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Addiction Nurse Mock Interview

Question 39 of 40 for our Addiction Nurse Mock Interview

Addiction Nurse was updated by on February 27th, 2024. Learn more here.

Question 39 of 40

If a patient were to exhibit feelings of affection or infatuation with you, how would you address the situation?

"If I were to suspect that a patient had affectionate feelings toward me, I would make sure that I am monitoring the patient/nurse boundaries closely and not allow myself to be put in a situation that may be misconstrued. I would also make sure that the charge nurse and/or the patient's counselor was aware. It is easy for patients to become infatuated with their caregivers as they are recovering from addiction. It's like replacing one 'high' for another one. However, establishing healthy boundaries from the beginning is often a deterrent for this."

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How to Answer: If a patient were to exhibit feelings of affection or infatuation with you, how would you address the situation?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Addiction Nurse job interview.

  • 39. If a patient were to exhibit feelings of affection or infatuation with you, how would you address the situation?

      How to Answer

      People who battle addiction often replace one addiction with another as they are trying to recover. This is usually not intentionally, but just part of the personality of an addict. Many times patients who are beginning to recover from an addiction such as drugs or alcohol tend to divert their attention to those who are providing care to them. Addiction nurses and counselors are often the object of the addict's attention because of the amount of time that they have to spend with them. The interviewer wants to know that you are capable of identifying this behavior when it begins to happen and that you can address it professionally.

      Written by Heather Douglass

      1st Answer Example

      "If I were to suspect that a patient had affectionate feelings toward me, I would make sure that I am monitoring the patient/nurse boundaries closely and not allow myself to be put in a situation that may be misconstrued. I would also make sure that the charge nurse and/or the patient's counselor was aware. It is easy for patients to become infatuated with their caregivers as they are recovering from addiction. It's like replacing one 'high' for another one. However, establishing healthy boundaries from the beginning is often a deterrent for this."

      Written by Heather Douglass

      1st Experienced Example

      "One of the first things addiction nurses should learn, in my opinion, is how to establish and enforce healthy boundaries between ourselves and our patients. Most patients suffering from addiction have dependent personalities and, although they may not be aware of it, they seem to be desperate for some kind of relationship. When drugs and alcohol are removed, they tend to replace those things with other addictions, such as food, or with people. Part of my job as an addiction nurse is to help my patients develop healthy relationship building skills and to recognize situations that could end up in a new dependency."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      2nd Answer Example

      "I've taught 12-step classes for the last six months in my current position. It is encouraging to see patients be part of their recovery and embrace the recovery techniques that I teach them."

      Written by Rachelle Enns

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "If I suspect that my patient is exhibiting feelings of affection or infatuation with me, I would make sure that I establish boundaries with my patient and not allow myself to be in a position that may be misinterpreted."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      You did a good job emphasizing the importance of establishing boundaries to maintain a professional relationship with the patient. Consider mentioning that you would address the situation with open and transparent communication. You could express understanding of their feelings while gently and professionally asserting the need for a strictly professional relationship. Express that if the situation persists or becomes more challenging, you would involve other healthcare professionals, such as a supervisor, manager, or a member of the hospital's human resources team. This demonstrates your commitment to ensuring a safe and professional environment for you and the patient. Lastly, note the importance of documenting any incidents or discussions related to the patient's behavior to maintain a record of your actions and responses.

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