How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?

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1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

Physicians have very stressful jobs and are under significant pressure daily. This sometimes causes them to be short with their support staff, and some develop the reputation of being difficult to work with. At times, situations between nurses and physicians can become very heated, and disagreements can arise. However, it is up to the nurse to facilitate a positive working environment with the physicians around them, despite any past conflicts. The interviewer asks this question to determine how the candidate will react to physicians known to be demanding and difficult, as it will determine how successful they will be in their nursing career. To effectively answer this question, indicate you would not take the physician's behavior personally and would continue to build positive, professional relationships with them, even if there have been uncomfortable situations with particular physicians in the past. Try to include an example from your career or clinical experience where you dealt with a difficult physician, superior, or colleague but maintained a positive, professional relationship with them.

"Even though I was just a nursing assistant, I dealt with many difficult physicians while I worked at the nursing home in college. One physician, in particular, was extremely difficult and seemed to have a problem with anything and everything anyone did for a patient, including the nursing assistants. There were days when this doctor would come and yell at me for patients being in the incorrect position or not being changed, even though they had just been changed. It was frustrating, but I had to take it all in stride, reminding myself that the physician only had the patients' best interests in mind and that he had a lot of pressure on him and was probably dealing with it to the best of his ability. If I had the pressure of a physician on me, I don't know how I would react, so I try my best to keep it all in perspective."

"Sometimes it will feel intimidating to call physicians, especially after hours. I think the most important thing to do when interacting with doctors, whether in person or on the phone, is to be prepared and be clear about what I'm looking for from the interaction. When I was in one of my extended clinicals, my nurse preceptor had me practice calling one of our patient's doctors. We discussed ahead of time how I would identify myself, identify the patient, explain the situation, and ask for an order to increase the dose of the patient's beta blocker. I was nervous during that interaction, but it was professional and buoyed my confidence. I believe that if I can be calm and concise and remember that the communication is about my patient's needs, I will be able to work well with the physicians on my shift."

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How to Answer: How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Entry-Level Nursing job interview.

6. How do you see yourself interacting with physicians who can sometimes be demanding and difficult to work with?

How to Answer

Physicians have very stressful jobs and are under significant pressure daily. This sometimes causes them to be short with their support staff, and some develop the reputation of being difficult to work with. At times, situations between nurses and physicians can become very heated, and disagreements can arise. However, it is up to the nurse to facilitate a positive working environment with the physicians around them, despite any past conflicts. The interviewer asks this question to determine how the candidate will react to physicians known to be demanding and difficult, as it will determine how successful they will be in their nursing career. To effectively answer this question, indicate you would not take the physician's behavior personally and would continue to build positive, professional relationships with them, even if there have been uncomfortable situations with particular physicians in the past. Try to include an example from your career or clinical experience where you dealt with a difficult physician, superior, or colleague but maintained a positive, professional relationship with them.

Written by Kelly Burlison on July 16th, 2019

1st Answer Example

"Even though I was just a nursing assistant, I dealt with many difficult physicians while I worked at the nursing home in college. One physician, in particular, was extremely difficult and seemed to have a problem with anything and everything anyone did for a patient, including the nursing assistants. There were days when this doctor would come and yell at me for patients being in the incorrect position or not being changed, even though they had just been changed. It was frustrating, but I had to take it all in stride, reminding myself that the physician only had the patients' best interests in mind and that he had a lot of pressure on him and was probably dealing with it to the best of his ability. If I had the pressure of a physician on me, I don't know how I would react, so I try my best to keep it all in perspective."

Written by Kelly Burlison on July 16th, 2019

2nd Answer Example

"Sometimes it will feel intimidating to call physicians, especially after hours. I think the most important thing to do when interacting with doctors, whether in person or on the phone, is to be prepared and be clear about what I'm looking for from the interaction. When I was in one of my extended clinicals, my nurse preceptor had me practice calling one of our patient's doctors. We discussed ahead of time how I would identify myself, identify the patient, explain the situation, and ask for an order to increase the dose of the patient's beta blocker. I was nervous during that interaction, but it was professional and buoyed my confidence. I believe that if I can be calm and concise and remember that the communication is about my patient's needs, I will be able to work well with the physicians on my shift."

Written by Kate Buckley on December 21st, 2022

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About the Author

Jaymie Payne

I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.

I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 40 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!

Learn more about Jaymie Payne