20 St. Luke’s University Health Network Interview Questions and Answers

St. Luke’s University Health Network is one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, with over 15,000 employees in more than 100 locations. The health network offers a variety of positions, from entry-level jobs to medical and professional positions.

If you’re applying for a job at St. Luke’s, you can expect to be asked a range of questions about your qualifications, work history, and availability. In this guide, we’ve assembled a list of St. Luke’s interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

St. Luke’s University Health Network Interview Process

The interview process at St. Luke’s University Health Network can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview. For some positions, you may be interviewed by a panel of people, while for others it may just be a one-on-one conversation with a manager. Overall, the interview process is relatively standard, but can take some time to complete.

1. Tell me about a time you had to make an important decision.

This question can help an interviewer learn more about your decision-making skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a situation where you had to make a choice and the steps you took to reach that decision.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse in a hospital setting, there were times when my patients needed additional care but we didn’t have enough staff members to provide it. In these situations, I would talk with other nurses on our team to see if they could cover for me so I could leave work early or come in late. This helped ensure all of our patients received the care they needed.”

2. What is your experience with medical terminology?

St. Luke’s University Health Network is a teaching hospital, so it needs nurses who can communicate with other medical professionals and patients in an effective way. When answering this question, you should show that you have the ability to use medical terminology correctly and understand its importance.

Example: “I am very familiar with medical terminology because I worked as a nurse at a small clinic for three years. There, we used medical terms to describe symptoms and conditions, which helped us provide better care to our patients. In my experience, using medical terminology helps me remember important information about each patient and provides clarity when communicating with other healthcare providers.”

3. Why do you want to work for St. Luke’s University Health Network?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand why you are a good fit for their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific aspects of St. Luke’s University Health Network that appeal to you and how your skills and experience align with these values.

Example: “I want to work for St. Luke’s University Health Network because I am passionate about providing quality healthcare to patients in need. In my previous role as a nurse, I was able to see firsthand how much our hospital means to the community. I believe that I have the skills and experience necessary to make an impact on the lives of others through my career here.”

4. How would you handle a patient who was being uncooperative?

This question can help interviewers assess your interpersonal skills and ability to handle challenging situations. When answering, it can be helpful to provide an example of how you would respond to a patient who was being uncooperative or difficult.

Example: “I have had patients in the past that were very demanding or rude. In these cases, I try to remain calm and respectful while also remaining firm. For instance, one time I had a patient who wanted me to change their medication without any reason. I explained to them that we could not change their medication unless they provided a valid medical reason for doing so. They became upset but eventually agreed to provide a medical reason.”

5. Do you have any experience working in a hospital environment?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your background and experience. If you have previous experience working in a hospital, be sure to highlight any skills or abilities that helped you succeed in that role.

Example: “I worked as an emergency room nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for three years before moving to my current position. In this role, I was responsible for assessing patients’ conditions and administering treatment when necessary. I also had to communicate with other medical professionals to ensure all of our patients received the best care possible.”

6. Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a patient.

This question is a great way to show your dedication and compassion for the job. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a patient or their family. This can include anything from staying late to help a patient with something to going out of your way to make sure they were comfortable.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, there was a patient who came in after having a seizure. After running some tests, we found that he had a brain tumor. He was understandably very scared about what was happening, so I stayed with him until his family arrived. I explained everything to them and answered all of their questions. It helped ease their minds and made the patient feel more at ease.”

7. Have you worked in a fast-paced environment before?

This question can help interviewers understand how you might fit into the fast-paced environment of a hospital. If you have not worked in a hospital before, you can talk about your experience working in another fast-paced environment like a restaurant or retail store.

Example: “I’ve worked as a server at a busy restaurant for five years now and I’m used to being on my feet all day and helping many customers at once. In fact, I enjoy having multiple tasks to do at once because it helps me stay focused and get everything done quickly.”

8. Are you comfortable communicating with patients and families of various backgrounds?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to communicate with patients and their families who speak a different language or have unique cultural backgrounds. Use examples from previous experiences where you were able to effectively communicate with people of various backgrounds, including non-English speakers.

Example: “I am very comfortable communicating with patients and their families of diverse backgrounds. In my last role as a nurse practitioner, I worked in an urgent care center that served many Spanish-speaking patients. I learned how to communicate with these patients by using medical terminology they could understand and providing them with bilingual staff members who could translate for me.”

9. Provide an example of a time when you had to provide feedback to a peer or coworker.

When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific examples of how you provided feedback and the impact that your feedback had on the person or team.

Example: “At my previous job, I was working with a coworker who wasn’t as organized as they could have been. This caused them to miss deadlines and sometimes forget important information. When I noticed this behavior, I approached them privately and explained that I thought their organization skills were improving but still needed improvement. I offered tips for organizing tasks and projects and asked if there was anything I could do to help them improve in this area.”

10. Which shift are you available to work?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are available for the hours they need. They also want to know if you have any scheduling preferences. Before your interview, check out the job description and see what shifts the hospital is looking to fill. If you can find a shift that matches up with one of their needs, mention it in your answer.

Example: “I am available to work all three shifts. I prefer working the evening shift because I enjoy interacting with patients when they’re more awake and alert. However, I would be happy to work whatever shift was needed.”

11. What is the most stressful part about being a registered nurse?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you are aware of the challenges of your job and how you manage them. You can answer this question by identifying a specific stressor, explaining why it’s stressful and describing what you do to overcome or manage it.

Example: “The most stressful part about being a registered nurse is when I have to tell patients they need to undergo surgery. It’s always difficult to deliver bad news, but I try to make sure I am compassionate and empathetic while still remaining professional. I also encourage my patients to ask me any questions they may have so we can discuss their concerns together.”

12. When was the last time you had to deal with a difficult customer or situation?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of how you handle conflict and stress. Use examples from your previous job or personal life to show that you have experience with this type of situation, but also that you know how to resolve it.

Example: “In my last position as an administrative assistant at a law firm, I had a client who was very upset about not getting their case resolved in time for their court date. They were threatening to sue us if we didn’t meet their demands, so I calmly explained our policy on refunds and assured them that we would do everything we could to make sure they got what they needed by the deadline.”

13. What are some qualities that you think are important in a good nurse?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you as a person and how your personality might fit in with their organization. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about what qualities you have that make you successful as a nurse.

Example: “I believe that compassion is one of the most important qualities in a good nurse. I also think it’s essential for nurses to be organized and detail-oriented because we are often working under pressure and need to remember many different things at once. Finally, I think it’s important to be empathetic but also decisive when making decisions on behalf of our patients.”

14. If there were two patients who needed immediate attention, how would you prioritize them?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your decision-making skills and ability to prioritize tasks. Use examples from previous experience where you had to make decisions about which patients needed care first.

Example: “If I were in this situation, I would evaluate each patient’s condition and determine what resources are available at that time. If one patient was more stable than the other, I would focus my attention on them until they were stabilized. Then, I would move onto the second patient. This ensures that both patients receive the best care possible.”

15. How well do you work under pressure?

Working in a hospital setting can be stressful. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to work under pressure and still perform your job well. In your answer, explain how you manage stress and stay productive when things get hectic.

Example: “I am able to handle high-pressure situations quite well. I know that sometimes it’s necessary to rush through tasks so patients receive care as quickly as possible. When working under pressure, I try my best to prioritize what needs to be done first. Then, I move on to other important tasks after ensuring everything urgent is taken care of. This helps me avoid making mistakes or forgetting important steps.”

16. What skills and abilities do you bring to this position?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your relevant skills and abilities. When answering this question, it can be helpful to refer to the job description or other information you have about the position to make sure you are mentioning the skills that are most important for success in the role.

Example: “I am a highly organized individual who has experience managing multiple projects at once. I also have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with others to solve problems. These skills would help me succeed as a patient care coordinator because they allow me to work efficiently while still being available to answer questions from my team members.”

17. Can you tell us about a time when you had to give bad news to a family member/patient?

This question can help interviewers learn more about your communication skills and how you handle difficult situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation where you had to deliver bad news and the steps you took to make the situation as positive as possible for everyone involved.

Example: “When I was working in my previous hospital, I had to tell a family member that their loved one would not recover from their illness. The patient’s family members were understandably upset by the news, but they appreciated that I delivered the news myself so they could ask questions and get answers directly from me. I also offered to call them later that day with an update on the patient.”

18. Give an example of a time when you had to solve a problem that was not straightforward. How did you approach the problem?

This question can allow you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you approach challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide a specific example of a time when you had to solve a complex problem that required critical thinking.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, we were short on staff one night, which meant there weren’t enough nurses to cover all the patients in the emergency room. This led to some of the nurses having to work overtime, which is something we try to avoid because it can lead to burnout. In this situation, I decided to call in additional staff from other departments so that everyone could get a break. It also allowed us to have more staff available for the next busy period.”

19. Can you tell me about a time when you were working on a team project and there was conflict, how did you handle it?

Teamwork is an important skill to have in the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you can work well with others and resolve conflict. Use your answer to show that you are a team player who can collaborate with others and solve problems together.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project with two other nurses. We were all responsible for different parts of the project, but we had to communicate often to ensure everything was done correctly. One day, one of the nurses didn’t submit their part of the project by its deadline. This caused me to rush to finish mine so it would be ready before our meeting. The late nurse apologized and promised to do better next time.”

20. What do you consider your greatest strength and weakness?

This question is a common one in interviews. It allows you to highlight your strengths and weaknesses while also showing that you can be honest about yourself. When answering this question, it’s important to focus on your skills and abilities rather than your shortcomings.

Example: “My greatest strength is my ability to work well with others. I am always willing to help anyone who needs it, even if it means going above and beyond what is expected of me. My weakness would have to be my attention to detail. While I do my best to proofread everything I write or type, sometimes mistakes slip through the cracks. I make sure to learn from these mistakes so they don’t happen again.”