20 Sentara Healthcare Interview Questions and Answers

When you go to a job interview, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills. But what if you’re interviewing for a position at a specific company? In that case, you may be asked company-specific interview questions.

If you’re interviewing for a position at Sentara Healthcare, you may be asked questions about the company’s history, mission, and values. You may also be asked about your experience working in a healthcare setting, or about your thoughts on the delivery of healthcare.

Preparing for company-specific interview questions can help you stand out from the other candidates. Here are some tips on how to prepare for Sentara Healthcare interview questions.

Sentara Healthcare Interview Process

The interview process at Sentara Healthcare can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one phone interview and one in-person interview. For some positions, you may also be required to do a recorded video interview. The length of the hiring process can vary depending on the position you are applying for, but most positions will take at least a few weeks to fill.

1. What are the different types of nursing licenses?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with nursing licenses. You can answer by describing the different types of licenses and how you obtained them in previous positions.

Example: “There are three main types of nursing licenses, including registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN) and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). I have a RN license because I am qualified as a registered nurse. In my last position, I also worked toward obtaining my LPN license, which is required for some positions at Sentara Healthcare.”

2. How would you handle a patient that was not cooperating with your care plan?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle challenging situations. Use examples from your experience to show that you are able to remain calm and focused in these types of scenarios.

Example: “I once had a patient who was very upset about their diagnosis, so they refused to take any medication I prescribed them. I spoke with them for over an hour about why it’s important to follow their treatment plan. They eventually agreed to take their medications but only if I promised to speak with them every day after work to check on their progress.”

3. Tell me about a time when you had to improvise in order to complete a task.

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to challenging situations. Use examples from previous roles that highlight your creativity, flexibility and willingness to take on new challenges.

Example: “In my last role as an emergency room nurse, I had to improvise when one of our primary nurses was out sick for several days in a row. This meant I had to cover her shifts while also covering my own. It took some adjusting, but I eventually found a system that worked for me so I could still provide quality care to patients during both of my shifts.”

4. Why do you want to work at Sentara Healthcare?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have done your research on the organization. They want to know that you are passionate about working for their company and understand what they do. When preparing for this question, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. Look at the skills and qualifications listed and think of a few reasons why you fit those requirements.

Example: “I am excited to apply for this position because I love working in a hospital setting. I find it rewarding to be able to provide care to patients who need it most. I also really enjoy working with children, which is something Sentara Healthcare seems to specialize in. After looking into the organization, I learned that you offer pediatric services as well as maternity care. This makes me feel like I would be a good fit here.”

5. Describe how you keep up to date on clinical research and evidence-based practice.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you stay current on best practices in your field. It also helps them determine if you have a plan for continuing to learn and grow professionally while working at Sentara Healthcare.

Example: “I am passionate about my career, so I make it a point to read journals and attend conferences that offer continuing education credits. I also subscribe to several newsletters and online resources that provide me with updates on new research and evidence-based practice.”

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

This question is a great way to learn more about your potential employee’s career goals. It also allows you to see if they are interested in staying with the company for an extended period of time. When answering this question, it can be beneficial to mention some personal or professional goals that you hope to achieve within the next five years.

Example: “I would love to continue working as a nurse at Sentara Healthcare. I have always admired how much care and compassion the nurses here show their patients. In five years, I hope to have earned my master’s degree in nursing. I would also like to work toward becoming a nurse manager.”

7. Give an example of a situation where you were able to provide excellent customer service.

Customer service is an important part of the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience providing excellent customer service and can do so in their organization. When answering, think about a time when you helped someone who was upset or confused feel better.

Example: “When I worked at my previous job, I had a patient who was very upset because they were experiencing some side effects from one of their medications. They felt like we weren’t doing enough to help them with these side effects. After talking with them for a while, I realized that they didn’t understand why they needed to take this medication. I explained it to them in more detail and answered all of their questions until they understood.”

8. Have you ever cared for someone who is terminally ill? How did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle difficult situations and how compassionate you are. Use examples from your experience to show that you have empathy for patients and their families, and that you’re willing to go above and beyond to provide excellent care.

Example: “I once cared for a patient who was terminally ill with cancer. The family was very close-knit, so I made sure to include them in all of the patient’s appointments and procedures. They were always grateful for my attention and compassion. When they asked questions about the disease or treatment plan, I answered as thoroughly as possible. This helped them feel more comfortable and confident in our care.”

9. We have many employees here at Sentara, what makes you stand out from other candidates?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the company and how you can contribute to its success. When answering this question, it’s important to highlight any unique skills or experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the role.

Example: “I’m passionate about helping others, which is why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare. In my previous position as a nurse at Sentara Hospital, I was able to help patients recover from serious illnesses and injuries. This experience has given me valuable insight into what makes a good healthcare provider.”

10. What is the most important thing to remember when working with patients in pain?

This question is an opportunity to show your compassion and empathy for patients. When answering, consider a time when you helped someone in pain feel better or more comfortable.

Example: “Patients in pain are often scared and unsure of what’s happening to them. I always make sure to explain the situation as clearly as possible and answer any questions they have. If there is anything I can do to help them feel more comfortable, I will try my best to accommodate their requests. For example, if they want something cold to hold while receiving treatment, I will find a way to get it for them.”

11. If one of your coworkers was struggling with something, how would you support them?

This question can help the interviewer learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you might fit in with their team. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you helped someone else through a challenge or difficult time.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, one of my coworkers had just learned that her husband had been diagnosed with cancer. She was understandably very upset, but she still came into work every day. I noticed that she seemed especially stressed out on some days, so I asked if she wanted to talk about what was going on. She told me about her husband’s diagnosis, and we talked about ways she could take care of herself while also being able to do her job well.”

12. What methods do you use to communicate effectively with patients and their families?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you will communicate with patients and their families at Sentara Healthcare. Use examples from your previous experience to show that you are a strong communicator who is able to explain medical procedures, diagnoses and treatment plans in an easy-to-understand way.

Example: “I always make sure to speak clearly when communicating with patients and their families so they understand what I am saying. If there are any terms or phrases that may be unfamiliar to them, I provide additional information about these topics before moving on to other points. I also use visual aids such as diagrams and illustrations to help patients and their families better understand my explanations.”

13. When caring for multiple patients at once, how would you prioritize their needs?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you prioritize tasks and manage your time. Use examples from previous experiences to explain how you would handle this situation, especially if it’s a common occurrence in your current role.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse practitioner, I often had multiple patients that required care at once. To ensure all of their needs were met, I used a system where I prioritized urgent issues first, followed by non-urgent concerns. This allowed me to provide immediate care for those who needed it most while still addressing other patient needs.”

14. Describe your experience managing healthcare documentation.

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with medical records and how you manage them. Use examples from previous work experiences to describe the steps you take when managing documents, including how you organize them and how you ensure they’re secure.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse manager, I was responsible for overseeing all of the documentation that went into patient files. To keep track of these documents, I used an electronic document management system that allowed me to create folders within the program to store different types of information. For example, I had one folder where I stored all of the patient’s test results, another where I kept their discharge instructions and another where I kept any correspondence between myself and other healthcare providers.”

15. Do you have any experience working in a multi-disciplinary team?

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to work with others and collaborate on projects. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific experience you’ve had working in a team setting.

Example: “In my current role as a nurse practitioner, I have the opportunity to work alongside other medical professionals like physicians and pharmacists. This collaboration has helped me develop relationships with these individuals and learn from their experiences. In addition, I find that having multiple perspectives during patient care helps us make more informed decisions.”

16. How would you deal with a difficult or upset patient?

This question can help the interviewer assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Use examples from previous experience where you helped a patient feel more comfortable or resolved an issue with them.

Example: “I once had a patient who was upset because they were in pain and wanted immediate relief. I explained that we needed to wait for their medication to take effect before administering additional doses, but assured them that I would check on them frequently until they felt better. After about 30 minutes, the patient’s pain subsided and they thanked me for my patience.”

17. Can you describe a challenging medical case you worked on?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you handle difficult situations and whether you have experience working with challenging patients. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific case that helped you develop your skills or learn new information about medical care.

Example: “In my last position as a nurse at Sentara Healthcare, I had a patient who was experiencing severe pain in their abdomen. The patient also reported having nausea and vomiting, which made it difficult for them to eat. After examining the patient, I determined they were suffering from appendicitis. I immediately notified the doctor so he could prepare for surgery. During the surgery, we discovered the appendix had ruptured, which required additional treatment. Fortunately, the patient recovered well after the surgery.”

18. What are some ways you can decrease the risk of infection?

Infection control is an important part of the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand how to keep patients safe from infection and other health risks while they’re in your care. Use examples from your experience that show you know what steps to take to prevent infections.

Example: “I always wash my hands before entering a patient’s room, as well as after I leave it. I also wear gloves when touching any bodily fluids or wounds. When I’m caring for a patient, I try to limit the number of people who enter their room so there are fewer chances of spreading germs.”

19. Which type of care environment are you interested in working at?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have done your research on Sentara Healthcare and are familiar with their organization. It also gives you a chance to explain why you’re interested in working for this particular health care provider.

Example: “I am very passionate about providing quality patient care, which is why I’m excited to learn more about Sentara Healthcare. After doing some research, I discovered that Sentara Healthcare has been named one of the top 100 hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report for five consecutive years. This tells me that you prioritize patient care above all else, which is something I can relate to as well.”

20. Tell us about a time when you made a mistake, how did you handle it?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills and how you learn from your mistakes. Use examples from previous jobs to showcase your ability to learn from your errors, take responsibility for them and move forward with confidence.

Example: “In my last position as an ER nurse, I made a mistake when administering medication to a patient. The patient was experiencing chest pains and I accidentally gave him two doses instead of one. When he experienced more pain after taking the second dose, we realized what had happened. I immediately informed my supervisor and apologized to the patient. He understood that it was an honest mistake and appreciated my honesty.”