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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  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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  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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• SituationalIntermediate·Traditional one-on-one, MMI station · Most programs

  What would you do to build trust quickly with patients from communities that have been mistreated by health care?

  Equity and access · Cultural humility · Communication

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  How to approach situational questions

  1. 1Start with safety: is anyone at risk right now?
  2. 2Gather information before judging anyone involved.
  3. 3Act in proportion: a private conversation first, escalation when needed.
  4. 4Close the loop: follow up, document and reflect.

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