What has been your most difficult situation in your experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant and how did you handle it?
"The most difficult situation I've experience was an emotional experience with a car crash patient. The patient was very depressed and wasn't making much progress. Treatment was delayed but picked back up a few months down the road."
The interviewer wants to hear about a particular situation that challenged you as a Physical therapist Assistant. The interviewer can see that you are qualified by reading your resume, now they want to make sure that you have the people skills needed to do the job.
"The most difficult problem I faced this week was working with my schedule to get two walk in appointments in between scheduled patients. I made a point to explain to the walk-ins that I would do my best to get them in but they may have to wait a bit. The fact that I was up front with the possibility that they could wait made them understand why they had to wait a bit longer than normal."
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
The most difficult situation I've experienced was a patient who had complications from a TKA. He struggled with depression from the pain and quality of life he was experiencing. Treatment progression was slow, and he needed a lot of emotional support throughout the time I spent with him. It turned out to be extremely rewarding in the long run when he thanked me for all of my help and support.
Rachelle's Feedback
This would have been a challenge, indeed, and it's great that the experience was so rewarding for you and the patient! When you deliver this story-based example, I recommend following the STAR framework by giving more details around the Situation, your Task in the story, the Action that you took, and further details around the Result.
