How to Answer: Talk about a time you had to deal with a significant change in your work procedures or workplace. How did you handle that change?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Registered Nurse job interview.
2. Talk about a time you had to deal with a significant change in your work procedures or workplace. How did you handle that change?
How to Answer
The healthcare industry is always in a constant state of change. Organizations merge, laws change, and new technology and processes are constantly emerging to better care for a patient. To succeed as a Registered Nurse, you need to demonstrate that you can navigate change with ease in the workplace, and this is your chance to talk in detail about a specific change you have dealt with in the workplace with a positive outcome. In your answer, reiterate your ability to be flexible and open to change if you join this organization.
Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my last job, my organization went through a buyout to become the current organization that it is. Upon the buyout, nearly everything about my job changed. We were working on a new EMR, our pay structure changed, our benefits changed, our leadership structure changed, and some of our work processes did too. Knowing about the buyout ahead of time, I prepared myself under the notion that I can only control what I could control. As I saw other coworkers complain, cry, and even look for new jobs, I took this as an opportunity to embrace change and become a better organization. Learning a new EMR and learning new work processes made me a better nurse in the end and for that, I am grateful for that opportunity."
Written by Ryan Brunner on August 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
Throughout the years, I have seen changes come often. As nurses, we have to adapt to changes in workflow or patient assignments. The most challenging change I have dealt with in my career was when covid hit and the whole hospital was locked down. It was a very stressful time for everyone, we didn't know what was coming. Things were very fluid and would change day by day or hour by hour. Fear that we would not have the appropriate PPE when covid patients came was prevalent. My years of adapting to things as they come into my job prepared me for this. I feel I handled it well by supporting my coworkers who needed help when the stress was too much in such uncertain times - helping where I could with workflow issues, trying to lessen the pressure on my coworkers, and being a listening ear when they needed to vent.
Written by Angel Christie on December 28th, 2022