Describe a recent issue you had with a doctor or co-worker's decision. How did you handle it?

"Luckily I work with a great team of professionals who know what they are doing and accept constructive feedback with ease. I recently worked with a physician who was very rushed and making rash decisions due to work overload. I pulled her aside and gently mentioned that I saw her making decisions much more quickly than usual. I didn't question her judgment, I simply offered to help. She appreciated the check-in, and all was well."

You won't always agree with the decisions of other professionals at your facility. That's a reality of being a nurse; however, your response is far more important than your opinion in those situations. If you argue or put up a fuss, you're not helping the case. When the doctor decides what they believe is best, taking a step down and following orders might indeed be your best option.

"During a recent surgery, the Doctor found something that we didn't expect. He decided to complete the operation even though there was a risk to the patient due to other health issues. Things move quickly in the operating room, so even though my gut reaction was to pull him aside and request we not continue, I knew that I needed to trust the doctor's wishes and support him."