20 Banner Health Interview Questions and Answers

Banner Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in the country. With over 50 hospitals and 300 clinics, Banner Health is dedicated to providing high-quality care to its patients.

To ensure that its employees are up to the task of providing this care, Banner Health uses a variety of interview questions that are specific to the company. In this article, we will provide some examples of these questions so that you can be prepared for your Banner Health interview.

Banner Health Interview Process

The interview process at Banner Health can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but it typically takes several weeks to complete.

Overall, the interview process is relatively straightforward. However, some positions may be more difficult to land than others. For example, registered nurse positions may require a higher level of experience. Additionally, medical assistant and hospitalist positions may require additional testing or certification.

1. What is your experience and training in patient care?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the healthcare industry and how you can apply it to this role. If you have experience in a similar position, describe what you did and why it was important. If you don’t have direct patient care experience, explain any other relevant training or skills that will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I worked as a medical assistant for five years before I became a registered nurse. During my time as a medical assistant, I learned about many different illnesses and treatments. This helped me understand the importance of communication between patients and their doctors. As a registered nurse, I gained more advanced skills like administering medications and performing diagnostic tests.”

2. Describe some of the challenges you have faced while working as a nurse, how did you handle those situations?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle challenges and overcome them. Use examples from your previous work experience to show that you are capable of overcoming obstacles and solving problems.

Example: “In my last position, I was working with a patient who had been in an accident and was experiencing some memory loss. The patient’s family members were very concerned about this, but I explained that it is common for patients to have short-term memory loss after an accident. They seemed relieved when I told them that their loved one would likely regain most of their memories within a few weeks or months.”

3. How would you react if you saw another employee acting unprofessionally towards a doctor or fellow co-worker?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team. When answering, it can be helpful to describe the specific situation and how you would react in that situation.

Example: “If I saw another employee acting unprofessionally towards a doctor or fellow co-worker, I would first try to speak with them privately about their behavior. If they continued to act unprofessionally after our conversation, I would report my concerns to my supervisor so they could address the issue.”

4. Tell me about a time when you had to interact with an angry family member of a patient.

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. Use examples from your experience to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I once had a patient who was in the hospital for an extended period of time. Her family members were very upset about this because they wanted her to be at home. I spoke with them multiple times to explain why she needed to stay in the hospital. Eventually, we came up with a plan where she could go home but would have to return if any issues arose. The family was happy with this solution and stopped complaining.”

5. Do you speak any other languages besides English? If so, which ones do you speak?

This question is asked to determine your ability to communicate with patients who speak other languages. If you don’t know any other languages, it’s okay to say so and explain that you’re willing to learn a new language if necessary.

Example: “I only speak English fluently, but I’m open to learning another language if needed. My family speaks Spanish at home, so I understand some of the basics. I also took two years of French in high school, so I can read and write in French.”

6. Why are you looking for a new position at Banner Health?

This question can help the interviewer understand your motivations for applying to their organization. It’s important to be honest and specific about why you’re looking for a new job, but it’s also helpful to highlight any skills or experiences that make you a good fit for Banner Health.

Example: “I’m looking for a new position at Banner Health because I feel like my current role is no longer challenging enough for me. I’ve been working as an administrative assistant for five years now, and while I love helping people, I want to use my organizational skills in a more complex setting. I think Banner Health would be a great place to do this since they have so many departments with unique needs.”

7. Have you ever been reprimanded by a superior before?

This question is a way for employers to learn more about your past mistakes and how you’ve grown from them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one mistake you made in the past and what you learned from it.

Example: “When I first started working as an administrative assistant at my previous job, I was so excited to get to work that I would arrive 30 minutes early every day. My boss noticed this and told me that while she appreciated my enthusiasm, arriving early wasn’t necessary because there were still things to do before we could start our workday. She taught me that arriving 15 minutes early each day was sufficient and helped me understand when other employees might be showing up.”

8. Provide an example of a time when you were not able to provide quality patient care, what was the situation and how did you overcome it?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to learn from mistakes and how you can improve as a healthcare professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation, what steps you took to resolve the issue and the positive outcome of those actions.

Example: “In my first year as a nurse, I was working with a patient who had recently undergone surgery. The patient asked me for more pain medication, but I did not have any available at that time. Instead of giving them the medication they requested, I gave them some over-the-counter pain relief instead. Unfortunately, the patient became very ill after taking the medication and ended up in the emergency room. After speaking with the hospital administration, we determined that I should have given the patient their prescribed medication.”

9. What are some ways that you prioritize tasks?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you approach your work and whether you have a system for getting things done. Describe some methods that you use to stay organized, such as using a planner or setting aside time each day to complete tasks.

Example: “I find it helpful to create a daily task list so I know what needs to be completed each day. This helps me stay on track with my goals and ensures that I’m not forgetting any important steps in completing projects. Another method I use is setting weekly goals for myself. Each week, I review my progress from the previous week and set new goals based on what I accomplished.”

10. Explain a difficult situation you dealt with as a nurse and how you handled it.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle stressful situations and whether you have any strategies for overcoming challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation that was challenging but also one in which you were able to overcome the challenge or learn from it.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse, I had a patient who was very ill and needed constant care. This meant that I spent most of my time with them, so I didn’t get much rest. After a few days, I started feeling tired and wasn’t sure if I could continue caring for the patient without taking a break. So, I asked another nurse to take over for me while I took a short nap. She agreed, and when I woke up, she was still there helping the patient. From then on, we switched off every two hours.”

11. In your opinion, why is teamwork important in healthcare?

Teamwork is an important skill in any industry, but it’s especially vital in healthcare. Team members need to work together to ensure the best care for their patients. Your answer should show that you understand how teamwork can benefit a team and its patients.

Example: “Teamwork is essential in healthcare because we’re all working toward the same goal—to provide excellent patient care. When I worked as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital, my team of doctors and nurses would often collaborate on patient cases. For example, if a patient was experiencing symptoms of both diabetes and heart disease, our team would discuss possible treatments and decide which one would be most effective. This allowed us to provide better care for our patients.”

12. How do you keep yourself up to date on current trends in medicine and nursing?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your passion for your career and how you stay motivated to learn new things. Showcase your dedication to learning by describing some ways you’ve kept up with medical trends in the past, such as reading journals or attending conferences.

Example: “I have always been passionate about my field, so I regularly read professional journals and attend conferences to keep myself informed on current research and best practices. In fact, I attended a conference last year that inspired me to try out a new treatment method at work. After implementing it, we saw an increase in patient satisfaction.”

13. What motivated you to become a nurse?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and understand what drives you. It also helps them learn more about your personality, which is important for working with others in a healthcare setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an experience that inspired you to become a nurse or how nursing has helped you in your life.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to work in a medical field. My grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease when I was growing up, so I spent a lot of time at her house helping my mom take care of her. She would often tell me how much she loved having nurses around because they made her feel safe. That really stuck with me, and I knew then that I wanted to become a nurse.”

14. What are your career goals?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have a long-term career plan. It also helps them understand what your goals are for this position and how it fits into your overall career plans. When answering, be sure to mention that you want to grow with Banner Health and achieve success in this role.

Example: “My goal is to work my way up through the company until I reach a management position. I know that there’s a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I’m ready to put in the effort to get where I need to go. I believe that working at Banner Health will give me the experience I need to succeed as a manager one day.”

15. Are you comfortable using technology in the work place?

Technology is an important part of the work environment, and employers want to make sure you are comfortable using it. They may ask this question to see if you have experience with specific software or technology they use at Banner Health. In your answer, explain which technologies you’re familiar with and how you feel about them. If you don’t have any experience with a particular piece of technology, explain that you would be willing to learn it.

Example: “I am very comfortable using technology in my work environment. I’ve been working as a graphic designer for five years now, so I’m used to creating digital content. I also regularly use Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office and Google Suite. I enjoy learning new things, so I’d be happy to try out any other programs you use here.”

16. What type of patients do you feel most confident treating?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience treating patients with similar conditions to those at Banner Health. If you are unsure of what types of patients they treat, ask them about their typical patient population before answering this question.

Example: “I feel most confident treating children and expectant mothers because I have a lot of experience working in pediatric clinics and maternity wards. In my last role as a midwife, I helped women through all stages of pregnancy and delivery, so I am comfortable treating patients who need care for any part of that process.”

17. What qualities make a good leader?

As a manager, you need to be able to lead your team. Employers ask this question to see if you have the qualities of a good leader. When answering this question, think about what makes a great leader in your opinion. Explain why these traits are important and how you possess them.

Example: “A good leader is someone who can motivate their team members. I believe that leaders should always be looking for ways to help their employees succeed. They should also be confident in themselves and their abilities. As a leader, it’s my job to set an example for others. If I am unsure of something, I will admit it rather than make up an answer or give false information.”

18. How would you deal with a patient who refuses your medical advice?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with patients. Use examples from previous experience where you were able to effectively convince a patient to follow medical advice or treatment plans.

Example: “I would first try to understand why the patient is refusing my advice. I would then explain the importance of following through with the plan, while also listening to their concerns. If they still refuse, I would document it in their file so that our team could discuss alternative options for care. In this situation, I would continue to work with the patient until we find an effective solution.”

19. What does customer service mean to you?

Customer service is an important part of working in a hospital. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of providing excellent customer service to patients and their families. Use your answer to explain that you value empathy, patience and kindness when interacting with others.

Example: “Customer service means making sure every patient feels cared for and respected. I believe it’s important to listen to what people have to say and respond with genuine care. When someone comes into our facility looking for help, they are often scared or nervous. It’s my job to put them at ease so they can get the treatment they need. In my last role, I was able to do just that by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.”

20. When was the last time you went above and beyond to help a patient?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your bedside manner and how you treat patients. It’s important to show that you care about your patients’ well-being, so it’s helpful if you can provide an example from your previous job where you went above and beyond for a patient.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse at a hospital, one of my patients had a rare condition that made it difficult for him to communicate with me. He would often become frustrated when he couldn’t tell me what he needed or wanted. One day, I noticed that he kept writing down the same thing over and over again. So, I asked him to write it out for me, and he wrote ‘I’m thirsty.’ I immediately got him some water and communicated with him more effectively after that.”