What are some aspects of your specialty that make it unique compared to other specialties?
This question gives the interviewer a chance to see your thoughts regarding being a critical care nurse. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. This is another opportunity to show what you thought was special about this specialty that led you to choose it as a career.
"I suppose all nurses could tell one thing or another that makes us feel like the area we work in is unique. All nursing departments have their own uniqueness."
"I am new to critical care, so I may not be qualified to make comparisons. I feel comfortable saying that I chose to work in critical care because I have a focused interest in pathophysiology and its associated medical conditions and treatments. I also have a desire to assist patients in critical situations, whether it is to optimize their health or, at least to make end-of-life a gentler process for all involved."
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 new nurse, it is hard to compare specialties. I believe that critical care is unique in the fact that you can dive deep into the patients' pathophysiology for their underlying condition. I have a desire to understand a patient's condition and treatment fully. I also appreciate the amount of knowledge that critical care nurses have.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your interest and understanding of what critical care requires are very apparent in your answer. Good job!
Anonymous Answer
Critical care involves a lot of critical thinking; not just going through the motions of patient care. Need to consider if this medication is still the best choice based on patient response, blood work, vital signs underlying conditions, etc. Critical care nurses are very organized and efficient because patients are all unstable and all require timely interventions.
Cindy's Feedback
Good! If you have a real-world example that demonstrates your critical thinking skills, you can use it to fully develop your response. These are the "gold standard" to persuade an interviewer of the depth of your experience.
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