Introduction
Young professionals and people new to some fields may find it difficult to accommodate their new jobs. The lack of confidence and skills in nurses may lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and increased turnover. It is necessary to prepare for various situations starting with the preparation for job interviews and ending with considering ethical issues and possible conflicts. Healthcare professionals can try to consider some scenarios to get ready for their new positions. This paper includes a brief analysis of the scenario that dwells upon best practices associated with job interviews and the one related to some ethical issues.
Scenario 1: Job Interviews
Ways to Prepare for the Interview
The success of a job interview depends on preparation. The first strategy to prepare for a job interview is to implement thorough research. It is vital to understand all the requirements, desired characteristic features or qualifications, etc. It is also essential to obtain as many details as possible about the healthcare facility (Watkins, 2017). It is essential to pay specific attention to the organization’s mission, vision, values, and so on.
Secondly, a successful applicant is the one who has prepared proper answers to the most common interview questions. It is possible to search for such questions online focusing on the critical areas. Importantly, it is necessary to have several questions to ask the interviewer. On the one hand, it will help in understanding the job better and learning more about the organization. On the other hand, it will show the applicant’s interest in the organization and job.
Thirdly, it can be a good idea to be interviewed by someone the potential interviewee knows. I have asked my friends and relatives to interview me many times. The interviewer was the person I knew very well, but I still revealed some gaps in my knowledge and some unexpected questions. In some cases, my behavior could make me fail during the real interview. Therefore, this kind of rehearsal is an effective method.
Three Questions
As for questions to expect, job interviews usually include broad and narrow questions addressing various topics and aspects of nursing practice, as well as interviewees’ experiences. Three possible questions to expect can be as follows:
- Why do you want to get this job?
- How do you resolve conflicts?
- What will be your actions when a patient complains about being in pain all the time?
When answering the questions, I will always use some real-life stories to back up my words. I will be as specific as possible and provide extended answers. Some applicants may focus on quite narrow questions when getting ready for a job interview, but interviewers often start with broad questions that should also be considered (Rutter, 2017). I will stress that obtaining the job of a surgical nurse is my priority as I feel I can be most effective in this position.
I am prepared to address various challenges associated with the work in a surgical department. I also believe I can provide proper care to patients who are often in pain, who have fears, and who do not understand many things.
As for the question concerning conflicts, I will tell a few stories about the way I dealt with conflicts I faced during my studies. I will also stress that I always try to negotiate and compromise, make win-win situations whenever it is possible. Finally, I will provide a list of steps I will undertake to handle complaining patients. These steps will involve, a conversation with the patient to get more details about their condition and assure them that everything is being done to make them feel as comfortable as possible. I will also discuss this situation with the doctor and make sure the patients’ pain is addressed. I will also try to talk to the patient whenever possible and be compassionate and empathetic.
Other Aspects to Consider
Apart from the research, answering interview questions, and rehearsing, it is important to think of the clothes to wear and materials to take for a job interview. As for the most appropriate clothing, I would wear a suit that is comfortable and formal at the same time. I would not choose bright colors, but the suit should not be black or grey. The key to successful interviews is looking neat. It is also important to have certain materials during a job interview.
I would have several copies of my resume, as well as my reference. I will also take the certificates appropriate for the position. Although all these documents are usually sent electronically, some people may have only a part of those important papers. Interviewers are responsible for disclosing all possible details about them and supporting their words with some documents. It is necessary to have a notebook and a pen to make notes.
Scenario 2: Best Friend
Nurses have to make various decisions during their shifts. Many of these questions are related to the ethical aspects of the provision of care. If my best friend behaves in such an inappropriate way, I will undertake several steps. First, I will try to talk to Lindsey and make her share her concerns and problems. I will try to encourage her to admit that she was behaving unethically and illegally. If she confesses, we will try to decide what to do in her case.
Chadwick and Gallagher (2016) state that healthcare practitioners should follow the corresponding guidelines that exist in their healthcare facilities. If such guidance is unavailable, it is necessary to address the corresponding supervisor. I believe this could be the best scenario. I also think I would manage to have a sincere and effective conversation with my best friend so no other steps would be necessary,
However, it is possible that Lindsey will not even want to talk about it or will deny everything. It will be harder for me to address this problem. First, I will try to find some guidance in the code of practice developed in the hospital.
If I find nothing appropriate or close to the case, I will address my supervisor. In general terms, I will whistle blow. Ash (2016) states that whistleblowing is a disclosure of the information about wrongdoing to a person or organization that can take the necessary action. This act can lead to Lindsey’s hostility, possible conflicts with her or other peers, and even hostility of colleagues as people dislike whistleblowers. However, I believe certain actions have to be undertaken. Otherwise, Lindsey can find herself in a more dangerous situation associated with health risks, legal issues, financial losses.
For example, if I decide to do nothing about it (not even talk to Lindsey), someone else can tell the corresponding manager about Lindsey’s behavior. In this situation, Lindsey will have almost no chance to improve the situation as it will be too late. She is likely to face quite strict sanctions. More importantly, her behavior can have adverse effects on patients’ health outcomes. Some complications can lead to the deterioration of patients’ health.
The investigation that is likely to follow will unveil the underlying causes of patients’ health issues. In this case, Lindsey is likely to be fired and even brought to court. Of course, doing nothing will also have negative effects on Lindsey’s health. It is evident that the nursing practitioner is having some health issues, so she needs professional aid. Therefore, doing nothing is not an option as it is associated with numerous negative outcomes for patients, the organization, and Lindsey herself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to note that I benefited from the analysis of the two scenarios. I considered some of the most effective strategies that can help me become prepared for a job interview. I know that research and confidence can make me a successful applicant. The scenario associated with an ethical issue made me prepared for such situations. I also developed a certain plan concerning my potential actions.
My first step will be a sincere conversation and attempts to help my friend, but I feel responsible for disclosing the situation to a supervisor. This kind of disclosure will be associated with the least serious consequences for many people. In the first place, I will help my friend who needs assistance and support. I will also ensure that patients receive the best care.
References
Ash, A. (2016). Whistleblowing and ethics in health and social care. Philadelphia, PA: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Chadwick, R., & Gallagher, A. (2016). Ethics and nursing practice. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan.
Rutter, T. (2017). Nurse job interview tips: Top nine questions and answers. The Guardian. Web.
Watkins, J. (2017). How to shine at interviews. Nursing Standard, 31(33), 38-39.