How to Answer: How would you change your communication style if the patient's family was having trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Situational Nursing job interview.
10. How would you change your communication style if the patient's family was having trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?
How to Answer
Nurses are teachers and instruct patients on difficult concepts and challenging instructions. The efficacy of their instructions is extremely important for optimal patient outcomes. For example, if a patient leaves the hospital or clinic setting without full comprehension of the plan of care then they may return to the hospital or have worsening symptoms or complications. Poor comprehension comes with a high burden of decreased patient outcomes, increased financial ramifications for patient and healthcare system, and decreased patient satisfaction. It is extremely important that the nurse learns to communicate with the patient and family in a way that they understand and can implement.
Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I review the instructions before I give them to the patient, and I always make certain that I have written ones for them as well. When I review instructions, I decrease the stimulation in the room and make certain I have there attention, and they are not hungry or tired or something else. I look at their faces when I am talking and sometimes you can see the confusion even if they are saying that they understand. Even when they say they understand, I ask them to either show me or explain back to me what I need them to know. Watching them tells me what I missed, and then I keep instructing in different ways until they can explain it back to me."
Written by Dianne Barnard on March 9th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"People learn in all sorts of different ways. If a patient's family was having a hard time understanding verbal information I'm giving them verbally, I can provide them with written information or with a picture guide. I can also use a hospital-approved patient education video if there is one relevant to the information I'm providing. Once I've switched to a different style or tool, I would request that the family 'teach back' to me the information I've provided them. Then I can assess their understanding and provide additional information as needed."
Written by Kate Buckley on January 10th, 2023
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About the Author
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!
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