By Debbie Bunch
December 16, 2024
Interviewing for a new job can be a daunting proposition, and if it has been a while since the last time you did it, you are probably wondering what kind of questions are likely to come your way.
Experts suggest most interview questions are either open-ended, which gives you thechance to simply tell your story, or more structured, focusing on direct aspects of patient care and how you have handled them in specific situations.
Open-ended questions are easier to answer because you will simply state the facts. Common open-ended questions encountered by bedside RTs may include —
- When and why did you decide to become an RT?
- Without going into too much detail, just explain what led you to pursue your RT degree.
- How do you stay up to date with new developments in the profession?
- You can cite your AARC membership for one, which offers a wealth of opportunities to stay abreast of advancements.
- How do you practice self-care to combat the normal stress associated with the job?
Simply share some of the things you typically do to de-stress when you get home from a busy day.
Structured questions — which are often called behavioral questions as well — are tougher, because without some preparation, a quick answer may not come to you when you need it.
Here are three common structured questions that illustrate what you may be up against—
1. Tell me about a time when you cared for a patient who required more time than your schedule allowed for. How did you treat this patient while also providing adequate care to the other patients on your schedule for that day?
Hiring managers who ask this question are seeking to learn more about your time management skills and your ability to prioritize essential care and collaborate with the other members of the patient’s health care team to ensure everything is done correctly. Be ready with a sample patient who, despite being clinically challenging, had an acceptable outcome without compromising care for other patients thanks to your efforts.
2. Tell me about a time when you had to care for an especially difficult or frightened patient and how you handled the situation.
This question is aimed at learning more about your compassion for your patients and the lengths you will go to to help calm them down and reassure them when their emotions get the better of them. Prepare a story about a patient that fits thisdescription and what you did either alone or with the help of your colleagues to help them cope so that they could still receive the benefits of your care.
3. Tell me about a time when you cared for a patient who you felt was not divulging all of the pertinent information about their symptoms or medical history.
This question is designed to gauge your ability to analyze a situation, seek assistance when necessary, and make decisions that are in the best interest of your patient. Share an experience with such a patient and how you managed to elicit the missing information while still keeping the patient calm and delivering the care they needed.
Understanding the difference between open-ended and structured interviewing questions can go a long way to helping you nail your next interview.
