How to Answer: Have you ever felt it necessary to go to someone who is higher in the chain of command than your immediate supervisor to resolve or report an issue?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical First Assistant job interview.
12. Have you ever felt it necessary to go to someone who is higher in the chain of command than your immediate supervisor to resolve or report an issue?
How to Answer
Following the chain of command is important when trying to run a facility, especially something as large as a hospital or other healthcare facility. Granted, there may be times when talking to your immediate supervisor may not be the best choice. The interviewer wants to know that you are 1. Capable of making a decision regarding when a situation should be escalated to someone with greater authority, and 2. Are you willing to try to work with your immediate superiors if possible? Remember to be tactful and show respect to your immediate supervisor, even if you feel the situation needs to go to someone higher in command.
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Entry Level
"I am happy to say that I have never been faced with a situation like that. Ideally, I would like to think that if a situation arises, even if it feels like a conflicting situation, that I would first attempt to talk directly with my supervisor before having to go to someone in higher management."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Answer Example
"I can recall only one instance when I felt that it was necessary to go to someone higher in command than my immediate supervisor. I worked in a community hospital and my immediate supervisor was always yelling profanity at me and other co-workers. It got to a point that many of my co-workers put in for transfers or quit. I loved my job and didn't want to leave, so I made the decision to take the issue to the next appropriate person in the chain of command. That supervisor addressed the issue with my boss and no further incidents occurred."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018
Experienced
"Unfortunately, while I have never reported any of my supervisors to another manager, I am aware of instances of this happening. Having said that, I do feel confident in my skills and abilities as a surgical first assistant, enough so that, if a situation did seem to be out of hand, I would not take issue with talking to someone who has higher authority. My main goal is safe and effective patient care."
Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018