Clinical Nurse Specialist Mock Interview
Master 25 Clinical Nurse Specialist interview questions covering evidence-based practice, leadership, and patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 25
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake with a patient. What happened and how did you correct it?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Recently, I accidentally gave an incomplete report to the patients' physician. I learned a great deal about nursing reports while earning my Bachelor's Degree in Nursing; however, it's a different story and pace when you're actually on the floor. I was quite embarrassed, and luckily my error did not cause harm. I am extra diligent with my reports now!"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I made a dosing error with a patient on a Heparin Lock. I'm grateful for my second set of eyes, and my colleague caught my miscalculation. I corrected my error before it went to the patient. Because of this close call I've made a point to slow down with all of my patients."
Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
We are all human, and the interviewer is looking to see how you've handled past mistakes. Don't try to fool the interviewer by stating you've never made a mistake. Instead, indicate the error, how you corrected it and what you learned from it. Don't play the blame game. The interviewer is asking for your mistake, not a facility mistake.
Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
"I assumed too soon that an elderly patient understood my post-care instructions. The patient came back to the front desk asking to speak to me about 20 minutes later. I then realized that my directions weren't as clear as they should've been. Even though my mistake didn't cause harm, it did cause unnecessary steps and wait time. The patient was accepting of my apology, and I was able to write out the instructions, so there was no further misunderstanding."
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