Sample Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers
Working in the healthcare industry gives you an opportunity to make a direct difference in people’s lives. As a healthcare worker you can offer patients practical physical and mental support, whether they are going through a routine exam or a challenging medical procedure. Because of the crucial role these jobs serve, healthcare interview questions can be particularly challenging. You may be asked about difficult patients, your outlook on healthcare, or how you manage stress at work. We’ve compiled some examples of interview questions for healthcare roles to help you prepare for your job interview.
Common Healthcare Interview Questions:
- What do you consider a good shift?
- How do you handle a difficult patient?
- What do you do if a patient is worried about a procedure or test?
- How do you manage stress?
- How would you like to see healthcare improve?
- How do you think healthcare will change in the future?
Interview Question #1: What Do You Consider a Good Shift?
It is easy to focus on external patient outcomes when answering this question. Naturally, a shift where a patient gets bad news is more difficult than a patient experiencing a successful result. However, it is better to focus your answer to healthcare interview questions on your values and strengths.
- Describe what steps you take to assure patients get excellent care and how you collaborate with other staff.
- Use personal success stories to illustrate your points.
How You Could Answer:
“The shifts where I go beyond patient expectations to provide excellent care are the ones that have the most impact on my satisfaction. This could mean being able to calm down anxious patients by teaching them relaxation techniques, or otherwise accomplishing something beyond my typical work responsibilities. Working together with other members of the health care team to resolve complicated patient issues is also an important element of a successful day for me.”
Interview Question #2: How Do You Handle a Difficult Patient?
Patients can be challenging for different reasons. They might disagree with the details of the care you give, the general treatment plan, or administrative issues beyond your control, or perhaps they are simply expressing their anxieties in an aggressive manner . Some good strategies to use:
- Empathize with the patient.
- Be flexible and accommodate patient requests when they are reasonable.
How You Could Answer:
“There are of course different ways patients are challenging, but they often originate from them going through a difficult health issue and feeling nervous about it. I therefore listen to their opinions with empathy and respect. Some patients disagree with treatment plans because of something they read on the Internet or have specific opinions on how something should be done. I will meet their concerns with facts, and when they have a suggestion on a detail that does not impact the treatment, I will incorporate it when reasonable.”
Interview Question #3: What Do You Do If a Patient is Worried About a Procedure or Test?
Comforting anxious patients is an important part of working in healthcare. There are a variety of methods you can use, including:
- Ask the patient if they want to know more about the procedure. Knowing the details and steps involved can calm some worried patients but make others more anxious.
- Practice deep breathing or another relaxation technique beforehand with the patient.
- If patients have serious concerns, direct them to speak to the person who recommended the procedure.
How You Could Answer:
“It is common for patients to be anxious at the hospital. I handle most concerns by going over the details about the procedure or test (if they like to hear it), answering questions, and encouraging them to practice relaxation techniques beforehand. If they have serious concerns, I bring it to the attention of the ordering physician or nurse practitioner.”
Interview Question #4: How Do You Manage Stress?
Healthcare interview questions about managing stress can refer to busy workdays, or the mental toll of treating patients with serious conditions. This question might come up because the interviewer wants to make sure you can handle stress while on the job, both for your own well-being and that of the patients.
- Describe stress management techniques you use at work.
- Mention what you do in your free time to stay healthy.
How You Could Answer:
“During my workdays I try to go for walks or meditate on my breaks. I also regularly practice mindfulness during the workday when I need to manage stress. It only takes a minute of my time, and it helps me deal with stressful situations, such as delivering bad news to patients or their families. When I am off work I exercise regularly, spend time in nature and take other steps to boost my mental and physical health.”
Interview Question #5: How Would You Like to See Healthcare Improve?
There are several ways to approach this and similar healthcare interview questions. You can focus on technological advancements, administrative improvements, or patient care.
- Steer clear of political debates.
- Avoid complaining and sounding overly negative.
How You Could Answer:
“There are many time restraints in healthcare due to the vast number of patients we see in a day. I often wish I had more time with each patient, in the meantime, I make the best of each interaction by offering the patient not only practical assistance, but emotional support as well, answering all their questions, and not appearing rushed.”
Interview Question #6: How Do You Think Healthcare Will Change in the Future?
Interviewers might ask this question to see if you stay informed of current administrative and technological developments. They may also try to gauge your outlook on your profession and if you plan to stay in the industry.
- Focus on positive changes to maintain an optimistic tone.
- Mention how your skills and experience relate to the new developments.
How You Could Answer:
“As personalized care becomes more common, and patients get better access to their health records, they are becoming more involved. Therefore, they ask more questions and voice their concerns. I welcome this change because I enjoy helping patients become informed and empowered. E-health will also continue to transform healthcare. I am well-versed in digital health applications and electronic medical records.”
Monster Has Your Prescription for A New Job
Are you ready to answer healthcare interview questions in person? Find your next job on Monster. After you create a profile and upload your resume, you can apply to jobs, and make your information visible to recruiters looking for job candidates.
