Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
Working in dementia care requires a high level of compassion and patience. As you know, patients with cognitive difficulties will present with confusion, frustration, and anger at times, and it takes a patient individual to work with them. The interviewer wants to see that you consider yourself a patient person and what methods you use if you need an extra boost of patience. If they deem that you are not a patient person, they will reconsider hiring you for the role. Impatience can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in those around you, so it is essential that you can showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.
"Yes, I consider myself an extremely patient person, which is one reason I entered the healthcare field. I have a lot of compassion and empathy for others, which allows me to naturally be a patient person as I try to put myself in others' shoes. I worked as a nanny during my teen years and college and was always commended by the parents for how patient I was with their children. Former supervisors have also recognized me for my calm and professional demeanor when working with challenging patients. If I ever feel that I am reaching the end of my patience, which is not often, I silently take a few deep breaths while counting to five."
