We want to hire the best people to work for our organization so that our mission and values can be supported and advanced.
Got an interview scheduled with Scripps Health? As one of the largest private, nonprofit healthcare systems in California, Scripps provides top-quality medical services across five hospitals and 26 outpatient clinics throughout San Diego County With over 15,000 employees, Scripps is a major employer in the region and landing a job here means joining an organization dedicated to clinical excellence and compassionate care.
However Scripps’ selective hiring process means you’ll need to showcase your qualifications skills, and genuine passion for healthcare. This inside look at Scripps’ interview process will help you understand what to expect and how to thoroughly prepare. Let’s dive in to common Scripps interview questions with sample answers to help you impress the interviewers and earn a job offer!
Overview of the Scripps Health Interview Process
While exact details vary by role, here’s a general breakdown of Scripps Health’s interview stages:
- Initial phone screen with recruiter
- 1-2 panel interviews focused on skills and fit
- Manager interview assessing clinical/technical abilities
- Follow-up with leadership
- Reference and background checks
- Offer
In Scripps’ panel interviews, more than one person asks you behavioral-type questions to test your soft skills, such as your ability to communicate, work with others, and solve problems. Clinical roles also include skills assessments. Come ready to provide real examples of how you deliver compassionate, quality care.
Now let’s look at some frequent Scripps Health interview questions and tips for nailing your responses.
Common Scripps Health Interview Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself.
This open-ended icebreaker starts most interviews. Keep your answer focused on your most relevant qualifications.
- Share highlights of your background, clinical experience, and key skills.
- Tailor details to the specific role you’re interviewing for.
- Finish with enthusiasm for the position at Scripps.
Example: “I’m an RN with over 7 years of experience in acute care settings. In my current role in the cardiac ICU, I’ve honed my skills with assessments, intravenous medications, ventilators, and telemetry. I’m known for my ability to remain calm under pressure and quickly build rapport with patients. With my background in cardiac care and Scripps’ reputation for excellence, I know I would be a great fit for this ICU nursing role.”
Why do you want to work at Scripps Health?
This question gauges your interest in the organization. Do your research ahead of time.
- Discuss Scripps’ mission, values, and community impact.
- Share specific aspects of the culture and opportunities that appeal to you.
Example: “I’m interested in Scripps’ mission to give each patient compassionate, high-quality care that is centered on their needs.” Your commitment to clinical excellence through education and technology is inspiring. I also appreciate your focus on community health outreach to vulnerable populations. Scripps’ values around human kindness, innovation and stewardship resonate strongly with me. I’m excited about the chance to join a well-known group that makes a real difference in people’s lives. “.
How would you handle a patient who is upset or dissatisfied?
Healthcare roles require grace under pressure. Demonstrate your empathy and conflict resolution skills.
- Express active listening and understanding the patient’s perspective.
- Discuss working to resolve issues and restoring patient satisfaction.
- Share an example of turning around a negative patient interaction.
“When a patient is upset, I let them know right away that I’m here to help them work out their problems.” I pay close attention to understand where they’re coming from and to confirm how they feel. One patient was angry because they had to wait a long time for pain medication. I deeply apologized for the delay and then worked to make things right by personally following up to get their medicine faster. This made the patient feel heard and well-cared for. My priority is always restoring the patient’s trust and comfort. “.
How do you stay up-to-date on medical knowledge and best practices?
This reveals your commitment to continuous learning in healthcare.
- Discuss reading medical journals, attending conferences, training programs.
- Share how you implement new knowledge and teach colleagues.
Example: “I make a point to regularly attend nursing conferences and seminars to ensure I’m up-to-speed on the latest care guidelines and innovations. For example, I recently completed a seminar on new IV infusion pump technology and then led an in-service for my unit on proper use. I also enjoy reviewing medical journals and discussing new approaches with my team. I’m passionate about translating cutting edge knowledge into the highest quality care at the bedside.”
Tell me about a time you successfully educated a patient. What was the situation and how did you handle it?
This behavioral question allows you to demonstrate patient education abilities.
- Set the context briefly and move into the education tactics you used.
- Share positive results of increasing patient knowledge.
Example: “We had a newly diagnosed heart failure patient struggling with managing her new diet and medications after discharge. I spent extra time sitting with her to clearly explain which foods and fluids to limit, why it’s so important, and how each medication works to help her heart. To confirm her understanding, I used the teach-back method and had her explain the concepts in her own words. At follow-up appointments, it was clear my education had been effective by her drastically improved symptoms and adherence to the treatment plan.”
How would you contribute to a positive team culture?
This assesses your collaboration and teamwork skills.
- Share ideas for building camaraderie like team events, recognition programs.
- Discuss practices like open communication, supporting coworkers, constructive conflict resolution.
Example: “I strive to create positive team energy by being encouraging and approachable with my coworkers. I make it a point to recognize others’ accomplishments and help celebrate wins. In a recent role, I organized monthly team lunches so we could connect more personally. I also promote open communication and constructive resolution of any conflicts that arise. I find that maintaining a culture focused on our shared mission and values keeps morale high and helps us provide the best care.”
What are your salary expectations?
This often comes up at the end. Research typical Scripps salaries for your role and experience level beforehand.
- Provide a reasonable salary range based on market rates.
- Express flexibility based on the total compensation package.
Example: “Based on my research into average nursing salaries in the San Diego area and my 7 years of ICU experience, I would expect a salary in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 for this role. I’m open to flexibility depending on the details of the overall compensation package.”
Tips for Acing Your Scripps Health Interview
Here are some final tips for standing out during your Scripps interview:
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Demonstrate genuine passion for patient care – Convey your dedication to compassion and quality.
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Ask thoughtful questions – Inquire about the team, training, leadership’s vision, etc. to show engagement.
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Highlight times you went above and beyond – Share examples that illustrate your work ethic and commitment.
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Brush up on healthcare acronyms and terminology – Speaking the language fluently will make a great impression.
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Send thank you notes – Following up after the interview can help you stand out.
With this advice, you’ll be prepared to ace your Scripps Health interview and launch an inspiring career improving lives! Best of luck!
We put our patients first.
Our talent acquisition team prides ourselves on providing a highly transparent and efficient interview process.
HealthcareSource©, the biggest company in the healthcare industry that manages talent, just said that Scripps Health has been chosen by Lean Human Capital to be a winner of its 2020 Elite Honor Roll program.
There are 201,200 hospital recruiting firms across the country, and this puts Scripps in the top 5%. It also recognizes our talent acquisition team as performing at an elite level.
We encourage all of our applicants to be selective. You should only apply for jobs that you are truly interested in, that you are qualified for, and that are within the commute time you want.
If you are one of the best applicants, you will get an email right away with instructions on how to schedule a phone call or virtual interview with one of our talent advisers or complete an on-demand video interview. There may have been better applicants than you if you don’t get an invitation, so keep looking for jobs with Scripps Health. +.
You applied for a job at Scripps Health that required Basic Life Support (BLS). Did you not get an invite for an OnDemand Video or move forward in the interview process?
Please don’t give up! It could be as easy as not meeting the American Heart Association’s (AHA) BLS requirements.
Many of the people who apply for jobs at Scripps may have BLS, but not through the American Heart Association. This means that they don’t automatically move forward in the selection process.
That’s why we want to give you an edge and encourage you to apply again after you get your BLS from the American Heart Association.
Let’s help YOU to reapply…
When you need to get your BLS certificate before you can be hired, these are the three AHA Scripps Health-approved locations in San Diego that we usually suggest.
Community Resources for American Heart Association Classes in San Diego
Express Training Solutions: http://expresstraining.enrollware.com/schedule/
Critical Care Training Center: https://acls123.com/san-diego/acls-class-san-diego/
Once you have obtained your AHA BLS…REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY!
You have 72 hours from the time you get the invitation to complete your on-demand phone interview, video interview, or virtual interview. No matter the format, come prepared to share how you are connected to the Scripps Health mission. Try to provide answers that are authentic, specific and recent.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for the on-demand interview:
- You have three minutes to make a video answer for every question. Don’t worry—you can go back and record each one again if you need to.
- Treat the interview like an in-person interview. Dress professionally and find a place that is quiet, well-lit, and free of other things that could distract you.
- For up to six months, you can use your videos again when applying for jobs.
Congratulations on passing your first interview! If you are chosen for the next step in the hiring process, we will let you know by phone or email. At any time, you may also check your application status online in your Scripps Health applicant profile.
Once you have been chosen for a job, here are some tips to help you get ready for the onboarding process:
- As you plan your start date, keep in mind the time it will take to give your current employer notice and meet the Scripps onboarding requirements.
- There will be a background check (3 to 5 days to process once submitted). Make sure to be honest about any criminal history you have.
- You must make an appointment with our Employee Care Clinic (ECC) during the onboarding process to get a pre-employment physical and review of your immunizations. Once you’ve accepted the job offer, your recruitment coordinator will help you set this up.
- The employee’s health clearance will include a physical exam, a review of their immunizations, and a urine drug screen that checks for marijuana.
- Getting a shot It is required that all healthcare workers show proof that they are immune to measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella, varicella, and tdap/pertussis. For this, you might need to have blood drawn in a lab and maybe get vaccinated. All healthcare workers must show proof that they have been fully vaccinated (and boosted if eligible) against COVID-19 or agree to get vaccinated at the time of hire. They can also write and ask for an exception if they have a medical reason, a disability, or a sincere religious belief, practice, or observance, along with proof. At the pre-employment physical, you must show proof of vaccinations and a booster shot, if you are eligible. Everyone who works for the company has to get their COVID-19 vaccine (2nd dose or booster) within 2 weeks of becoming eligible for it in order to be considered compliant. If you don’t show proof of a vaccine or booster dose within two weeks, or if you have an approved exemption, you could be suspended without pay or fired for not following the rules.
- I-9 Document Requirements: You must show up with up-to-date documents that prove you are legally allowed to work in the United States. Click here for the List of acceptable I-9 documents.
- Day 1 of New Employee Orientation (NEO): GoTo Meeting-based virtual interactive webinar Your recruiter will send you the link to sign up ahead of time for orientation. This will be your 1st day of work.
A Great Fit for Scripps
We want to hire and train people who care deeply about our mission and values, the San Diego community, and each other. This goal guides our decision making and hiring experience. By only hiring people who are a good fit for Scripps Health, we help build the culture that leads to an award-winning workplace and great care for patients. We’re extremely proud to have a system-wide job acceptance rate of 90 percent!.
We provide the highest quality of service.
We demonstrate complete respect for the rights of every individual.
We care for our patients every day in a responsible and efficient manner.
Our seven Principles of Excellence help us live out our values and build a culture of consistency, care, and high performance. We incorporate these into our hiring, training, daily work, recognition and more.
Scripps Diet Clerk Tells How She Delivers Excellence
How long does it take to get an interview at Scripps Health?
Within 72 hours of receiving your invitation, you will need to complete your on-demand video interview, phone interview or virtual interview. No matter the format, come prepared to share how you are connected to the Scripps Health mission. Try to provide answers that are authentic, specific and recent.
Why should you choose Scripps Health Plan Services?
Scripps Health Plan Services will continue to be the leading health care delivery system in the greater San Diego community, as evidenced by the highest clinical quality, patient safety, and patient, physician and employee satisfaction.
What makes Scripps Health a great fit?
By hiring employees who are a great fit for Scripps Health, we nurture the culture that creates an award-winning workplace and excellent patient care. We’re extremely proud to have a system-wide job acceptance rate of 90 percent! We provide the highest quality of service. We demonstrate complete respect for the rights of every individual.
What makes Scripps Health a great talent acquisition company?
Our talent acquisition team prides ourselves on providing a highly transparent and efficient interview process. HealthcareSource©, the leading provider of talent management solutions for the healthcare industry, recently announced that Lean Human Capital has selected Scripps Health as a winner of its 2020 Elite Honor Roll program.