How would you respond if you were asked to perform a task at the NHS that you were not trained to do?
This question is less about your actual skill set and more about your attitude and approach when faced with a situation like this. In your answer, demonstrate a positive attitude and willingness to learn, your ability to self-help, acknowledge and speak up when you need help or are uncertain about something, and your ability to problem-solve or seek guidance from another team member. It's also beneficial to reiterate that you would never attempt something you weren't trained to do that could jeopardize the safety of a patient.
"As a new grad, I realize I may encounter a situation where I'm asked to perform a task I don't know how to do or don't feel confident enough to do. I would first be honest that I don't have the experience or training to complete the task, but I would be willing to learn! I would ask if there was a colleague or supervisor to assist me. If it were an admin task, I would see if I could self-help and research how-to online through an article or video. I would never attempt something I didn't feel comfortable with my abilities to do so, especially if it could endanger a patient."
"Occasionally, there may be an admin task I'm unsure how to complete because of new technology or a change in the process. In these cases, I would approach the trainer or a peer I knew to be strong in this area and ask if I could shadow them or if they could take a minute to talk me through the step. I'm a quick learner, so once I'm shown something once, I usually catch on quickly and won't need additional support. If someone asked me to provide a treatment I didn't know how to do, and I would never guess at it or "wing it" because that could cause serious harm to a patient. I would be honest and ask for assistance or additional training."
