When a patient suffers a setback, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
"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."
"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."
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.
"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."
