20 UF Health Shands Hospital Interview Questions and Answers

UF Health Shands Hospital is one of the largest and most respected hospitals in the state of Florida. With over 1,400 beds and more than 8,000 employees, UF Health Shands Hospital is a major healthcare provider in the region.

If you’re applying for a job at UF Health Shands Hospital, 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 UF Health Shands Hospital interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your interview.

UF Health Shands Hospital Interview Process

The interview process at UF Health Shands Hospital can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most interviews will involve meeting with a manager or supervisor, as well as other staff members. The interviews are generally informal and relaxed, and focus on getting to know the applicant. Questions may be asked about your experience, goals, and skills. In some cases, you may be asked to complete a drug test or background check before being offered the position.

1. Do you have experience working in a hospital setting?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in a hospital setting and how your previous work experience may relate to this role. If you don’t have prior experience, consider discussing what skills or qualities you gained from that job that would be helpful for this position.

Example: “I worked as an emergency room nurse at a local hospital for three years before moving here. I learned valuable communication skills and developed my ability to multitask under pressure. In my current position, I am responsible for managing multiple patients at once while communicating with other medical professionals.”

2. What is your philosophy on patient care?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have a strong commitment to providing quality care. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include specific examples of how you’ve helped patients in the past.

Example: “I believe that patient care should always be about more than just treating symptoms or illnesses. I think it’s important to get to know my patients and their families so I can understand what they value and help them achieve those goals. In my last role as a pediatric nurse, I worked with a family who was expecting triplets. The mother was very anxious because she didn’t know how she would manage her three newborns at once. I spent time talking with her and reassuring her that we would do everything we could to make sure all three babies were healthy.”

3. How do you think the Affordable Care Act will impact health care facilities like UF Health Shands Hospital?

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a federal law that aims to provide affordable health care for all Americans. The ACA has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry and will continue to do so in the future. Your answer should show your knowledge of this important legislation and how it affects UF Health Shands Hospital.

Example: “I think the Affordable Care Act is an excellent piece of legislation that will help millions of Americans access quality medical care. I believe that UF Health Shands Hospital should take advantage of the ACA by enrolling more patients into its insurance plans. This would allow the hospital to increase revenue while providing better patient care.”

4. Why did you choose to become a nurse?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the nursing profession. It also allows you to share a personal story that relates to why you are qualified for this role. When answering, try to think of a specific moment or event that inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I have always wanted to be a nurse. My mother had a difficult pregnancy with me and my brother, and she spent many nights in the hospital. She told us stories about her nurses who were so kind and caring. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to help others feel as loved as my mom felt when she was in the hospital.”

5. How would you handle an angry or upset patient?

This question can help the interviewer assess your interpersonal skills and ability to resolve conflict. Use examples from past experiences where you helped a patient feel more comfortable or resolved their concerns.

Example: “I once had a patient who was upset because they were in pain and I wasn’t able to give them any medication for it. I explained that we needed to wait until their blood work came back before administering anything, but assured them that I would do everything I could to make sure they felt better as soon as possible. The patient calmed down after hearing my explanation and understood why we couldn’t administer the medication right away.”

6. Are you comfortable with blood, vomit and urine?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your comfort level with these common hospital conditions. If you have experience working in a medical setting, they may ask about specific situations that were challenging or rewarding.

Example: “I’ve worked as an emergency room nurse for five years now and I’m very comfortable with blood, vomit and urine. In fact, I find it comforting when patients are able to express their feelings and emotions. It’s important to me that I can provide them with emotional support while also providing physical care. When someone is vomiting, I make sure to hold their hair back so they don’t get it in their mouth. I always wear gloves when handling bodily fluids.”

7. Tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult coworker.

This question can help interviewers learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific situation and what steps you took to resolve the conflict or improve your relationship with that coworker.

Example: “In my last position as an ER nurse, I had a coworker who was very critical of my work. They would often make comments in front of other coworkers about mistakes I made during procedures. This made me feel uncomfortable at work and caused me to worry about making mistakes. After several weeks of this behavior, I decided to talk to them about their comments. I told them that I appreciated their feedback but asked them to speak to me privately if they had concerns about my work.”

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

This question is a great way to show your dedication and passion for the medical field. 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 any time you stayed late at work, helped someone who wasn’t a patient or even just an example of when you were passionate about helping others.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse in a pediatric hospital, there was a little girl who had been admitted with a broken arm. She was so scared that she wouldn’t get better, but her parents assured her that everything would be okay. After we set her arm, I sat down with her and her parents and explained what happened and how we could help her feel better. We talked about our favorite colors and animals, and by the end of our conversation, she was smiling and ready to go home.”

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

UF Health Shands Hospital is looking for a candidate who can bring new ideas to the table. They want someone who will be able to improve patient care and outcomes while also reducing costs. Your answer should show that you are passionate about healthcare and have some specific ideas on how to make it better.

Example: “I think the current state of healthcare is in need of improvement. I believe we need to find ways to reduce costs without compromising quality. We need to find more efficient ways to treat patients, especially those with chronic illnesses. I would like to see us implement telemedicine as a way to provide remote consultations and even prescribe medication.”

10. Give us an example of a situation where you had to deal with a very sick patient.

This question is a behavioral one, which means you need to provide an example from your past. It’s important that you choose a situation where you were able to help the patient and show how it helped you develop as a nurse.

Example: “When I was working in my previous hospital, we had a patient who came in with severe flu symptoms. The patient was very sick, but they refused treatment until their fever broke. They also refused any pain medication because they didn’t want to get addicted to it. I talked to them about the risks of not taking care of themselves and assured them that we would do everything we could to make sure they got better. After two days, they finally agreed to take some medicine.”

11. Have you ever worked overnight shifts?

Working overnight shifts is a common practice in the healthcare industry. Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with working these hours and that you have experience doing so. If you haven’t worked overnight shifts before, explain why you would be willing to do so if hired.

Example: “I’ve never worked an overnight shift before, but I’m excited for the opportunity to try it out. I know how important it is to have experienced staff on hand at all times, so I am confident that I can adapt to working overnight shifts if necessary.”

12. Are you able to lift 50 pounds without assistance?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your physical strength and ability. This is a common requirement for many healthcare positions, as you may need to lift patients or equipment. Your answer should show that you are capable of handling the task. If you have no prior experience lifting 50 pounds, consider describing an instance where you lifted something heavy.

Example: “I am able to lift 50 pounds without assistance. In my last position, I often had to move patients who were unable to get out of bed on their own. I would use proper technique when lifting them so they wouldn’t fall or sustain any injuries.”

13. What kind of training have you received as a registered nurse?

UF Health Shands Hospital is a teaching hospital, so they want to know that you have received training in your field. They are looking for someone who has the skills and knowledge to provide excellent care to their patients. When answering this question, make sure to mention any specialized training you’ve had.

Example: “I am currently enrolled in an online RN-to-BSN program at Florida State University. I chose this program because it allows me to continue working as a nurse while earning my degree. It also gives me access to many resources, including mentors and tutors. In addition to this program, I have taken several courses on patient care and medical terminology.”

14. What are your long term goals?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s career goals. It can also help you determine if they are looking for a long-term position at your hospital. When answering this question, it can be helpful to include what steps you have taken to achieve those goals and how working at UF Health Shands Hospital could help you reach them.

Example: “My long term goal is to become an emergency room doctor. I am currently in my third year of medical school, so I hope to complete that program and then apply to the residency program here at UF Health Shands Hospital. I know that having experience as a nurse will help me get into the program, which is why I am excited to work here.”

15. Give us an example of how you were able to accurately assess a patients needs.

This question is an opportunity to show your ability to assess a patients needs and develop a treatment plan. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about the patient or their condition so that the interviewer can better understand how you used your skills to help them.

Example: “When I was working as a nurse at a local hospital, I had a patient who came in with severe abdominal pain. After talking with the patient for a while, they told me that they were experiencing these pains because of stress. I knew that if we didn’t address the stress issue, the patient would continue to experience these symptoms. So, I worked with the patient to create a plan to reduce their stress levels.”

16. Would you be willing to relocate if needed?

UF Health Shands Hospital is a large healthcare organization that operates in multiple locations. If you’re interviewing for an entry-level position, it’s likely you’ll be working at the Gainesville campus. However, if you have experience as a nurse and are applying to management positions, you may be asked about your willingness to relocate to other UF Health facilities.

If you’re asked this question, make sure to mention any geographic preferences you have. You should also emphasize how much you enjoy living where you do now and how important it is to you to maintain a good quality of life.

Example: “I’m happy with my current location, but I would certainly consider relocating if it meant advancing my career. I’ve always wanted to live in Florida, so I’d be open to moving to one of the other UF Health facilities.”

17. If hired, what department would you like to work in at UF Health Shands Hospital?

This question is a way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of the hospital and its departments. It also helps them determine which department you would fit in best with. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few things about each department so that the interviewer knows what you know about their organization.

Example: “I have heard great things about UF Health Shands Hospital’s emergency room, so I would love to work there. I am passionate about helping people who are experiencing an urgent medical situation. In my last job as a nurse, I worked in the pediatric ward, where I helped children feel comfortable while they were being treated. I think those two experiences could help me excel in the ER.”

18. What was one thing that made you want to change careers and pursue nursing?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s background and why they chose nursing as a career. It can also help you determine if this person has any experience in the medical field, which could be beneficial for your hospital. When answering this question, it can be helpful to share an anecdote or personal story that shows how you became interested in nursing.

Example: “I decided to pursue nursing because of my grandmother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was younger, and she had to undergo chemotherapy treatments. My family would visit her at the hospital every day, and I remember being so scared for her. However, she always told me not to worry and that everything would be okay. Her positivity really inspired me to become a nurse.”

19. What is your approach to dealing with stress?

Working in a hospital can be stressful, so employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies for dealing with stress. They want to know that you are able to manage your emotions and remain calm when things get hectic. In your answer, explain how you stay positive even when the situation is challenging.

Example: “I find it helpful to take breaks throughout my shift. I try to leave my workstation every hour or two to walk around the hospital. This helps me clear my mind and gives me time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished during my shift. Another strategy I use is deep breathing exercises. When I feel overwhelmed, I close my eyes and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. This usually calms me down enough to help me solve whatever problem I’m facing.”

20. Explain what you know about HIPAA laws and regulations.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of an individual’s medical records. The interviewer may ask this question to make sure you understand how important it is to keep patient information confidential. In your answer, explain what you know about the law and why it’s so important to follow its regulations.

Example: “I am familiar with HIPAA laws and regulations because I worked in a hospital setting for several years. While working at my previous job, I had to sign an agreement stating that I would protect all patient information. I also understood that if I violated any part of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, I could face serious consequences including fines up to $50,000 per violation.”