Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview

Master 30 Surgical First Assistant interview questions covering sterile technique, intraoperative procedures, and clinical judgment.

Question 26 of 30

Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker and how it was resolved.

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Darby Faubion

Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.

"I am a pretty easy-going person and do my best to avoid conflict. Like anyone else, I am sure there have been times that a co-worker and I have had a difference of opinion. But, there has never been an instance that the disagreement was something that would have interfered with my work."

Darby Faubion

"I think the most common disagreement between myself and others have involved our personal feelings about how healthcare should be carried out. However, I have learned, as have most of the people that I have worked with, that while our opinions are important, plans of care are designated by strict guidelines and with the input of everyone on the care team as well as the patient. Learning to respect those guidelines and the patient's wishes usually resolve issues that arise."

Darby Faubion

Any time you work with someone else, there is a chance of having a disagreement about something at one time or another. The interviewer knows this. It's human nature for people to have their own opinions. What is important to the interviewer in this question is whether or not you are willing to compromise and work through difficult situations with your co-workers. Being unwilling to compromise or find alternative solutions to a dispute can affect everyone on the team, even if it is indirectly. Sharing a personal experience is OK, but do not embellish it to 'be the hero.'

Darby Faubion

"I believe if we think about it, each of us could remember at least one disagreement with a friend or co-worker. Although I consider myself to be pretty easy-going, I am also very passionate about my patients and the care that they receive. I have been aware of disagreements between other co-workers, but really like to think of myself as more of a peacekeeper. I feel like professional people should be able to discuss things logically and come to an agreement that is satisfactory for everyone involved."

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30Surgical First Assistant Interview Questions & Answers

1.Why did you choose a career as a surgical first assistant?

2.If you were scheduled to assist with a surgery, but had reason to believe that the surgeon was impaired and may be unsafe to perform surgery, what would you do?

3.What do you dislike most about being a surgical first assistant?

4.Do you feel like you have strong relationship building skills?

5.If you were working a case where a patient had signed consent, but just before being sedated, he stated to you that he doesn't think he wants the surgery, what would your response be?

6.Give me an example of an interesting surgical case that you assisted with.

7.Working in a surgical setting is often very stressful. What are some ways that you prepare yourself for potentially stressful situations?

8.Has there ever been a time that you felt you should not participate in a specific surgery? If so, how did you handle the situation?

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

10.Have you ever been yelled at by a surgeon, and if so, how did you or how would you handle that situation?

11.What is something about you that most people may not know?

12.What is an example of one of the most difficult cases you have ever worked?

13.What kind of coworkers do you find difficult to work with?

14.Many healthcare workers report experiencing 'burn out' at some point in their careers. What do you do to help prevent this in your life?

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

16.How do you approach dealing with an angry patient, and why?

17.What sets you apart from other surgical first assistants, and why are you the best candidate for this job?

18.What are some of the first things you'd like to accomplish if you are offered this position?

19.What are some aspects of your specialty that make it unique compared to other specialties?

20.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?

21.What is one of your biggest weaknesses and what are you doing to improve in that area?

22.Have you ever considered going to back to school to get a higher degree or to change career paths?

23.Talk about a time that you had to deal with a significant change in your work procedures or in your workplace. How did you handle that change?

24.Tell me about a time that there was an unexpected emergency at work. How did you handle the situation?

25.Would you ever consider relocation? If so, what areas are you open to?

26.Tell me about a time you had a disagreement with a coworker and how it was resolved.

27.What is your greatest fear about being a surgical first assistant?

28.What makes you feel you will be a good fit for our organization?

29.There are many different personalities among peers and coworkers. What would you like for people to notice about your personality?

30.Working in surgery requires a great deal of attention to detail and often multi-tasking. What do you do to help keep yourself from becoming overwhelmed?