Has there ever been a time that you had a disagreement with a coworker? If so, how was it resolved?
"I am usually a very soft-spoken person and strive to be the 'peacekeeper.' I can't recall any specific incident of a disagreement.I would like to think if a disagreement should arise that I would be able to handle it professionally and resolve the issue without any long-term consequences."
"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others have involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and patient wishes usually resolves issues that arise."
Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'
"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."
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 cannot recall a specific time that I had a large disagreement with a coworker. If a disagreement arose, I would be able to handle it calmly and professionally to resolve the issue.
Rachelle's Feedback
It sounds like you are easy to get along with, which the interviewer will appreciate. Your steps to resolution are professional, and appropriate. Well done!
Anonymous Answer
I think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I can't remember a specific disagreement with a co-worker. If a disagreement did ever arise, I would work with the other co-worker to solve the issue professionally.
Lauren's Feedback
It speaks volumes that you cannot recall a disagreement. I assisted with altering the language slightly. See below.
I am often a peacemaker in the workplace; I cannot think of a specific time that I have had a disagreement with a colleague. If one did occur, however, I would have a conversation with that person and work the issue out professionally.
Anonymous Answer
I worked with another tech who when we worked together, would sit at the central nurses' station and watch movies and when we were supposed to split the floor, she wouldn't answer the call lights. This made it difficult for me because when there were supposed to be 2 techs it was like there was only one and it made it hard to complete all the tasks by myself during a busy shift. When I recognized what was happening, I approached the tech and told her what I saw happening and asked her to answer call lights when they went off on her patients and that I would help her when she needed me to or if she was in another patients room, I would answer her call lights. I also explained to her that patient safety may suffer because of this, especially if a patient needed help immediately and if I was in another room maybe I wouldn't be able to get there quick enough if I was busy with another patient. When the situation didn't change, I went to the charge nurse and explained to her what was happening so she could talk to the tech. The situation still didn't change. It ultimately led to the unit manager needing to intervene. After the unit manager intervened the coworker really pulled her weight on the unit and made sure to complete her assigned tasks.
Cindy's Feedback
Wow, this was a tough situation. The way you explain it shows a gradual escalation that is appropriate and good professional judgment. Nice work.
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