How do you handle stressful situations?

How to Answer
1st Entry Level Example
1st Answer Example
1st Experienced Example
2nd Experienced Example

Stress management will be essential for you to be able to handle tight deadlines, long hours and demanding patients. Before answering this question, think of some tools that have helped you manage your stress. What will you do when you can't take a break when you need it? How will you stay calm when dealing with those challenging personalities? Share any helpful techniques that you use every day to remain clear-headed in some of the most stressful scenarios.

"When I am under pressure on the job, I try to focus on the job at hand. I like to make lists and prioritize activities that I need to accomplish."

"I've learned not to take words or actions of stressed patients personally. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a deadline and being pulled in too many directions, I can ground myself knowing that I'm providing the best customer service and caring for my patients the best way that I can."

"I think we all experience stress on different levels and from various triggers. For me, being self-aware has played a big role in my personal stress management. If I have things that I know need to be done on a specific day, I try to create a list and prioritize the order in which those things should be done. I also try to factor in time for things that may be unexpected, for instance emergency blood draw, and try to stay focused on each assignment. Learning to stay focused is a big stress reliever in and of itself."

"I tend to work well under pressure, during stressful times and consider this one of my strengths. I first always try to keep in mind that when times are stressful it is more common for individuals to lash out and I try not to take things personally. During stressful situations I focus very closely on the task at hand and completing it to my fullest potential. If absolutely necessary and it is safe to do so I may take 1 minute to deep breathe and center myself and then return to my work. At the end of a long day I always work to ensure I have a chance to either go running or do some form of a workout as a way to decompress and care for my physical and mental health.