How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you made a mistake with a patient. What happened and how did you correct it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Clinical Nurse Specialist job interview.
25. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake with a patient. What happened and how did you correct it?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"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!"
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"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."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"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."
Written by Rachelle Enns