20 Duke University Health System Interview Questions and Answers

Duke University Health System is one of the leading healthcare providers in the United States. With over 2,700 licensed beds and more than 28,000 employees, Duke University Health System offers a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized treatment.

If you’re applying for a job at Duke University Health System, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of Duke University Health System interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Duke University Health System Interview Process

The interview process at Duke University Health System can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one interview, if not multiple interviews. For some positions, you may be interviewed by a panel of people, while for others it may just be a one-on-one conversation. Overall, the interview process is generally pretty straightforward and easy to navigate.

1. Do you have any experience working with children?

Duke University Health System is a large health care facility that offers many different services. One of the most important services they provide is pediatric care, and your interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with children. If you have any experience working with children in a healthcare setting, describe it briefly. If not, explain why you would enjoy working with them.

Example: “I worked as a camp counselor for five summers during college. I loved being able to work with kids every day and help them grow and develop new skills. I also volunteered at my local hospital’s pediatric ward one night per week while I was in school. It was an amazing opportunity to get hands-on experience working with children.”

2. Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment?

Working in a hospital setting can be hectic at times. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working in an environment where there is often little time to sit and think about your next move. They also want to know that you have the ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and focused when things get busy.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. I thrive under pressure and always seem to find a way to meet deadlines even when it seems impossible. My previous employer was very busy, so I had to learn how to balance multiple tasks at once. Now, I’m confident in my ability to multitask and work quickly.”

3. What is your experience and education level as it relates to this position?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to get an idea of your qualifications and how they relate to this position. When answering, be sure to include any relevant education or experience you have that relates to the job description.

Example: “I am currently working on my master’s degree in nursing with a specialization in emergency care. I also have two years of experience as a registered nurse at Duke University Hospital where I worked in the ER department. My educational background and professional experience make me well-suited for this role.”

4. How would you handle a patient that was being uncooperative?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to work with challenging patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had to handle a difficult patient and how you did so successfully.

Example: “I once worked with a patient who was very uncooperative when I tried to get them to take their medication. They refused to take the pills for several days in a row, which made it hard to treat their condition. After talking with them about why they were refusing treatment, we came up with a solution that would make them more comfortable taking their medication. We agreed on a time of day when they could take their pills privately, which helped them feel more at ease.”

5. Describe a time when you had to make an important decision regarding a patient’s care.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and whether you have experience making important choices. Use your answer to highlight your critical thinking skills, ability to collaborate with others and commitment to patient care.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse in an emergency room, I had a patient who came in after being involved in a car accident. The patient’s vitals were stable, but they were complaining of pain in their leg. After examining the patient, I determined that there was no evidence of broken bones or other serious injuries. However, I also noticed that the patient was having difficulty standing up straight.

I decided to order a CT scan to ensure that the patient didn’t have any internal bleeding or other issues. Fortunately, the scan showed that the patient only had minor bruising. I explained my decision to the patient and their family members, and we agreed on a plan for treatment.”

6. What are some of the challenges you see facing nurses today?

Duke University Health System wants to know that you understand the challenges facing nurses and how they can be overcome. This question is an opportunity for you to show your understanding of the nursing profession and how you would help improve it.

Example: “The biggest challenge I see facing nurses today is burnout. Nurses are often overworked, which leads to them feeling stressed and exhausted. Burnout can lead to a decrease in quality of care, which is why it’s important to find ways to reduce stress and increase morale among nurses. One way I’ve done this at my current job is by implementing regular team-building exercises. These exercises allow us to get to know each other better and build trust with one another. Trust between coworkers makes it easier to ask for help when needed.”

7. Tell me about a time where you worked on a team, what were your responsibilities?

Working in a healthcare setting often requires teamwork. Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. Use your answer to explain what you enjoy about working as part of a team. Share an example of how you helped contribute to the success of a project or task.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed working in teams because it allows me to get different perspectives from my coworkers. In my last position, I worked on a team that was responsible for updating patient records. My role was to update the medical history section of each record. I would read through the notes and add any missing information. Then, I would send the updated file to my teammates so they could complete their tasks.”

8. Why do you want to work at Duke University Health System?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at Duke University Health System. They want to know what attracted you to their organization and whether it’s a good fit for you. Use this opportunity to highlight any personal or professional reasons that make Duke University Health System an attractive employer.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in healthcare, but I never knew how much I enjoyed working with patients until I started my current job as a nurse. Working with people who are sick and in pain can be challenging, but I love being able to help them feel better. I also enjoy learning new things every day, which is why I’m excited to work at Duke University Health System.”

9. What are your future career goals?

Duke University Health System wants to know that you have a long-term career plan. This is because they want their employees to be happy and stay with the company for many years. When answering this question, it’s important to show your interest in working at Duke University Health System. You can also mention any skills or certifications you’re hoping to get in the future.

Example: “I hope to one day become an emergency room doctor. I’m currently taking classes to earn my certification as a registered nurse. Once I’ve earned my RN certification, I would like to continue studying to become an ER doctor.”

10. How would you deal with a difficult patient or family member?

As a nurse, you may encounter patients or family members who are upset. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and experience needed to handle these situations. In your answer, share an example of how you handled a difficult patient or family member in the past. Explain what steps you took to resolve the situation.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse, I had a patient who was very upset about their diagnosis. They were worried that they would never be able to return to work again. I listened to them and assured them that we could help them get better. I also explained our treatment plan to them so they understood what we were doing. After talking with them for a while, they felt more at ease.”

11. What qualities do you think make a good nurse?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their organization. It also helps them understand what qualities you think are important for nursing, which can be helpful if they’re looking for someone who shares those values. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention specific examples of times when you displayed these qualities or used them to benefit patients.

Example: “I believe that compassion is one of the most important qualities a nurse can have. I’ve seen firsthand how much having a compassionate nurse can make a patient’s experience better, especially when they’re going through something difficult. Another quality I think makes a good nurse is being able to remain calm under pressure. In my last position, I had a patient who was very anxious about their procedure, but I was able to talk to them and reassure them until they felt more comfortable.”

12. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to answer honestly. Employers ask this question because they want to know what your strengths are so that you can use them on the job and how you plan to improve any weaknesses. When answering this question, be sure to focus on your strengths and avoid talking about your weaknesses too much.

Example: “I think my biggest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to help others out when needed and have been praised for being an excellent team member. My weakness would probably be that I sometimes get overwhelmed by large projects. To combat this, I make sure to break down big projects into smaller tasks so that I can stay organized.”

13. What is your approach to handling stressful situations?

Working in a hospital setting can be stressful. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and abilities needed to handle stress. When answering, try to show that you are able to stay calm under pressure. Explain how you use your problem-solving skills to find solutions to problems.

Example: “I understand that working in a hospital setting can be stressful. However, I actually enjoy being challenged by stressful situations. In my last role as a nurse, I was responsible for managing several patients at once. This led to some stressful situations, but I always tried to remain calm. I would assess the situation and then come up with a plan of action. I am confident in my ability to solve problems, so I know I can help others do the same.”

14. Provide an example of a time when you provided exceptional customer service.

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example that shows your ability to communicate with others and solve problems.

Example: “When I worked as a receptionist at my previous job, I had a patient who was very upset because they were waiting for their prescription for over two hours. I immediately went to speak with the pharmacist to see if there was anything I could do to help speed up the process. The pharmacist told me that the prescription required special processing, so there wasn’t much I could do. However, I stayed on the phone with the patient until their prescription was ready.”

15. We’re looking for someone who has great communication skills. Can you tell us about a time when you demonstrated those skills?

Communication skills are important for any healthcare professional. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with patients, colleagues and other members of their team. When you answer this question, try to think of a specific example from your past experience.

Example: “In my last role as a nurse practitioner, I had to explain complex medical information to patients who were experiencing different symptoms. I always made sure to use simple language that they could understand. If someone was having trouble understanding what I was saying, I would repeat myself or provide additional examples until they understood everything.”

16. What do you know about our organization?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your research skills and determine whether you are familiar with their organization. Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly read through the job description and any other information about the position that was provided by the recruiter or hiring manager. You can also use Google to search for news articles or social media posts about the hospital to learn more about recent events or initiatives.

Example: “I am very excited to be interviewing for this position at Duke University Health System because I have heard so many wonderful things about the facility. I know that it’s one of the top hospitals in the country and has an excellent reputation for providing quality care. I would love to work here because I feel like my background and experience could really benefit the team.”

17. Have you ever been involved in a situation where you needed to resolve a conflict between co-workers?

This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict. Use examples from past experiences where you were able to successfully work with a team of people, even if it was just one other person.

Example: “In my current role as an ER nurse, I have worked alongside many different physicians. In one instance, I had a physician who would often come in late for their shift. This caused them to rush through patient care, which led to mistakes being made. I approached this physician privately about the issue and explained how their behavior affected the rest of the staff. They understood and resolved the issue by arriving on time every day.”

18. Which nursing specialty interests you the most?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interests and goals. It’s also an opportunity to show them that you have done some research on their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two specialties that are unique to Duke University Health System.

Example: “I am very interested in working with newborns and infants. I love how rewarding it is to help these little ones get off to a healthy start in life. In my previous role as a pediatric nurse, I was able to work with many families who were expecting. This helped me develop strong communication skills and build trust with parents.”

19. What type of work schedule are you interested in?

Duke University Health System is a 24-hour facility, so they want to make sure you’re comfortable working in that type of environment. They also want to know if you have any scheduling preferences or limitations. When answering this question, be honest about your availability and discuss how flexible you are.

Example: “I am available for any shift as long as it’s within the normal work hours. I prefer to work five days per week, but I’m willing to do whatever is best for the team. I’ve worked rotating shifts before, and I find them quite manageable. I think my ability to adapt makes me an excellent candidate for this position.”

20. Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?

Duke University Health System is a large employer that offers many opportunities for advancement. If you’re interested in working for this organization, it’s important to be willing to relocate if necessary. When answering this question, make sure to emphasize your willingness to move and discuss the steps you would take to ensure a smooth transition.

Example: “I am open to relocating as long as I can bring my family with me. In fact, I have already started looking at homes in Durham so that I can get an idea of what neighborhoods are best. I also plan on visiting Duke University Health System’s campus before moving so that I can familiarize myself with the area.”