The interview question bank

A practical problem in school, clinic or work. What do you do next?

• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · PA

  A patient specifically requests to see 'the doctor' and not 'just a PA.' How do you respond?

  Communication · Professionalism

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Stay calm and don't take it personally. Ask what's behind the request: a past experience, a specific worry.
  2. 2Explain your role briefly and confidently: your training, how you work with the physician, what you'll do today.
  3. 3Offer a path: you'll start the visit and involve the physician if needed, or arrange for them to see the doctor.
  4. 4Respect their choice if they still prefer the physician.

  What makes it work

  • Confidence without defensiveness builds trust.
  • Putting the patient's comfort first is the professional move.

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• SituationalIntermediate·MMI station, Traditional one-on-one · Nursing, Pharmacy, PA

  You notice a physician's orders seem incorrect for a patient. How do you handle this?

  Patient safety · Communication · Teamwork

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  Sample answer outline

  1. 1Don't carry out an order you believe is unsafe. Pause first.
  2. 2Check yourself: the chart, the medication reference, any recent changes in the patient's condition.
  3. 3Call the prescriber with a structured message (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) and ask directly.
  4. 4If you're still concerned, go up the chain: charge nurse, supervisor.
  5. 5Document the conversation and the outcome.

  What makes it work

  • Shows the nurse's role as a safety check, done respectfully.
  • A clear escalation path, not a confrontation.

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