20 Michigan Medicine Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviewing for a position at Michigan Medicine, you can expect to be asked questions that are specific to the health care system and academic medical center. In this guide, you will find a list of some common Michigan Medicine interview questions, as well as tips on how to answer them.

Michigan Medicine Interview Process

The interview process at Michigan Medicine can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will involve some combination of phone, Zoom, and in-person interviews. For some positions, you may be asked to complete a written test or provide a writing sample. Overall, the interview process is fairly standard and should not be too difficult for perspective employees.

1. How would you handle a situation where a patient was dissatisfied?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your customer service skills and how you handle conflict. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with patients in a compassionate way.

Example: “I would first listen to the patient’s concerns and then do my best to understand their perspective. I would apologize for any inconvenience or dissatisfaction they experienced and explain what steps I can take to make things right. If it was within my power, I would offer them a refund or discount on their next visit. If there is nothing I can do about the situation, I would refer them to someone else who could help.”

2. What is your experience with performing CPR and other basic life support techniques?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of medical procedures and how you can help patients in need. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about your experience with performing CPR and other basic life support techniques. If you have no experience, consider talking about the training you’ve received or any certifications you may have.

Example: “I am certified in CPR and first aid through the American Red Cross. I also completed an online course on advanced cardiac life support that helped me understand more complex issues related to heart health.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your decision-making skills and how you use them to make the best choices for yourself, your team or others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you had to make a difficult choice and what steps you took to evaluate all of your options before making that decision.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse manager, I was responsible for hiring new nurses into our department. One day, I received two applications from highly qualified candidates who were both looking for their first nursing job. After reviewing each candidate’s resume and conducting phone interviews with each one, I realized that they both would be excellent additions to our team. In this situation, I decided to conduct additional interviews with both applicants so that I could get to know them better and see if there was any way I could choose between them.”

4. Describe your approach to research.

Michigan Medicine is a research-intensive institution, so interviewers may ask you this question to learn more about your background in research. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you take when conducting research and how you use that information to improve patient care.

Example: “I believe that research is an important part of my job as a nurse because it helps me understand new ways to treat patients and find solutions for common health issues. In my last role, I was responsible for researching different treatment methods for patients with diabetes. After reading through several studies, I found that there were many similarities between those who followed a specific diet plan and those who took certain medications. This helped me develop a treatment plan for my patients that combined both approaches.”

5. Do you have any experience working in a team environment?

Working in a team environment is an important part of the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with others and that you can be a valuable member of their team. When answering, try to think of a time when you worked well with others on a project or task.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed working in teams because it allows me to learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives. In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I was responsible for managing a small group of nurses who were all new to the hospital. We met once a week to discuss our patients’ progress and any concerns we had about them. This helped us work together more effectively and develop strong relationships.”

6. Why do you want to work at Michigan Medicine?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of Michigan Medicine that interest you or how your skills and experience align with the job description.

Example: “I am passionate about working in an academic medical center because I enjoy learning alongside other professionals and sharing my knowledge with others. In my previous role as a nurse practitioner, I was able to teach many students who were just starting out in their careers. I also love the idea of being part of a large health care system where there is so much opportunity for collaboration.”

7. If a fellow employee were not following the proper protocol, how would you respond?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would respond to a challenging situation at work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to address the issue and encourage your colleague to follow proper procedures.

Example: “If I noticed that a fellow employee was not following protocol, I would first speak with them privately about the issue. If they were aware of their mistake but continued to make the same error, I would document the incident in case there are any issues later on. If my colleague was unaware of their mistake, I would explain why it is important to follow procedure and provide resources for learning more.”

8. Have you ever encountered an ethical dilemma? How did you resolve it?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your decision-making process and how you resolve conflicts. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation in which you had to make an ethical choice and the steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I was caring for a patient who was experiencing severe pain. The patient asked me if they could have additional medication because their current dosage wasn’t helping them feel better. I explained that we needed to follow our hospital’s policy of not giving out extra medication unless there is a medical reason. However, I also offered to speak with the doctor on duty to see if there were any exceptions to the rule.”

9. Do you understand that this position requires you to frequently lift patients?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your physical capabilities and ensure you can perform the job duties. In your answer, explain that you are physically capable of performing this task and provide an example of how you have done so in the past.

Example: “Yes, I understand that this position requires me to frequently lift patients. Throughout my career as a nurse, I’ve had to move patients who weigh up to 500 pounds. I use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury to myself or the patient. For instance, when moving a patient from their bed to a wheelchair, I always ask for help if needed and make sure to roll them onto the wheelchair rather than lifting them into it.”

10. Has there ever been a time when a member of your nursing staff disagreed with you? How did you resolve it?

This question can help interviewers understand how you handle conflict and resolve disagreements. It can also show them that you are willing to listen to other people’s opinions and take their feedback into consideration when making decisions.

Example: “I once had a nurse who disagreed with me about the best way to care for one of our patients. I listened to her opinion, asked her why she felt this way and then explained my reasoning. We decided on a compromise where we would try both methods and see which worked better. In the end, it turned out that my method was more effective.”

11. Can you describe what it takes to be successful in the research field?

Michigan Medicine is a research-intensive institution, so it’s important to show that you have the skills and experience necessary for success in this role. When answering this question, describe your ability to work independently or as part of a team, communicate effectively with others and solve problems.

Example: “I believe that being successful in the research field requires an individual who can think critically, collaborate with others and take initiative. I am highly organized and detail-oriented, which helps me stay on top of my projects. I also enjoy working with others to find solutions to complex problems. In my last position, I worked alongside two other researchers to develop a new treatment method for patients with chronic pain.”

12. Provide an example of a time where you had to stand up for something you believed in.

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your values and how you might fit in with the culture of their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific example that shows your dedication to what you believe in.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse practitioner at my previous hospital, we had a patient who came into the emergency room complaining of severe abdominal pain. After examining her, I determined she was pregnant and sent her for further testing. The results showed that she was going into labor, so I ordered her to be admitted to the hospital. However, when the doctors informed the patient’s husband, he refused to allow them to admit his wife because they were not married.

I stood up for my decision by explaining that I am a firm believer in women having access to safe medical care regardless of marital status or other factors. He eventually agreed to let us treat his wife, but I learned from him that many people hold similar beliefs to his. This experience taught me that even though some patients may disagree with our decisions, it is important to stand up for what we know is right.”

13. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. When answering this question, think of two or three strengths you have that are relevant to the position and explain how they help you succeed. Then, think of a weakness you have and explain what steps you’ve taken to improve it.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator, which helps me work well with others. I also have great attention to detail, which allows me to perform my job accurately and efficiently. My biggest weakness is that sometimes I get so focused on my work that I forget to take breaks. However, I’ve learned to set reminders for myself throughout the day to ensure I’m taking care of my health.”

14. Can you tell us about a time when you had to change course mid-project? What happened?

This question can help interviewers understand how you adapt to change and challenges. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a time when you had to make an important decision or solve a problem quickly.

Example: “In my last role as a nurse manager, I was working on a project that involved changing the way we communicated with patients. We were going to implement a new patient portal where they could communicate with their doctors online. However, after two months of work, we realized that our current system wasn’t compatible with the new technology. So, we decided to switch back to paper forms for another six months until we could upgrade our system.”

15. Are you willing to relocate or travel as part of this job?

Michigan Medicine is a large health care system that operates in multiple locations. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you are willing to relocate or travel for the job. When answering, be honest about your willingness to move or travel and discuss any experience you have with relocation or traveling for work.

Example: “I am open to relocating as part of this job. I understand that Michigan Medicine has many locations throughout the state, so I would be prepared to relocate anywhere within the state. I also understand that there are opportunities to work at other facilities outside of the state, so I am open to those opportunities as well.”

16. Is there anything else we should know about you?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you are a well-rounded person and have more to offer than just medical skills. You can use this time to talk about any other accomplishments, awards or community service work you’ve done.

Example: “I am also an avid runner who has completed several marathons in the past few years. I find it helps me stay fit and healthy while also providing some stress relief. I’m currently training for my next marathon, which will be in October.”

17. What has been your most challenging project and why was it so challenging?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you handle challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you overcame a challenge or faced a setback and still managed to achieve success.

Example: “My most challenging project was when I had to manage a large team of medical professionals at my previous hospital. This was my first time managing such a large group of people, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I learned that communication is key in any management position. I made sure to hold regular meetings with my team members to discuss their progress on patient care and other projects they were working on.”

18. We expect our nurses to be able to work independently while still being flexible enough to work on teams. Would you consider yourself to be more independent or collaborative?

This question is designed to help the interviewer understand your personality and how it might fit in with their organization. It’s important to be honest, but also highlight any skills you have that would make you a good fit for Michigan Medicine.

Example: “I am definitely more independent than collaborative. I enjoy working on my own and feel like I can get things done quickly and efficiently. However, I do recognize that collaboration is an important part of nursing, so I’m always willing to work with other nurses or doctors if needed.”

19. We need people who can problem solve quickly and efficiently here at Michigan Medicine. Can you give an example of a time where you solved a problem quickly?

Interviewers ask this question to see if you have the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. They want to know that you can adapt to new situations, learn from your mistakes and apply what you’ve learned to future challenges.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse in an emergency room, we had a patient who came in with a broken arm. We set it, but then they started complaining of pain. After checking their vitals, we realized that they were experiencing a blood clot. We immediately administered medication for the clot and monitored them closely until they were stable.”

20. This position involves working with children and adolescents. Is that something that you’re comfortable with?

Interviewers may ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable working with patients of a certain age. They want to know that you have experience in the field and can provide them with examples of how you’ve helped children or adolescents in the past.

Example: “I worked as a pediatric nurse for five years, so I’m very comfortable working with children. In my previous position, I was responsible for administering medication to children who were on chemotherapy. It’s important to me that I help children feel safe when they’re going through something difficult like cancer treatment.”