Tell me about a time you were trusted with confidential information regarding a patient's care.
Working within the medical career field you are trusted with sensitive information each day. Don't fall into this trap and answer this question with a story containing confidential information, people will view your answer negatively and view you as not being trustworthy. If you choose to tell about a situation be sure to be vague and not use names or too many details.
"I'm trusted with confidential information every day. I make a point to leave my work at work and not discuss patients outside of the office. By not discussing confidential information about the patients I'm ensuring that I'm not breaking any rules and giving information to those that are not on a need to know basis."
"I am expected to keep all information confidential every day, so there is not just one instance that I can refer to. I believe in practicing within legal and ethical bounds and keeping patient's confidence is one way I do that."
"Every day I work is an example of me being trusted with confidential information. HIPAA regulations were set in place with good reason and I appreciate the idea behind them. I strive to stay well within the bounds of legality with regard to patient privacy."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
As a technical partner, I am responsible for keeping all information about the patient confidential. I need to stay within the bounds of HIPAA to protect patients' privacy.
Rachelle's Feedback
Respecting patients' privacy is of critical importance, and it's great that you mention HIPAA as well. Since this question is asking for a specific 'time when...' do you have a story to share with the interviewer, related to work experience/internship/education?
Anonymous Answer
As nurses, we are continually exposed to confidential information regarding patient care and it is our duty to keep that information confidential. For instance, I do not discuss patient details outside of work or with anyone not directly involved in that patient's care. I remember a friend telling me a story about how she was visiting her mother in the hospital and one day when she was in the elevator two nurses were discussing a patient that she realized was her mom. They were talking about how sad it was that she was recently diagnosed with a new tumor and this was the first time my friend had heard this news. it was extremely upsetting and shocking as well as a major breach of confidentiality.
Cindy's Feedback
Wow, how upsetting! This is an extremely effective way to illustrate the importance of confidentiality.
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