20 Patient First Interview Questions and Answers

Patient First is a chain of patient care centers that provides high-quality, affordable, and convenient care to patients. The company has a strong commitment to customer service and patient satisfaction, and they are always looking for talented and dedicated employees.

If you are interested in working for Patient First, you should be prepared to answer some specific interview questions about the company and your qualifications. In this article, we will provide some sample questions and answers to help you prepare for your Patient First interview.

Patient First Interview Process

The interview process at Patient First can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone screening and one in-person or Zoom interview. For some positions, like Registered Nurse or Medical Assistant, you may be asked to complete a skills test as part of the interview process. Overall, the interview process is fairly lengthy, but this allows Patient First to get to know their potential employees better and ensure that they are a good fit for the company.

1. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the medical industry today?

This question is a great way to see how you can apply your skills and experience to the current healthcare industry. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest about what you think is the biggest challenge facing the medical industry today. You should also explain why you believe that particular challenge is so significant.

Example: “The biggest challenge I see in the medical industry today is the lack of communication between patients and their doctors. Doctors are often too busy to communicate with their patients on an individual level, which means they aren’t able to get feedback from their patients about their treatment plans or discuss any concerns they may have. This leads to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses, which can cause serious harm to patients.”

2. Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and the work they do. It also gives you an opportunity to share why you are passionate about healthcare and what drew you to this field. When answering, be sure to highlight any personal experiences that led you to pursue this career path.

Example: “I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because of my mother’s experience with cancer when I was younger. She had a very positive attitude throughout her treatment, which inspired me to become a nurse so I could help others feel as comfortable as she did. My mom passed away from cancer when I was 18, but knowing how much joy she brought to those around her makes me want to continue her legacy by helping others.”

3. How would you handle a difficult patient?

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, try to demonstrate that you can remain calm under pressure and use active listening techniques to diffuse a situation.

Example: “I have experience working with patients who are difficult or upset. I find it’s best to listen to what they’re saying and acknowledge their concerns. If the patient is angry, I’ll take a deep breath and pause before responding so I don’t say something I regret. Then, I’ll explain why their request isn’t possible or how we can work together to find an alternative solution.”

4. Tell me about your experience with managing other staff members.

This question can help employers determine your leadership skills and how you interact with other employees. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a time when you helped another employee learn something or solve a problem.

Example: “I have experience managing two staff members at my current job as the front desk receptionist. One of my coworkers was new to the position, so I spent some time training her on how to answer questions from patients and direct them to different areas of the office. She also had trouble using our computer system, so I showed her how to use that too. My other coworker was more experienced but needed help organizing patient files. So, I offered to train her on how to organize the files in an efficient way.”

5. Describe how you handled an emergency situation at work.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience handling stressful situations. They want to know that you can handle a crisis and keep patients safe. In your answer, explain what happened, how you handled it and the outcome of the situation.

Example: “When I was working as an emergency room nurse, we had a patient who came in with chest pain. He was experiencing severe pain and shortness of breath. We quickly assessed him and determined he needed immediate care. The doctor ordered some tests and medications for him. After administering his treatment, he felt better and was able to go home.”

6. Have you ever had a disagreement with a coworker, what happened and how was it resolved?

This question is a great way to learn more about how you handle conflict and your interpersonal skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the situation and what steps you took to resolve it.

Example: “I once had a disagreement with my coworker over who should take care of a patient first. I was already in the room with the patient when she came in, so I told her that I would finish up with the current patient before helping her. She became upset and said that I shouldn’t have been in the room yet because she was scheduled to start work five minutes earlier than me. We talked for a few minutes and decided that we could both help the patient at the same time.”

7. If hired as a nurse, describe some of your interactions with patients.

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employer and the type of patients they serve. It’s also an opportunity for you to show how you interact with people in general, which can be helpful if you’re applying for other positions within the company.

Example: “I have worked with many different types of patients throughout my career, but I enjoy working with children the most. They are so full of life and energy, and it’s fun to see them get excited when they meet me or another member of the medical team. One time, I was working at a pediatric hospital where we had a lot of young cancer patients. Some of these kids were really sick, but they always tried to stay positive. I learned that no matter what kind of patient I’m treating, I should always treat them like a person first.”

8. Do you have any experience working with electronic health records systems?

Electronic health records systems are a common tool used in the healthcare industry. They allow medical professionals to access patient information quickly and efficiently, which can help them provide better care. If you have experience using electronic health records, explain how it has helped you perform your job more effectively. If you don’t have any experience with these systems, consider asking for training if possible or explaining why you’re eager to learn about this technology.

Example: “I’ve worked with electronic health records systems before, but I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills. I find that working with new technologies helps me stay motivated at work because I enjoy learning new things. I also think it’s important to be able to use different types of software so I can offer my patients the best care.”

9. Tell us why you want to work at Patient First.

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your personality and how you feel about their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific that attracted you to the job posting or company.

Example: “I applied for this position because I was looking for a career change but still wanted to work in healthcare. After reading through Patient First’s mission statement, I realized that this would be an excellent place for me to start my new career. The company seems like a fun environment where I could make lasting connections with patients and coworkers alike.”

10. Are you comfortable answering phone calls and scheduling appointments?

Interviewers may ask this question to determine if you have experience working in a customer service role. They want to know that you can handle the responsibilities of scheduling appointments and answering phones, as well as interacting with patients. If you do not have any experience doing these tasks, consider volunteering at your local hospital or clinic to gain some experience before your interview.

Example: “I am comfortable answering phone calls and scheduling appointments. I worked for my high school’s health center where I answered phones and scheduled appointments for patients. I also volunteered at my local hospital where I helped schedule appointments and assisted patients on the phone.”

11. As a physician, what has been your most rewarding experience?

This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate’s personality and values. It also helps you understand what they find rewarding in their career, which can be an important factor when choosing who to hire.

Example: “My most rewarding experience as a physician was when I first started working at my current practice. We had a patient with a rare disease that no one else could diagnose. The family was very worried, but we worked together to figure out what was wrong. After weeks of testing, we finally figured it out and were able to treat the patient successfully. They were so grateful for our help.”

12. Provide an example of a time when you demonstrated strong customer service skills.

Interviewers ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering, think of a time when you helped a patient or client solve a problem or feel better about their situation.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job as a receptionist, I had a patient who was very upset because she couldn’t get an appointment for two weeks. She was in pain and wanted to see someone sooner. I spoke with our doctor and explained the situation. He agreed to see her earlier than scheduled. The patient was so grateful that she left us a five-star review on Yelp.”

13. What are your thoughts on teamwork?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the healthcare industry. It’s vital that you work well with your team members and other staff members, such as nurses and doctors. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific time when you worked well with others on a project or task.

Example: “I believe teamwork is essential for success. I’ve been part of many teams throughout my career, including sports teams and volunteer organizations. In all of these situations, I found that working together was much more effective than going at things alone. For example, while playing basketball in college, I learned how to communicate effectively with my teammates so we could win games.”

14. We deal with many different types of people here. How would you approach each person differently depending on their needs?

This question is a great way to test your interpersonal skills and ability to work with different types of people. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about the specific personality traits you have that allow you to connect with each type of person.

Example: “I believe I would approach every patient differently depending on their needs. For example, if they are very outgoing and friendly, I would try to engage them in conversation and make them feel comfortable. If they are more reserved or quiet, I would take my time speaking to them and let them lead the conversation. I also understand that some patients may not want to talk at all, so I would use nonverbal cues like facial expressions and gestures to show them that I am there for them.”

15. Tell me about a time where you were asked to perform a task that you were not familiar with or comfortable doing, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to show your willingness to learn and grow as an employee. It also shows that you are willing to take on challenges and work hard to achieve success. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the task or how you learned to perform it successfully.

Example: “When I first started working in healthcare, I was asked to draw blood from patients. This was something I had never done before, so I watched my coworkers do it several times until I felt comfortable enough to try it myself. After practicing with a few different patients, I found that I could draw blood quickly and efficiently.”

16. If hired as a medical assistant, tell us about your experience with providing patient care.

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of medical procedures and how you would apply them in a healthcare setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time when you helped a patient or assisted a doctor with their work.

Example: “I have experience working as a medical assistant at my local hospital for the past two years. In that time, I’ve learned many different ways to help patients feel more comfortable during their appointments. For example, I know that providing information about what to expect before a procedure can help ease some anxiety. I also understand the importance of following doctors’ orders and performing tasks like taking blood pressure readings accurately.”

17. How would you go about diagnosing a patient if they can’t provide much information?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you would handle a challenging situation. They want to know that you can think critically and use your problem-solving skills to help patients get the care they need. In your answer, try to show that you are confident in your diagnostic abilities and have experience working with patients who don’t speak English or have limited mobility.

Example: “If I had a patient who couldn’t provide much information about their symptoms, I would first do an initial assessment of their vital signs and overall health. Then, I would perform a physical exam to look for any abnormalities. If I still didn’t find anything, I would order some lab tests to rule out any serious conditions. Finally, if all else failed, I would refer them to a specialist.”

18. What would you consider to be your strongest skill?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your skills and abilities. They want to know what you’re good at, so they can decide if you’re a good fit for the position. When answering this question, it’s important to be honest. You should also try to choose a skill that is relevant to the job.

Example: “I would say my strongest skill is communication. I have always been able to communicate well with others, both in person and over the phone. This has helped me work as a receptionist because I am often the first point of contact for patients. It also helps me solve problems quickly when patients call or come into the office.”

19. If a patient was complaining about another member of the team, what would you say to them to calm them down?

This question is a great way to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to diffuse conflict. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you had to calm down a patient or family member who was upset with another team member.

Example: “I would first listen to their concerns and then explain that I am not aware of any issues between the staff members. If they were still upset, I would ask them if there’s anything else we could do for them. Sometimes patients just want someone to listen to them, so I try to make sure they feel heard.”

20. If a patient asks for advice outside of your scope as a Physician Assistant, what would you do?

This question is a great way to assess your ability to handle challenging situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would respond to the patient and what steps you would take to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Example: “If a patient asked me for advice outside of my scope as a Physician Assistant, I would first make sure that they understood that I am not able to give them medical advice. However, I would do everything in my power to help them find someone who could answer their questions. For instance, if a patient asked me about dieting tips, I would refer them to a nutritionist or other healthcare professional who specializes in that area.”