How to Answer: How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a NHS Band 7 Nurse job interview.
2. How would you respond if a patient or their family member yelled at you?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
As a nurse, 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. As a seasoned nurse, you most likely have had this happen before. If so, use that situation and how you responded in your response.
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
Answer Example
"When a patient or family member yells at me, I want to see why they are upset and resolve the issue. 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 resolve the issue. If they are yelling at me because of a medical condition or mental health issue, I address their health or mental health concerns. In my five years as a nurse, 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 or family member happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on March 20th, 2023
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