Are you getting ready for your interview to become a registered nurse at Banner Health? As one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country, Banner Health has strict hiring rules for nurses. You can expect their tough interview process to include both behavioral and situational questions that will test your clinical knowledge, critical thinking, leadership, and dedication to patient care.
Mastering some of the most common Banner Health RN interview questions can help calm those pre-interview jitters and set you up for success. This comprehensive guide outlines examples of the top questions you may face along with proven strategies and sample responses. Let’s dive in!
Common Behavioral Interview Questions for Banner Health RNs
Behavioral interview questions require you to provide real-life examples that showcase important nursing qualities, like:
- Clinical skills
- Communication abilities
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Compassion
Here are some of the behavioral questions you’re likely to encounter and tips for crafting winning answers:
1. Tell me about a time you made a medical mistake. What was the outcome and how did you respond?
This question is meant to find out how honest, responsible, and willing to learn you are when you make a mistake. Respond honestly about a minor past mistake, focusing on actions taken post-event. Demonstrate earnestness about preventing future errors and commitment to continuous improvement.
Example response “In my last RN role, I once mixed up two patient medication charts and gave the wrong prescription to a patient Thankfully, the pharmacy tech caught the error in time and no harm was done. I immediately reported the incident and took accountability for my mistake when meeting with my manager Together, we reviewed protocols about verifying charts to pinpoint how the lapse occurred. I re-educated myself on those procedures to ensure it never happened again. While an upsetting experience, it reinforced the vital importance of always double-checking charts before administering meds. I’m committed to using diligent verification processes to avoid any repeat errors.”
2. Describe a time you had to adapt quickly to changes in patient treatment plans. What was the situation and how did you respond?
Nurses frequently deal with sudden changes in patient health status or doctors’ orders This question gauges your adaptability and ability to think critically under pressure when plans go off course, Describe remaining focused on the patient’s wellbeing and leveraging your clinical knowledge to quickly pivot
Example response: “Recently, we had a post-surgical patient whose status declined rapidly due to unexpected bleeding. The surgeon decided to take him back to the OR immediately. I stayed laser-focused on the urgent new priority – stabilizing the patient for rapid transport. I drew on my emergency response training to work efficiently under intense pressure. Within minutes, I had the patient prepped, labs drawn, IV fluids changed, and sedation administered per the surgeon’s expedited instructions. My adaptability enabled us to get the patient to surgery promptly for the urgent intervention he needed.”
3. Tell me about a time you took initiative rather than waiting around for direction. What was the outcome?
The ability to take charge independently is vital when patient needs arise. Provide a concise example that paints you as proactive and resourceful when faced with a situation requiring quick action. Emphasize how your initiative resulted in a positive outcome for patient care.
Example response: “During an overnight shift, we had a discharged patient suddenly return with breathing trouble. Without waiting for the on-call doctor’s assessment, I immediately got the patient on oxygen support and ordered stat labs based on their symptoms. My proactive interventions bought critical time until the doctor arrived to properly diagnose and treat the patient’s flare-up. My initiative very likely prevented further respiratory decline. This scenario taught me to listen to my instincts and not hold back when patients need urgent care.”
Common Banner Health Registered Nurse Situational Interview Questions
Situational interview questions present hypothetical scenarios you might encounter on the nursing floor at Banner Health. The interviewer wants to see critical thinking skills and sound clinical judgment in your response.
Here are some sample situational questions with strategies to shine:
1. One of your patients becomes anxious and upset over their treatment plan. How would you respond?
For sensitive scenarios like this, your response should emphasize compassionate communication and patience. Outline how you would listen earnestly to understand their concerns, explain the treatment rationale clearly, provide reassurance, and identify solutions to alleviate anxiety. Convey your commitment to supporting both their medical and emotional needs.
Example response: “First and foremost, I would listen closely to the patient with empathy, allowing them to express their fears without judgment. I would then explain their doctor’s prescribed treatment plan in simple, patient-centered language, validating their feelings while clarifying the medical necessity. If appropriate, I’d involve their physician or social worker to address concerns together through a family care conference. I’d also inquire about any dietary, spiritual or lifestyle factors that could reduce anxiety. My goal would be developing a holistic plan to implement their medically necessary treatment while also attending to their emotional health.”
2. You have an order to administer medication the patient reports having an allergy to. What would you do?
Patient safety is paramount. In a scenario like this, highlight your diligence with verifying medication orders and commitment to addressing potential errors. Convey how you would alert providers to get clarification, hold the medication, and thoroughly document discussions.
Example response: “If a patient reported an allergy to a new medication I was ordered to administer, I would immediately halt the process. I would clarify with the patient the details of their prior allergic reaction and compare with their charted medical history to verify accuracy. I would notify the physician of the discrepancy and withhold the medication until clarification was obtained in writing. Thorough documentation would also be critical to ensure all providers are informed and prevent any risk moving forward. My top priority is always safeguarding patients.”
3. You notice a colleague rushing while administering medications and not following proper safety protocols. What would you do?
This scenario assesses your ethics, communication skills and courage to speak up regarding safety concerns. Your response should demonstrate firm commitment to enforcing proper protocols through tactful but candid peer coaching and reporting to protect patients.
Example response: “If I witnessed any peer hurrying unsafely while passing meds, I would intervene in the moment firmly but professionally. Rushing can lead to catastrophic errors. I would gently remind them of proper procedures and, if needed, offer to help so we could slow down and verify medications together. Once the immediate situation was addressed, I would express my observations directly to the nurse, emphasizing the shared goal of avoiding medication errors. If the issue persisted, escalating to my manager would be required, given the risk to patient safety. While never comfortable, speaking up on behalf of patient safety is an ethical obligation I take very seriously.”
Additional Banner Health RN Interview Questions to Prepare For
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Why do you want to work for Banner Health specifically? Show genuine enthusiasm for their nonprofit mission, excellence in specialty areas like cardio, and passion for making a difference for their communities. Know their values.
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Where do you see your nursing career in 5 years? Share short and long-term goals that demonstrate a commitment to ongoing development. Emphasize desires to take on more patient education, training, leadership or specialties.
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What interests you about this particular nursing role at Banner? Research the role and department. Highlight specific aspects of the job that match your skills, passions and career goals around areas like ER, L&D, pediatrics, oncology, etc.
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How do you stay current on the latest evidence-based clinical practices? Discuss reading nursing journals, attending conferences, taking courses, and collaboratively reviewing new
Banner Health Interview
FAQ
What questions are asked at the banner nurse interview?
