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Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Question 23 of 30 for our Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Surgical First Assistant was updated by on December 22nd, 2018. Learn more here.

Question 23 of 30

How would you handle a situation if a family member was angry because of a poor surgical outcome regarding their loved one?

"If a family member were to approach me regarding a patient's status or surgical outcome, I would explain that it is protocol for me to contact my supervisor so that they can consult address concerns. I would offer the person a place to wait for my supervisor and then find my supervisor so that she can address the issue."

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How to Answer: How would you handle a situation if a family member was angry because of a poor surgical outcome regarding their loved one?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Surgical First Assistant job interview.

  • 23. How would you handle a situation if a family member was angry because of a poor surgical outcome regarding their loved one?

      How to Answer

      It is very important to remember that interviewers know what your scope of practice as a surgical first assistant is. While family members may come to you because they know you personally or because they knew you were part of the surgical team, it is not the surgical first assistant's job to address complaints or other issues directly with the patient or their family. The interviewer will ask this question to make sure you understand what you need to do if this situation should arise.

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

      Entry Level

      "Although I am new to being a surgical first assistant, I do know that complaints or conflict resolution should always be referred to a supervisor. Knowing that, if someone asks me for information or tries to address an issue of this sort with me, I will notify my supervisor of the request and allow it to be handled from a supervisory position."

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

      Answer Example

      "If a family member were to approach me regarding a patient's status or surgical outcome, I would explain that it is protocol for me to contact my supervisor so that they can consult address concerns. I would offer the person a place to wait for my supervisor and then find my supervisor so that she can address the issue."

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

      Experienced

      "I think that many times if a patient or family member personally knows someone on the surgical team, they feel like they may get a more 'personal' answer to their questions or concerns. However, as a professional, it is important to set aside personal relationships and handle things according to protocol. In this instance, the correct response would be for me provide the family member with a comfortable place to wait and locate a supervisor. I can then relate the family's concerns to the supervisor and allow him/her to address those issues."

      Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "The family may misunderstand that my role as a first assist means that I also address their concerns about surgical outcomes. I would let the family know that while I am sorry that they are not satisfied, I am ultimately not the person they need to speak with, and I would inform my supervisor that they have concerns. I would encourage the family to share their concerns with that individual."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Excellent answer. You display a strong understanding of your role and the protocols in place to protect everyone involved in this hypothetical situation.

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