How do you think you would handle difficult situations and describe a scenario where you’ve dealt with one.
A – In a difficult situation, wait for patients and create a plan on how to solve it according to their wants and needs
A – In a difficult situation, I always need my team support. The job is filled with different types of critical problems, so lack of fear is important.
A – In my life I have faced many difficult problems and this has taught me to approach issues with a solution-orientated Mindset.
A – My time working in a hospital previously has resulted in being in many difficult situations, but the most important thing is to always remain professional
Why do I want to work here?
A – My main reason for wanting to work here is to gain more knowledge and experience
A – I want to try an entirely different work culture
A – I’ve looked at the hospital website and done some research, and heard overwhelmingly positive things
How long ago I was in work?
A – I was in work (X) years ago, and the reason for the gap in unemployment was (X)
Why is it important to be punctual and reliable?
A – Professionalism is a huge part of this job, it is the beginning and the end of professional conduct at work
A – There are people here that rely on me and my team for their well-being, betraying their trust is something I’d want to avoid at all costs
Why I was changing jobs?
A – Previous employer failed CQC and began to ask me to perform services well outside of my role
A – I felt I had hit a glass ceiling, and I wanted to work somewhere with higher potential for promotion
What will you do if you found pills under the bed you are making inside the ward?
A – Make a note of it, bring it to the notice of seniors on duty. Remain professional and follow advisory code of conduct.
What does palliative care mean to you?
A – Palliative care is not an exact science, it’s about finding the most effective middle ground for some truly complex issues. It is important to find a balance, and put patients needs at the top of my priority list.
Why you want to work as healthcare assistant?
A – I find it truly rewarding to care for others
A – I or a family member/close friend have had a previously life-changing experience of phenomenal care and it has impacted me so deeply that I would like to do the same.
Where do you see yourself in five-years?
A – I would like to see myself working up the ranks of this company
What I most enjoy about being a carer?
A – For me, the thing I enjoy the most is person-centred care
What qualities do you think would help you with this job?
A – Due to the fast-paced environment, a strong ability multi-task is a must
A – Patience is one of the most important qualities when dealing with other people in any capacity, especially in a care scenario
What do you know about (our company)?
A – I have done quite a lot of research into different companies in the field, and think that the values of (X) align with my own personal values
A – I have heard great things from other healthcare professionals about this company, like (X)
Why should we hire you?
A – I have the ability to identify the specific needs of the client, I’m able to remain calm under pressure while also acting with integrity. I also have incredible customer service skills.
What experience do you have?
A – I have held previous job roles that have taught me some transferable skills for this role like – teamwork, patience, empathy.
What is the Mental Capacity Act and how does it affect you as a HCA?
A – Mental capacity is the ability that a person has to make their own decisions. For most people, we have the capacity to make these on a daily basis ourselves. For others, sometimes additional information and support advice is needed before making an informed decision on another’s behalf.
What do you understand about safeguarding?
A – Safeguarding is essentially the process of mitigating risk by reporting anything that is seen or heard that does not feel right. This safeguards the residence or end-users of care.
How will you know what is due to the illness and what is due to a patient’s personality?
A – There is a balance to be found here, but it is important to recognise that illnesses do not always manifest themselves in the exact same way in all of those affected. In short, I would combine strong theoretical knowledge of care with an understanding of my individual charges.
Are you willing to relocate?
A – I am willing to relocate if there is appropriate support and incentive to do so.
A – No, I am currently in a situation here that would make it unwise to do so.
What makes you interested in the healthcare industry?
A – The healthcare industry combines multiple skillsets like medicine, public health, and business. There is a role that suits everyone and the scale is so much larger than many people realise.
You go into a patient’s room and they are lying face down on the floor. You think that they may have self-harmed, what do you do?
A – Try to communicate with them to ask if they are okay, use personalised de-escalation techniques, call for help. If they are responsive ask if they have inured themselves in any way and if you are able to support them. If they do not want to talk then it may be advisable to follow up later, call for medical support, and document the incident.
How long have you been in healthcare?
A – I have been in healthcare since (X) with my first job. I soon quickly fell in love with the profession and knew I wanted to continue.
A – I have no previous experience in healthcare, but I feel I have the relevant skills and a real desire to learn.
Can you tell us about yourself?
A – I am a student/unemployed/employed currently looking for experience/role/job in the healthcare sector and I feel this role goes a long way to satisfying both my short and long-term goals.
Can you tell us about a time you had a miscommunication and what you learned from it?
A – (Give Example) and one of the most important lessons I took away is the importance of leaving no room for doubt or question in what is communicated. If vague language is used, or care is taken to skirt about the issue then it is more than likely the end care user who will suffer.
What do you think you will get out of this job?
A – One of the biggest attractions for me with care work is that no two days are the same. I hope to look back after a long career on some incredibly rewarding and enriching experiences, the chance to improve the lives of others.
What would I do if I was asked to operate against the manual handling protocols?
A – I would state that I would not be willing to do so, and that I would require the correct equipment to perform the task without putting myself and end service user in danger. If denied, I would raise with senior staff.
What does a team mean to you and why is it important?
A – The most important thing about a team is that it is a group of people/staff that work together in the aim of achieving the same goal. It is important to work as a team as it helps to improve organisation, builds good communication skills, and helps to share the load of care.
What would you do if something went not as well as it should on the hospital ward?
A – I would answer and discuss this truthfully out of earshot of other staff members and patients cannot hear, ideally in private. I would then talk to the CNM or the person in-charge and report it to senior staff.
What does being open, compassionate, and empowering mean to you?
A – Reflecting how I can incorporate the values of (Company name) into my own work and how I interpret these values.
How would you deal with an aggressive patient?
A – Ensure that the patient is safe from any objects that may cause or inflict harm on themselves or others – sharps, shoe laces etc. Other service users should be protected from the aggressive patient where possible. The aggressive patient should be reassured in a calming manner and tone, without sounding patronising. There will likely be a panic button in the room or somewhere nearby, so this may need to be used to alert other staff for the need for more help.
What is your biggest weakness?
A – My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist, and I always want to do more. I feel I have a natural inclination to do more than is asked of me.
Do you drive, and do you feel comfortable driving in the UK?
A – Yes, I have had a drivers license for about X years now, and I am entirely comfortable driving in the UK
A – No, I do not have a driving license but I am hoping to have it by X
Why do you want to be a carer?
A – I love being able to look after people and share in so many lives, it is something that not many other professions offer
How would you care for a service user that was particularly dismissive of any help?
A – Firstly, I would try to understand their point of view and why they are being dismissive. Secondly, I would attempt to explain exactly why I am there for their wellbeing and although they feel like they may be able to do things on their own, asking for help is not a bad thing. I would attempt to explain how care workers support them to act more independently.
What is your understanding of confidentiality?
A – Confidentiality is important to maintain the reputation of the hospital/care practice and to be able to successfully treat patients. It’s also massively important to maintain between colleagues as often there is a tight-knit community in care practices that gossiping could damage irreparably.
What would you do in an emergency?
A – I would take time to familiarise myself with the protocols in place before beginning work at a care practice, and I would follow them to the best of my ability
What is person centred care?
A – To me, person centred care involves taking into consideration the needs and preferences of vulnerable individuals when caring for them.
What would you do if you saw a confused elderly person?
A – I would begin by introducing myself and where they are, ask if they need any assistance, and enquire if they have an appointment here. If they do – I would accompany them to the right department or service.
A patient has told you that they are being abused, how do you handle the situation?
A – I would begin by saying that before they continue, I am duty bound to report any abuse to higher-ups to protect their wellbeing. If they continue then I would raise the appropriate report.
What other skills do you think would be advantageous in your role?
A – Teamwork is the most important skill that I have for this role, I believe. This is due to the need to liaise with nurses and senior colleagues across the practice, and will ensure the best possible care for patients.
A – A strong set of IT skills as I will likely spend a lot of time recording patient data, answering the phone, occasionally typing letters, and assisting with the admission of patients into the ward.
A – Excellent judgement skills are something I would consider to be invaluable for this role, as it is likely I’ll be shifting from responsibility to another to meet the needs of patients.
What are the important things to consider when taking a meal to a resident?
A – Factors to consider is the patients’ medical history, and known allergies, choking hazards, and special dietary needs.
Are you comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite?
A – Yes, I have used the software regularly in my previous job/education/further education
A – No, I am not particularly comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite – however, I am a fast learner and think my hesitance is due to a lack of use as opposed to lacking the skills necessary to grasp it.
What would you do if you found a colleague had been confiscating service users’ phones as a punishment?
A – I would begin by reporting this to a manager, and aim to have the phone returned as soon as possible. I would then explain to the service user that this shouldn’t happen and if it does happen again, then to report it to a different member of staff.
Why do you want this role?
A – I am looking for an entry level/senior/management position and I feel this role suits me incredibly well
From the 6 Cs, select two and tell me a little about them
A – I choose communication and courage. To me, courage is most important in mitigating malpractice through being able to observe wrong doing and follow up on it by reporting it to senior staff – this will improve patient outcomes. Communication as well is crucial and a key aspect of care, it allows carers to understand patient’s intrinsic values which can then be used to ensure care is tailored to their needs.
Why do you want to work with young people?
A – To me, I recognise that it is a stage of life where many of us are at our most vulnerable. I believe firmly that everyone on this planet should have the same opportunities as one another, and I would like to be there for young people who need care.
What would you do if you saw abuse?
A – The first thing that I would do is report it immediately, and ensure it was being followed up upon.
Do you have a manual handling certificate?
A – Yes, I do (always bring relevant certificates with you where applicable)
A – No I do not, but I am more than willing to learn.
What would you do if you witnessed something immoral happening in a home/care setting?
A – If I was worried about potentially forgetting or missing some of the details, I would try to write down any details of what happened as soon as possible and at the earliest opportunity. I would then contact Newcross to inform them as well as senior members of staff.
How would you control the transmission of infection?
A – Time and time again, a proper hand washing routine has been shown to be one of the best ways to control the transmission of disease. I would stick to a comprehensive routine and call out others who weren’t.
What can you do to save our care practice money?
A – I would be comfortable training other members of staff in areas of my personal expertise – this may alleviate the need for hiring additional specialists.
If a client doesn’t let you into their house, what do you do?
A – This is a tricky situation to handle – if I know that they are in there and can establish communication I would explain to them why I was there, and that there may be an option to complete this visit over the phone. If there is no response, I would try to establish contact some other way and report to the office or on-call staff at the care practice.
Could you manage to work under pressure?
A – Yes, I can and could. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments before and enjoyed the pace of things.
How would you deal with a colleague that is unwilling to be co-operative with you?
A – This is a very situational question, as if it was about a patient’s care then I would refer back to any relevant guidelines and protocol in place and remind them it is not an argument with me, rather the procedure we have in place. I would nonetheless mention this to a senior member of staff to report it, and listen to any suggestions that they may have.
Would you be comfortable moving between departments?
A – Yes, I would. I am comfortable working in different settings and as long as patient’s care was not diminished in any way, their safety put at jeopardy, or breaking any procedure then I am entirely okay with it.
What challenges do you think you will face?
A – For me, the biggest challenge will be balancing my time. Often in care you will have lots of different people demanding things from you in all directions, and I will need to remember to put patient care first before anything else.