Interviews can be nerve-racking, and when you’re a nurse, the stakes are even higher.
Not only do you need to demonstrate your medical knowledge and skills, but you also need to prove that you can handle the emotional and interpersonal challenges that come with the job.
After all, hospitals and clinics are high-stress environments. And where there’s stress, conflict is never far behind.
To help you navigate conflict resolution questions, I’ve listed some common conflict style questions and example answers.
Nursing Interview Questions (with example answers) That Has to Do with Conflict Resolution
These are just examples of conflict resolution-style questions with answers.
For a detailed explanation of how to answer nursing interview questions dealing with conflict resolution, check out the linked article.
1. Can you describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult patient or their family?
“During my time in the pediatrics ward, I once cared for a child whose parents were going through a rough divorce.
Emotions ran high, and both parents often lashed out at the nursing staff. Instead of letting it get to me, I reminded myself that they were dealing with an incredibly stressful situation and tried to empathize with them.
I also made sure to communicate clearly and calmly, reassuring them about their child’s care.
Over time, their attitude softened, and we were able to work together for the benefit of the child.”
2. How do you handle conflicts with colleagues?
“In my previous role, I had a disagreement with a fellow nurse about the scheduling of duties.
Instead of letting the issue simmer, we decided to sit down and discuss our concerns openly.
We managed to reach a compromise that respected both our needs. I believe in addressing conflicts head-on and finding win-win solutions.”
3. Have you ever had to mediate a conflict between two team members? How did you handle it?
“As a charge nurse, I had to mediate a conflict between two team members who had a misunderstanding about a patient’s care plan.
I organized a meeting where both of them could voice their concerns and find a common ground.
It was important to me that they felt heard and understood, so I made sure to facilitate the discussion in a fair and impartial manner.”
4. How do you manage the stress of a high-pressure environment like a hospital?
I find that regular exercise and mindfulness techniques help me keep stress at bay.
I also make sure to have a strong support system outside work, where I can vent and relax.
At work, I try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on teamwork and effective communication to prevent conflicts from escalating.”
5. Can you give an example of a time you had to advocate for a patient?
“I once cared for an elderly patient who was hesitant about undergoing a major surgery.
The doctors were insistent, but I felt it was important to respect the patient’s feelings and fears.
I facilitated a meeting between the patient, their family, and the medical team, where we discussed all the pros and cons. In the end, the patient felt more confident in their decision, and the tension in the team was eased.”
6. Have you ever received feedback that you disagreed with? How did you respond?
“Yes, during a performance review, my supervisor criticized me for being too detailed in my patient reports.
I was initially taken aback, as I thought thoroughness was a good thing.
However, after reflecting on the feedback, I realized that being too detailed might slow down the process and potentially overwhelm other team members.
So, I took the criticism onboard and worked on balancing thoroughness and efficiency.”
7. How would you deal with a doctor who is not respectful towards nurses?
“Respect in the workplace is non-negotiable for me.
If I were to face disrespect from a doctor, I would first attempt to address the issue directly with them in a professional and assertive manner.
If that didn’t work, I wouldn’t hesitate to escalate the issue to higher management or Human Resources.
I believe everyone deserves respect, irrespective of their job title.”
8. What would you do if a patient refused to follow their care plan?
“Firstly, I’d try to understand the root of their resistance. Is it fear, misunderstanding, or something else?
Then, I’d educate them about the importance of the care plan, using simple and empathetic language.
If they still refused, I’d discuss the issue with the healthcare team to find alternative approaches or seek the help of a patient advocate.”
9. Can you recall a time when a patient’s family disagreed with a treatment plan? How did you handle it?
“In such situations, I believe effective communication and empathy are crucial.
I once had a patient whose family disagreed with the decision to transition to palliative care.
I arranged a family meeting with the healthcare team, where we explained the rationale behind our recommendation and listened to their concerns.
It was a difficult conversation, but ultimately, it helped the family come to terms with the situation.”
10. How would you respond if you made a mistake that could potentially harm a patient?
“The safety and well-being of the patient is paramount.
If I realized I’d made a mistake, I’d immediately alert the relevant personnel to mitigate any harm.
I’d also report the incident according to the hospital’s protocol and reflect on what went wrong to prevent similar errors in the future.
It’s not about saving face; it’s about ensuring the best care for our patients.”
Key Takeaways
Nursing is a challenging profession, and conflict resolution is a vital skill that can make or break your success.
By preparing for nursing interview questions that have to do with conflict resolution, you’re taking a significant step towards acing your interview.
Have You Read These Yet?
- Questions to Ask at the End of a Healthcare Interview
- Dean of Nursing Interview Questions with Answers
- How to Answer Nursing Interview Questions on Conflict Resolution
- Same-Day-Surgery Nursing Interview Questions with Sample Answers
