How to Answer: How do you handle it when an interpersonal conflict arises in your unit?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nursing Soft Skills job interview.
4. How do you handle it when an interpersonal conflict arises in your unit?
How to Answer
Nursing is a challenging enough career, and nobody wants a loose cannon or an icy individual on their unit. When co-workers exhibit unhealthy emotional responses to conflict, that energy creates lasting damage. It can make others feel uncomfortable, take sides, or gossip, plummeting team morale.
The interviewer wants to know that you can handle interpersonal conflict without exploding or imploding. Show that you are a nurse with emotional intelligence, and you can experience conflict at work without the situation impacting your job performance.
Written by Cecilia Good on September 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Of course, I would like to say that I react to interpersonal conflict wonderfully and effectively 100% of the time, but that's not realistic. I actively work to live my life on a pretty even keel emotionally. That is, I don't veer too widely off-center with my emotions. This approach allows me to handle let-downs, conflict, and other problems with balance instead of reeling wildly and being reactionary. I have learned to address interpersonal conflicts right away so they do not fester and become inflated. For instance, I might ask the person. 'Hey, I feel a strain between us, and I'd like to talk it over. Is now a good time?' I use 'I' statements and own my feelings. I don't go down the 'you make me feel' route because that sounds accusatory. I think about the outcome I'd like to achieve and remain focused on that. I believe that open conversations are important, and they are the foundation to building a healthy team."
Written by Cecilia Good on September 14th, 2021