Describe a challenging patient encounter you have experienced.
ExperiencePatient Encounter
Purpose
This question is about seeing how you handle tough situations with patients. They want to know if you can stay calm, communicate well, and learn from the experience.
Tips
- Use the STAR-L method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, Lessons Learned.
- Pick a story that shows your skills in action, like empathy and problem-solving.
- End with what you learned or how you grew from the experience.
Common mistakes
- Don't blame the patient or others; focus on what you did.
- Avoid vague stories; be specific about your actions and the outcome.
- Don't skip the reflection part; share what you learned from the encounter.
Background
Use STAR-L to structure responses to questions about your experiences: -Situation: Briefly set the scene - where/when and what was going on? -Task: What was your specific role or challenge in that situation? -Action: What you did - focus on your steps, decisions, and contributions. -Result: Share the outcome - ideally positive or meaningful. -Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you took away and how you’ve grown.