How to Answer: Have you ever had an issue or disagreement with a physician or colleague's decision? How did you handle it?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a PICU Nurse job interview.
2. Have you ever had an issue or disagreement with a physician or colleague's decision? How did you handle it?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In the fast-paced world that a PICU nurse works in, you won't always agree with the decisions that are made by your co-workers or the physicians that you work with. In asking a question like this, your interviewer asks about a time when you had a disagreement on the job to get the sense that you would be professional, respectful, and diplomatic in coming up with solutions as a member of their team.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2022
How to Answer
When a disagreement eventually happens as a PICU nurse, you first have to make a decision whether it is something to take issue with or leave alone. In the example that you discuss, show your interviewer that you trusted your final decision and the outcome of the situation was acceptable. Try to highlight your ability to communicate effectively while being respectful in making your professional opinion heard.
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2022
Answer Example
"During my time working at a skilled nursing facility, we were short-staffed one evening during medication passing. Our standard operating procedure was to pass medications to patients in teams of two to ensure that proper medications were being given to each resident. My co-worker told me to do two of the wings alone to save time and I immediately told her that I was uncomfortable going against the policy as it wasn't safe for the patients. Another co-worker and I teamed up to complete the pass in the entire facility in a timely fashion with no incidents."
Written by Ryan Brunner on May 11th, 2022