Nurse Practitioner Mock Interview
Practice 55 Nurse Practitioner interview questions covering clinical scenarios, prescriptive authority, and patient management.
Question 10 of 55
What type of nursing tasks do you find least desirable, or most challenging?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
The interviewer wants to know about your workplace challenges. This question allows you to highlight your ability to get things done, even if you don't enjoy EVERY part of your job. You can let your personality shine through a bit but keep it light and professional overall. As you answer this question, try to focus on a task that most find undesirable yet find a way to make it fun and interesting.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I'm sure that every person has a task in their workday that they dislike. Mine is organizing and stocking the supply closet. I know it's so important that our supplies are tidy and accessible, but I dread it every few months when my turn comes to clean it out. I am a team player, however, and I do it with a smile on my face, and I always try to do it as a team effort with a colleague."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I have never loved documentation, but I do fully understand the importance of detailed and accurate notes. During my years as an RN and my recent clinical rotations, I've taken the approach of documenting as a challenge to help myself enjoy the task more. Working on several different EMR's really helped me understand the full importance of accurate charting, especially as a provider. If offered to come work for you, I'd be excited to learn your EMR from back to front in my new role as a Nurse Practitioner."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Overall, I would say that I least enjoy long and drawn-out meetings. I like being on the front lines helping my patients, and I sometimes get frustrated if time is wasted in meetings that don't impact my work. I fully understand that gatherings of staff are important for training, educational, and other purposes, so I try to take any opportunities I can get in meetings to make them a learning opportunity for me."
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Anonymous Answer
Honestly, I find attending long meetings as least desirable for me. I would prefer being engaged with patients than sitting in a meeting and discussing department goals, etc.
Kevin's Feedback
Preferring to be on the front lines is very understandable. However, you want to be careful in how you frame your least desirable tasks. Validating why those tasks are important, regardless of being less desirable will speak to your professionalism.
I think it is the same as a lot of people. There are aspects to every job that no one really enjoys, but they have to be done, regardless. Honestly, I find attending long meetings as least desirable for me. I would much prefer being engaged with patients than sitting in a meeting and discussing department goals, etc. But, those meetings are necessary to get everyone on the same page. This ensures our teams or coordinating, performing well, which in turn ensures safety for our teams and patients alike.
Anonymous Answer
I find charting probably the least desirable task, as it takes away from direct patient care. Given my experience as an RN, I, of course, realize the importance of proper charting and documentation.
Kevin's Feedback
It's good that you recognize the importance of proper charting and documentation. This is a positive approach since you are not complaining about the task but simply reinforcing your desire to spend as much time on direct patient care as possible. I've adjusted your answer slightly to further drive your points home.
Where I really thrive is in my direct patient care. I have a great bedside manner. I love those interactions, and feel it makes a difference in their recovery, making them feel cared for, encouraged, and less afraid. So on the flip side of the coin, simply because it is the opposite of my favorite aspect of the job, I’d say charting is my least favorite. Of course, I realize the importance of proper charting and documentation, especially given my experience as an RN. I have a strong attention to detail, and don’t mind the repetitive work. I also use it as a nice micro break from the other aspects of the job. But I’d only say it’s my least favorite because it isn’t my favorite. But I love every part of my job, day in and day out.
Anonymous Answer
My least desirable task as an NP has been breaking "bad news" to the pt and family. Especially when I have to tell pt and family that the patient isn't going to survive their health condition. However, working with Oncology patients has strengthened me in this area. I have learned to take care of myself when these difficult situations arise. I meditate and then think about how I can make a family member feel better.
Stephanie's Feedback
This is a truly challenging aspect of work as a nurse! Good job.
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