20 MedStar Health Interview Questions and Answers

MedStar Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization that operates 10 hospitals and more than 200 outpatient facilities in the Baltimore-Washington area. The company is dedicated to providing quality care for its patients and families.

When it comes to interviewing for a job at MedStar Health, you can expect to be asked questions about your experience in the healthcare industry, your knowledge of the company’s operations, and your ability to provide quality patient care. In this article, we will provide you with some sample MedStar Health interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your upcoming interview.

MedStar Health Interview Process

The interview process at MedStar Health can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening with a recruiter, followed by one or more in-person interviews. For some positions, you may also be required to complete a written assessment or take part in a panel interview. Overall, the interview process is thorough and can take several weeks to complete.

1. If you were hired, how would your previous experience help you in this position?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what this role entails and how your previous experience can help you succeed. When answering, it’s important to highlight skills or experiences that are relevant to the position.

Example: “I have a background in customer service, which I believe will be helpful in my new role as a patient care representative. As a customer service representative, I was responsible for helping customers with billing questions and resolving issues. This skill set will allow me to provide excellent customer service to patients and their families while also ensuring they receive accurate information about their medical bills.”

2. What do you think is the most important part of patient care?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the healthcare industry and how you can contribute to an organization. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight what you feel are the most important aspects of patient care and why they’re so vital.

Example: “I believe that communication with patients is one of the most important parts of providing quality care. Patients need to know exactly what to expect when they come in for treatment, and I think it’s my job as a nurse to make sure they understand everything we tell them. If there are any changes or updates to their diagnosis or treatment plan, I want to be the one to explain those changes to them.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure? How did you handle it?

This question is a great way to learn more about how you handle stress and pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to talk about a time when you were able to overcome the challenge of working under pressure.

Example: “When I was in nursing school, I had an assignment where we had to create a presentation on a medical condition. My group chose diabetes, which I knew nothing about. We only had two weeks to complete the project, so I spent every night studying for my classes and researching diabetes. The day before our presentation, one of my teammates got sick and couldn’t make it. I ended up having to present alone, but I did well enough that I received an A.”

4. Can you tell me about a time when you disagreed with a colleague or manager, how did you handle it?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle conflict and disagreements. It’s important to be honest in your answer, as it can show the employer that you’re willing to admit when you made a mistake or did something wrong.

Example: “I once disagreed with my manager about a patient’s treatment plan. I felt like we should have been more aggressive with their care, but my manager thought we were doing enough. After speaking with them further, they agreed with me and we changed the patient’s treatment plan.”

5. Do you have any medical certifications?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary certifications for the position. If they are looking for a nurse with a specialty certification, they will likely want to know if you have it. You can answer this question by listing any certifications you have and briefly explaining what they are.

Example: “I do have several certifications. I am certified in CPR, first aid and AED use. I also hold my nursing license in Maryland.”

6. Why do you want to work at MedStar Health?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your interest in their organization. When preparing for this interview, make sure you read through the job description and highlight any aspects that particularly interest you. Consider how these aspects align with your own career goals or values.

Example: “I am very interested in working at MedStar Health because of its mission to provide quality healthcare to all patients. I have always been passionate about helping others, especially those who are underserved. In my previous role as a nurse, I noticed many patients were unable to afford treatment. I started a program where we provided free care to low-income families. This experience has made me want to work somewhere where I can continue to help people.”

7. Describe an example of good customer service and bad customer service.

Customer service is an important part of any job, and healthcare professionals are no exception. Interviewers want to know that you understand the importance of customer service in your role as a nurse.

Example: “I once worked with a patient who was very demanding. He would call me at all hours of the night asking for more pain medication or complaining about something. I tried my best to be polite but firm with him, explaining that we had to follow certain protocols when it came to administering medications. Eventually, he stopped calling me so much, which made my life easier.”

8. Have you worked in a team environment before?

Working in a healthcare setting can often require teamwork. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and that you are comfortable doing so. In your answer, explain how you feel about teamwork and what makes you successful in a team environment.

Example: “I’ve worked in a hospital setting for the past five years, so I am very familiar with teamwork. My previous employer had us work together on many projects, which helped me learn more about my coworkers. I find that I’m quite good at collaborating with others. I always try to be respectful of other people’s opinions and ideas when we’re working on something as a group. This helps ensure that everyone feels included and valued.”

9. Are you comfortable working night shifts?

Working night shifts is a common requirement for healthcare professionals. Employers ask this question to make sure you are prepared to work nights and weekends if necessary. If you have experience working night shifts, explain why you enjoy them. If you don’t have any experience with night shifts, explain that you would be willing to learn how to do so.

Example: “I am comfortable working night shifts. In my previous position as a nurse, I worked the night shift every other weekend. I enjoyed it because it gave me time during the week to spend with my family. It also allowed me to get more sleep on the days I didn’t work at night.”

10. Give us an example of a time where you had to make a difficult decision and explain why that decision was made.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time you made a decision that was unpopular but ultimately the right choice. This can show your ability to make tough decisions and how you used critical thinking skills to arrive at the best possible outcome for all parties involved.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse manager, I had two nurses who were constantly arguing with each other. The conflict between them was affecting their work performance and making it difficult for patients to receive care from either one. After speaking with both nurses about the issue, I learned they were having disagreements over patient care procedures. One nurse wanted to follow the hospital’s standard procedure while the other felt more comfortable using her own methods.

I decided to meet with the doctors on staff to discuss the situation. We came to the conclusion that there is no wrong way to treat a patient as long as the treatment is effective. As a result, we agreed to allow the nurse to use her own method as long as she followed up with the doctor after the patient left the hospital to ensure everything went well.”

11. What would you do if a coworker was not performing well?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you’re willing to speak up when necessary. When answering, it’s important to be honest about your intentions and show that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “I would first try to talk with them in private to see if there was a problem or misunderstanding. If they were still not performing well after our conversation, I would ask my manager for advice on what to do next. In this situation, I would want to make sure the coworker felt supported and understood why their performance was lacking.”

12. We are looking for someone who can adapt to change. What kind of changes have you dealt with in the past?

MedStar Health is a healthcare organization that’s constantly adapting to new technologies and ways of treating patients. They want to know how you’ll fit into their fast-paced environment, so they can determine if your skills match the job requirements. In your answer, explain what kind of changes you’ve experienced in previous roles and how you adapted to them.

Example: “I have worked for several different hospitals throughout my career, which has given me experience with change. I’m used to learning new systems and procedures quickly. When I first started working as an ER nurse, I had to adapt to many things at once, including patient care, hospital policies and medical terminology. However, I was able to learn everything I needed to know within a few weeks.”

13. In what ways could you contribute to our company culture?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you fit in with the team. To answer, think of a few things that you enjoy doing or ways you could help others at work.

Example: “I love working as part of a team, so I would be happy to volunteer for any events or activities that bring everyone together. For example, when I worked at my previous job, we had an annual company picnic where we all brought our families and enjoyed some time outside while getting to know each other better. I also like to bake, so I offered to make cookies for the event.”

14. What has been your greatest career accomplishment thus far?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what motivates you. It also helps them determine if your skills are a good fit for the position. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight an accomplishment that is relevant to the job description.

Example: “My greatest career accomplishment was when I helped my patient overcome their fear of needles. This patient had been avoiding getting blood work done because they were afraid of needles. They came in for a checkup and I asked how things were going. They told me about their fear and I assured them that we would do everything we could to make sure they felt comfortable. We talked through some strategies and techniques to help with anxiety. After our appointment, they said they felt much more confident and excited to get their next round of blood work.”

15. What would you do if you saw a fellow employee stealing from the company?

MedStar Health wants to know that you will report any suspicious activity. This is a common question for employers to ask because they want to ensure their employees are honest and trustworthy. When answering this question, be sure to emphasize your honesty and integrity.

Example: “I would immediately tell my manager or human resources department about the situation. I believe it’s important to always do what’s right, even if it means reporting another employee. If I saw someone stealing from MedStar Health, I would hope that others would do the same.”

16. What would you do if a coworker was acting inappropriately towards a patient?

MedStar Health wants to know that you will act appropriately and professionally in all situations. This question is a great way for them to see how you would handle this situation if it ever occurred. In your answer, be sure to show the interviewer that you are willing to take action when necessary.

Example: “I would first try to speak with my coworker privately about their behavior. If they continued to act inappropriately towards patients, I would report them to my supervisor immediately. I believe that we should always treat our patients with respect and kindness. It’s important to me that everyone feels safe and comfortable while receiving care.”

17. Can you give us some examples of teamwork?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to see if you are a team player and how you work with others. When answering, think of a time when you worked well with your colleagues or other professionals. Try to highlight any skills that helped you collaborate effectively.

Example: “I believe teamwork is essential for success. In my last position as a nurse, I was working with a new doctor who had just started at our hospital. We were both trying to learn each other’s style and find what worked best. After a few weeks, we found a rhythm and began to work together more efficiently. It takes some time to get used to someone else’s way of doing things, but it’s worth it in the end.”

18. How would you manage an upset patient?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would manage the situation and what steps you would take to ensure a positive outcome for both yourself and the patient.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse, I had a patient who was upset because they were experiencing pain after their surgery. The patient became increasingly agitated when I explained that there wasn’t anything more we could do at this time. Instead of arguing with them or trying to explain further, I asked if they wanted me to call someone else in the family to come sit with them. They agreed, so I called their spouse and explained the situation. This helped calm the patient down and allowed me to focus on other patients.”

19. How much hands-on experience do you have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have enough experience to succeed in this role. If you don’t have much, it’s important to explain what other relevant skills and experiences you do have that will allow you to be successful in this position.

Example: “I’ve worked as a nurse for five years now, but I also have extensive training in medical coding and billing. This is something I learned on my own because I wanted to understand how these processes work so I could better serve patients. I think my knowledge of coding and billing would make me an asset to MedStar Health.”

20. Would you be ok working long hours?

Working in healthcare can be a demanding job. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re prepared for the long hours and shifts that come with working in a hospital setting. When answering, explain how your work ethic will help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I understand that working in healthcare means long hours and overnight shifts. I am committed to providing excellent care to my patients no matter what time of day it is. I have always been someone who prioritizes their work over other things in life, so I know I would be able to handle the demands of this position.”