5 Common Ambulatory Nurse Interview Questions & Answers

My work as a nurse has been primarily in the emergency room of the hospital, and this has given me many chances to meet with patients with a variety of backgrounds and diagnoses. This exposure to different circumstances has taught me to be flexible, specifically to adapting my treatment of patients to suit the situation. I’ve had to assess patients in unique settings and I’ve had to implement a wide range of interventions for the improved health of the patient.

I understand the importance of confidentiality in all aspects of this job. In the past, I have taken steps such as logging out whenever I leave my computer, correctly filing paperwork and not leaving documents out in the open, and shredding documents when I’m finished with them. I believe that I will be able to implement preventative measures while I’m on the go as well. With tools such as a locking briefcase and password protected technology, I am confident that I’ll be able to maintain my patients’ confidentiality.

I’ve been in many situations involving patients who are at their worst. It helps me to remember that these individuals are in a position of extreme vulnerability. They may be afraid and are often in a lot of pain. As I think about this and recall times when I have felt those emotions, I’m able to address their emotional needs with compassion and their medical needs with professionalism. Patients are generally grateful for this and many return later to apologize and thank me. This strengthens my ability to cope with future experiences.

I’ve come to realize the importance of continued education and keeping track of my own hours because I’ve worked with employers who stayed on top of this and those who didn’t. As I sign up for classes and training, I work on areas of compliance first and then expand into areas of training that allow me to provide better care for my patients. This puts me in a position to refresh my familiarity with guidelines and regulations even as they continue to evolve and change.

I think recognizing the benefits of new technology is a good first step. From there, I plan to take advantage of training and other resources when possible. I believe that putting that technology to use is the best way to increase comfort and familiarity with new software and devices. As I take advantage of improving technology, I believe that I’ll provide better care for my patients and make better use of my time while on the clock.