How to Answer: Have you ever received negative feedback from a supervisor? If so, how did you handle it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Licensed Practical Nurse job interview.
1. Have you ever received negative feedback from a supervisor? If so, how did you handle it?
How to Answer
Receiving negative feedback can be discouraging, but it doesn't have to be something that leaves you feeling incapable of doing your job. Discuss a time when you received criticism or feedback and discuss what you did to pivot. When you answer, avoid speaking negatively about the person who gave you the feedback or seeming as though you are tough to manage.
Written by Heather Douglass on February 16th, 2020
Entry Level
"I am sure that the longer I work in the healthcare industry, the better I will learn that receiving negative feedback is not always a 'negative' thing. I once received a negative rating on one of my evaluations while earning my LPN certification. It was a disheartening experience because I pride myself on doing good work. I scheduled a time to sit and talk with my supervisor and understand his point of view concerning the negative rating and made a plan of action to improve on the issue."
Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019
Answer Example
"I remember when I first began my career as an LPN, I thought I had to do everything for everyone. I ended up taking on too many tasks and falling behind with my assignments. One of my supervisors told me that a patient had complained because I seemed too rushed. I was so embarrassed because I didn't want anyone to feel like I couldn't do my job or that I didn't care about them. I apologized to the supervisor and my patient and explained that I had taken on some extra assignments, but that I didn't mean to make her feel neglected. When I apologized, the patient agreed to let me continue caring for her. I learned from that experience that it's ok to want to give more, but that I should not stretch myself too thin and risk compromising the best patient care."
Written by Heather Douglass on February 16th, 2020
Experienced
"I once received negative feedback when I was working the ER. My patient's mother was distraught that her child did not receive treatment as quickly as she thought was necessary. She complained to my supervisor that I was not doing my job. After talking with the supervisor, I asked if I could spend some extra time with the patient and his mother so that she could experience the good care that we give. Fear and uncertainty are often reasons that people will lash out on their nursing staff. Sometimes a gentle word and a touch of extra attention are all that one needs to help relieve a stressful situation and diffuse conflict."
Written by Darby Faubion on January 22nd, 2019