30 NHS Band 3 Clinical Support Worker Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NHS Band 3 Clinical Support Worker interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. As part of our NHS Constitution, we're committed to working together for patients. How do you promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace?
How to Answer
The NHS leadership team promotes collaboration and teamwork as core values. In a clinical support role, you will work alongside and interact with patients, clerks, nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and other clinical care providers. When healthcare team members work together for the good of their patients, the quality of care and outcomes improve significantly. Think about ways you support other staff. Describe how you promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and support these core values.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"The clinical support role provides many ways to promote teamwork and collaboration. I enjoy being in the support role and using effective communication to complete administrative tasks and support the clinical staff in serving our patients. I relay important information to the care team so that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals.
I'm always willing to jump in and support another team member, regardless of what their role is, so that all the work gets done as needed."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Behavioral
2. As a clinical support worker, what does success look like to you?
How to Answer
The NHS is a large organisation that has thrived over the years and has grown to be one of the largest employers in the world. Consider what makes them successful in the healthcare industry, what sets them apart, and how you can contribute to their short and long-term successes. The interviewer is able to learn a lot from your response, including how you define success, what types of goals you set, and how you measure success. Speak about how you define success professionally and give examples that relate to the position you're applying for.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Success to me is providing excellent care that results in a positive patient experience. We exist to serve and care for the community; without them, we wouldn't have jobs. It's critical to provide the best care to our patients so that they return to us for future needs. When I'm working with a patient and receiving praise from them, their caregivers, or even my peers or manager, it's rewarding and reassuring me that I'm doing a good job in my support role. Success to me is also when our team is functioning at its best, and we're collaborative and inclusive of all members of the team from support care specialists to physicians."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
3. At the NHS, we're focused on constantly improving. How do you respond to feedback?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to gauge how you respond to positive, critical, and constructive feedback. Demonstrate your professional maturity by giving examples of times you have received feedback and how you positively reacted to it. The ideal candidate will view feedback as an opportunity to improve and grow; someone who responds negatively to feedback will be a red flag to the interviewer.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm very receptive to feedback and prefer to receive it regularly versus just in an annual performance review. I'm junior in my career and experience, so in this role, I will value feedback from my peers and managers. I want to know what I'm doing well and where I could improve. Once I receive that feedback, I will do what is necessary to adjust, whether that's additional self-training, shadowing, or mentoring. I keep an open mind and positive attitude when receiving feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
4. Healthcare staff are more likely to experience burnout than other professions. How do you maintain a work-life balance to combat this?
How to Answer
Healthcare workers are prone to burnout due to the natural stressors of the job and often times working short staffed. Many organisations like the NHS are now being proactive in preventing this among their teams, as turnover is a major issue in the healthcare field. Give examples of how you try to maintain a healthy work-life balance and include elements in the workplace and at home. Examples could include taking breaks, shutting off your work phone/email where appropriate, prioritizing health and wellness, exercising, and open communication with your manager.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Maintaining a healthy work-life balance involves prioritizing your health, tasks, and personal time. I ensure I complete my tasks during my designated work hours, and then I set boundaries for when I'm at home. For example, I try not to check my work email after hours unless there is something urgent that cannot wait until my next shift. In my personal time, I try to plan for distraction-free periods where I'm not on my cell phone and focus on a hobby I enjoy, like painting or reading. I have found that structure and routine help balance work and my personal life, so I try to get up at the same time every day, eat healthy balanced meals, and get enough sleep each night to be well-rested and prepared for the next day."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
5. What strategies do you use to build and maintain relationships with other clinical staff?
How to Answer
The NHS focuses on collaboration and teamwork to provide the best care possible to all patients. Units and facilities run effectively when the team gets along, trusts and relies on one another, communicates, and interacts in a positive way. In a support role, it's important that you build and maintain relationships with other staff so that operations run smoothly. Speak to strategies or techniques you use or will use to build relationships as a new team member.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I come to work each day with a positive attitude and willingness to collaborate and learn from others. Being new to the team, I would first take time to introduce myself and try to get to know the team on a personal and professional level. Communication is key to building and maintaining relationships, so I would make sure that I talked with my team throughout the shift to better understand priorities, understand challenges, and offer support where possible. I would encourage my team and give them praise and thanks when appropriate. By demonstrating my technical competencies and abilities, I hope they see the value that I bring to the team and our patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
6. What is a challenge that you face as a clinical support worker?
How to Answer
The role of a clinical support worker can be fast-paced and demanding. You may face a number of challenges, including working in a short-staffed facility, frequently interacting with the public and handling upset patients, staying up-to-date with healthcare regulations and policies, constant focus and need for attention to detail, and competing priorities throughout the shift. Give a genuine answer about what you feel is challenging or would be challenging in the role and how you would navigate those challenges. Try to remain positive and avoid complaining in your answer.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Currently, I work with children with learning disabilities and autism. I help them learn new skills that promote increased levels of independence. I love working with children, and sometimes it's hard not to get attached to them because I spend so much time with them and build relationships over the months or years that we support them and their families. It's always challenging when they are discharged from our program because I've built bonds and friendships with many children, their families, and their caregivers. It's important to remember our role and responsibility as clinical support workers and to acknowledge when we feel down and talk to someone."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Behavioral
7. At the NHS, we put a great amount of focus on the patient experience. How would you help ensure a positive experience for all patients that you work with here?
How to Answer
The overall patient experience entails the entire range of interactions patients have with their healthcare team. No matter the setting, clinical support workers at the NHS focus on the quality of care they provide to patients, and the patient experience is a cornerstone of that focus. If hired, the organisation will expect you to positively influence the experience of the patients you will be working with daily. Aspects to consider as you answer this question are your bedside manner, responsiveness to patients, follow-through, compassion and kindness, and communication.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Many patients are nervous or anxious when they are in the hospital, so I go above and beyond to help calm their nerves and reassure them that they are in good hands. It's important that they know we want to make every effort to help them get well and return home. I go above and beyond to make them comfortable, whether that's helping them find their favourite channel on the tv in their room, assisting them with filling out their menu selections, or getting them an extra heated blanket. My goal is to meet their basic needs, then exceed their expectations for kind, compassionate care. I seek patients' feedback often, so I know how I can improve my interactions with them and improve their experience with us."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
8. Working with the public can be challenging. What interpersonal skills do you possess that will allow you to succeed here?
How to Answer
The NHS values interpersonal skills like communication, conflict management, empathy, compassion, and patience. Working with the public can be challenging if a patient or family member is upset about a situation, and as a clinical support worker, you may be the first person to answer their call or interact with them at the desk. To succeed in this role, you must possess strong interpersonal skills to effectively build relationships and ensure each person you interact with has a positive experience while at the NHS.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"Working with the public can be challenging at times, but I possess strong communication skills, empathy and compassion for others, and patience, which allow me to succeed in my role. When a patient is angry or frustrated, I try to remember not to take it personally; that helps me react without involving my emotions. Seeking to understand the root cause of their frustration and being genuine in my interest in assisting them often makes a difference in their attitude and approach. I'm a good listener, and sometimes, that is all a person needs. I'm always focused on the patient experience and go out of my way to have a positive attitude and approach situations with an open mind and patience. I can effectively communicate, whether by email, on the phone, or in person. I communicate messages clearly and answer questions professionally and calmly."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Compatibility
9. Describe your ideal manager.
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to better understand your preferred style of management, and in some cases, the person interviewing you could be your potential manager, so this will help them understand if you would align well with them. Be sure you research the NHS culture, and if possible, try to do some research on the background and education of the person you're interviewing with.
Consider past employers and the best leader you had. Think about what traits or habits they demonstrated that made them someone you enjoyed working with. In your response, explain some of the qualities you're looking for in a leader but also demonstrate that you're flexible and work under different types of management styles.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"My ideal manager is someone who genuinely cares about their employees and their success. I once had a manager who, in our one on ones, always started by asking how my family was, and that meant a lot. She would also ask what was going well and what wasn't and took a true interest in wanting to help me succeed and overcome obstacles. I also value a manager with good communication skills. I appreciate when updates and changes are communicated, and my manager follows up when they say they will."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
10. This position requires you to work on a rotational shift basis, which includes days and nights. Is this something you would be able to commit to?
How to Answer
Many roles at the NHS require you to work rotational shifts or to be available to work nights, weekends or holidays.
Before answering questions about your availability, you should have an idea of the requirements of the position. If you haven't gathered the information from the job posting or description, now is a good time to confirm what is required if you join the NHS. Consider asking the interviewer what their expectations are; for example, are the shifts 8,10, or 12 hours, etc., and are weekends required? If their schedule expectations won't work for you, consider what you can offer instead and see if you can meet in the middle. It's much easier to discuss these things in the interview to make sure it aligns with both the organisation's needs as well as your own personal needs.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I understand that healthcare is a 24/7 business, and I would be required to work rotational shifts to meet the needs of the organisation and patients. I have no problem working rotational shifts, but may I ask what the schedule pattern is or how much advanced notice is given when publishing the schedules?"
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
11. What skills do you possess that will help you succeed in this clinical support role at the NHS?
How to Answer
There are many ways you can be a fit for a position at the NHS, even if you have not worked in the exact role in the past. Review the job description and determine what skills are required, then think about the transferable skills you possess and how those can benefit the organisation, despite the industry background you may have. These skills could include technical abilities, communication skills, customer service experience, etc.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I possess several skills that I feel will transfer well into this role. I love working with the public and feel I'm very friendly and personable. I'm compassionate, kind, and caring toward others, and I'm able to see things through the perspective of others. I enjoy working in fast-paced environments that are hands-on and collaborative. I'm able to take direction from others and I'm a quick learner."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
12. If offered the position, how soon would you be available to start?
How to Answer
Many healthcare facilities are short-staffed; if that is the case for the NHS, they are likely looking for someone who can start as soon as possible. If you plan to give your current employer a notice period, be honest about your availability to start so that you can have a conversation with the interviewer on whether that aligns with their timeline. If you can train on off-shifts, you could offer that as a way to start sooner.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"If I accepted a new position, I would need to give my current employer a two-week notice. After that notice period, I would be able to start with the NHS right away. Do you have any concerns about that time frame?"
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Compatibility
13. Are you comfortable working with a team of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals?
How to Answer
Working as a clinical support worker may require you to work with an interdisciplinary healthcare team. The interviewer is asking this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills and comfort level necessary to be successful in the role. Speak to your ability to collaborate, communicate, and work well amongst a team.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I am very comfortable working with a team of healthcare professionals and enjoy being in the support role. In my previous position in primary care, I worked alongside three general practitioners and two nurses. We all had our own responsibilities, but we also collaborated and supported one another to meet the needs of the patients. For example, when one provider was out sick, I would help the staff call patients and reorganize the schedule while also helping with check-in and admin tasks if we had to double up on seeing patients. This teamwork made it easier for us to get through the day and to provide excellent care to patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Competency
14. What best practices, policies or processes do you improve patient safety?
How to Answer
Depending on your specific clinical support role at the NHS, you may be responsible for patient safety, and that includes protecting patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections. Healthcare organisations like the NHS promote a culture of patient safety, and the interviewer would like to learn more about your level of commitment to this mission and core values. Think about safety holistically, and consider speaking about ways you keep patients safe while helping them ambulate, wash and dress patients, helping feed patients, taking or processing lab samples, protecting patient information, etc. Give specific examples from your professional experience or experience as a student or apprentice.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"Patient safety is something I take very seriously and make every effort to promote. As I have most recently worked in clinical support in the lab setting, patient safety is a top priority. To protect myself and my patients, when collecting lab samples, I always wear gloves and make sure I'm using sanitary equipment. When working with needles, I ensure they are placed in a sharps container so patients and staff are not accidentally poked. I am careful to verify the patient, procedure, and other identifiers before and after collecting samples to ensure I'm working with the correct patient and identifying samples correctly."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Competency
15. How confident are you in your knowledge of medical terminology?
How to Answer
A thorough understanding of medical terminology will make you a more desirable candidate when applying for clinical support roles with the NHS. Speak about your knowledge and experience in this area and any courses or classes you may have taken. If you lack skills in this area, demonstrate to the interviewer your willingness to learn and your ability to self-help and learn new information quickly.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm new to healthcare, so my knowledge is limited. I have picked up some common terms and acronyms through exposure to healthcare webinars and by watching healthcare shows on television. I know that being familiar with medical terminology will be important in this role and I'm eager to learn and am willing to do what it takes to develop this skill to be successful in the role."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Competency
16. We place a heavy emphasis on the 6 C's. Are you familiar with these?
How to Answer
May job postings for clinical support roles at the NHS encourage you to review the Trust's Values and Behaviours: ' the 6 Cs' Communication, Competence, Courage, Care, Compassion, and Commitment. Familiarize yourself with these and be able to speak to them in your response. If possible, highlight the areas you feel you possess well-developed skills and how you use them in your current role.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes! The 6 Cs are a set of values that underpin the high-quality care the healthcare staff delivers. These values include
care, compassion, courage, communication, commitment, and competence. These values are essential to providing high-quality, consistent, compassionate care and ensuring that people being cared for are always the priority. In my current role, I demonstrate all of these values by going above and beyond to make sure the needs of patients are met, by being proactive and anticipating their needs, by trying to understand their perspective and empathizing with their situation, and by promoting effective communication and collaboration among the team."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Discovery
17. What do you know about the NHS Constitution?
How to Answer
The NHS Constitution is something you must be familiar with as it's a foundation of the organisation. The NHS Constitution "sets out the principles and values that guide how the NHS should act and make decisions." It also explains the rights and responsibilities of staff, patients, and the public and the NHS's pledges to them. There are a lot of sections to this document, so familiarize yourself with it before your interview so you can speak to your basic understanding of what the NHS Constitution is and what it means in the workplace.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm very familiar with the NHS Constitution and have read about the principles, values, and responsibilities and rights of patients and staff members. I think having a document like this that describes in detail the shared values and principles, helps set expectations and standards for all. I personally align with all core values of respect and dignity, commitment to quality care, compassion, improving the lives of others, working together for patients, and making sure everyone counts and I look forward to promoting these values and other NHS principles in the workplace if given the opportunity."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
18. What are some of your career goals?
How to Answer
The NHS site boasts more than 30 roles for clinical support workers, so the career paths and possibilities are endless! The interviewer would like to better understand your career goals, so share with them your interests and desired career trajectory in the next 3-5 years. Perhaps you want to explore various settings to grow and develop your skills and experience, or maybe you have a desire to eventually become a nurse or grow into a leadership role. Whatever your career goals, share those with the interviewer so they better understand how the NHS fits into your plan.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I'm new to healthcare, so my short-term goals are to get settled into my role, to learn as much as I can, and to gain skills and experience in the setting in which I would be hired. From there, I would like to continue to develop my skills and grow in the role, possibly mentoring other new employees who were just getting into healthcare. In 3-5 years, I will have gained experience that will allow me to have a better understanding of my areas of interest as far as various settings within the NHS, and perhaps at that time, I will be prepared to pursue other career paths and training or certifications."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
19. What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to learn more about why you chose to pursue a position in healthcare. This question is very personal, so briefly give the interviewer some insight into what motivated you to pursue this path. Perhaps you interacted with a healthcare professional in the past who had an impact on you, or maybe you have family or friends who have been in the role who inspired you, or maybe you just like being a part of a team that cares for others. If you have a unique story that led to your decision, feel free to share that and give a meaningful answer that demonstrates your passion for the field.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare because of the ability to care for and improve the lives of others. I'm a people person and love interacting with others. Healthcare is also a field that will always be in demand, so I valued the stability and job security. Clinical support is a great field for both of these reasons."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Discovery
20. Why are you leaving your current organisation?
How to Answer
The interviewer is trying to learn more about why you've made the decision to pursue new opportunities. Discuss with the interviewer your reason for leaving. Maintain a positive and professional tone; avoid complaining about your current or previous company, manager, or team, as hiring managers usually see this as a red flag. Instead, give a more general reason like "I'm looking for more opportunities for growth," "I'm ready to explore new industries and expand my skillset and experience," "I'm looking for a shorter commute, etc., "
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I've been working in retail for the last two years and would really like to find an entry-level role in healthcare. I enjoy working in retail and interacting with customers. Still, I've been considering going to nursing school, and I feel like starting as a clinical support worker would allow me to gain some experience and skills in healthcare to help me determine if nursing is the right career path choice for me. I feel I can add value to the team with many transferrable skills like communication, compassion, customer service, and reliability."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Experience
21. In your previous experience as a clinical support worker, what types of tasks did you perform day to day?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to discover more about your day-to-day responsibilities and duties. If you are coming from another healthcare organisation, it's likely similar to what would be required in the position with the NSH; however, it's important to describe in detail what your daily activities look like. Consider whether you spend time performing patient care activities, recording vitals, performing admin tasks, etc. Read the job description thoroughly, and discuss the areas of responsibility you have experience in and perform daily. Keep a positive tone as you describe what your current role entails each day, and refrain from complaining about certain duties or feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have been in my role at the hospital for about a year. I work the day shift, so I help the other clinical staff get patients washed up and dressed, then prepared for breakfast and lunch. During meal times, I help patients set their trays up and I can assist with feeding if needed. During the rest of my shift, I help tend to the patients basic needs like moving around their room, or changing the station on the telly. If the clinical staff needs support, I can also help take patient temperatures, blood pressures, and blood sugar levels. Another major responsibility is to maintain patient records throughout the day, documenting activities and clinical observations."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Experience
22. Tell me about your experience using computers and other forms of technology in the workplace.
How to Answer
With most healthcare charting and records, diagnostic and treatment techniques, and patient/provider communications being digital nowadays, clinical support workers must be proficient and continually keep up to date with technology in the workplace. Describe your experience with computers and other technology in the workplace and give specific examples of what you've used and in what setting. If you're a new grad or unfamiliar with these resources, be honest but demonstrate your desire and ability to learn.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"In the last year as a clinical support worker in the mental health setting, I've used the computer every day in my duties and use them to complete a variety of tasks. I frequently do my charting electronically and access medical records on the computer. Other technology I use in the workplace includes portable monitors, wearable devices like holter monitors, smart beds, and multi-line phone systems. I enjoy using state-of-the-art equipment and am very open to learning to use new tools or platforms that allow me to provide a higher quality of care for my patients."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Experience
23. What experience do you have providing clinical support?
How to Answer
The interviewer may not have had a chance to review your CV, so give them a brief overview of your years of experience, the setting you have worked in, and some of the typical day-to-day duties. If you are new to healthcare, be honest, but share any other transferrable experience, volunteer work, or skills that would help you be successful in this role.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"For the last three years, I have provided clinical support in a health centre. In this role, I perform health checks, take and process blood and urine samples, sterilise equipment, restock patient rooms, and assist with patient charting. I help support a large team of six general practitioners and their nursing staff. It's very fast-paced and I really enjoy that. I feel all of the skills and experience gained at the health centre, will transfer well into this role that I've applied for."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Experience
24. Respect and dignity are two of our core values here at the NHS. What experience do you have working with confidential information? How do you protect patient information?
How to Answer
All employees at the NHS must be knowledgeable about when and how to protect sensitive or private information. Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of protecting patient information in the workplace and consider ways you ensure patient information is not left in public places or stored inappropriately. Perhaps you speak in a lower voice when relaying confidential information so other patients don't overhear, or maybe you lock your computer when you leave your workstation. When responding, give an overview of your experience in healthcare protecting this type of data and examples of ways you ensure patient information is safe.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"There are several ways that I protect confidential information. If I have a patient at my workstation, I will use my kiosk screen to confirm personal data instead of repeating it all out loud in front of other patients or visitors in the area. Anytime I leave my desk, I lock my computer and put files with patient data in my locked drawer to protect it from unauthorized view. This includes patient files, prescriptions, lab orders, and even post-it notes that I may have jotted something down that contained a date of birth or name and test result. I also change my computer password regularly to reduce the risk of someone accessing my computer and files. Lastly, when I deal with a patient's family and friends inquiring about patient statuses, I always check their file to see who they have given consent to be given that information."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Experience
25. Tell me about your experience managing medical records.
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to learn more about your skills and abilities to manage medical records, whether that's test results, creating new patient files, updating patient care records, or obtaining records from another GP. Discuss your experience with managing paper medical records and electronic medical records and speak to ways you ensure accuracy and privacy when managing files. If you have experience using EMR software, now is a great time to give an overview of the systems you have used in the workplace.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"In my previous role, I worked in a general practitioner's office, so I have experience managing paper file medical records and files on EMR systems. I have experience creating files, properly maintaining and storing them, following policies and procedures for sharing medical records and destroying them, and organizing them for day-to-day use when seeing patients. Proper medical records management is vital to ensuring patients receive the appropriate care. I'm very familiar with the Data Protection Act and adhere to all policies and procedures like the "need to know basis" to protect patient privacy."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Experience
26. What healthcare settings do you have experience in?
How to Answer
This question allows the interviewer to explore your healthcare background and what environments you have worked in to understand if your background aligns or if you've worked in an environment where your skills would transfer well. Give an overview of the settings you've worked in (mental health, primary care, acute care, midwifery, children's services, etc., and include the range of patient populations you've worked with. You can also include details about the pace of the environment or give insight into the size of the organisation or even the volume of patients you care for in that setting.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a clinical support worker, I have four years of experience. I have worked in acute care in a hospital-based role supporting patients and managing daily activities. In this role, I support the clinical staff, and I provide safe, personal, and effective care and support to patients and their families. I have enjoyed working in this setting, but I'm open to exploring others to continue to grow and expand my skillset and experience."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Situational
27. Tell me about a time you had to work with a difficult patient.
How to Answer
Working in healthcare as a clinical support worker and within an organisation as large as the NHS, you will likely interact with numerous patients each day. Possessing the skills to handle difficult situations and people in the workplace is essential. Think about a time you had a challenging patient and what made them difficult. Describe the situation and how you handled it, and include aspects of communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills. Avoid speaking negatively about a patient when answering.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have worked with mental health patients for the last two years, so naturally, that environment comes with challenges and working with difficult patients from time to time. Often times, patients are reluctant to receive medical care or have been court ordered to participate in programs that they aren't eager to be a part of. In those cases, they often refuse care and treatment like medications, which makes it challenging to help them recover and achieve maximum wellness. A great deal of patience and compassion is required when working in the mental health setting. In these situations, I always explain to the patient why the action benefits them and try to help them understand the value in participating. If they refuse, I document as necessary and notify my manager so that they can advise me on next steps."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Situational
28. How do you troubleshoot problems with medical equipment?
How to Answer
As a clinical support worker at the NHS, most of your work will likely require you to use a computer or other medical devices or equipment. This question allows the interviewer to see how you react when faced with a problem that will significantly impact you and your ability to do the job. Demonstrate that you can remain calm in a stressful situation like this, troubleshoot common problems, and take action to overcome the challenge.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 29th, 2023
Answer Example
"Typically, I try to first start with the basics. For example, is the machine plugged in, is the power source turned on, and are all the cords attached and plugged in correctly? If an instruction or troubleshooting manual is available, I will try to self-help and find the problem before asking a colleague. If I need to use the equipment for a time-sensitive task, I would ask a colleague or manager for help so I do not waste precious time researching the answer. If there were a backup device or piece of equipment, I would use that. If it were completely malfunctioning equipment, I would report it and do a lockout/tag out as required by policy and the facility."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Situational
29. Tell me about an ethical dilemma you faced in the workplace and how you handled it.
How to Answer
This question allows the interviewer to discover more about your character. It's not uncommon for ethical dilemmas in the workplace to occur from time to time, so speak openly about an ethical dilemma you faced at work. Think carefully about your answer, as it will leave a lasting impression. Demonstrate your commitment to honesty, integrity, and loyalty to your organization. Show examples of how you've "done the right thing" and how you bring these values to the team.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"I was in a patient's room once and witnessed a phlebotomist attempting to do a lab draw from a child with special needs. The child was afraid and uncooperative, and the phlebotomist was becoming irritated and frustrated. She told me she had several other lab draws to complete and didn't have time to deal with this. She asked me to help her restrain the patient so she could get the labs quickly and go on. I knew that protocol said we should never restrain a patient, and I did not feel comfortable doing so. I was also afraid to leave her alone with the patient, so I hit the patient's call button so a nurse would enter the room. The nurse came in and calmed the child enough to obtain the specimen. In the moment, I felt a lot of pressure to do something against policy and my ethics, but I remained calm, stood up for what I believed was right, and quickly got additional help from the nursing staff. After the incident, I reported to my manager what I witnessed and was asked to do because it was important to let someone know she could have harmed the patient."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Situational
30. How would you respond if a patient asked you a question you didn’t know the answer to?
How to Answer
As a clinical support worker at the NHS, you will likely run into a situation where you're unsure how to answer a patient's question at some point, especially if you are new to healthcare. The interviewer wants to discover more about how you would react under pressure and when you lack the knowledge necessary to answer a question. Demonstrate that you can acknowledge when you don't know something instead of making it up on the fly and commit to finding that answer and following up with the patient or colleague timely. Give an example of how you self-help and track down information or how you've found the appropriate person to ask. Telling the person, "I don't know," or "that's not my department," is never appropriate, and the interviewer wants to learn more about your customer service skills and problem-solving approach.
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023
Answer Example
"Being new to healthcare and patient care, I know I will have a lot to learn. If a patient asked me a question and I was unsure of the answer, there are a couple of different approaches I would take. First, I would tell the patient I was unsure but would find out as quickly as possible. If it were not a time-sensitive question, I would take time to research it and self-help as much as possible to learn and get them the answer. If it were something urgent, I would consult with a peer or my manager to ensure I gave them the appropriate answer promptly. Follow-through is important, so whichever approach I took, I would be sure to get back to the patient as quickly as possible, and if it were going to take longer than expected, I would communicate when I expected to be able to provide them with the update."
Written by Jaymie Payne on April 30th, 2023