Have you ever encountered a situation that involved an irate colleague or patient? How did you handle that situation and what did you do to achieve a positive outcome?

"Yes, I definitely have as an RN that has over eight years of experience in the field. I always think back to a time early in my career where a family member was very upset over the path of care that was determined for her father and she became very upset while the care team was meeting with her. She said some very regrettable words to the physicians and nurses and everyone left the room except me. At that time, I took the time to listen to her and ask questions to better understand the root of her anger. In the end, it turned out she had some skewed views of healthcare and outcomes and by me taking the time to educate her, she was in a much better place. As a community nurse in this role, I'm sure to encounter patients with painful wounds or communicable diseases and they will be in a very difficult place. By approaching them with empathy and respect, I'm sure I can help curb any potential outbursts that may occur."

Before your community nurse interview, be sure to think of a situation that shows your ability to diffuse a high-conflict situation. When dealing with an angry patient, it is essential to demonstrate your listening skills, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain calm and collected to deescalate the situation. A great way to win over your interviewer is to think of a hypothetical situation that may arise in a community health nurse role and describe how you would handle the situation.