Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult family member of a resident.

"I once had a patient with a chronic illness, and the family member would often come to me and complain that their mother was in pain and no one was giving her medication as scheduled. I took the time to listen to her concerns, and because we keep such detailed records, I was able to pull out her file first to check to be sure I had permission to speak to the family member, then show her the schedule that her mother was provided medication, on time. The staff had not missed any doses. I was able to discuss other treatment options with the resident and her daughter so that we could find ways to manage her pain more effectively. It boils down to communication and being patient and compassionate."

As a nurse practitioner in a skilled nursing facility, you will often come in contact with friends and family members of residents. They may have questions about their loved one's treatment plan or concerns about the medications they are being given and they may come to you for answers. Often times, a family member may become agitated or frustrated so it's important to demonstrate that you can handle these types of situations with compassion and professionalism. Give an example of a time you dealt with a difficult family member of a resident and describe the situation and how you resolved the conflict.