Would you describe yourself as a compassionate person?

Focus on ensuring the interviewer understands you are a compassionate person. You can say you are compassionate, but giving an example of how you have helped others is a better way to convince them. You can describe your volunteer experience, how you cared for an elderly relative, held the hand of dying patients, or comforted a grieving family member. Give an example that shows you have compassion for others.

"Yes, I most certainly consider myself a compassionate person. I take the opportunity to understand and help others whenever possible. While attending University, I spent a lot of time volunteering at a local hospice - not only for the added experience but also to give back to others. I would comfort patients and their family members during the patient's last moments, brush their hair, hold their hands, and read and sing to them. I look forward to continuing this level of compassionate care with your organization."

"Yes, I consider myself to be a compassionate person. On my nursing shifts, my compassion shows up as always demonstrating a caring attitude toward patients and their families. On a recent shift, when I came onto the floor, the day and night shift charge nurses took me aside and told me my patient assignment that day would include a patient who we all knew well. The doctors and the family had recently decided that the patient would go on hospice care, and the patient would likely pass away on my shift. The day charge nurse said, 'We gave you this assignment today because we know you will take good care of the patient and his family.' I appreciated that my nursing team put that trust in me, and I was grateful to assist the patient and his family."