30 NHS Band 7 Midwife Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our NHS Band 7 Midwife 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.
Table of Contents
- 1. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 2. Capability Questions
- 3. Career Goals Questions
- 4. Communication Questions
- 5. Competency Questions
- 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- 7. Diligence Questions
- 8. Direct Questions
- 9. Discovery Questions
- 10. Diversity Questions
- 11. Leadership Questions
- 12. Management Questions
- 13. Role-Specific Questions
- 14. Scenario Based Questions
- 15. Stress Questions
- 16. Tough Questions
Ask The Interviewer
1. This concludes our interview. Do you have any questions for us?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to make sure that all of your questions about the NHS or job role are answered during the interview. It is best to ask at least a question or two, showing the interviewers your eagerness to learn all you can. Of course, you want to review the job announcement and research the organization beforehand so you are not asking questions that could be found during your research.
Good questions to ask are ones that show you are serious about the position, such as what the onboarding process looks like, how soon they would like the post filled, and what your first month would entail if hired. Also, as an interviewer, I am always impressed when a candidate thanks me for asking the question and allowing them an opportunity to ask questions of the interviewers. It shows the interviewers respect and will make you stand out as a candidate.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Thank you for asking. Yes, I do have a couple of questions. First, when would you like to have this position filled? Second, are there any required qualifications you do not see on my resume? Lastly, what do you find the most interesting about working for the NHS?"
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Capability
2. Working as a midwife can be emotionally draining. How do you keep your emotions from interfering with your work?
What You Need to Know
While working as a midwife will generally be exciting and joyous, there will be times that you will have an emotionally draining shift. You may discover that a patient has miscarried, cannot have children, develops a pregnancy-induced medical condition, has a distressed fetus, or delivers a stillborn baby. Any one of these situations can cause a compassionate, caring midwife to become emotional. However, as a health and care professional, you must be able to keep your emotions from interfering with your work. Let the interviewers know how you manage stress on your days off to help you handle these challenging situations.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"It is hard not to feel emotional when losing a patient, their baby, or having to deliver bad news, but I knew it was part of the job going in. I keep my emotions from affecting my work by talking with my colleagues or husband if something bothers me and taking care of myself away from work. I like to run, which helps clear my mind when feeling emotional. I also think of the good things about my patients and their pregnancy or those diagnosed with a life-changing condition and do not focus on the sad part. It's easy to keep my emotions from interfering with my work when I know I must be strong for my patients and their families."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Career Goals
3. The NHS strongly promotes and encourages career development. Do you have plans to advance in your career?
What You Need to Know
The NHS Health Careers website describes how the NHS offers continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities for all staff at every level. Mentioned are the different learning activities you can participate in to advance your career, such as on-the-job learning, workshops, and specialized courses. When a candidate displays they are a lifelong learner and are motivated to advance their career, it shows the interviewers that you have a strong work ethic and are dedicated to professional development. Explain where you see yourself in the next three to five years and how you plan to achieve your goals.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I do have plans to advance in my career. In the next five years, I see myself advancing up the Agenda for Change pay system and working as a Band 8c midwife consultant. I want to share my knowledge with others just starting out by providing direct, higher-level clinical care with education, research, and evaluation activities. I still want to provide safe and effective care to my patients, but all while training future midwives."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Communication
4. Suppose a pregnancy does not go as planned, and the mother suffers a miscarriage. How do you communicate this terrible news to your patient?
What You Need to Know
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) acknowledges that nurses and midwives may be required to deliver bad news in the absence of a physician and must understand how to support parents and carers when doing so. They have developed a manual describing how to apply the principles of nursing practices when breaking bad news, so midwives and nurses can better understand the individual's needs, have compassion and sensitivity, and provide care in a way that respects all people equally. This information should also have been taught while attending your midwifery schooling. The interviewers want to gain insight into your communication skills and see that you are compassionate and empathetic when delivering heartbreaking news. Describe how you deliver bad news to your patient and their loved ones.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"This is by far the worst part of my job. When a mother loses her child, and I am the one to inform her, I make sure she has someone with her if she chooses. This way, she has emotional support when delivering the news. I am always honest and straightforward and tell them I am so sorry, but their baby does not have a heartbeat. I wait to let the patient absorb the information, answer any questions they might have, and comfort them if needed. I reassure my patient that she was not at fault and spend as much time as my patient needs to provide compassionate care."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Competency
5. How do you practice infection control as a midwife?
What You Need to Know
In a January 2023 literature review published by the British Journal of Midwifery, they describe how midwives play a vital role in controlling and preventing infection. They also explain how there are barriers and facilitators to midwives' infection control and prevention guideline adherence. During research, it was discovered that midwifery experience of infection control and prevention guidelines adherence was affected by factors such as available resources, guideline availability, healthcare systems, socioeconomic factors, and midwives' personal influences. The conclusions from this research mention that education for midwives is essential to improving adherence to infection and prevention control guidance. The interviewers want to hear that you follow infection control and prevention guidelines and how you do so. Describe how you prevent the spread of infectious diseases by effective handwashing, protecting clean, sterile services, promoting infection control techniques to others, wearing proper personal protective equipment when working with patients, and following the organization's policies and procedures.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I always pay particular attention to practising infection control to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases to my patients, colleagues, myself, and family. I start by utilizing my personal protective equipment when in contact with any patient. I wash my hands before and after any patient contact, follow company protocols, and shower and change at work at the end of my shift. I place my dirty work clothes in a plastic bag to wash at home before showering. This way, if I had any infectious disease on my hands or clothes, I am not taking them home to spread to my family."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Competency
6. What is 'The Code' as it relates to midwifery?
What You Need to Know
In the UK, 'The Code' presents the professional standards of practice and behaviour nurses, nursing associates, and midwives must uphold to be registered to practice. The Code is structured around four themes: 1) Prioritise people, 2) Practice effectively, 3) Preserve safety, and 4) Promote professionalism and trust. The interviewers want to hear that you know The Code and can explain to them what it means as it applies to your profession as a midwife.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"The Code is the professional standards of practice and behaviour that midwives must uphold to be registered to practice in the UK. The code follows four principles that a professor of mine labelled as the 4 Ps: prioritize people, practice effectively, preserve safety, and promote trust and professionalism in everything we do."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Competency
7. In your experience, what typically happens if a fetus presents on an ultrasound in the breech position at 36 weeks gestation?
What You Need to Know
When a fetus is lying bottom or feet first on an ultrasound, they are in the breech position. The NHS pregnancy website recommends having the obstetrician and midwife discuss options for a safe delivery if the fetus still presents in the breech position at 36 weeks gestation. Some options include an external cephalic version (ECV) or cesarean section if vaginal delivery is not viable. Let the interviewers know you are experienced and know what to do in this situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Generally, when this happens, the obstetrician will try an external cephalic version by applying pressure on the patient's abdomen to attempt to turn the fetus into a head-down position. In my experience, this works about 50% of the time. A c-section is most often needed if this procedure is ineffective."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Competency
8. How do you support pregnant mothers to make informed choices about the care they receive during pregnancy?
What You Need to Know
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) put out a comprehensive document called 'Informed Decision-Making,' giving midwives key recommendations for supporting women's informed decision-making. Some suggestions include providing transparent, balanced, and reliable information, ensuring understanding, facilitating the decision-making process, advocating for women and families, and keeping excellent documentation and record keeping. Describe to the interviewers how you support your pregnant patients to make informed choices about the care they receive during pregnancy.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"When working with pregnant patients, I always remain neutral and do not offer my personal opinion. I provide reliable information from local and national organizations, ensure they understand the information, and make myself available if they have any questions during their pregnancy. I also document all information I give the patient, our discussions, and the care I provide. I always reiterate that they have patient rights and can make the ultimate decision in the care they receive."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Critical Thinking
9. How do you handle a challenging partner when a patient is in labor?
What You Need to Know
There will be times a patient's partner can be challenging when the patient is in labour. They may panic, become emotional, or be scared that their partner is in pain. Sometimes these partners will become vocal, while other times, they may pass out or need to leave the room. As a midwife, you must be able to juggle helping and supporting your patient while also supporting their partner. Describe to the interviewers what you do when faced with a challenging partner during labour.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"It depends on the situation. If the partner is disruptive and upsetting my patient, I will politely ask them to calm down if they want to remain in the room. If they are challenging because they cannot handle the birthing process and appear close to passing out, I will have them sit in a chair or lie down. I handle each situation as it happens, but I will always remain calm and professional when handling challenging partners."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Diligence
10. How would you describe safeguarding?
What You Need to Know
Safeguarding means that healthcare professionals have a duty to protect a citizen's health, well-being, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm and abuse. Safeguarding is essential to providing high-quality care, especially when working with vulnerable populations. The six principles of safeguarding were first introduced by the Department of Health in 2011 and are now embedded in the Care Act. The interviewers want to hear how you describe safeguarding and why you believe it is crucial in all health and care settings.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I describe safeguarding as a duty to provide my patients a safe environment free from harm or abuse by providing high-quality care. Additionally, if I suspect a patient is being harmed physically, emotionally, or sexually, it is my responsibility to report the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Mainly at risk are vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, cognitively impaired, and very young patients who may be unable to voice their abuse. Safeguarding is crucial as a health and care professional, and I take it very seriously when working with my patients."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Diligence
11. Tell us what you have learned about the NHS.
What You Need to Know
Before applying to the NHS, you most likely researched the organization to ensure it is where you want to work. The interviewers want to see that you were diligent and did your homework before applying, or at least before your interview. They want to see what you found interesting about the NHS and what made you pursue a career with the UK's largest employer. In your response, it is always good to highlight any accolades the NHS has received in the news, awards they have won, expansions they have made, or the NHS's core values, mission, and vision. Let the interviewers know why you are excited to work for their organization after learning what you did in your discovery.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"During my research, I discovered the NHS is the largest employer in the UK and the fifth largest in the world, employing over 1.5 million people across Wales, England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The NHS was launched on July 5th, 1948, by former Health Secretary Aneurin Bevan, who believed society could not be civilized if a sick person were denied medical care because of a lack of means. Currently, the NHS sees over 1 million patients every 36 hours, which I find astonishing and impressive."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Diligence
12. What are the core values of the NHS?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to see that you have researched the NHS and understand the values you will be asked to uphold if hired. Here is what you will learn when you research the NHS's core values.
The NHS belongs to the people and is founded on a common set of values and principles called the NHS Constitution. The six core values in the NHS Constitution are:
1. Working together for patients
2. Respect and dignity
3. Commitment to quality of care
4. Compassion
5. Improving lives
6. Everyone counts
Show the interviewers that you are diligent and have done your homework by reciting the six values. They do not have to be repeated verbatim, but enough that the interviewers see you understand the values of the NHS.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"The six core values that are part of the NHS Constitution and which all employees are bound to live by are working together for patients, treating everyone with respect and dignity, committing to quality care, having compassion, improving lives, and everyone counts. As a midwife, I love these values and want to work for an organization with a constitution everyone is expected to uphold."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Direct
13. Why do you want to work for the NHS?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to hear that you have thoroughly researched the NHS before your interview. When responding to this question, highlight unique aspects of their organization that stand out from others. For example, you may want to work for the NHS because of its reputation as the largest employer in the UK, its opportunity for professional growth and advancement, or its high number of patients and childbirths.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I want to work for the NHS because of its reputation and opportunities for professional growth. As the largest employer in the UK, the NHS is known for treating employees like family and encouraging and supporting career advancements. I am interested in moving up the ladder to a managerial position in the next five to seven years, and I see myself doing so with the NHS. I also want to start a family one day and am amazed by the support the NHS provides to working parents."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Direct
14. Can you please explain clinical governance?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to see that you are knowledgeable about clinical governance and can briefly explain it. In 1998, the Department of Health defined clinical governance as 'A framework through which health service organizations are accountable for continually improving the quality of their services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in clinical care will flourish.' In a nutshell, risk management and clinical governance are concerned with improving the safety and quality of care provided to patients and their children in maternity services. Describe in your own words what clinical governance means to you as a midwife.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Sure. Clinical governance is a shared responsibility between midwives and organizations to continuously improve the quality of care and provide high standards of safeguarding and optimal patient care. Clinical governance also ensures health and care professionals encompass quality assurance, quality improvement, and incident and risk management. Without clinical governance, there would be no or very low standards of how patient care is provided and monitored."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
15. As a midwife, do you have experience working in a community-based setting?
What You Need to Know
The NHS has many community-based midwife positions, which are basically the same as a hospital midwife. The exception is that antenatal care is given in a community-based setting, where hospital midwives care for patients and newborns during labour and birth. If asked this question during your interview, you most likely are interviewing for a community-based midwife position. If so, the interviewers want to gain insight into your experience providing antenatal care. Be honest in your response, explaining if you have experience working in a community-based setting. If you do not have experience in this setting, describe how you learned about providing antenatal care during your midwife training.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"No, I do not have experience working as a midwife in a community-based setting. However, during my midwife training, I spent a lot of time learning about providing antenatal care to expectant mothers. I am comfortable with my skills talking to mothers about how to prepare for their baby's birth, and I look forward to finally being able to work in a community-based setting."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
16. How did you hear about this position?
What You Need to Know
The NHS invests a lot of money in its recruitment and hiring process, and the interviewers want to hear what methods are effective and which are not. They also want to hear if an employee of the NHS referred you. Describe how you heard about the position, and be sure to give the name of the employee or recruiter who referred you if applicable. Some trusts offer their employees a referral fee when referring a candidate, while others hire recruiters to seek qualified candidates. Briefly tell the interviewers how you heard about the position. Be concise in your response, focusing on describing the recruiter's name, the website where the job was posted, the NHS website, or an employee referral.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I heard about this position from the careers page on the NHS website. I knew specifically that I wanted to work for your organization, so I searched the health careers page and found the open position."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
17. Our trust believes in providing quality, compassionate care to all patients. How would you describe compassionate care?
What You Need to Know
The NHS describes compassionate care as care that 'is given through relationships based on empathy, respect, and dignity- it can also be described as intelligent kindness and is essential to how people perceive their care.' Additionally, the NHS has developed a strategy called Compassion in Practice, underlining the NHS policy in England and the 6 Cs, which are a set of values essential to compassionate care. Before your interview, it is best to research these values and Compassion in Practice policy to better understand how the NHS operates. You will then be better able to describe compassionate care in your own words to the interviewers.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I describe compassionate care as care given with empathy, respect, and dignity. Compassionate care is provided by actively listening to our patient's needs and delivering care and treatment that will benefit their mental and physical health. One of the reasons I applied to your trust is because of your values and how you require all patients to be treated equally and without prejudice."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
18. How do you find a healthy balance between your personal and professional life?
What You Need to Know
Working in the healthcare profession is rewarding and stressful at the same time. While your colleagues and patients may feel like family, the interviewers want to see that you have a personal life and support system away from work. It is essential that midwives have a healthy work/life balance to keep stress levels down to prevent injury, illness, and burnout. Describe how you have found that healthy balance between your personal and professional life.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I find a healthy balance between work and my personal life by differentiating the two. When I am at work, my patients and colleagues get my undivided attention. The same goes for when I am at home. I give my family my full attention and remember to stay present in the moment. If I am thinking about a particular patient or case, it is distracting from my family. I also get plenty of rest and exercise when away from work so that I am refreshed and rejuvenated for my next shift."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
19. Why did you pursue a career as a midwife?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers ask why you chose your career to see what or who motivated and inspired you to work with pregnant mothers and their babies. Interviewers also like to ask this question during interviews to see if you are excited and passionate when talking about your career or if you seem indifferent, which could be a sign that you do not enjoy your profession that much. There is no wrong answer to this question, as it is your own personal reason as to why you pursued a career as a midwife. However, you want the interviewers to see you are passionate about your job, so be sure to relay your enthusiasm in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I chose to become a midwife after assisting with a home delivery when working as a nanny. I worked for a couple with five children and a sixth on the way. One day while I watched the children while the mother slept, I heard her cry out from her bedroom. When I entered the room, she informed me that the baby was coming. I called for an ambulance, but the baby was crowning, and I had to help the mother deliver her child. I felt calm under pressure and was able to reassure the mother and her five children that everything was going to be fine. I had to stimulate the infant to breathe and used a bulb syringe to clear its mouth and nose. It was the most incredible experience, and it was then that I decided I wanted to work as a midwife. I felt like I was in my element and knew I wanted to do this type of work as a career. I am so excited I was able to experience that and that I found my true calling."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Discovery
20. Why do you love being a midwife?
What You Need to Know
Brenda Walcott is an adult nurse and midwife in the UK. She was interviewed for a UK nurse's blog and asked why she loves being a midwife. Brenda answered that the rewards far outweigh the challenges in a midwifery career. Some rewards include meeting a lot of new people at an exciting time in their lives, sharing the excitement of their pregnancy, helping them throughout the different stages of their pregnancy, and providing valuable information. Other interesting and exciting reasons to work as a midwife include assisting parents with resources, teaching about breastfeeding, planning the birth, and the most exciting part, the baby's birth. Let the interviewers know the reasons you love being a midwife and why.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I love being a midwife for many reasons. My favourite part of working as a midwife is when the baby is born. It is such a magical experience, and it never gets old. I have assisted in approximately 100 births, and every one is as special as the first one. I also love working with the parents throughout the pregnancy and educating them on available resources and what to expect. I also enjoy connecting with my patients and sharing their excitement the first time they hear the fetus's heartbeat and see their baby on the ultrasound. I truly feel I have the best job in the world."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Diversity
21. The NHS prides itself on offering inclusive, non-discriminatory care. Do you agree with our approach?
What You Need to Know
As with many organizations, the NHS makes a difference by offering diversion and inclusivity within the organization and the country's people. The NHS's website describes how they provide care and compassion for those in need regardless of status, religion, wealth, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other characteristic. The interviewers want to ensure that your beliefs and values align with those of the NHS. The interviewers want to hire a midwife who is open-minded and inclusive of all. Focus on assuring the interviewers that you accept all cultures and beliefs and are happy that the NHS does as well.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I completely agree with your approach. There is no room for discrimination anywhere, especially in healthcare. We care for patients at their most vulnerable moments, and it should not matter to anyone if they have different cultural or religious beliefs or come from different backgrounds. We are all human and must show each other empathy and compassion. That is one of the reasons I want to work for your organization, as your values and beliefs align with mine."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Leadership
22. How would you describe your leadership skills?
What You Need to Know
Sometimes it might seem daunting to describe your leadership skills. As a leader, you know what works with your team and how to effectively communicate and motivate them. However, describing your skills in an interview is a little more challenging. To help you formulate a response, think of common ways to describe leadership skills, such as communicating effectively, knowing how and when to delegate, understanding what motivates others, actively listening to your team, and building relationships with your team members. Then, explain to the interviewers how you describe your leadership skills and how they make you an effective leader as a midwife.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have been told by several professors and colleagues that I have exceptional leadership skills and am a natural-born leader. I think it has to do with the fact that I am the oldest of seven children and took on a motherly role at a young age after my parents died in a car crash. As a leader, I like to lead by example, take and implement input from my team members, delegate when needed, and be fair but firm when advocating for my patients. I do not ask my team to do anything I would not do, and I take responsibility if I make a bad decision. I believe I am a leader that my team looks up to, but I know there is always room for improvement."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Management
23. This is a clinical lead position. What experience do you have managing and training others?
What You Need to Know
Many of the NHS Band 7 midwife job announcements describe the role of a Band 7 midwifery clinical lead as taking the lead role in developing maternity services, patient care, labour and delivery, transitional care, training new midwives, and managing ward staff on a day-to-day basis. If you are interviewing for a clinical lead position, the interviewers want to see if you have the required experience to lead and manage others. Let the interviewers know your experience and in what capacity, highlighting your management and training skills.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Before attending the midwifery program, I worked in retail as a store manager for five years. My role included managing my team, training new hires, and training senior associates to mentor the new team members. After switching careers and becoming a midwife, I have worked as a clinical lead for one year in the health and social services department maternity services division. My job entails providing senior midwifery leadership, promoting excellence in care among all staff, and directly managing a small team of Band 6 midwives. Additionally, my role requires me to ensure all midwives are adequately trained and oversee new staff induction. My experience and knowledge will transfer nicely to this clinical lead position, and I am excited for this chance to interview for the role."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Role-Specific
24. This is a diabetes specialist midwife position. What experience do you have working with pregnant diabetic patients?
What You Need to Know
This question is asked to determine if you have experience working with pregnant diabetic patients, as it is a specialist position. As a diabetes specialist midwife, your responsibilities will be to provide expert knowledge and resources for diabetic patients during their pregnancy, childbirth, and during the post-natal period. However, some diabetes specialist positions state experience is required, while others do not. Let the interviewers know what type of experience, if any, you have working with pregnant diabetic patients.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"I have worked with pregnant diabetic patients for the past three years as a gestational diabetes midwife. I started working with Gestational Diabetes UK after completing the midwife program, and I now want to transition to a community-based setting with the NHS. My knowledge and expertise working with pregnant diabetic patients will be an asset for this position as I have treated and counselled over 500 patients with gestational diabetes over the years."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Role-Specific
25. How would your colleagues describe your bedside manner?
What You Need to Know
Bedside manner is a healthcare professional's approach or attitude toward a patient. The interviewers ask this question to determine if you have the qualities they seek in a resident. They want to hear that your colleagues would describe you as kind, patient, friendly, compassionate, and caring. Now is the time to explain how you treat all patients with respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion, which is noticed by those you work with.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"My colleagues would describe my bedside manner as warm, compassionate, nurturing, and patient. My colleagues and superiors have complimented me on how I treat everyone like they are family and make them feel comfortable and loved. I was taught at a young age to treat everyone like I want to be treated, and it has always stuck with me. It doesn't take much to be a kind and caring person to others."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Role-Specific
26. This position requires you to work various shifts and hours, including weekends, nights, and bank holidays. If chosen for the position, will this be an issue for you?
What You Need to Know
If working bank holidays, nights, and weekends are required for the position, those requirements should have been listed on the job announcement. The interviewers want to ensure you read the conditions and understand the schedule you will be required to work if chosen for the position. Assure the interviewers that you have no issues working an atypical schedule.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"No, I am used to working various shifts and hours, so this will not be an issue. My family understands my schedule. If there is a holiday or special event I will miss, we move it to a day I am off, so I do not miss out on these special moments."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Role-Specific
27. Have you ever had a complaint filed against you with the Nursing and Midwifery Council?
What You Need to Know
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) is an organization that regulates midwives and nurses in the UK. The NMC sets professional standards, maintains a register, ensures quality education is being obtained, and investigates complaints against midwives and nurses. The interviewers want to know if a complaint has ever been filed against you as a midwife, and if so, the reason behind it and the outcome. Not all complaints filed with the NMC turn into regulatory action taken. First, the screening team will check to ensure the complaint meets the NMC's three-step requirements. If their requirements are unmet, and they deem the midwife poses no risk to the public, they will not take further action.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"No, I have never had a complaint filed against me with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. I attribute that to following The Code and always acting according to the professional standards and behaviours that the public expects from healthcare professionals. I pride myself on taking my job to keep people safe and free from harm very seriously. I would never do anything that could be mistaken or construed as serious professional misconduct."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Scenario Based
28. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
What You Need to Know
As a midwife, there will be times when you will have a patient or family member yell at you. Generally, it will not be because of something you did but because they are uninformed, scared, or in pain. The interviewers would like to gain insight into your communication and problem-solving skills and see that you can handle this situation calmly and professionally. Describe how you would speak to a patient or family member if they yelled at you.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a midwife, this has happened to me quite often. When a patient or family member yells at me, I calmly ask them why they are yelling at me. Once I understand why they are upset, I can decide how to address their concern and make them happy. Honestly, my patients generally yell at their partners while they are in labour and in pain. When a family member gets short with me, it is typically because they do not think we are doing enough to help the patient. I explain the process, what we are doing, and how it will turn out. In my time as a midwife, I have found that people want to be heard and understood and have their concerns addressed. For me, it's about remaining calm and professional while diffusing the situation and making the patient and family members happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Stress
29. What is the most stressful part of your career as a midwife?
What You Need to Know
As you know, working as a midwife can be very stressful. You can have a patient with complications during pregnancy or childbirth, miscarriages or late fetal loss, stillborn babies, or multiple patients delivering at once that can cause stress to your workday. Additionally, your job can be stressful due to a lack of breaks and resources, outdated equipment, poor administration, budget cuts, or company politics. The interviewers want to hear what you find to be the most stressful part of your job and how you handle the stress. It is essential to let the interviewers know you have healthy ways to combat your stress so as not to let it interfere with your work and productivity.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"The most stressful part of my career is delivering bad news to my patients and their loved ones. As a mother, it is especially challenging to tell parents that their child did not make it. I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it is to hear that kind of news. To help keep the stress from interfering with my ability to perform my job, I take care of my physical and mental health by exercising, eating healthy, and getting enough rest. Also, I am not afraid to talk to my family, colleagues, pastor, or a therapist if the stress becomes overwhelming."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Tough
30. Have you ever had a patient that refused care based on their religious beliefs? If so, how did you handle this situation?
What You Need to Know
The interviewers want to see that you accept a patient's right to refuse care for any reason, including their religious beliefs. If a patient is of sound mind, they can refuse care, even if you disagree with their decision. The interviewers want to hear that you would ensure the patient was informed on what could happen if the patient refuses care and that you will respect their wishes if they refuse treatment based on religious beliefs. The interviewers also want to hear that you will document your exchange with the patient, have them sign the appropriate refusal forms, and involve hospital administrators or ethics committee members if policy dictates.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I have had several patients who refused care based on their religious beliefs. Depending on the severity of the situation, it can be difficult to accept. However, I honour my patient's wishes if they refuse treatment for any reason as long as they are an adult of sound mind. I always inform them of all the possibilities treatment could provide and that refusing care could cause harm or even death. I will also offer them a second or third opinion if they choose. Once the patient is fully informed, I would have them sign an against medical advice form following my hospital's protocols and document our conversation in the patient's chart."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 12th, 2023