20 RWJBarnabas Health Interview Questions and Answers

RWJBarnabas Health is one of the largest healthcare providers in New Jersey, with over 30,000 employees. The company offers a wide range of positions, from entry-level jobs to management positions.

If you’re hoping to land a job at RWJBarnabas Health, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of RWJBarnabas Health interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

RWJBarnabas Health Interview Process

The interview process at RWJBarnabas Health is generally pretty straightforward. You will first meet with someone from the HR department, and then with the department manager. The questions asked will be mostly about your clinical experience and common sense scenarios. There may also be a math test involved. Overall, the interview process is average in difficulty.

1. What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working with patients?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with patients. It also shows that you understand the importance of patient care in a hospital setting. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer back to something specific about the organization or its mission statement.

Example: “I think the most important thing to remember when working with patients is their unique needs. Each person has different experiences and perspectives, so I try to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully. This helps me provide individualized care for each patient.”

2. Why are you interested in working at RWJBarnabas Health?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and why you are interested in working at their organization. When preparing for this question, make sure to highlight any personal connections you have with RWJBarnabas Health or how you learned about the position.

Example: “I am very excited to apply for this role because I have heard so many wonderful things about RWJBarnabas Health from my cousin who works here as an ER nurse. She has told me that she loves her job and the culture of the hospital, which made me want to apply for this role even more. I think I would be a great fit for this position based on my education and experience.”

3. Tell me about a time that you had to work on a team with someone who was difficult, how did you handle it?

Working in a healthcare setting can sometimes require you to work with people who are difficult. The hiring manager wants to know that you have the ability to handle these situations and still get your job done.

Example: “I once worked with a nurse who was very critical of my work. She would often tell me how I could improve, but she never gave me any specific advice on what I should do differently. After working with her for a few months, I decided to ask her if she had any tips or advice on how I could improve my skills as a nurse. She told me that she didn’t want to hurt my feelings, so she just kept quiet about it. From then on, we started having weekly meetings where she would give me feedback on my performance.”

4. Do you have experience with medical record keeping and documentation?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the medical field and how you can contribute to the team. If you have experience with record keeping, explain what software or programs you used and why they were effective for you.

Example: “I’ve worked in a hospital setting since I graduated from college, so I’m familiar with most common medical recordkeeping systems. In my current position as a nurse’s assistant, we use EMR software that allows us to enter patient information into their electronic records quickly. This helps our nurses focus on providing care rather than entering data.”

5. How would you describe your leadership style?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would fit into their organization. Leadership styles vary, and it’s important to understand what leadership style your potential employer prefers before answering this question.

Example: “I believe in a collaborative leadership style where I work with my team members to make decisions that benefit everyone. I like to encourage open communication so that everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. I also think it’s important for leaders to be approachable so that anyone on staff can feel comfortable asking questions or seeking advice. I’ve found that by being friendly and helpful, people are more likely to want to follow me.”

6. Describe your experience working with electronic health records.

Electronic health records are a common part of the healthcare industry, and employers may ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable using them. If your previous job didn’t use electronic health records, explain how you would adapt to using them if hired.

Example: “I have worked with electronic health records for five years now, so I am very familiar with their functionality. In my last position, we used an EHR system that was easy to navigate and allowed me to enter patient information quickly. I also learned some shortcuts that helped me save time when entering data.”

7. What is your biggest strength as an employee?

This question is a great opportunity to show your enthusiasm for the role and highlight some of your best skills. When answering this question, try to think about what you are most passionate about in your career. Consider mentioning a skill that you have been working on improving or something you feel confident doing.

Example: “My biggest strength as an employee is my ability to work well with others. I am always looking for ways to help others succeed and make sure everyone feels supported. In my last position, I started a weekly coffee club where we all got together to discuss our projects and offer advice to one another. This helped me learn more about my coworkers and develop relationships with them.”

8. Have you ever worked in a fast-paced environment?

This question can help an interviewer determine if you’re ready to work in a hospital setting. They may also want to know how you would handle working with many patients at once and still maintain your quality of care. In your answer, try to explain what helped you succeed in this environment and how it prepared you for the role.

Example: “I have worked in a fast-paced environment before, and I think that experience has prepared me for this role. When I was working as a nurse practitioner, we had a lot of patients come through our doors each day. We needed to be able to assess their needs quickly and provide them with the best care possible. This experience taught me how to prioritize my tasks and manage my time effectively.”

9. What is one of your weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s often asked to see how you respond to criticism. Employers want to know that you can be honest about your weaknesses while also showing that you’re working on them. When answering this question, try to choose something that isn’t too personal or embarrassing.

Example: “I sometimes get so focused on my work that I forget to take breaks. This has led to me feeling overwhelmed at times, which is why I’ve started taking five-minute breaks every two hours. It helps me recharge and stay productive.”

10. Do you have any experience with insurance verification?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with insurance verification. If you have any experience, be sure to explain how it helped you in your previous role and what skills you developed from this process.

Example: “I’ve had some experience with insurance verification during my time at St. Mary’s Hospital. I worked closely with the billing department to verify patient information and ensure that all insurance claims were processed correctly. This was an important part of my job because it ensured patients received their care while also ensuring the hospital got paid for services rendered.”

11. Can you tell me about a time where you had to deal with a challenging patient?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle conflict and challenging situations. It’s important to show that you’re willing to take on difficult patients, but also that you know when it’s time to call in a colleague for assistance.

Example: “I once had a patient who was very upset about their diagnosis. They were quite loud and disruptive, which made it hard for other patients to get rest. I spoke with them privately and explained that while they could be as vocal as they wanted, they needed to do so quietly. If they continued to disrupt others, we would have to ask them to leave.”

12. How would you communicate with a family member whose loved one has just died?

This question is a test of your communication skills and how you can use them to help others in their time of need. When answering this question, it’s important to show that you are empathetic and compassionate when speaking with grieving family members.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, I had the unfortunate experience of having to tell many families that their loved one had just died. In these situations, I always try to be respectful and kind while still being honest about what happened. I also make sure to give the family all the information they need so they can plan for the funeral or memorial service.”

13. Do you have any experience with medication administration?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience with working in healthcare. If you have any experience, be sure to elaborate on it and explain how it helped you develop your skills as a nurse.

Example: “I worked at my previous hospital as a charge nurse where I oversaw multiple patients’ medication schedules. This was an important part of my job because I had to ensure that all medications were administered correctly and on time. It’s also important to note that I am certified in administering injections.”

14. If hired, what would be your approach to dealing with a patient who refuses treatment?

This question is an opportunity to show your interpersonal skills and ability to handle conflict. Your answer should demonstrate that you can remain calm, use active listening techniques and apply problem-solving skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “I would first try to understand why they are refusing treatment. I would then explain the importance of receiving care and how it will benefit them. If they still refuse, I would document the incident in their medical record and inform my supervisor so they can take appropriate action.”

15. What qualities do you think make a successful nurse or healthcare professional?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their organization. It also helps them understand what qualities you think are important for success, which can be helpful if they’re looking for someone who has those qualities. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention some of the skills or traits that you have that you feel make you successful.

Example: “I believe that being compassionate is one of the most important qualities that makes a nurse or healthcare professional successful. I’ve seen firsthand how much patients appreciate nurses who care about them and treat them like people rather than just another patient. Another quality I think is important is having good communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals and patients can help ensure everyone understands each other and feels comfortable asking questions.”

16. Are you comfortable working nights/weekends/holidays?

This question is often asked to determine if you are flexible and willing to work when the hospital needs you. It’s important that you answer honestly, but also show your willingness to adapt to different schedules.

Example: “I am comfortable working nights, weekends and holidays as long as I know in advance. I understand that sometimes these shifts are necessary, so I would be happy to do them as needed. However, I prefer not to work every weekend or holiday because it can become tiring after a while. If possible, I would like to have at least one day off per week.”

17. What is your experience with phlebotomy?

This question is a great way to see how much experience you have with the medical field. If you don’t have any phlebotomy experience, it’s okay to say so and explain what your previous work experience was in the medical field.

Example: “I’ve never worked as a phlebotomist before, but I did work at a hospital where I assisted nurses with drawing blood from patients. I also volunteered at my local blood bank for two years, which gave me valuable experience working with patients who were uncomfortable with needles.”

18. What are your thoughts on the current state of the healthcare industry?

The healthcare industry is constantly changing, and employers want to know that you’re aware of this. They also want to see if you have any ideas for how the industry can improve. In your answer, explain what you think are some of the biggest challenges facing the healthcare industry today. Then, share a few ways you would like to see these issues resolved.

Example: “The healthcare industry has many unique challenges. One of the biggest ones I’ve noticed is the lack of communication between patients and their doctors. Doctors often don’t take enough time to educate their patients about their conditions or treatment plans. This leads to misunderstandings and confusion among patients. I believe it’s important for doctors to spend more time with their patients so they feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their diagnosis.”

19. When were you last CPR certified?

The interviewer may ask this question to ensure that you are up-to-date on your CPR certification. If you have not been certified in a while, it is important to explain why and when you plan to take the test again.

Example: “I was last certified two years ago, but I am planning to retake the test soon. I have been working with patients who need help breathing for quite some time now, so I feel like I should be recertified.”

20. Can you tell me about a time where you made a mistake, how did you handle it?

This question is a great way to see how you respond to challenges and learn more about your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of a time when you made a mistake at work or school but learned from the experience.

Example: “When I was in college, I had an internship with a local hospital where I worked as a receptionist. One day, I accidentally sent an email to all of my coworkers that included some personal information about one of our patients. It was definitely embarrassing, but I immediately apologized for my mistake and explained what happened. My supervisor understood and helped me understand how to prevent similar mistakes in the future.”