MockQuestions

Situational Nursing Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your nursing interview, here are 50 situational nursing interview questions and answer examples.

Situational Nursing was updated by on May 30th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 50 of 50

How do you handle ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?

"When I feel judgement or disapproval welling up inside me, I do a quick mental inventory and check-in. It doesn't happen often, but I would not be human if I said it never has or will again. I don't know why the person made the choices they made, or what led up to it. I only know that my job is to help them, and I stay focused on that. I've worked with drug addicts and criminals, but my job is to be kind, provide excellent care, and maybe even learn something from them."

Next Question

How to Answer: How do you handle ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Situational Nursing job interview.

  • 50. How do you handle ethical or philosophical differences with a patient?

      How to Answer

      Nurses care for all patients, so they must have emotional mastery and cultural competence. It's difficult sometimes to separate our personal preferences and philosophies from our patients and not superimpose our cultural grid on their choices and feel disapproval. It is unprofessional and not optimal patient care to do so. Nurses must remind themselves when they enter the door to a patient's room that they do not need to know the whole story, and they can never know all the nuances that led to the belief or decision they disagree with. They must lead themselves to treat the individual in front of them as a human being who they are there to help, serve, and not to judge.

      Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

      1st Answer Example

      "When I feel judgement or disapproval welling up inside me, I do a quick mental inventory and check-in. It doesn't happen often, but I would not be human if I said it never has or will again. I don't know why the person made the choices they made, or what led up to it. I only know that my job is to help them, and I stay focused on that. I've worked with drug addicts and criminals, but my job is to be kind, provide excellent care, and maybe even learn something from them."

      Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021

      2nd Answer Example

      "In two of the hospitals I've worked out, I've taken care of prisoners that are recovering from heart surgery. I've never looked up or asked a patient what crime they are in jail for, but some have volunteered this information to me, and it can be momentarily disconcerting to learn that you're taking care of a person who has committed an assault. However, I know that all patients deserve safe and effective care. I can never know anyone's full story, so regardless of the circumstances, I provide my best care to all patients."

      Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I would respect my patient's values to prevent ethical conflict since my job is to deliver dignified and patient-focused care. It is a difficult situation, but I need to separate my personal preferences and philosophies from my patients. Judgment is not my job and my patients are human beings and should be treated as they want to be treated for optimal outcomes."

      Marcie's Feedback

      Excellent! Your sincerity shines through in your response, which the interviewer will appreciate. It is apparent that you want to support your patients however they need and without offending their beliefs. How exactly will you do this, though? Will you prevent yourself from saying anything disagreeable? Will you remain calm and levelheaded? Will you keep your tone of voice quiet? If you can give additional details about how you will remain nonjudgmental, your answer will be even more meaningful and memorable to the interviewer. Great job!

    • Next Question

    About the Author

    Krista Wenz

    I began my career in emergency medical services (EMS) over 30 years ago, working as a Firefighter-Paramedic, EMS Captain, Mental Health Technician, ER Technician, EMT and Paramedic Adjunct Instructor, and EMS Educator. During my career, I had the privilege of serving on over one thousand interview panels to help various organizations choose the right candidate for the job.

    I have created curricula and training materials to prepare candidates for interviews and held mock interview courses for all types of healthcare professionals. My interview experience includes hiring emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, nurses, medical assistants, home health aides, and physician assistants.

    As a coach and contributor for MockQuestions, I am excited to help you navigate your upcoming nursing interview. While these situational questions assess your critical thinking and communication skills, interviewers also ask these questions to gain insight into your personality to determine if you will be a good fit with the company culture. Remember to be relaxed and be your authentic self. Best of luck in nailing your interview!

    Learn more about Krista Wenz