Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Question 17 of 30 for our Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

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

Question 17 of 30

If you suspected a team member of having a hangover or being under the influence of other substances, what would your response be?

How to Answer
Entry Level
Answer Example
Community Answers

When faced with a situation where a co-worker may be affected by drugs or alcohol, it is important to remember that, patient safety is your responsibility. The interviewer wants to know that you take your job of protecting patients seriously, even if it means having to report a peer. If you have questions, it is always best to consult a supervisor, rather than leaving something questionable unaddressed and then having a patient injured.

"I have never experienced anything like this, but if I did suspect a co-worker of drinking or using substances that made them appear unsafe, I would ask to speak privately with my supervisor and disclose my suspicions. It is always better to err on the side of caution and protect a patient than to overlook a potentially dangerous situation because you don't want a friend or co-worker to get into trouble."

"No one wants to be faced with a situation like this, but my patients are my responsibility. If I were to suspect a team member of being incapacitated at all, I would address my concerns with my supervisor immediately."

Anonymous Answer

"Unfortunately, I have had this experience. My response was to inform the unit supervisor and our immediate supervisor. I would respond exactly the same and inform supervision. I would not confront the team member, but allow the supervisory team to address the situation."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's unfortunate that you have faced this situation before; however, it's clear that you handled the situation with poise and professionalism. Your answer is solid and shows confidence.

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How to Answer: If you suspected a team member of having a hangover or being under the influence of other substances, what would your response be?

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

17. If you suspected a team member of having a hangover or being under the influence of other substances, what would your response be?

How to Answer

When faced with a situation where a co-worker may be affected by drugs or alcohol, it is important to remember that, patient safety is your responsibility. The interviewer wants to know that you take your job of protecting patients seriously, even if it means having to report a peer. If you have questions, it is always best to consult a supervisor, rather than leaving something questionable unaddressed and then having a patient injured.

Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

Entry Level

"I have never experienced anything like this, but if I did suspect a co-worker of drinking or using substances that made them appear unsafe, I would ask to speak privately with my supervisor and disclose my suspicions. It is always better to err on the side of caution and protect a patient than to overlook a potentially dangerous situation because you don't want a friend or co-worker to get into trouble."

Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

Answer Example

"No one wants to be faced with a situation like this, but my patients are my responsibility. If I were to suspect a team member of being incapacitated at all, I would address my concerns with my supervisor immediately."

Written by Darby Faubion on December 13th, 2018

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"Unfortunately, I have had this experience. My response was to inform the unit supervisor and our immediate supervisor. I would respond exactly the same and inform supervision. I would not confront the team member, but allow the supervisory team to address the situation."

Rachelle's Feedback

It's unfortunate that you have faced this situation before; however, it's clear that you handled the situation with poise and professionalism. Your answer is solid and shows confidence.

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