How will you promote a culture of teamwork and collaboration?
Many healthcare companies promote teamwork and collaboration as core values. As a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse on the team, you will work alongside other nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and other clinical care providers. Describe ways that you promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace and how you will contribute to supporting these core values.
"During clinicals, I promoted a sense of teamwork by being willing to help others, whether it was helping them lift or ambulate a patient or helping them understand a process when documenting a patient's status. It's important for those you work with to know that you can be trusted and relied upon if they need help. Communication is another way I will promote collaboration. Sharing patient updates, messages from physicians or other clinicians, family requests, etc., is essential when working with a multidisciplinary team to promote the best patient care and outcomes."
"I'm used to working short-staffed, so if there is a time my patient volume is down or I'm caught up with my tasks, the first thing I do is approach my coworkers to see if they need assistance or support. Perhaps a nurse is behind on a med pass, or there are ten call lights on in the hall. I'm happy to jump in and support others so that we're working together to make sure all patients are cared for, no matter who they are assigned to on the shift. I promote teamwork and collaboration by setting the example for other staff members."
"In my last position, I was part of a diverse interdisciplinary clinical team, so I am accustomed to working with nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and specialists. My communication skills promote teamwork and collaboration through active listening, setting clear expectations, relaying accurate and up-to-date information on patients, and a tone of positivity. I always support my colleagues when they need help catching up on documentation or if they need help passing medications to patients. I encourage others to help one another and lend a hand and I keep a positive attitude as I find that's often contagious!"
"I promote teamwork and collaboration by example. Whenever I have my tasks caught up, I always check in with my fellow coworkers and teammates to see if anyone needs help with any care for their patients. This includes asking both the nurses and nursing assistants. I also always work to stay in tune with my surroundings. For instance, if I still have tasks to be completed but it seems that someone else is busier or has multiple urgent needs I then prioritize what I may be able to help team members with while also ensuring my own tasks are completed on time."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I demonstrate teamwork and maintain good relationships with my colleagues through working effectively in a multidisciplinary team. I listen and communicate with my colleagues when we need to work together. I would also understand everyone’s competencies while working in a team, so no one is completing tasks they aren’t comfortable with to preserve safety. I believe it is important to work with other multi-disciplinary team members to ensure that family-centered evidence-based care is delivered. As a student, I have received great opportunities to become a part of the multidisciplinary team. I’m able to receive my own patients under supervision and become a part of a multidisciplinary environment. I become involved in ward rounds with ANPs and consultants receiving medical recommendations for my patient ensuring I remain professional and preserving safety. I also demonstrate effective communication and leadership skills by providing a handover of my patient to the next staff nurse on duty.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a very well-rounded answer. Well done!
Anonymous Answer
I believe to adequately promote teamwork communication is key. I would make sure to pass on all information to my fellow team members, adequately escalate issues and refer to appropriate team members in the multidisciplinary team, about my patients, and be available to help my coworkers in times of need. I will contribute my knowledge and skills in support of my colleagues when I can.
Jaymie's Feedback
Well done! These are all important aspects of teamwork in nursing and healthcare.
Unlock all 50 Nursing questions
Unlock expert responses to clinical judgment and patient safety questions that interviewers prioritize.
Get Started