How to Answer: Is there a type of patient or specific diagnosis that you find it more difficult to work with?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Nurse job interview.
28. Is there a type of patient or specific diagnosis that you find it more difficult to work with?
How to Answer
Behavioral issues and dual diagnosis, like a bipolar alcoholic, can make treatment extremely difficult. What can make treatment even more difficult are those who don't cooperate or follow through with the plan of care. Tell the interviewer about a particular situation or patient. Be sure to respect patient confidentiality when sharing any examples.
Written by Heather Douglass
Entry Level Example
"I believe any addiction nurse will tell you, no matter what the diagnosis, if a client is not really ready to face his addiction and become active in a treatment plan, providing care is difficult. Clients make a choice daily whether or not to participate in their addiction or to be proactive in their recovery."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"When a patient doesn't take responsibility to start making changes that are constructive in their life, I find these cases very difficult. I do my best to empower them, because ultimately they are the ones who can change their own lives. However, if they choose not to do the work, treatment is a whole lot harder."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experienced Example
"I have come across some difficult patients in my career as an addiction nurse. I would say the most challenging patients are those who do not follow their treatment plan yet tell me that they are. It's hard to work around dishonesty so I gently remind these patients that the only person they are hurting is themselves."
Written by Jaymie Payne on June 23rd, 2023
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