20 Hoag Memorial Hospital Interview Questions and Answers

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a not-for-profit regional health care delivery network in Orange County, California that treats more than 30,000 inpatients and 400,000 outpatients annually. Hoag consists of two acute-care hospitals – Hoag Hospital Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital Irvine – as well as eight urgent care centers.

If you’re applying for a job at Hoag Memorial Hospital, 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 Hoag interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Hoag Memorial Hospital Interview Process

The interview process at Hoag Memorial Hospital can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least two interviews, one with a recruiter and one with a manager. Some positions may also require a panel interview or an assessment. The length of the hiring process can also vary, but it is typically around two months.

1. How would you describe your leadership style?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a large facility with many departments and employees. The interviewer wants to know how you would lead your team if hired, so they ask this question. A good answer shows that you are able to work in a large organization while also being empathetic to the needs of your team members.

Example: “I believe my leadership style is collaborative. I like to get input from everyone on my team before making decisions. This helps me make sure we’re all working toward the same goals and gives people an opportunity to voice their opinions. It also allows me to understand what challenges each person may be facing and find ways to help them overcome those obstacles.”

2. What are some of your personal strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest. Employers want to know what your strengths are so they can use them when you’re on the job, but they also want to know about any weaknesses so they can help you improve or work around them. When answering this question, try to focus more on your strengths than your weaknesses.

Example: “I think my biggest strength is my ability to remain calm under pressure. I’ve worked in emergency rooms for several years now, and I’m used to working with patients who are experiencing high levels of pain or anxiety. I always make sure to speak calmly and clearly to patients and their families, which helps them feel more comfortable.

My weakness would probably be that I sometimes get overwhelmed by how much there is to do at work. Hoag Memorial Hospital is such a large facility, and I often have many tasks to complete at once. To combat this, I make sure to prioritize my tasks and set aside time each day to plan out my schedule.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an agitated patient, how did you handle it?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a large facility that treats many patients every day. The interviewer wants to make sure you have experience dealing with challenging situations and can handle them effectively. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to remain calm under pressure.

Example: “I once had a patient who was very upset because they were in pain and wanted immediate attention. I calmly explained the process of triage and how we prioritize patients based on their needs. I also told them about our emergency room wait times so they knew what to expect. This helped ease some of their anxiety and allowed me to focus on other patients.”

4. Do you have experience working in a fast-paced environment?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a busy facility that provides care to many patients each day. The interviewer wants to make sure you have the experience and skills necessary to work in a fast-paced environment. Use your answer to highlight your ability to multitask, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Example: “I’ve worked in a fast-paced environment for most of my career as a nurse. I find it easy to manage multiple tasks at once while still providing quality patient care. In fact, I enjoy working in an environment where there are always new challenges to overcome. I’m confident that I can adapt to any situation or circumstance that may arise.”

5. Can you tell us about one of your most successful projects that you worked on recently?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential new employer and the work you’ll be doing. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe what made the project successful and how it benefited the company or organization.

Example: “At my current job, I worked on a team that was tasked with creating a new patient portal for our hospital. We had to create an easy-to-use interface that would allow patients to view their medical records, schedule appointments and communicate with doctors online. The project took several months to complete, but we were able to successfully launch the new portal last year. Since then, the number of patients who have signed up for the portal has increased by 20%, which has helped us save money on printing costs.”

6. Are you comfortable handling potentially hazardous materials?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a Level II trauma center, which means it treats patients with severe injuries. The interviewer wants to make sure you are comfortable working in this environment and that you have the necessary skills to do so safely. If you have experience handling hazardous materials, mention it in your answer. If not, explain how you would learn to handle them if needed.

Example: “I worked at a hospital where we had to treat patients who were exposed to hazardous materials. I learned how to protect myself from these materials by wearing appropriate protective gear. I also learned how to clean up spills and dispose of contaminated waste.”

7. If hired, what do you think the biggest challenges will be for you?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your personality and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention one or two specific challenges that you have overcome in the past.

Example: “The biggest challenge I think I will face at Hoag Memorial Hospital is learning all of the different systems and procedures. There are so many things going on here, and I am excited to get started learning everything. In my last position, I had to learn a new computer system, which was challenging at first but became easier over time. I’m confident that I can do the same thing here.”

8. Why do you want to work at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at their hospital. They want to know that you are passionate about the work they do and why it’s important to you. When answering this question, make sure to highlight what aspects of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian appeal to you most.

Example: “Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian has been my dream job since I was a child. My parents both worked here when I was growing up, so I spent many days hanging out in the pediatric ward with them. Seeing how much joy they brought to the children there inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Now, I’m ready to start my own journey as a pediatric nurse.”

9. Describe your experience working with patients who have special needs.

Hoag Memorial Hospital has a reputation for providing exceptional care to patients with special needs. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working with these types of patients and how you approach their care. Use examples from your previous work experience or describe what you would do in this situation.

Example: “I’ve worked with many patients who have special needs, including those with developmental disabilities, autism and Alzheimer’s disease. I always make sure that they understand everything we’re doing during their treatment so they feel comfortable and safe. When I’m not able to communicate with them verbally, I use visual aids and gestures to help them understand what I’m saying. I also encourage family members to be present when possible so they can learn about the patient’s condition.”

10. Which shift are you available to work?

Hoag Memorial Hospital has three shifts: day, evening and night. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you are available for the shift they need to fill. If you have flexibility in your schedule, be honest about which hours you can work and why you would be a good fit for any of them.

Example: “I am available to work all three shifts. I prefer working the evening shift because it gives me time during the day to spend with my family. However, I am flexible and willing to work whatever hours Hoag needs me.”

11. Are you able to lift 50 pounds or more if needed?

Hoag Memorial Hospital may ask this question to ensure you are physically capable of performing the job duties. If you have any physical limitations, it’s important to mention them in your answer so that they can understand if there is anything you might not be able to do. In your answer, explain what types of lifting you’re comfortable doing and how often you would need to lift 50 pounds or more.

Example: “I am comfortable lifting 50 pounds or more as needed. I typically only need to lift patients who weigh up to 100 pounds, but occasionally I’ll need to lift a patient who weighs 150 pounds. I’m confident in my ability to perform these tasks.”

12. Have you ever had any issues following hospital protocol?

Hoag Memorial Hospital wants to ensure that all employees follow the hospital’s protocol. This question helps them understand how you handle situations where you may not agree with a policy or procedure. In your answer, explain what happened and how you resolved it.

Example: “At my previous job, we had a strict no-cellphone policy while on duty. I was working one night when an emergency situation occurred at home. My husband called me, but I couldn’t answer because I wasn’t allowed to use my phone. He left a message asking me to call him back as soon as possible. I knew if I didn’t respond, he would worry more. So, I quietly stepped into the hallway and returned his call. When my supervisor found out, she wrote me up for breaking the rules.”

13. How do you stay up to date on medical technology and procedures?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is looking for a nurse who can keep up with the latest medical technology and procedures. They want to make sure you are able to adapt to new technologies, treatments and equipment as they become available. Your answer should show that you have an interest in learning about advancements in healthcare. You can talk about how you stay informed on current research or how you attend conferences and seminars.

Example: “I am always interested in learning more about the newest developments in medicine. I subscribe to several journals and newsletters that provide information on recent studies and breakthroughs. I also like to attend conferences and seminars where experts discuss their findings. I find this helps me understand what types of treatment options may be available to my patients.”

14. Describe a time where you had to prioritize multiple tasks, how did you choose what comes first?

This question is a great way to show your ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you took to determine which task was most important.

Example: “When I worked as an ER nurse, there were many times where I had multiple patients that needed my attention at once. In these situations, I would first assess each patient’s condition and decide what their immediate needs were. For example, if one patient was in severe pain or distress, I would attend to them first before attending to other patients who may not need immediate care. After attending to those with urgent needs, I would then move on to less urgent tasks like checking vitals or administering medication.”

15. Would you feel comfortable performing CPR if necessary?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a large facility that offers many different services. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have experience performing CPR and other emergency procedures. If you do, share an example of when you performed CPR successfully. If you don’t, explain what your training was in the past and how comfortable you would be learning it on the job.

Example: “I’ve performed CPR before at my previous hospital. I had just started working there when we had a situation where a patient suddenly went into cardiac arrest. We immediately called for backup, but I volunteered to perform CPR until more staff arrived. It took me a few tries to get the rhythm right, but once I did, I was able to keep the patient alive until the paramedics arrived.”

16. Give an example of a time when you were faced with a stressful situation that demonstrated your coping skills.

Hoag Memorial Hospital is looking for candidates who can handle stressful situations and remain calm. This question allows you to show your ability to stay composed in a challenging situation. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight how you used your skills to solve the problem or manage the stress.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, we had a patient come in with severe injuries from a car accident. The patient was unconscious when they arrived at the hospital, so we didn’t know what their medical history was. We also didn’t have any family members present to tell us about allergies or other conditions that could complicate treatment.

I remained calm while my team worked on assessing the patient. We were able to determine that the patient had no known allergies and that there were no additional complications. With this information, we were able to treat the patient without any issues.”

17. How well do you work under pressure?

Hoag Memorial Hospital is a busy facility that often experiences high volumes of patients. The interviewer wants to know how you will handle the stress and pressure of working in such an environment. Use examples from your previous experience to show them that you can work well under pressure.

Example: “I have worked at Hoag for five years, so I am used to the fast pace and high volume of patients. However, when I first started here, it was quite overwhelming. Now, I feel confident in my abilities as a nurse and know what to expect during each shift. I also learned some techniques to help me manage the stress of this job. For example, I take short breaks throughout the day to stretch or walk around. This helps me stay focused and calm.”

18. In order to succeed here, we need our employees to take ownership and responsibility over their actions. Do you think you would be a good fit for this type of environment?

Hoag Memorial Hospital wants to know that you are a self-starter and can take initiative when needed. They want employees who will work hard, but also be honest about their mistakes. This is an important question because it helps them determine if you would fit in with the culture of Hoag Memorial Hospital.

Example: “I think I would be a great fit for this type of environment. I am someone who takes pride in my work and always strives to do my best. However, I understand that sometimes things happen beyond our control. If I make a mistake, I will own up to it and try to find ways to fix it.”

19. Give an example of a time when you went above and beyond for a patient.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for the medical field. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a patient or their family.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, there was a young boy who came in with his mother because he had broken his arm. He was very scared and nervous about getting his cast put on, so I stayed with him while they applied the cast and talked to him the entire time. Afterward, he thanked me and gave me a big hug. It’s moments like that when I know why I love my job.”

20. Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re able to respectfully disagree with your manager. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you disagreed with your manager but still completed your work well and received positive feedback from them.

Example: “I once had a disagreement with my manager about which software I should use for a project. My manager wanted me to use one program while I preferred another. In the end, we decided that I would do both projects using each software so we could compare results. After comparing the two projects, we found that I was right about the software I preferred.”