Sometimes, patients can be difficult. It’s essential to have the skill to handle them. This question will very probably come up during your nursing interview. Pick the worst-case scenario in your past that may have resulted in the best conclusion to answer this question.

Sample Answer

“I’ve dealt with challenging patients a lot. It’s part of the job to deal with them. One patient, in particular, was shouting at everyone, even over seemingly minor issues. Since it was a holiday, I was able to shift him into a private room. After that, I got on the phone with him and found out he was upset over a bad prognosis. He lacked relatives, friends, and somebody to talk to about it.

When I informed the hospitalist, she was able to arrange for him to consult with a therapist. He was actually pleasant after that. On the ward, every member of staff and every patient appeared to be more at ease. Usually, there must be a good reason why someone is being difficult. Respecting others can often result in surprising outcomes.”

That response demonstrates empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for a nurse. Never had a job in the healthcare industry? That’s not the end of the world. Instead, just share an experience about dealing with a challenging co-worker.