to Answer
Rather than just sharing how you have gone above and beyond expectations in the past, focus on how your qualities will help you to meet and exceed expectations with Wellstar Health System. Discuss the reasons why will you be great at this job. Talk about your qualifications and skills that will help you to do this job well. If you can, match your strengths to the requirements outlined in the job description.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I know I will be successful in this role because I have been working in this industry for five years with great training and mentorship. I have a solid understanding of X, Y, and Z (skills listed in the job description). Also, I have all of my updated certifications as outlined in your job description. I am well-prepared for this next step in my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I believe my success with Wellstar Health System, Inc. will come from having all of the hard skills that you are looking for, whether learned in school or gained through work experience. I know all the key players in this region and stay informed of best practices."
Written by Ryan Brunner
5. What has been the most challenging part of the career path you have you chosen for you personally?
How to Answer
For this question, your interviewer will be looking to hear your own personal struggles and obstacles you have overcome to be successful in your career. It will also give them insight to what personally motivates you to succeed in your job and what drives you in your work. Be open and honest with your interviewer for this question and talk about lessons learned throughout your career that you bring to your job to this day.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Looking back on my career, I went into nursing because of my innate drive to help people in need. In high school, I was definitely inspired by an older cousin who went on to become a great pediatric nurse. As I went into nursing school and later got into my career, the challenging aspect for me was the biological aspect of the job. In college, I had to focus extra hard on biology classes and even into my career, I need to pay special attention to training focused on the human body. I've really relished being a life-long learner in this role and look forward to continued education in my future."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Honestly, the only real challenging part of my career happened five years ago when I made to the jump to the leadership side of the business in a nursing director role. At the time with that organization, I interviewed and was promoted within and once the announcement was made and I transitioned, I was now overseeing the work of colleagues that I was working side by side with the day prior. This provided some tense moments at times but I was able to strike a very delicate balance of manager and leader very quickly. While I was able to maintain great friendships, I gained a very good ability to manage my staff as a servant leader while maintaining great results over my staff. I would look forward to bringing these skills to Wellstar Health System in this role."
Written by Ryan Brunner
6. Wellstar firmly believes in promoting employee wellness through health screenings, yearly physicals, wellness seminars and nutrition consults. Why do you think it is important that we as an organization hold this in high regard?
How to Answer
Wellstar puts employee wellness in an extremely high regard by offering a wide array of programs and screenings for their employees. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand why programs like this are important. Explain that healthy caregivers promote better production in the workplace, help keep patients healthier and produces overall better wellness around the organization. If you've been a part of any wellness programs for employees in the past, let your interviewer know about them and why you feel they were effective.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I would consider it an honor to work for an employer that holds employee wellness in such a high regard. We as caregivers are the front-line of promoting great health for our patients and it is extremely important that we ourselves be healthy. As a family practice PA, I have to be able to walk the talk with my patients when I promote healthy living activities like diet and exercise so I try to eat right and exercise regularly. I love the fact that Wellstar has dedicated nutrition consultants for patients. Can you talk about how family practice providers are able to utilize them?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"During my career as a phlebotomist, I have spent time working at employee flu shot clinics and I really appreciate the fact that my past employers have put emphasis on ensuring that employees are vaccinated for influenza each and every year. A flu outbreak can be very debilitating in the hospital and clinic setting and I like to be able to do my part to prevent an outbreak. Do phlebotomists play a role in flu shot clinics for employees at Wellstar?"
Written by Ryan Brunner
7. In your opinion, what makes you a great problem solver?
How to Answer
Employers want to know that you have a methodical approach to problem-solving. Consider the skills and qualities that help you successfully face problems. Perhaps you have a keen eye for detail. Maybe you can see opportunity when others can only focus on the issue. Share your strengths as a problem solver, and your ability to come up with innovative solutions.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I am a great problem solver because I do not allow stress to cloud my judgment and mute my sound decision making. I am a keen observer with a great memory which allows me to recall unique solutions or ideas."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I believe I am a great problem solver because I am sure to gather as many facts as possible, I look at the problem and its potential solutions from multiple angles, and I am not afraid to make a creative decision that might seem off the beaten path."
Written by Ryan Brunner
8. What type of work environment do you dislike working in?
How to Answer
Are you pretty flexible in your ability to work in most environments? Have you experienced a position where the atmosphere wasn't conducive to your productivity? Be sure to know the type of situation offered in this position prior, to the interview. If you aren't completely clear on the workplace environment or culture, kindly ask the interviewer to expand on the work environment for you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I can be productive in most work environments, so long as the mentality is positive and teamwork is encouraged. I cannot work in an environment that feels negative or toxic."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I prefer to focus on the positive, so if it's okay, I would like to share with you what my ideal work environment looks like. My ideal environment is organized, collaborative, positive, energetic, and encouraging. I love working with like-minded people who set challenging goals for themselves. I thrive when I work for supervisors who encourage curiosity and creativity in problem-solving."
Written by Ryan Brunner
9. With the ongoing changes in the healthcare services industry, how do you keep your knowledge current?
How to Answer
Employers expect employees to stay up-to-date on their respective field, and today's technology makes this reasonably easy! List several ways that you receive your industry knowledge and stay on top of trends.
Tell the interviewer about those daily update emails you receive from professional organizations, conferences you attend, and seminars you have taken.
Lastly, it's a great idea to ask the interviewer what resources they refer to for industry trends. That question can start up a great conversation, and you may learn a thing or two as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Every morning I listen to X Podcast because I find the information to be fresh, and valuable. In addition to this podcast, I also subscribe to a couple of industry blogs. One is ABC, and the other is XYZ. I greatly value the information shared between fellow professionals. What resources do you prefer to stay on top of industry trends and changes?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I am an avid fan of google alerts! I will receive an email with the related information any time there is a major headline about the healthcare services industry. In addition to this, I also subscribe to a couple of medical-related journals."
Written by Ryan Brunner
10. Think about a difficult boss, professor or coworker. What made him or her difficult? How did you successfully interact with this person?
How to Answer
Show the interviewer that you work well with most personalities even though you recognize there are some folks out there who are quite difficult to please.
Think about that one person at work who is seen as hard to please. Perhaps there is someone at work who tries to intimidate others. Talk to the interviewer about what made this person challenging and what their relationship was with you. Avoid speaking poorly of anyone and be sure to end your response on a positive note.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I once worked at a small medical facility where the primary physician was very demanding. When he would walk into the facility, employees would quietly announce that he was in the building, so that everyone could be prepared for his arrival. This physician had great intentions; however, his people skills were a little rough. I could see that he meant well, and I recognized that he wanted to do a lot of good things. When we interacted, I always took his feedback with the understanding that he didn't mean things as harshly as he might say them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"In my previous position, I did have a coworker who didn't pull their weight. This unmotivated coworker created more work for the rest of the team by being slow and unresponsive. Our team started to complete most of the tasks when it came to group projects. It didn't take much time before our department head noticed this particular individual was slacking. I feel like, in most instances, the underachievers will weed themselves out over time, and it's rarely worth making a fuss over."
Written by Ryan Brunner
11. As a not-for-profit organization, Wellstar Health System has many programs that give back to our communities. Why is this important to you and have you been a part of any similar programs in the past?
How to Answer
With Wellstar's propensity to give back to their community in many ways through great programs and education, the organization really looks for buy-in from their staff on these programs. Prior to your interview, be sure to research the programs that Wellstar brings to the greater Atlanta area and bring a personal touch to your interview by explaining why you could buy into a personal program. Also talk about why the greater health of the community is important to you and explain that you believe that healthcare workers are true ambassadors as leaders and promoters of community health.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
Answer Example
"In researching the programs that Wellstar brings to the greater Atlanta area, a huge smile was brought to my face. Seeing first hand the struggles that some patients have in finding transportation to appointments for treatment, the free program for patients receiving cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatment sounds amazing and something I would love to be a part of. Other programs like the genetic counseling and testing for cancer screenings are important to help find cures and effective treatments for the nasty disease."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
12. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any healthcare service area, which would you choose?
How to Answer
There are many facets of health care. If you could choose any area of healthcare to specialize in, which would you choose? Be sure to tie your answer into some aspects of what Wellstar Health System does.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"If I could choose any area of healthcare services to be a subject matter expert in, I would choose geriatric care. I do feel that this particular focus is not as popular as some, and become an expert in it would allow me to snowball in my career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I have a variety of interests within healthcare service, so that is a tough question for me! I suppose if I had to narrow it to just one area of expertise, I would say palliative care and the necessary family care that comes with it."
Written by Ryan Brunner
13. How do you effectively communicate with your coworkers to ensure great patient care and safety?
How to Answer
Working as a team of caregivers to promote the best patient care possible starts with effective communication between you and your coworkers and Wellstar promotes effective communication among its team members. Your interviewer will be looking to see that you are able to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization when necessary and that you use speaking and listening skills. On top of interpersonal communication, be sure to talk about patient documentation and written communication needed in your job. Let your interviewer know that you understand that because a patient is touched by so many individuals at your organization, you really do value effective communication as a team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Having worked for an organization similar to the size of Wellstar, communication is key to ensuring the best care possible for patients. Any patient I see on my unit needs to be documented in their record in a timely and accurate manner so my providers and colleagues are able to see up to the minute notes if necessary. If there are urgent issues with my patients, I never hesitate to let my fellow nurses on the unit know and their direct provider as well. I build communication lines between my colleagues by always being up front and honest while always maintaining a positive attitude."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"In the operating room, communication between myself and the staff of techs and nurses can be vital to ensure that we are working in a safe and efficient manner on each case. As the surgeon, it is my duty to be the leader in the OR and I do not take this duty lightly. I trust in my first assist and techs to do their jobs and don't hesitate to be vocal during a case. If I don't keep lines of communication open at these times, I know it is very hard for the techs and nurses to be communicating as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
14. Around the Atlanta and surrounding Georgia communities, Wellstar cares for a diverse patient populations. Are you familiar working with a diverse patient population?
How to Answer
The Atlanta, GA area features a very diverse general population of people and this give Wellstar a very diverse patient population that walks through their clinic and hospital doors. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you value and have experience working with a diverse population. Talk about the experience you have and where you received that experience. Reiterate that you value diversity and also talk about any specific obstacle you had to overcome when working with person from a different background than you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"During my clinical rotations, including at Wellstar, I did get the opportunity to work with a very diverse patient population. I worked with patients that ranged in age from the pediatric population to the geriatric population. And as far as cultural diversity goes, I was born and raised in this area and I truly value diversity in the fact that every person brings a unique mindset and values to a situation and I believe that we can all learn and become better from each other. During my rotation in an urgent care setting, I used a translator a few times. This threw me for a loop the first time I had to utilize their service, but in the end it helped the patient communicate with me and my preceptor much better leading to a better outcome."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Diversity: the art of thinking independently together is one of my favorite quotes of all time and it really rings true in the healthcare industry. As I've progressed in my career from a nurse, to a unit supervisor and now a nurse administrator, I feel very fortunate to have been able to work in a diverse city like Washington, D.C. The great mix of patients I have worked with over my career have made me a better nurse and prepared me for this role in the Atlanta area with Wellstar."
Written by Ryan Brunner
15. Wellstar Health System supports a healthy work/life balance for all employees. How do you balance life and work?
How to Answer
It is essential to keep a healthy work/life balance to prevent burnout. Talk to the interviewer about how you can maintain that appropriate balance for yourself.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I find that with the right company, it's pretty simple to balance life and work. When I enjoy what I do it doesn't feel like a chore. I am always sure that when at home, my family gets my attention first. I take time on the weekends to do things for myself and ensure that I regenerate before the work week begins."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I make a strong effort to keep a healthy balance by spending my free time away from my cell phone and having more face-to-face time with my friends and family. I indulge in the things that make me happy, on my time off. By consistently rejuvenating in this way, I can give even more energy when I am at work."
Written by Ryan Brunner
16. Do you prefer to work in a team based position or individually?
How to Answer
In which situation are you the happiest and most productive? Talk to the interviewer about your preference when it comes to teamwork or working individually. Be sure to avoid pigeonholing yourself into one particular scenario (IE: I only like to work by myself). You may work well without the need for much management or direction, or perhaps you are better driven in a collaborative and team led environment. Either way, be honest with the interviewer about your preferences without leaning negatively, either way.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Whether I am doing an independent project, or working in a team environment, I always give my best. I enjoy the camaraderie of working in a team, but I can be successful working autonomously as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I have found, in the past, that I work well in an individually driven environment; however, I can certainly be productive in a team-based setting as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
17. Here at Wellstar, we put a great deal of effort to ensure that patients have access to our providers and services. Have you ever been a part of a patient access initiative? Are you familiar with patient access issues in clinic or hospital settings?
How to Answer
Access to care in both hospitals and clinics is an issue many organizations face throughout the entire world. The reasons that lead to patients facing long waiting periods to see a provider are many and can include provider shortages, nursing shortages, increased healthcare regulation, transportation issues and geographic reasons, among many others. To help increase the ability of patients to access care, many organizations have been undertaking initiatives to give more patients access to care and Wellstar is on the forefront of this movement. If you have experience being involved in a patient access project or initiative, talk about it and the role that you played in making it successful. If you don't have direct experience, explain why allowing as many patients as possible to receive care is important.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Throughout my career as a scheduler and moving into my current role in managing our clinic scheduling staff, patient access has always been a focus of my positions and initiatives have greatly evolved over time. Based on simple supply and demand, the first obvious steps in bettering patient access is ensuring that providers are working efficiently and effectively with each patient they see and that their schedules are updated on a minute to minute basis. Early in my career, I helped implement a policy and procedure that required our physicans to maintain an updated calendar personal time, CME time and meetings so our scheduling staff could efficiently build patient schedules around their non-clinic time. Following up to that, I also helped coordinate a patient time chart that outlined estimated times for standard clinic visits, simple procedures and complex patient follow-up appointments. Both changes in process helped improve both the efficiency of our providers and the number of patients that they could see in a given week."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Being a new nurse, I haven't worked directly with any access initiatives yet but I fully understand that this is a challenge for many of today's healthcare organization. With the increase in severe conditions like cancer, COPD and other illnesses, clinics and hospitals are more commonly becoming over capacity and measures must be taken to ensure that patients can be seen in a timely basis. Can you talk about recent initiatives that your department has implemented to better access for patients?' "
Written by Ryan Brunner
18. In what ways have you seen technology improve your job and how it can promote better outcomes for patients?
How to Answer
Wellstar Health System promotes technological advancement in the workplace by staying ahead of the curve both nationally and globally when it comes to technology. No matter your career path in healthcare, you have more than likely seen great advancements and changes in technology. Talk to your interviewer about one or two tech advancements that you've personally seen help provide better results for patients. No matter what example you use, make sure your interviewer gets the understanding that you are the person that is open to working with new equipment and processes to help make patient care as great as possible.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"During my career as a nurse in many different settings, no piece of technology has changed patient care more than the electronic medical record. In the early days of moving from paper charts to electronic records, the systems were extremely clunky and archaic to what they are today. As the systems progressed, more advancements were seen in patient history, diagnoses, prescription detail and radiology images. Now, as a primary care nurse, I can pull any data I could possibly need on a patient in real time and this greatly improves the care my physician and I can provide for them."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"The field of radiology is blessed to have seen so many great advancements in technology that have led to quicker and more accurate diagnoses for patients. Take for example the full body PET scan that is used to find blood clots in patients. Back when I started as an x-ray technician, this type of technology just wasn't available and potential stroke patients weren't able to be diagnosed ahead of time. Now, if risks of a stroke are present in an individual, the full body PET scan can be ordered. Just in the past month alone, I have witnessed three patients receive emergency surgery because of findings of the scan and to think that the scans potentially saved all three of their lives is amazing!"
Written by Ryan Brunner
19. When have you shown a willingness to learn a new method or new approach to solving a problem?
How to Answer
Being flexible, and able to handle change is a skill that all employers desire to see. Discuss with the interviewer your ability to approach a problem using new methods. Give a recent example but make sure to spend more time highlighting the resolution rather than the problem.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"When our facility came under new management last year many new methods and policies came into place. I was able to learn some exciting new approaches to our challenges in patient care and customer management. I quite enjoyed the process."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"It's funny; they say people in medicine are 'lifelong learners'. But on top of that, we're in this digital revolution, and everyone has to learn new software all the time. I'm finally getting old enough to realize that its difficult to be constantly adapting. I think my 75-year-old aunt telling me how to use my iPhone helped me appreciate that it's all about humility. Not WHO is teaching you, but if you are willing to learn. In the medical context, I just took an updated CPR course, and it went from the 2:15 compressions to continuous compressions and I had to adapt to avoid my past way of thinking."
Written by Ryan Brunner
20. Wellstar Health System seeks to hire those with strong problem solving skills. When were you able to successfully resolve a problem in the workplace?
How to Answer
Problem-solving and dispute resolution are critical skills to possess. Display to the interviewer that you are capable of problem-solving within the workplace. Talk about a time when you were creative, proactive, and displayed the leadership qualities required to resolve a workplace issue.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"In my most recent position we had a consistent problem with employees showing up late for their shifts or calling in sick at the very last moment. Rather than the typical documenting and reprimanding style that management usually takes, I decided to track the results of an accountability reward system. For 180 days, my employees were rewarded for coming to work 10 minutes early. Also, for every month with zero sick days, a bonus was added. In the end, we awarded those with perfect attendance a $600 bonus. The bonus' cost us less money, in the end than the cost of lowered productivity due to absent employees. The program was a success, and upper management chose to keep it implemented for another six months. We will re-assess in December, but it seems to be working very well."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I was working in a clinic where the primary population was low income. We had a lot of concerns with patients not showing up for appointments when expected. The staff wanted to start double-booking patient time slots. Instead, I got permission to spend a day in a highly-rated clinic serving the same population. Instead of scheduling, they had these 'drop-in mornings' with a common waiting room. I took these methods and incorporated them into our setting. We did that twice a week, and it completely solved our scheduling problem."
Written by Ryan Brunner
21. At Wellstar Health System we seek to hire individuals who have ambitions of growing their career. Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
How to Answer
Every hiring manager would like to know that their investment of time and training will pay off. Assure the interviewer that you see this position as a long-term fit. How does this role with Wellstar Health System fit into your longer-term plans?
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"In 3-5 years I would like to see my career with Wellstar Health System include a path towards a leadership role. I am very keen on paving a long-term career in the healthcare services realm and would love the opportunity to do that here."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"One of the attractive points of working for Wellstar Health System, Inc. is that you care about the growth of your employees. I'm motivated to learn and am looking for a long-term fit. In 3-5 years I'd like to be grounded in the clinic, learn about this site, your patient base and earn certifications that would help the unit advance. Personally, I'd like to get involved in some of the local volunteer organizations. I speak Spanish, and I have an interest in urban outreach so it would be nice to do something formal in that context...health-education or fundraising."
Written by Ryan Brunner
22. Wellstar puts a great deal of time, effort and funding into quality initiatives to provide great patient care. Have you ever been a part of a quality project in your career?
How to Answer
Healthcare organizations across the United States and the entire world are putting significant effort, time, resources and money into quality and Wellstar is no different. Quality initiatives can come forth in many ways but the main focus in quality is to provide the best patient care possible. Talk about a time you involved in a quality initiative in the workplace. If you were a part of a team that created the initiative, talk about your role as part of the team and explain how it was implemented. If you've experienced the implementation of quality procedures in your job and department, talk about why this was important for better patients. No matter how you were involved, make sure to explain to your interviewer that you take quality seriously in your job.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Recently, our nursing staff at our organization went through quality training in patient documentation and I couldn't have been happier for the training and seeing it implemented moving forward. Prior to the training for our staff, I had become frustrated at times when I would open a patients electronic record and not see thorough patient notes from caregivers at our facility. This hindered my ability to care for some patients properly as I wasn't able to understand medication dosages, prior visit notes or any follow up I should've been performing. Following the training, it was easy to tell that our staff took the training seriously as I saw a huge improvement in the documentation of patients moving forward."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"As a supervisor in our lab for a few years, I have been a part of many quality initiative as they relate to our work processes. In the lab setting, quality is really achieved by consistency and accuracy in our analysis of tissues and fluids. Recently, I was asked to be a part of a team of individuals that was rewriting our procedure on handling and documenting bone marrow samples. We narrowed down best practices for collection processes, analyzing samples, post-analysis storage and a standard documentation process that both worked for all lab staff and the ordering physicians, typically in Oncology. The changes in procedure were well received by all."
Written by Ryan Brunner
23. 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?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know how they could continue to motivate you - even on the hardest of days. Do you need to have verbal recognition? Are you motivated solely by the success of your team? Talk to the interviewer about how you have stayed motivated in the past.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"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. The majority of my motivation comes from simply helping people."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"My chosen career was helping people at exactly the point they were least capable of censoring themselves or giving back. So, I stopped needing thanks from my patients. It's not like I don't need positive reinforcement. Everyone does. But I made a point to find it in other places 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 peoples lives. And I make work-related goals I can achieve for satisfaction."
Written by Ryan Brunner
24. If you could expand your knowledge and expertise in any area of healthcare services, which would you choose?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to dig deeper into your true areas of interest when it comes to healthcare services. They want to know that your passions align well with what Wellstar Health System is offering. Talk to the interviewer about the areas of healthcare you would like to focus on most, and then tie that information in with what the position at Wellstar Health System would be offering you.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"If I could expand my expertise in any healthcare service area I would choose anything within primary care. This is one of the reasons I have applied with your company. I feel that your focus will be a great fit with my long-term career goals."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I'm interested in research. One of the things that attracted me to working with your company is your ongoing community-based research collaborations. I'd be curious to hear if the [clinic/hospital/program] had any needs in this area. Is this something junior staff can be involved in?"
Written by Ryan Brunner
25. Talk about a time you had to overcome an obstacle to ensure a positive outcome for a patient. What motivated you to go the extra mile for a patient?
How to Answer
Wellstar believes in putting the needs of the patient first and your interviewer will be looking for you to give an example of a time you went above and beyond your normal call of duty to ensure that a great outcome was had for a patient in your care. You example can include teamwork, in the fact that you relied on your skills and abilities while reaching out to others that could bring something to the table to help the patient as well. Make sure to reiterate to your interviewer that you are focused on positive outcomes for your patients and that you're willing to do what it takes for that to happen.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Being a nurse at a dialysis clinic, I get the opportunity to build great relationships with my patients that I see three times a week for months and sometimes years. Many of these patients have primary care doctors outside of our system. Just a few weeks ago, a gentleman that I had been working with for many months was talking about how he was experiencing some severe pain in his legs and the fact that they were falling asleep and becoming numb at times. I stressed to the patient that it was important he see his doctor as soon as he could for further testing as those symptoms. I asked the patient if it was okay if I contact his primary care physician and while hesitant at first, he okay'd it. During my lunch break, I reached out to the patients physician and left him a voicemail. We were able to connect later and the physician informed me that he would be seeing our mutual patient the next day. On Friday of that week, I was notified that the patient had emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his leg and the surgery potentially saved his life."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"As a Nurse Practitioner in an Urgent Care setting, I see a wide variety of patients on a daily basis and unfortunately don't get to build established care relationships with them. Because of this, patient documentation and follow up with other providers is extremely important in my job. Last year, a young mother came to our facility with a very sick two-year old daughter. While in my care, the mother explained that they were new to the area and hadn't established a pediatrician for her daughter for follow-up after my severe ear infection diagnosis. Being from out of the country and speaking little English, I knew that only a small amount of providers would be perfect for them.
After making some recommendations to her of our Pediatric providers, I sent a communication to our providers explaining the mother and her daughters needs as ESL patients and one of our Latino Pediatric physicians reached back out to me to let me know that the patient was coming to see him. While not a part of my job duties, I was very glad to hear that the scared young mother would be establishing care with a provider within our clinic"
Written by Ryan Brunner
26. Safety for employees is a high priority here at Wellstar Health System. Talk about the importance of employee safety in your job and the measures you take to promote it.
How to Answer
Wellstar Health System takes the safety of their employees, their patients and their visitors very seriously. First, start by talking how you keep yourself and you co-workers safe by proper housekeeping measures and infection prevention methods. On top of that, talk about how you prioritize patient safety in your job. This can come in many ways depending on the job that you work. Be sure that it is clear to your interviewer that safety for all is always a priority in your book. For extra measure, talk about any work you've done with a safety committee, team or any extra projects you've been a part of on the safety end of things.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Working in Supply Chain for a large health system, I am the safety champion for our department and participate on the enterprise wide safety committee. I help ensure that our team does their part to abide by all fire codes and weather alert codes for our facility. On top of that, I work closely with department leaders on making sure that our facility is on the cutting edge of personal protective equipment, sterilizing agents and safety equipment for our patients. I am fortunate to get to work hand in hand with the best medical suppliers in the world for safety equipment in healthcare and I'd look forward to bringing some of my long-lasting relationships to Wellstar."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Throughout my career as a nurse, the safety of myself, my colleagues and my patients has always been a top priority on my job. In the OR, there are many safety hazards. I work daily with sharp tools and bodily fluids that could pose harm to me or my colleagues when we are alongside a patient in surgery. A clean house starts with us and I do my best to ensure that our OR is in great shape for each patient. To ensure the safety of my patients, I am very thorough about preparing for each case by reading patients notes and updating the surgeon of any patient issues that may arise during surgery. As well, I never hesitate to point out safety issues to my fellow coworkers because we can all lean on each other at times when it comes to keeping everyone protected in our workplace."
Written by Ryan Brunner
27. What is your patient care philosophy?
How to Answer
It's always a great idea to research the company before your interview. You want to get to know their care philosophy so that your answer can reflect what is important to them. What is the core of your care philosophy? Keep your answer concise yet sincere.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Every day at work, I remind myself that everyone I come across has their struggles. Every person we care for has a story. I make sure to get to know my patients whenever possible. Everyone has the right to compassionate care."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I have three philosophies when it comes to my work. One for the clinic, one for me, and one for the patient. First, I work in a system, and I respect that. I follow the rules, I maintain my certifications, and I appreciate the policies and values of whatever site I work. Patient care is a privilege, and I respect the role I have in clinical care and the part other people have. Second, I want to be the best at what I do. Every day I learn something, and that's because I choose to get better.
Last, I adapt to the individual. If I'm meeting the requirements of my position, and evolving within my profession, then I am free to adjust to my patient and be the provider they need. Some patients need a lot of attention; some want less, and some need boundaries. I have trained myself to adapt my communication style, so a patient gets what they need."
Written by Ryan Brunner
28. At Wellstar, we pride ourselves on taking all precautions in infection prevention around our facilities and have won awards for these efforts. What infection prevention steps do you take in your job?
How to Answer
Infection prevention measures are a necessity of any job in the healthcare industry. Every day, sick patients visit the clinics and hospitals where you work and all measure must be taken to ensure that viruses, bacteria and sickness aren't spread from person to person. Your interviewer will be looking to hear that you understand the role of infection prevention in your job within the hospital or clinic. Talk about the measures you take and why they are important.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"As a Sonographer, there are many steps that I take to ensure that I do my part to prevent the spread of illnesses. My job starts with routine hand washing prior to and after seeing each patient. On top of hand washing, I thoroughly sterilize all equipment that I use after seeing each patient. This includes thoroughly cleaning my ultrasound equipment per the steps outlined by policy. If I need to see patients that are flagged as having any infectious disease, I take the proper measures of wearing personal protective equipment as well and I have received thorough training on the use of PPE."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"As a nurse on a med/surg unit, infection prevention starts with me as the first point of contact for the employees on our floor. Hand washing is something that I don't take lightly and I ensure I do so in each patients room prior to and after working with them. I also take measures to ensure that all equipment and surfaces in the rooms are cleaned after I see each patient. I work closely with our Environmental Services staff if they are needed to come to a patients room as well."
Written by Ryan Brunner
29. Tell me about your healthcare related education and training.
How to Answer
Take a few minutes to walk the interviewer through your formal post-secondary education as well as any on the job training. Talk about your most positive take-away's from your post-secondary experience and be sure to tie in how that experience will help you succeed in this position.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I have a nursing degree as well as additional on the job training within clinical research. I feel that my nursing education opened up many potential industry-related avenues for me. I graduated top of my class and completed a valuable internship with 'XYZ Health Services'. All of these experiences have helped prepare me for success in this role with Wellstar Health System."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I did my undergraduate in chemistry and medical school at St. George's University. I loved surgery, so my electives were in general surgery, trauma epidemiology, and orthopedics. I'm happy to be moving on to more responsibility as a resident. I have had some amazing mentors, and I found that I could perform with some different teaching styles."
Written by Ryan Brunner
30. How have you played a part in ensuring a patient focused approach when working with outside departments?
How to Answer
With the sub specialization of medical specialties becoming more and more commonplace in health systems both large and small, patients often have to bee seen by many different providers during their time of care. To ensure that patients receive the best care possible, providers, nurses and other caregivers have to come together in a team environment that promotes communication and accuracy in documentation. Talk about the times in your job where you have had to communicate effectively with other department and be accurate in your patient notes and charting to ensure that other caregivers are up to speed on the patients. If you have patients that are being cared for outside of your organization, talk about those challenges as well.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"Working as a lab technician, I have the opportunity to work with physicians, mid-level providers and nursing staff all over our hospital and clinics. Lab orders come from hospitalists, primary care providers, surgeons and many more and I have to ensure that my documentation on patients is spot on every single time. Oftentimes, patients are being seen by a few different providers and that makes my documentation even more important. If I ever have questions or need follow up, I don't hesitate to pick up the phone or use our instant messaging system to communicate with others outside of our department."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Being a nurse at a specialty Orthopedic clinic right now, every patient I see has a primary care provider from an outside clinic. We rely on our administrative staff and the patient to ensure that we have an up to date medical record on the patient and I have become very proficient at reading notes from the many health record systems that are out there. When patients are in our care and then discharged, I ensure that our medical records are passed along to primary care providers so our patients are cared for as best as possible when they leave us. Having the opportunity to come work for Wellstar is very exciting as a lot of the hurdles we have to jump through on patient documentation will be made so much easier with patients being with one system for most, if not all, of their care."
Written by Ryan Brunner
31. At Wellstar Health System we seek to hire individuals who display a keen interest in the healthcare arena. Would you consider yourself dedicated to a career in healthcare services?
How to Answer
Assure the interviewer that you are dedicated to a lucrative career in the healthcare services industry. The hiring manager would like to know that this position fits into your long-term plan and that, if hired, you would stay with Wellstar Health System as long as possible.
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"My entire career has been dedicated to the healthcare services field. I find it incredibly rewarding and interesting because I get to help others and every day brings new challenges! One of the reasons I applied for this role with Wellstar Health System is because I can see a long-term fit here. I plan to work in the healthcare segment for my entire career."
Written by Ryan Brunner on November 18th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"I know this career can take a toll on personal life, and I understand that while it can be more-or-less sustainable, it's more than just a job for me. So far, I have dedicated my entire adult life to this career. I have shadowed numerous professionals and have worked multiple clinics. I know this is the right career for me."
Written by Ryan Brunner
3rd Answer Example
"This career is not just something I want to do 8-5 to get by; it's something I want to BE. I want to be someone who dedicates themselves to a craft. I chose healthcare because the learning opportunities are endless. It's constantly evolving. I find the human body is fascinating, and I think that society is only healthy when it cares for its wounded."
Written by Ryan Brunner