20 Hackensack Meridian Health Interview Questions and Answers

Hackensack Meridian Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. With over 30,000 employees, they are always looking for qualified candidates to join their team.

When interviewing with Hackensack Meridian Health, be prepared to answer questions about your experience in the healthcare industry, your knowledge of the company’s mission and values, and your ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to providing the best possible care for their patients. They are looking for candidates who share their commitment to excellence and who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.

Hackensack Meridian Health Interview Process

The interview process at Hackensack Meridian Health can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. The interviews are generally fairly straightforward and easy to complete. However, some applicants have reported that the process can take several weeks to complete.

1. Why do you want to work at Hackensack Meridian Health?

This question is an opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the position and the organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of Hackensack Meridian Health that you are excited about or how you feel you would fit in with the team.

Example: “I am passionate about working at a hospital that puts patients first. I have heard great things about Hackensack Meridian Health’s patient-centered approach and want to be part of a team that makes healthcare more accessible and affordable. I also love the idea of being able to work in a community where I know many of my patients personally.”

2. Are there any special skills or training you have that would make you a good fit for the role?

Hackensack Meridian Health is looking for candidates who have the skills and training to excel in their role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list any relevant certifications or experience you have that would make you a good fit for the position.

Example: “I am currently enrolled in an online course on coding languages. I’ve always been interested in learning more about how websites are built and maintained, so I thought this class would be a great way to get started. I also have several years of customer service experience, which has given me valuable insight into what patients and families need when they’re seeking care.”

3. Describe your experience with administering medication and IVs.

This question is designed to assess your experience with the medical field and how you interact with patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you administered medication or IVs and what steps you took to ensure that the patient received the correct dosage or treatment.

Example: “I have worked in several hospitals throughout my career as a nurse’s aide, where I assisted doctors and nurses with administering medications and IVs. In one instance, I was assisting a doctor who was treating a patient for an infection. The doctor asked me to administer the antibiotics to the patient while he attended to another patient. I reviewed the instructions on the bottle of antibiotics and followed them exactly, ensuring that the patient received the right dosage.”

4. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. When answering this question, think about what you’re good at and what you need to improve on. Try to focus on your strengths when talking about yourself.

Example: “I am very organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay focused on my work. I also have excellent communication skills, so I’m able to clearly explain complex ideas to others. However, I do sometimes get overwhelmed by large projects. To combat this, I make sure to break down the project into smaller tasks.”

5. How do you deal with stress? Give an example from previous employment.

Stress is a normal part of the workplace, and employers want to know how you handle it. When answering this question, be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “I find that stress can often come from feeling overwhelmed or not knowing what to do next. I try to take deep breaths when I feel stressed so I can calm myself down and focus on one task at a time. In my last job, I was working with a team member who had never done their job before. It was stressful because we were short-staffed, but I took a few moments to breathe and remind myself that I could only do my best. Then, I focused on delegating tasks to my coworker and helping them learn the ropes.”

6. Have you had any issues with coworkers in previous jobs? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of how you work with others and your ability to resolve conflicts. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had a conflict with a coworker and how you resolved it or improved your relationship with that person.

Example: “In my last job as an ER nurse, I worked with a physician who was very demanding when it came to patient care. He would often criticize nurses for their treatment plans and procedures, which made me feel like he didn’t trust our abilities. After several instances of him criticizing me in front of other coworkers, I decided to have a private conversation with him about his behavior. I told him that his comments were making me feel uncomfortable and asked if there was anything I could do to improve his experience working with me.”

7. Tell me about a time when you provided excellent customer service.

Customer service is an important part of the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with patients and their families. Use your answer to explain a time when you helped someone who was in need. Explain what steps you took to help them.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a patient who came into the office for a checkup. During our appointment, she told me that her husband was having trouble sleeping. She asked if there were any natural remedies we could recommend. I explained some of the different supplements we offer here and recommended one that would help him get better sleep. He ended up coming back later in the week to tell us how much it helped.”

8. Provide an example of a time when you dealt with several tasks simultaneously.

This question can help an interviewer determine your ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you were able to complete all of the tasks on your plate in a timely manner while still maintaining quality work.

Example: “In my current role as a nurse practitioner, I often have multiple patients that require care at once. In these situations, I make sure to give each patient the attention they need while also checking in with other staff members to ensure everyone is meeting their needs. This helps me balance my workload so I can provide excellent care for all of my patients.”

9. Do you prefer working in a team environment or working alone?

Working in a team environment is often more efficient than working alone, but some people prefer to work independently. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention how you feel about both types of environments and what your strengths are as an individual contributor or as part of a group.

Example: “I enjoy working in a team environment because I find that we can accomplish so much more when we all have different skills and perspectives. However, I also like working on my own projects and learning new things. In the past, I’ve worked well with others who were strong communicators and problem solvers.”

10. What is your availability like?

This question is a great way to determine if you’re a good fit for the position. Employers ask this question because they want to know when you can work and how often you’ll be able to come into the office. When answering, make sure you are honest about your availability. If you have any conflicts with their schedule, let them know so that they can find someone who’s available more often.

Example: “I am available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. I do not have any conflicts with those hours, however, I will need every other Friday off due to my son’s soccer practice.”

11. What shifts are you comfortable working?

This question is designed to assess your flexibility and willingness to adapt. It’s important for employees in healthcare to be flexible, as the needs of patients can change quickly. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you adapted to a new situation or challenge.

Example: “I’m comfortable working any shift that my employer requires me to work. I’ve worked nights, weekends and holidays before, and I understand how important it is to have staff available at all times. In fact, I once had to work an overnight shift because one of our nurses was sick. I was nervous about it at first, but I ended up enjoying it. The quiet night shift allowed me to focus on my work without interruption.”

12. Describe how you handled a difficult situation with a patient or coworker.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you respond to challenges and use your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped resolve conflict or worked through a challenge with a patient or coworker.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse practitioner, I had a patient who was experiencing symptoms of depression. While I knew that treating their physical ailments would help improve their mental health, they were resistant to taking antidepressants. After talking with them about why treatment is important for both their physical and mental health, they agreed to start taking medication. This allowed me to focus on other aspects of their care.”

13. What kind of technology skills do you have?

Hackensack Meridian Health is a large healthcare organization that provides many different services. They want to hire people who can use technology in their work and are comfortable with computers, phones and other devices. When you answer this question, list the computer programs you know how to use and any certifications you have.

Example: “I am very comfortable using computers and software. I have been working as an office manager for five years now, so I’ve had plenty of time to learn new things. I’m proficient at Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook. I also have my CompTIA A+ certification.”

14. Explain why you think communication is important when dealing with patients, families, visitors, and other staff members.

Hackensack Meridian Health is a large organization that provides many services to the community. The interviewer wants to know how you will communicate with patients, families and other staff members in an effective way. Use examples from your experience to show how you can effectively communicate with others.

Example: “I think communication is one of the most important skills for any healthcare professional because it allows us to share information about our patients’ health and treatment plans. I also believe it’s important to listen to what others have to say so we can understand their concerns or questions. In my last role as a nurse, I was responsible for communicating with patients and their families about their care plan. I would explain each step of the process and answer any questions they had.”

15. How long have you been working as a registered nurse?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it can benefit their organization. If you have been working as a registered nurse for many years, discuss some of the ways in which you’ve grown professionally. If this is your first job as a registered nurse, talk about what inspired you to pursue nursing as a career.

Example: “I’ve been working as a registered nurse for five years now. I started out as an emergency room nurse, but after two years, I felt ready to take on new challenges. So, I applied for a position at Hackensack Meridian Health and was hired as a pediatric nurse. Since then, I’ve learned so much about caring for children and their families. I’m excited to continue my professional development here.”

16. How many years of experience do you have as a pharmacy technician?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn about your experience level and how it compares to the job description. If you have more than five years of experience, share what makes you a valuable candidate for the position. If you’re new to the field, explain why you are qualified for the role despite your lack of experience.

Example: “I’ve been working as a pharmacy technician for three years now, and I’m excited to continue my career with Hackensack Meridian Health. In my current role, I work alongside two pharmacists who provide me with guidance and mentorship. As a result, I’ve learned many skills that make me an excellent candidate for this position.”

17. What types of medications can you administer?

This question is a common one in healthcare settings. It allows the interviewer to assess your knowledge of medications and how you interact with patients. In your answer, provide examples of the types of medications you administer and discuss any training or certifications you have that allow you to do so.

Example: “I am certified as an advanced practice nurse, which means I can administer most types of medications. However, my favorite part of administering medication is educating patients about their conditions and treatment plans. This helps them feel more comfortable with their care and understand why they need certain medications.”

18. Describe your experience with handling cash registers and giving change.

This question is a behavioral one that helps employers understand your experience with handling cash registers and giving change. Cash register skills are important for many positions in healthcare, including front desk receptionists, medical billing specialists and customer service representatives.

Example: “I have extensive experience using cash registers and giving change. I worked as a sales associate at a clothing store during my college years, where I was responsible for operating the cash register and helping customers find items on sale or in their size. I also helped customers make returns and exchanges when needed.”

19. How often do you check on your patients throughout the day?

This question is designed to determine how you interact with patients and their families. It also helps the interviewer understand your commitment to providing quality care. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you checked on a patient or family member and what that interaction was like.

Example: “I check in on my patients throughout the day. I find that by checking in regularly, I am able to provide better care for them. For example, last week I had a patient who was experiencing some pain. After checking in on him at 10 AM, 1 PM and 4 PM, I noticed he wasn’t eating his lunch. I went to see him again and found out he was having trouble swallowing. We were able to get him an ice pack and adjust his medication so he could eat again.”

20. Do you feel comfortable interacting with people who may be agitated or confused?

This question can help the interviewer assess your ability to work with patients who may be experiencing challenging emotions. It’s important for healthcare professionals to have strong interpersonal skills and a compassionate nature, so it’s helpful if you can demonstrate that you possess these qualities in your answer.

Example: “I feel very comfortable interacting with people of all ages and backgrounds. I find that my outgoing personality helps me put others at ease, which is especially helpful when they’re feeling anxious or confused. In fact, one of my favorite parts of being a nurse is getting to know new patients and their families. I enjoy learning about their lives and hearing their stories.”