Getting an interview at UNC Health is a big step forward, but the journey doesn’t end there. You need to be ready to answer the interviewers’ questions with confidence and clarity if you want to really impress them and get your dream job. This complete guide will give you the information and strategies you need to do well in your UNC Health interview. It covers the most common questions and gives you smart advice on how to answer them.
Understanding UNC Health’s Values and Mission
Before diving into specific interview questions, it’s crucial to understand UNC Health’s core values and mission. This will help you tailor your responses to align with the organization’s goals and priorities.
UNC Health is renowned for its commitment to
- Patient-centered care: Placing the needs of patients at the forefront of all decisions and actions.
- Clinical excellence: Delivering the highest quality of care through evidence-based practices and cutting-edge technology.
- Diversity and inclusion: Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all individuals, regardless of background or identity.
- Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to improve patient care and outcomes.
- Community engagement: Actively participating in the communities it serves to promote health and well-being.
By understanding these core values, you can demonstrate your alignment with UNC Health’s mission and your eagerness to contribute to its success.
Top 25 UNC Health Interview Questions and Answers
1. How would you handle a situation where a patient is displaying aggressive behavior towards you or your colleagues?
Answer
“In such situations, my primary focus would be to ensure the safety of everyone involved. I would remain calm and professional, avoiding any escalation of the situation. I would also try to understand the root cause of the patient’s behavior, perhaps through active listening and empathy. If the aggression persists, I would follow established protocols, which might involve seeking assistance from security personnel or utilizing de-escalation techniques. Throughout the process, I would prioritize clear and accurate documentation of the incident for future reference and potential learning opportunities.”
2. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a rough patient and how you handled it.
Answer:
“In my experience, I’ve encountered various challenging patient interactions. I once had an elderly patient who refused to take her medicine because she was afraid of the side effects. She was quite agitated and refused to cooperate. To solve this, I first tried to understand her worries by paying attention and feeling what she was feeling. Then I made it clear to her why the medicine was important for her health, using simple language instead of medical jargon. I also reassured her that we would keep a close eye on her condition and deal with any side effects that might happen. I asked her how she would feel most comfortable giving the medicine so she could be a part of the process. I got her trust and cooperation by talking to her about her worries and letting her help make decisions. “.
3. What steps do you take to ensure medication administration accuracy, especially when dealing with high-risk medications?
Answer:
“Ensuring medication administration accuracy is a top priority for me. I adhere to the ‘five rights’ of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time. This involves double-checking all details against the prescription order and patient records before administering any medication. For high-risk medications, I also cross-verify with another experienced colleague as an added safety measure. I prioritize patient education, confirming their understanding of the medication’s purpose and side effects. Additionally, I actively participate in continuing education programs and training sessions to stay updated on best practices and guidelines.”
4. Explain a scenario where you had to work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to provide effective patient care.
Answer:
“In one instance, I worked with a team caring for a patient with multiple chronic conditions. The complexity of the case required expertise from various disciplines. We had endocrinologists managing the diabetes, cardiologists for the heart condition, dieticians advising on nutritional needs, and nurses providing daily care. The key to our success was communication. We held regular interdisciplinary meetings where each professional shared updates about the patient’s progress. This allowed us to understand how different treatments were interacting and impacting the patient’s overall health. For example, we realized that dietary changes recommended by the dietician were affecting the patient’s blood sugar levels. In response, the endocrinologist adjusted the insulin dosage accordingly. By working collaboratively, we provided coordinated and effective care, significantly improving the patient’s health outcomes.”
5. Can you discuss a specific instance where you identified a potential safety hazard and took action to prevent harm to patients or staff members?
Answer:
“In my previous experience, I noticed that the cord of an EKG machine was frayed and exposed. Understanding the risk of electrical shock, I immediately reported it to our unit manager. The machine was taken out of service for repair, and I suggested implementing regular checks on all our equipment cords as part of our safety protocols. This incident not only prevented potential harm but also led to a proactive approach towards maintaining safety standards in our facility. It highlighted the importance of being observant and taking immediate action when identifying any potential hazards.”
6. How do you stay updated on the latest developments in nursing practice and healthcare regulations?
Answer:
“I make it a priority to stay current in the ever-evolving field of nursing and healthcare. I regularly attend professional development seminars, webinars, and workshops. I also subscribe to several medical journals and online newsletters. Additionally, I am an active member of professional associations, which provide resources and updates on regulatory changes affecting nurses.”
7. Describe your experience working with electronic health record systems and how it has impacted your ability to deliver patient care.
Answer:
“Electronic health record (EHR) systems have been instrumental in enhancing the quality of patient care. They provide a comprehensive and easily accessible overview of a patient’s medical history, which allows for more informed decision-making. Additionally, EHRs facilitate seamless communication among different healthcare providers involved in a patient’s care. This ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the treatment plan, reducing the risk of errors or miscommunication.”
8. What strategies do you use for managing your workload and prioritizing tasks during a busy shift?
Answer:
“One of the key strategies I use is time blocking. This involves scheduling specific time slots for different tasks throughout the day, which helps me stay organized and focused. I also prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix. The tasks in the urgent and important quadrant are tackled first, followed by those that are important but not urgent. Tasks that are neither urgent nor important are either delegated or scheduled for later.”
9. How have you previously handled a disagreement with a coworker about patient care decisions?
Answer:
“In my experience, disagreements are often a result of differing perspectives and can actually lead to better patient outcomes if handled correctly. I once had a disagreement with a colleague about the appropriate discharge plan for a patient who had undergone surgery. My colleague believed that the patient could be discharged immediately, while I felt that they required further observation due to some minor post-operative complications. Instead of letting this disagreement escalate, we decided to discuss our views openly. I presented my observations and concerns, backed up by evidence from the patient’s medical history and recent health indicators. My colleague also shared his perspective, citing similar cases where immediate discharge was beneficial. After considering both sides, we involved a senior physician to provide an expert opinion. The physician agreed that it would be safer to keep the patient under observation for another day. This incident taught me the value of open communication, respect for differing opinions, and the importance of collaborative decision-making in patient care.”
10. Share an example of how you’ve contributed to improving patient satisfaction within your previous work experiences.
Answer:
“In my previous healthcare experience, I was part of a team that implemented a new patient feedback system. We noticed that while we were getting general satisfaction scores, we weren’t receiving specific feedback on areas where we could improve. So, we developed and launched an online survey that patients could access through their personal portal after each visit. The response rate was high, and the detailed feedback we received allowed us to make targeted improvements in various areas such as wait times, communication, and appointment scheduling. As a result, our overall patient satisfaction scores increased significantly over the next few quarters.”
11. How do you assess a patient’s needs and develop an appropriate plan of care that addresses their unique concerns?
Answer:
“Assessing a patient’s needs begins with effective communication and active listening. I start by taking a thorough medical history, asking about their symptoms, lifestyle habits, and any concerns they may have. This not only provides valuable information but also helps build trust and rapport with the patient. Once I have gathered this information, I perform a comprehensive physical examination to identify any visible issues. Then, if necessary, I order appropriate diagnostic tests for further clarification. Based on these findings, I develop an individualized care plan that addresses the patient’s unique health needs and personal circumstances.”
12. Explain your approach to educating patients and families about treatment plans, medications, and self-care techniques.
Answer:
“My approach to educating patients and families is centered on clear communication and empathy. I believe it’s crucial that patients understand their health conditions and the purpose of any prescribed treatments or medications. To achieve this, I break down complex medical jargon into simple language that can be easily understood. I also use visual aids when necessary to help illustrate concepts. In addition, I make sure to actively involve the patient in the discussion, encouraging them to ask questions and express any concerns they
