20 Mount Sinai Health System Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a position at Mount Sinai Health System, you can expect questions that assess your skills and experience in relation to the role you’re applying for. However, you may also be asked some company-specific interview questions that explore your fit with Mount Sinai’s values and culture.

Answering these questions well can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate that you’re the right person for the job. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of sample Mount Sinai interview questions and answers.

Mount Sinai Health System Interview Process

The interview process at Mount Sinai Health System can vary in length depending on the position you are applying for. However, most candidates report that the process is fairly lengthy, often taking several weeks to complete.

During the interview process, you can expect to participate in multiple interviews with different members of the organization, including both managers and human resources representatives. Candidates report that the interviews are generally quite difficult, often asking behavioral and technical questions.

Overall, the interview process at Mount Sinai Health System is a positive experience. The organization is very thorough in their hiring process, and they take the time to get to know each candidate.

1. What is your experience working in a hospital setting?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience in the healthcare industry. If you have previous experience working in a hospital, describe what your job duties were and how they helped prepare you for this role. If you do not have any prior experience, explain why you are passionate about working in the medical field.

Example: “I worked as an emergency room nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital for three years before moving to my current position. In that role, I cared for patients of all ages who came into the ER with various injuries and illnesses. This experience taught me how to work well under pressure and communicate effectively with other members of the health care team.”

2. How would you handle a difficult patient or customer?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of a time you helped a patient or customer feel more comfortable or satisfied with their experience.

Example: “I once had a patient who was very upset about the wait time in our emergency room. I listened to his concerns and explained that we were experiencing high volumes of patients that night but assured him that he would be seen as soon as possible. He appreciated my honesty and understanding, and by the end of his visit, he thanked me for all of the care he received.”

3. What are some of the challenges that nurses face today?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your nursing skills and how you handle challenges. Use examples from your experience to show that you are able to overcome obstacles and achieve success in your career.

Example: “The biggest challenge I see today is the lack of communication between doctors, nurses and patients. In my last position, I noticed that many patients were confused about their treatment plans because they weren’t informed by their doctors or nurses. To solve this problem, I started holding weekly meetings with all members of the medical team so we could discuss each patient’s progress and any concerns.”

4. Why do you want to work at Mount Sinai Health System?

This question is an opportunity to show your interest in the Mount Sinai Health System and its mission. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific aspect of the organization that you admire or something about the job that excites you.

Example: “I want to work at Mount Sinai Health System because I am inspired by the hospital’s commitment to providing exceptional care for their patients. In my previous role as a nurse, I saw how much our team cared for our patients and each other, which made me excited to come to work every day. I would love to be part of a team that cares so deeply for one another and our patients.”

5. Do you have any experience with research?

The Mount Sinai Health System is a research-intensive institution, and they want to ensure that their candidates have the experience necessary to succeed in this role. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight your relevant skills and experiences with research.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in research, so I completed my undergraduate degree in biology. During my time as an undergraduate student, I worked as a lab assistant for several professors, which helped me develop my skills in research. In my current position, I am responsible for conducting research on patient satisfaction surveys.”

6. Describe an example of when you had to make decisions on behalf of a patient without consulting their physician first.

This question is an opportunity to show your critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of a patient.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse, I had a patient who was admitted for severe abdominal pain. The physician ordered several tests to rule out any serious conditions, but they were all negative. After speaking with the patient about their symptoms, I learned that they had been experiencing similar pains for years. They told me that it was normal for them to have these types of pains and that they would go away on their own after a few hours.

I discussed this information with the physician, and we decided to discharge the patient so they could return home and rest. We agreed to monitor the patient closely by phone and re-admit them if the pain persisted.”

7. Have you ever worked as part of a team? If so, how did you contribute to team success?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you contribute to a team’s success. To answer, think of a time when you worked as part of a team and the positive impact it had on the project or task at hand.

Example: “I have worked as part of a team in my previous role as an emergency room nurse. In that position, I was part of a team of nurses who would work together to care for patients during their hospital stay. We would communicate with each other throughout our shifts to ensure we were all aware of any changes in patient status. This helped us provide exceptional care to our patients.”

8. Give us an example of a time where you were able to help someone be more efficient at work.

This question is a great way to show your leadership skills and how you can help others succeed. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of helping someone be more efficient at work.

Example: “When I first started working as an administrative assistant, I noticed that one of my coworkers was always running late for meetings. After talking with her about it, she told me that she had trouble finding files in our filing system. We talked about different ways we could organize the filing system so it would be easier for everyone to find documents. She also created a color-coded filing system that made it easy for anyone to locate specific documents.”

9. Tell me about a time you had to deal with conflict in a research environment. How did you manage it?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your ability to work with others and resolve conflict. Use examples from your past experience to highlight your communication skills, problem-solving abilities and teamwork skills.

Example: “In my last position as a research scientist at a pharmaceutical company, I had to deal with conflict between two of my colleagues who were working on the same project. One colleague was making changes to the project without communicating them to the other researcher, which led to confusion and miscommunication. I met with both researchers separately to discuss their concerns and find a solution that would benefit everyone.”

10. What was the most significant thing you learned from your previous job?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what experiences have helped you grow as a professional. When answering this question, it can be helpful to focus on one or two specific skills that you’ve developed over time.

Example: “The most significant thing I learned from my previous job was how to manage multiple projects at once. At my last job, I had to work with many different departments to ensure we were all working toward the same goals. This experience taught me how to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities effectively.”

11. How do you keep up to date with new and developing technologies?

The healthcare industry is constantly changing, and employers want to know that you are committed to learning new things. Show them that you have a passion for technology and innovation by describing how you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field.

Example: “I am passionate about technology and always looking for ways to improve my skills. I subscribe to several online newsletters and blogs where I can learn more about the newest technologies in healthcare. I also attend conferences and seminars on topics like artificial intelligence and machine learning because they’re becoming increasingly important in the medical field.”

12. Do you have any medical certifications?

The Mount Sinai Health System is looking for candidates who are committed to their professional development and have a desire to learn more about the medical field. If you have any certifications, be sure to list them in your resume or cover letter.

Example: “I am certified as an emergency medical technician (EMT) through the American Red Cross. I also hold a CPR certification from the American Heart Association.”

13. Tell me about a time when you helped someone improve their skills.

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your leadership skills and how you’ve helped others grow in their careers. Use examples from your past experience to show that you’re a strong leader who’s willing to help others succeed.

Example: “In my last position, I had a colleague who was new to our department. She struggled with her work at first because she didn’t know all of the processes we used for patient care. I offered to train her on some of the basics so she could feel more comfortable working independently. After a few weeks, she felt confident enough to start working on her own without any assistance.”

14. Explain what type of role you see yourself playing within the company.

This question is a great way to determine what type of career path you’re looking for within the company. It’s also an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have done some research on the organization and understand its goals.

Example: “I see myself as a leader in this role, helping my team members develop their skills and providing them with guidance when they need it. I’m excited about working at Mount Sinai because I know there are many opportunities here for me to grow professionally and help others do the same.”

15. Would you say you prefer working alone or in a group?

This question can help an interviewer get a sense of how you might fit into the team at Mount Sinai. It’s important to be honest about your preferences, but also highlight any skills that make you adaptable and able to work in different situations.

Example: “I definitely prefer working alone when I’m focused on a task or project. However, I’ve found that I am quite good at collaborating with others when needed. For example, if I need input from someone else on a project, I find it helpful to ask for their thoughts and opinions so we can work together to solve problems and complete tasks.”

16. How well do you work independently?

The Mount Sinai Health System is a large organization that requires employees to work independently. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn more about your ability to complete tasks without much supervision. Use your answer to highlight your independence and self-motivation. Explain how you plan your own schedule, manage your time and stay organized.

Example: “I am an extremely independent person who can thrive in a fast-paced environment. I have always been able to balance my workload while managing my time well. In my previous role as a medical assistant, I was responsible for scheduling appointments, filing paperwork and other administrative duties. I learned how to prioritize my tasks so I could get everything done on time.”

17. Provide examples of times when you showed compassion to patients and co-workers.

The Mount Sinai Health System wants to know that you have a genuine interest in helping others. When answering this question, try to provide specific examples of how you helped someone or provided emotional support.

Example: “When I was working as an emergency room nurse, I had a patient who came into the hospital with severe anxiety and depression. She was worried about her health and didn’t want to leave the hospital because she felt safe there. I talked to her for hours, trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. Eventually, she agreed to go home but promised me she would call if she needed anything.”

18. How do you think social media can benefit healthcare organizations?

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to educate the public about health issues and promote healthy lifestyles. It can also help healthcare organizations connect with patients, recruit new employees and raise funds for research. When answering this question, it’s important to show your enthusiasm for using social media in these ways.

Example: “I think social media is an excellent way to share information about health issues and encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices. I have seen how effective social media can be at connecting people who are interested in similar topics or causes. For example, when I worked as a nurse, I started a Facebook group where we shared tips on caring for newborn babies. The group grew so large that we were able to start our own private forum where parents could ask questions and get advice from other experts.”

19. How would you handle being told by a senior colleague that you are wrong?

This question can help interviewers understand how you respond to constructive criticism and whether you are open to learning from others. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation in which you were told you were wrong and what steps you took to learn more about the topic or correct your mistake.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, my supervisor noticed that I would often prescribe patients with certain medications without first checking their blood levels. She pulled me aside one day and explained that this could lead to dangerous side effects for some patients. After she explained why it was important to check blood levels before prescribing medication, I made sure to double-check all of my patient’s blood levels before writing any prescriptions.”

20. What made you decide to pursue this career?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are passionate about your career. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share a personal story or experience that led you to pursue this career.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have always been interested in medicine. My mother had a difficult pregnancy with my brother, so she would take me to her appointments at Mount Sinai Health System. The doctors and nurses were all very kind and caring, which made me want to become a doctor myself. I knew then that I wanted to make others feel as comfortable and safe as those patients did.”