Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to advocate for a patient’s needs in a critical care setting?
Sample answer:
During my tenure as a critical care nurse, I encountered a situation where I had to advocate for a patient’s needs in a challenging scenario:
I was caring for a patient, Mr. Smith, in his late 70s, who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with severe pneumonia and respiratory failure. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated, requiring close monitoring and meticulous care.
As I reviewed Mr. Smith’s medical history, I noticed that he had a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and was on hemodialysis three times a week. However, his dialysis schedule had been disrupted due to his critical condition and the need for continuous ICU care.
I approached the medical team, expressing my concern about the potential consequences of delaying Mr. Smith’s dialysis. I advocated for the importance of maintaining his dialysis schedule, emphasizing the risk of further complications, such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and worsening renal function.
Initially, there was some resistance from the team, given Mr. Smith’s critical respiratory status and the potential risks associated with transporting him to the dialysis unit. However, I persisted in my advocacy, presenting evidence-based research and clinical guidelines that sup… Read full answer
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