Sample interview questions: Have you encountered any ethical dilemmas while working as a home health nurse, and how did you handle them?
Sample answer:
Certainly, as a home health nurse, I have encountered several ethical dilemmas throughout my career. These situations require careful consideration, as they often involve balancing the patient’s autonomy, their family’s wishes, and the nurse’s professional responsibilities. Here are a few examples of ethical dilemmas I have faced and how I handled them:
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Patient Autonomy vs. Family’s Wishes: A patient with advanced dementia wanted to refuse further medical treatment, but their family strongly disagreed. I facilitated open communication between the patient and their family, ensuring that both sides understood each other’s perspectives. I also educated the family about the patient’s right to make their own decisions and provided resources to help them cope with the situation. Ultimately, the patient’s wishes were respected, and the family reluctantly accepted their decision.
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Medication Errors: In one instance, a patient’s medication was accidentally administered incorrectly. I immediately reported the error to the supervising physician, ensured the patient’s safety, and provided emotional support to the patient and their family. I also implemented new safeguards to prevent such errors from happening again, such as double-checking medications and enhancing communication among healthcare providers.
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Cultural Sensitivity: I cared for a patient from a different cultural background whose beliefs conflicted with the prescribed medical treatment. I took the time to understand the patient’s cultural values and beliefs, and I worked with the healthcare team to find … Read full answer
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