How to Answer: Have you ever had your ethics tested? If so, what happened?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Ultrasound Technician job interview.
39. Have you ever had your ethics tested? If so, what happened?
What You Need to Know
As an ultrasound technician. you may face ethical dilemmas in various scenarios, such as when a patient requests personal information to be kept confidential from their doctor or when a patient requests a procedure that is not medically necessary. Additionally, you may face challenges when a patient's values or beliefs conflict with yours, when dealing with friends or family who ask you to bring home medical supplies, or when a patient or colleague wants more than a friendly relationship. You may also encounter conflicts of interest when your personal beliefs or biases conflict with your professional responsibilities.
If you have had your ethics tested at work or in your personal life, describe what happened and how you responded. The interviewer wants to see that you are an honest healthcare professional with strong morals and do not sway from them, no matter the situation.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 11th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Yes, I have had my ethics tested before. It was a difficult situation where I was faced with a choice between doing what was right and what was easy. Ultimately, I chose to stand up for what was morally right, even though it was a challenging decision to make, and I lost a good friend in the process. While it was a tough experience, I learned a lot about myself, my friendships, and my values through the ordeal. Overall, I believe that it's important to always stay true to your ethics, even when it's difficult or unpopular."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 11th, 2023
Answer Example
"Yes, I had my ethics tested when first starting as an ultrasound technician. I had a patient diagnosed with a tumor in their abdomen, but she told her family she was pregnant. She wanted me to go along with the story during future ultrasounds, but I could not lie to the family to satisfy her wishes. I told the patient I would not lie and that she would have to find another sonographer or not allow her family to be present during her exams. I explained that she needed her family's support and should be honest with them about her diagnosis. Eventually, my patient told her family the truth, and I continued working with her without sacrificing my ethics and values."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 12th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I had my ethics tested just last week. A patient's husband told me their insurance company would not cover his wife's ultrasounds during her pregnancy. He asked me if I could take some money under that table to continue performing the sonograms without going through the insurance company. I told him I could not do that as it was dishonest, and we could both get in trouble if anyone found out. He continued to plead with me and ask for my help. I finally had to tell him I would report him to my supervisor if he did not stop asking me to do something illegal and unethical. After that, he said he would find someone else to help him. No matter how big or small something might seem, I will never be dishonest in my profession and hold myself to a high ethical standard."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 12th, 2023