How to Answer: When a patient suffers a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Clinical Nurse Specialist job interview.
9. When a patient suffers a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
How to Answer
Every health care professional handles the stress and disappointment of patient setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks in the workplace.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Entry Level
"Setbacks can be trying, for the patient and all involved. I remind myself to keep a positive outlook and to remain focused because that is what the patient needs most from me in times like that."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If my patient experiences a major setback, I will take a few moments to debrief with the doctor and discuss what I could have done differently, if anything."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Experienced
"I used to tend to take things personally when a patient would have a setback in their recovery. I would immediately go through a mental rundown of what I did wrong or what I could have done differently. It was emotionally taxing. I now allow myself to learn from these experiences without taking them personally. Everyone's health story is different, and there are factors that I cannot control."
Written by Rachelle Enns