20 Northwell Health Interview Questions and Answers

When it comes to interviews, Northwell Health is all about the patient and customer. In order to provide the best possible care, they focus on questions that will help them get to know the person they are caring for. This means that their interview questions are going to be very different from other health care providers. If you are interviewing with Northwell Health, here are some questions you can expect.

Northwell Health Interview Process

The interview process at Northwell Health can vary depending on the position you are applying for. For some positions, such as Registered Nurse or Medical Assistant, the process may be relatively quick and easy. For other positions, such as Financial Analyst or Clinical Research Assistant, the process may be more lengthy, with multiple rounds of interviews. Overall, the interview process is generally positive, with friendly and accommodating staff.

1. What have you found to be the most difficult part of nursing?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your personality and how you handle challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something that is specific to nursing but also something that you overcame or learned from.

Example: “The most difficult part of nursing for me was when I first started out in my career. I had no experience working with patients, so I found it challenging to know what to do in certain situations. However, I took advantage of every training opportunity I could find, including online courses and hands-on practice. Eventually, I gained enough knowledge and confidence to feel comfortable as a nurse.”

2. Can you describe your approach to working with patients who are in pain?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you interact with patients and their families. It can also show them your ability to manage challenging situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you helped a patient who was in pain.

Example: “I have worked with many patients who are in pain, especially when I was working as an emergency room nurse. In my experience, there is no one approach that works for every patient. Instead, I try to learn about each patient’s unique needs and preferences. For example, some patients may prefer to take medication while others want alternative treatments like physical therapy or massage therapy. I always make sure to listen to what they need.”

3. Are you able to work on a team that has several different members from various backgrounds?

Working in a hospital setting can require you to work with many different people from various backgrounds. Employers ask this question to make sure that you are able to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. When answering, try to emphasize your ability to work well with others.

Example: “I have worked on teams before, so I know how important it is to be able to communicate with other team members. In my last position, I was the only nurse working in the emergency room at night. However, I still made sure to communicate with all of my coworkers during breaks or when they were covering for me.”

4. How would your previous coworkers describe you?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand what your coworkers think of you. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about how your coworkers would describe you while also highlighting any positive traits they may have mentioned.

Example: “My previous coworkers would probably say that I am a hard worker who is always willing to lend a hand when needed. They would also likely mention my ability to stay calm in stressful situations and my willingness to take on new challenges.”

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

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. This is an important skill for a healthcare professional because you will likely encounter patients who are unhappy with their care or the wait time in the hospital. When answering, try to focus on how you used your communication and problem-solving skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse at a local hospital, I had a patient who was upset about having to wait several hours before they could be seen by a doctor. The patient became increasingly agitated, but I remained calm and explained that there were many other patients waiting to see the same doctor. I also offered them some water and asked if they would like me to call someone to come pick them up so they can get some fresh air while they waited.”

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

This question is a great way to show your interest in the position and company. It also allows you to explain why you are qualified for the job. When answering this question, make sure that you highlight what attracted you to Northwell Health. Consider mentioning specific aspects of the organization that appeal to you.

Example: “I am very interested in working at Northwell Health because I have heard so many good things about it. I know that it’s a highly respected health care provider with an excellent reputation. I would love to be part of such a team. I’m also impressed by how much emphasis there is on patient care and customer service. I think those values align well with my own.”

7. Do you think it’s important to know more than just what is going on medically with a patient?

This question is a great way to show your interpersonal skills and how you can connect with patients. It’s important for medical professionals to be able to communicate effectively, so it’s helpful if they have strong communication skills.

Example: “I think it’s very important to know more than just the medical side of things when working with patients. I always try to get to know my patients as people first, which helps me better understand their needs and concerns. This also allows me to provide them with more personalized care.”

8. Describe how you prioritize your tasks throughout the day.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you manage your time and workload. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific example of how you prioritize tasks in your daily life.

Example: “I find that I am most productive when I have a set schedule for my day. For instance, I always start my workday by checking emails and responding to any urgent messages. After that, I move on to completing larger projects or assignments before moving onto smaller tasks like making phone calls or entering data into spreadsheets.”

9. Give us an example of a situation where you were able to use persuasion to successfully convince someone to see things your way.

This question is an opportunity to show your communication skills and ability to persuade others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of how you used persuasion to achieve a goal or convince someone to see things from your perspective.

Example: “In my previous role as a nurse, I had a patient who was very adamant about not taking their medication. They were convinced that the medication would make them feel worse, but I knew that if they didn’t take the medication, it could lead to more serious health issues down the road. So, I sat down with them and explained why it was important for them to take the medication and assured them that we would work together to find a dosage that worked best for them.”

10. Have you ever worked with patients who have disabilities or special needs? If so, how did you adapt to help them?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you adapt to working with patients who have unique needs. Use examples from your experience that show you’re willing to learn new skills and techniques for helping these types of patients.

Example: “I’ve worked with many patients who have disabilities or special needs, including children with autism and adults with developmental disabilities. I always make sure to ask what accommodations they need before their appointments so I can ensure we have everything in place when they arrive. For example, I once had a patient who needed a quiet room to take his medication during his appointment. I made sure our office was prepared with headphones and calming music.”

11. Explain the importance of compassion to you in the workplace.

Northwell Health is a health care provider that focuses on the patient experience. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your compassion and how it can benefit their organization. Use examples from your previous experiences to explain why you value compassion in the workplace.

Example: “Compassion is one of my most important values when working with patients. I believe that showing compassion for others is an essential part of being a good healthcare professional. In my last role, I worked as a nurse at a hospital where we had a high volume of patients. One day, I was caring for a patient who was very upset because they were waiting for test results. Instead of rushing them through their appointment, I took the time to listen to them and reassure them that everything would be okay.”

12. What was the toughest decision you’ve ever made and why was it tough?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your decision-making skills and how you handle challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation that was challenging but also resulted in positive outcomes or results.

Example: “The toughest decision I’ve ever made was when I had to decide whether or not to take on an additional patient who needed my services. This particular patient was very ill and required a lot of care, which would have been difficult for me to provide as a solo practitioner. However, I decided to accept the patient because I knew that if I didn’t, there wouldn’t be anyone else to treat them.”

13. We pride ourselves on our ability to connect with each patient on a personal level. How would you go about doing this as a nurse here?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with patients. It’s important for nurses to be able to build a rapport with their patients, as this can help them feel more comfortable during treatment.

Example: “I believe that the most effective way to connect with each patient is by listening to what they have to say. I try to make sure that I am actively engaged in conversation with my patients so that I can learn about their unique needs and preferences. This helps me provide better care because I know exactly how to treat each individual.”

14. How would you make sure that all of your duties were completed by the end of the shift?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize your work and ensure that all of your responsibilities are met. Use examples from previous experience to show how you complete tasks in a timely manner.

Example: “In my current role, I am responsible for completing patient intake forms before each shift starts. This helps me stay organized and ensures that I have everything ready to go when it’s time to start working. If I’m ever running behind on paperwork or other tasks, I make sure to communicate with my supervisor so they know what is going on and we can find a solution together.”

15. How do you keep yourself motivated to accomplish your goals?

Northwell Health is looking for employees who are motivated and driven to succeed. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have a plan in place to stay on track with your goals. Use examples from your past experience that show how you’ve been successful at achieving your goals.

Example: “I keep myself motivated by setting small, attainable goals throughout the day. I find that this method of goal-setting allows me to celebrate my successes along the way. In my last role as an administrative assistant, I set weekly goals for myself. Each week, I would complete one task per day until all tasks were completed. By doing so, I was able to accomplish more than expected each week.”

16. How do you stay organized? Provide examples from previous jobs or school.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide examples of how you stay organized and what methods have been successful for you. This can help the interviewer understand your organizational skills and see that you are able to apply them in a professional setting.

Example: “I am very good at keeping track of my tasks and appointments using technology and paper systems. I use both Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook to keep track of important dates and deadlines. In addition, I also use an app called Todoist to organize my daily tasks and projects. It has helped me stay on top of my work and manage my time more effectively.”

17. How does social media fit into the healthcare field?

Social media is a growing platform that many healthcare professionals use to connect with patients and customers. It’s important for employers to know how you plan to use social media in your role, so they can ensure it aligns with their company values. In your answer, explain why you feel social media is an important part of the industry and what steps you would take to make sure you’re using it responsibly.

Example: “Social media is an excellent way to share information about health and wellness. I think it’s important to be mindful when posting on any social media platform, especially if you are representing a healthcare organization. I would always make sure my posts were positive and informative, and I would never post anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate.”

18. How can we strengthen our communication with patients?

Northwell Health is looking for a candidate who can help them improve their communication with patients. This question allows you to show your problem-solving skills and ability to make improvements in the workplace.

Example: “I think it’s important that Northwell Health has an open line of communication with its patients. I would suggest implementing a patient portal where they can communicate with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals online. Another way we could strengthen our communication with patients is by having more face-to-face meetings with them. For example, if a patient was experiencing pain or discomfort, I would recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment so we can discuss their symptoms and find ways to alleviate their pain.”

19. How should nurses respond to patients who aren’t satisfied with their care?

Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients and their families. It’s important that they can respond to patient concerns in a way that is empathetic, respectful and helpful. When answering this question, it’s important to show your ability to handle conflict and provide solutions.

Example: “I believe that every person deserves respect regardless of how they’re feeling or what they’re going through. I would listen carefully to what they have to say and try my best to understand where they’re coming from. If there was something I could do differently next time, I would offer to make changes. If not, I would apologize and explain why we can’t change things.”

20. What information resources do you rely on when making decisions?

This question can help the interviewer understand your research and critical thinking skills. Use examples from previous experiences to show how you gather information, evaluate it and make decisions based on that information.

Example: “I rely on my medical knowledge and experience as well as online resources like journals, articles and patient reviews. I also use social media to connect with other healthcare professionals who are experts in their field. This helps me learn more about new treatments and technologies.”