How to Answer: Have you ever discovered patients acting in a behavior that is against facility regulations, and if so, how did you/would you handle that?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Nurse job interview.
8. Have you ever discovered patients acting in a behavior that is against facility regulations, and if so, how did you/would you handle that?
How to Answer
Any time there are patients in a community-like setting, such as an addiction recovery center, the chances of some of those patients 'pushing the limit' increases. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of identifying inappropriate behavior and that you will handle the situation professionally. If you have an example of a time this happened, this is a good time to share that experience. Remember, though, do not use names or infer anything that could compromise the confidentiality of the actual event.
Written by Heather Douglass
Entry Level Example
"I have not yet had a patient who acted outside of facility regulations, although I have heard of instances. I would like to think that, if and when this happens, I can be objective and professional. I would explain to the patient why the behavior is unacceptable and report the occurrence to my team leader or supervisor."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"In addiction recovery centers, intimate contact between patients and/or staff is not allowed. At one facility where I worked part time, it was discovered that two patients had been kissing and fondling one another in the dayroom. I notified my supervisor and wrote an incident report. The supervisor met with each patient and explained that non-compliance to rules would be grounds for termination of care."
Written by Heather Douglass
Experienced Example
"Honesty is always the best policy. Often, it is just a matter of how you communicate and deliver your message so managing this with each situation is critical to building honest and trustworthy relationships."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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