"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."

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.

"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."