What has been the most stressful workplace situation you've encountered throughout your nursing career? Do you think that experience will help you as an oncology nurse?
Oncology nurses are subjected to a work environment that has a number of stress-causing factors. These include high patient volumes, being short-staffed, and working with terminally ill patients who expire during their treatment. The team considering hiring you needs to be assured that you can handle the levels of stress that come with providing cancer care to those who need it most, so they pose this question. In your answer here, you want to provide an example of a stressful work situation that highlights your ability to keep yourself focused on your work and to ensure that you manage things in a healthy and professional manner. It's also great if you can let your interviewer know that you are aware of the unique stressors present in the oncology setting and that you are actually excited about working in this environment.
"It is certainly no secret that studies have shown that over 60% of nurses experience burnout and I'm a firm believer that the right training and mindset really helps to prevent burnout. I've worked on units with very demanding patient loads and have been part of shifts where my team was understaffed. While certainly not ideal, it's a reality of our world and I'm sure you experience this with the increasing numbers of patients who are being diagnosed with cancer. The most stressful situation I've been a part of was early in my career in the emergency setting when a large accident brought many people to the ER that night. I was able to stay on my feet, sharp and focused because of the care I provide for myself. I prioritize getting plenty of sleep, I eat right and I exercise regularly. I've continued to do this throughout my career and know this approach will help benefit me as an oncology nurse. In any stressful clinical situation, communication is also key to helping ensure that people are feeling good and ready to perform. I never hesitate to talk with a colleague I feel might be going through a tough time on the job."
