How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?

How to Answer
1st Answer Example
2nd Answer Example

This question allows an opportunity to showcase your calm demeanor. Nurses are front-line workers and witnesses to some of the most distressing and vulnerable times in people's lives. Patients are often in pain, frightened, alone, and overwhelmed. Nurses deal with vulnerable people daily, so they must know how to handle the situation and optimize it. You also have the opportunity to share an example of a time you successfully found common ground with a patient.

"I try to show empathy and understanding for their frustration, and when possible, offer a blanket apology that they are experiencing this and allow them to vent if possible before I start talking. I stay kind, focused, and direct and am mindful of my personal space. I always try to pay attention to my words and body posture. I don't touch them or give them false assurances. I try to remain in their space as much as possible and be a kind, calm presence for them."

"I observed a patient disagreeing with my preceptor during one of my clinical shifts, and I hope to handle the situation the way she did. The patient was in our unit after open-heart surgery. Their doctor had added a new medication to their daily meds based on the patient's heart rhythm. The nurse explained to the patient what the medication was and the rationale behind taking the medication. The patient declined to take the medication, saying he felt he was on too many medications already. The nurse was calm and empathetic and reiterated why the medication was important for the patient. The patient still declined to take the medication. The nurse called the patient's doctor and explained that the patient wasn't willing to take the medication. The nurse documented interactions with the patient and the physician and calmly and kindly cared for the patient for the remainder of our shift. When patients don't agree with me or their plan of care, I hope to help them understand the reasoning behind their plan of care. If I can't get the patient to agree, I will communicate efficiently and respectfully with the patient and their doctor and document all communication ."

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How to Answer: How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?

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

38. How would you handle a patient who disagrees with you?

How to Answer

This question allows an opportunity to showcase your calm demeanor. Nurses are front-line workers and witnesses to some of the most distressing and vulnerable times in people's lives. Patients are often in pain, frightened, alone, and overwhelmed. Nurses deal with vulnerable people daily, so they must know how to handle the situation and optimize it. You also have the opportunity to share an example of a time you successfully found common ground with a patient.

Written by Dianne Barnard on February 15th, 2021

1st Answer Example

"I try to show empathy and understanding for their frustration, and when possible, offer a blanket apology that they are experiencing this and allow them to vent if possible before I start talking. I stay kind, focused, and direct and am mindful of my personal space. I always try to pay attention to my words and body posture. I don't touch them or give them false assurances. I try to remain in their space as much as possible and be a kind, calm presence for them."

Written by Dianne Barnard on February 15th, 2021

2nd Answer Example

"I observed a patient disagreeing with my preceptor during one of my clinical shifts, and I hope to handle the situation the way she did. The patient was in our unit after open-heart surgery. Their doctor had added a new medication to their daily meds based on the patient's heart rhythm. The nurse explained to the patient what the medication was and the rationale behind taking the medication. The patient declined to take the medication, saying he felt he was on too many medications already. The nurse was calm and empathetic and reiterated why the medication was important for the patient. The patient still declined to take the medication. The nurse called the patient's doctor and explained that the patient wasn't willing to take the medication. The nurse documented interactions with the patient and the physician and calmly and kindly cared for the patient for the remainder of our shift. When patients don't agree with me or their plan of care, I hope to help them understand the reasoning behind their plan of care. If I can't get the patient to agree, I will communicate efficiently and respectfully with the patient and their doctor and document all communication ."

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