20 UCLA Health Interview Questions and Answers

UCLA Health is one of the leading healthcare providers in the United States. As such, they are always looking for the best and brightest employees to join their team. If you are lucky enough to get an interview with UCLA Health, you will likely be asked some specific questions about your experience and qualifications.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of some of the most common UCLA Health interview questions. We also provide sample answers to these questions so you can see how to best respond.

UCLA Health Interview Process

The interview process at UCLA Health 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. The interviews are generally fairly standard, with questions about your experience and qualifications. However, some positions may require additional assessments or reference checks. Overall, the interview process is fair and efficient.

1. What skills did you learn in your Bachelor’s program that prepared you for this position?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your skills and knowledge are a good fit for this position. When answering, it can be helpful to mention any specific courses or classes that helped you develop the skills needed for this role.

Example: “In my Bachelor’s program, I took several science courses including biology, chemistry and physics. These courses taught me how to use scientific methods to solve problems and conduct research. This skill is important in this position because I need to understand medical terminology and procedures to provide accurate information to patients.”

2. Why would you like to work at UCLA Health?

UCLA Health is a large organization that offers many different career opportunities. The interviewer wants to know why you are interested in working for their department and what your goals are if hired. Showcase your knowledge of the organization by describing its mission, values and recent news.

Example: “UCLA Health’s mission statement is ‘to improve the health of our community through excellence in patient care, education and research.’ I am passionate about helping others and improving lives. As someone who has worked as a nurse for five years, I have seen how UCLA Health can make a difference in people’s lives. I would like to work here because I believe in the quality of care we provide and want to be part of an organization that makes a positive impact on the world.”

3. How do you think the workplace culture is different from a typical hospital setting?

UCLA Health is a unique workplace because it’s part of the UCLA campus, which means that employees have access to many resources and amenities. The interviewer wants to know if you understand what makes this workplace different from others. Use your answer to show that you’re excited about working in such an environment.

Example: “I think the biggest difference between a typical hospital setting and UCLA Health is the culture. I’ve heard so much about how friendly and collaborative the staff are here, and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that. I also love that there are so many opportunities for professional development and training. I feel like I could learn something new every day.”

4. What are some of your strengths and weaknesses?

This question is a common one in interviews, and it’s important to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. When answering this question, think of two or three strengths you have that are relevant to the position and explain how they help you succeed. Then, list a weakness you have and explain what steps you’ve taken to improve it.

Example: “I am an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. I find that my ability to communicate clearly and effectively helps me build relationships with patients and colleagues. My communication skills also allow me to explain complex medical procedures to patients so they understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.

One area I could improve on is delegating tasks more often. In some cases, I can get overwhelmed by all the work I have to do and forget to delegate responsibilities to other team members. However, I’m working on improving my delegation skills so I can better manage my time.”

5. Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple projects at once, how did you handle it?

UCLA Health is a large organization with many different departments. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your organizational skills and how you would handle working in such a large environment. Use examples from previous work experiences or describe the steps you would take to manage multiple projects at once.

Example: “In my last position, I had to manage several projects at once while also managing client expectations. One of my favorite ways to stay organized was by using project management software. This allowed me to create separate tasks for each project and assign them to team members. It also helped me keep track of deadlines and communicate with clients when needed.”

6. Describe a time where you had conflict with a colleague and how you handled it.

UCLA Health is a large organization with many different departments. It’s important to show that you can work well with others and resolve conflict in the workplace.

Example: “I once had a disagreement with my manager about how we should handle a patient who was experiencing extreme pain. I felt like we needed to give them more medication, but my manager disagreed because they didn’t want to over-medicate the patient. We talked it out and came up with a compromise where we would administer half of the prescribed dosage and then reassess the situation after an hour.”

7. Do you have experience with patient care?

UCLA Health is a large health care system that offers many different types of patient care. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience working with patients and their families in a clinical setting. Showcase your interpersonal skills by describing how you helped patients and their loved ones feel comfortable during their hospital stay or appointment.

Example: “I worked as an emergency room nurse for five years, so I am very familiar with the challenges of providing compassionate care to patients and their families. In my last position, I was often the first person patients saw when they arrived at the ER. I always made sure to greet them with a smile and answer any questions they had about our facility. I also tried to make sure they knew we were there to help them.”

8. Would you be comfortable working on call?

UCLA Health has a variety of on-call positions, including emergency room physicians and pediatricians. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you’re prepared for the unique challenges that come with working in healthcare. In your answer, explain how you would handle being called into work at any time. Share what strategies you have for managing your sleep schedule while maintaining your health.

Example: “I understand that working in healthcare can be unpredictable. I am happy to work on call if it’s part of my job description. I know that there are many ways to manage stress when working overnight shifts. For example, I always keep a journal by my bed so I can write down my thoughts before falling asleep. This helps me stay organized and focused during my shift.”

9. Have you ever worked in an academic environment before? If so, what was your role?

UCLA Health is a public research university, so many of its employees have experience working in an academic environment. This question helps the interviewer determine if you are familiar with the unique challenges that come with working at a university and whether your previous work history aligns with their expectations for this role. If you haven’t worked in an academic setting before, consider describing a time when you had to meet high standards or complete challenging tasks.

Example: “I’ve never worked in an academic environment before, but I did work as a tutor while attending college. My job was to help students understand difficult concepts and prepare them for exams. I enjoyed helping others learn new things and developed my communication skills by explaining complex topics in simple terms.”

10. What kind of research are you most interested in pursuing?

UCLA Health is a research-intensive institution, and the interviewer may want to know what kind of work you would be doing if you were hired. This question can also help them determine whether your interests align with their department’s goals. When answering this question, try to show that you have done some research on the department and its current projects.

Example: “I am most interested in pursuing medical research that focuses on finding new ways to treat mental health issues. I think it’s important for doctors to understand how to best support patients who are struggling with depression or anxiety. In my last internship, I worked with a psychiatrist who was researching the effects of meditation on stress levels. It was fascinating to see how much impact one person could have on the lives of others.”

11. Tell us about a project you completed recently. What were your responsibilities?

UCLA Health is looking for candidates who are motivated and passionate about their work. This question helps them determine if you have a track record of success in your previous roles. When answering this question, it can be helpful to discuss a project that was particularly challenging or rewarding.

Example: “In my last role as an administrative assistant at a small business, I had the opportunity to take on many different projects. One of my favorite assignments was creating a new filing system for our HR department. The current system was outdated and difficult to navigate. I worked with the IT team to create a digital database where employees could access all of their important documents. It took several weeks to complete, but once we implemented it, everyone found it much easier to find what they were looking for.”

12. What is one thing you can improve on as a nurse?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you are self-aware and willing to improve your skills. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a skill that you would like to develop or an area of nursing where you feel you could use improvement.

Example: “I think I could improve my communication with patients and their families. In the past, I have noticed that I sometimes forget to explain things thoroughly to patients and their loved ones. I am working on improving my communication by practicing active listening techniques and speaking more slowly when explaining procedures.”

13. What does teamwork mean to you?

UCLA Health is a large organization that requires employees to work together. Your answer should show the interviewer you understand what teamwork means and how it can benefit your future role at UCLA Health.

Example: “Teamwork is essential for any successful business, and I believe it’s important to have an open mind when working with others. When I worked as a nurse in my last position, I had a patient who was very ill and needed several nurses to care for them. We all worked together to ensure we were providing the best care possible. It was rewarding to see our teamwork pay off.”

14. Can you tell me about a time when you struggled to meet deadlines, how did you handle it?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your ability to manage time and prioritize tasks. When answering, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had to meet multiple deadlines in one day or week and how you managed the workload.

Example: “In my last position as an ER nurse, I was responsible for managing many patients at once while also ensuring that all of my documentation was accurate and up-to-date. One night, we were short-staffed and I had several patients who needed care immediately. I prioritized each patient based on their needs and ensured that they received proper treatment before moving onto the next task.”

15. Do you have any experience working with students or faculty?

UCLA Health is a large employer that offers many different positions. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with students or faculty members and how you might fit in at UCLA Health. If you have worked with students or faculty, describe the type of work you did and what skills it helped you develop.

Example: “I’ve had several experiences working with students and faculty. In my last position as an administrative assistant, I supported two professors who taught classes on campus. I would help them schedule their appointments, organize their paperwork and communicate with other faculty and staff. This role also required me to attend some of their lectures and provide support for students during office hours.”

16. Are you familiar with HIPAA regulations?

UCLA Health is a large medical center that offers many different services. As such, it’s important for employees to understand and follow HIPAA regulations. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a similar environment. In your answer, explain how you would handle this responsibility at UCLA Health.

Example: “I am familiar with HIPAA regulations because I worked at a hospital where we had to be very careful about protecting patient information. At my previous job, I was responsible for entering data into the computer system. To ensure privacy, I always made sure to use secure passwords and never shared them with anyone else. If I ever needed help remembering the password, I would ask my supervisor.”

17. Do you have any IT related certifications?

UCLA Health is a large organization that requires employees to have strong technical skills. The interviewer may ask this question to determine if you have any certifications in IT or other relevant fields. If you do, share the certification and describe what it means to you. If you don’t have any certifications, explain your experience with computers and technology.

Example: “I have an A+ Certification from CompTIA. I earned this certification after completing a course at my local community college. Earning this certification has helped me understand how to troubleshoot common computer issues and taught me valuable networking skills.”

18. How would you describe yourself as a leader?

UCLA Health is a large organization with many different departments. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your leadership skills and how you would apply them in their organization. Use examples from your past experience to describe what makes you a good leader.

Example: “I believe that every person has the ability to be a great leader, but it’s important to have the right attitude and confidence. I am always willing to help others succeed, which is why I became an RA at my previous job. My role as an RA was to make sure all of my residents were happy and comfortable. I helped resolve conflicts between students and made sure everyone had everything they needed.”

19. How long have you been working in healthcare?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your experience and how it relates to the position you’re interviewing for. If you have limited healthcare experience, you can talk about other work experiences that relate to the job.

Example: “I’ve been working in healthcare since I graduated from nursing school five years ago. My first job was at a local hospital where I worked as an emergency room nurse. After two years there, I moved to another hospital where I worked as a pediatric nurse. In both positions, I learned valuable skills that help me be successful in my current role.”

20. What computer programs are you familiar with?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have the necessary skills to complete your job duties. If you are interviewing for a position that requires computer use, it is important to mention any programs or software you are familiar with. You can also include any other relevant experience in your answer.

Example: “I am proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Drive. I’ve used these programs since my first internship where I was responsible for creating presentations and managing documents. I’m also comfortable using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.”