What part of your healthcare career brings you the most stress?
Stress in the healthcare industry can often be a regular part of the day-to-day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about the most stressful aspects of your career. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (i.e., a nurse should not find caring for sick people the most stressful part of the job).
While you want to mention what part of your career brings you the most stress, you don't want to dwell on it. Instead, you should mention the stressful part and then talk about how you reduce the stress, so it does not consume you. If healthcare professionals do not have healthy ways to destress, it can lead to illness, injury, and job burnout.
"The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when my patients do not adhere to taking their medications or following their treatment plan. I know if they followed my recommendations, they could live a fuller, healthier life. What I have done to decrease my stress levels in this situation is to do all I can to explain why they have a treatment plan and how following it will get them better results. I communicate clearly and concisely so there is no misunderstanding. I leave it to my patients to do what they feel is best for them."
"When I'm working on an inpatient unit, I find that not having all the needed supplies close at hand to care for my patients brings me quite a bit of stress. To combat this stressor, I've started coming in just a few minutes early for my shift, and after I look at my patient assignment, I check and restock the supply carts outside or inside of those patients' rooms. That small action will make sure I have all of the flushes, dressings, and other items I will need throughout my shift."
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