20 UPMC Interview Questions and Answers

UPMC is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the world, with over 60,000 employees. They offer a wide range of healthcare services, from primary care to specialty care. Because of their size and scope, they often have specific interview questions that are designed to assess a candidate’s fit for a particular role.

If you’re interviewing for a job at UPMC, it’s important to be prepared to answer these types of questions. In this article, we’ll give you some examples of UPMC interview questions and how to answer them.

UPMC Interview Process

The interview process at UPMC can vary depending on the position you are applying for. However, most positions will require at least one in-person interview. The length of the hiring process also varies, but it typically takes several weeks to complete.

Overall, the interview process is fairly straightforward. However, some positions may be more difficult to land than others. For example, Registered Nurse and Medical Resident positions tend to be highly competitive. But, if you have the right qualifications, the interview process should not be too difficult.

In general, the interviewers at UPMC are professional and courteous. They will ask you questions about your experience and qualifications, as well as your goals for the future. Be prepared to answer these questions honestly and thoughtfully.

Overall, the interview process at UPMC is a positive experience. With a little preparation, you should be able to land the job you want.

1. Why do you want to work at UPMC?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your interest in working at UPMC. They want to know what attracted you to their organization and whether it’s a good fit for you. When preparing for this question, think of specific aspects of UPMC that appeal to you. Consider mentioning any personal connections you have with the hospital or its staff members.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in healthcare, so I’m excited to work at UPMC because it’s one of the best hospitals in the country. I also have several friends who work here, which makes me feel like I would be part of a close-knit team. I love how much UPMC values innovation and collaboration, and I hope to contribute to those things as an employee.”

2. What qualities in a supervisor make you comfortable working under them?

UPMC wants to know that you will be comfortable working under their leadership. They want employees who are willing to work hard and learn from the company’s leaders. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific quality of your supervisor or manager. This shows that you have had an excellent relationship with them in the past.

Example: “My last supervisor was very encouraging when I made mistakes. She always told me that making mistakes is part of learning new things. She would help me find ways to improve my performance without criticizing me for what I did wrong. It helped me feel more confident about my abilities as an employee.”

3. Tell me about your experience with administering medication.

UPMC is a large healthcare organization that provides many different types of care. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience with administering medication and how you would handle the responsibility if hired. Use examples from past experiences where you administered medication correctly, followed protocols or communicated with other medical professionals.

Example: “In my last position as a registered nurse, I was responsible for administering medications to patients in their rooms. I always double-checked the patient’s name on the pill bottle against their chart before administering the medication. If they were taking multiple pills at once, I made sure to administer them all at once so they didn’t have to wait between doses. I also asked the patient if they had any questions about the medication before leaving the room.”

4. Are you willing to be flexible with the hours and shifts that you work?

UPMC is a large healthcare organization that offers many different types of jobs. Some employees work in the emergency room, while others are nurses or doctors. The interviewer wants to know if you’re flexible enough to do any job within the company and will be able to adapt to their needs.

Example: “I am willing to work whatever hours I need to in order to get the job done. However, I prefer working during regular business hours because it’s easier for me to stay focused on my tasks when there aren’t as many distractions. I also like being able to spend time with my family after work.”

5. How would you handle a situation where an elderly patient was being difficult?

UPMC is a large healthcare system that treats many patients. The interviewer wants to know how you would handle challenging situations with patients and their families. Use your answer to highlight your communication skills, empathy and problem-solving abilities.

Example: “I have worked with elderly patients before, so I understand the importance of patience when working with them. However, if a patient was being difficult or disrespectful, I would first try to calm them down by speaking in a soft voice and asking them what they need. If this didn’t work, I would ask for help from my colleagues or supervisors. I am confident that I can handle any situation with an elderly patient.”

6. Describe yourself as a leader.

Leadership is an important skill for anyone working in a management role. Employers ask this question to see if you have the skills and abilities that make you a good leader. When answering, think about what makes you a strong leader. Try to focus on your strengths as a leader rather than your weaknesses.

Example: “I believe I am a great leader because of my ability to motivate others. I always try to find ways to inspire those around me to do their best work. I also feel like I’m a good leader because of my communication skills. I can clearly explain ideas to others so they understand them. This helps everyone work together more effectively.”

7. What is your experience working with EMR systems?

UPMC is a large healthcare organization that uses electronic medical records (EMR) systems to manage patient information. Your answer should show the interviewer that you have experience working with EMRs and can adapt to new systems quickly. You can describe your previous experience with EMRs or explain how you learned to use them if you haven’t worked in a hospital setting before.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different EMR systems during my career, so I’m used to adapting to new ones when necessary. When I started at my last job, there was no system in place for tracking patient data. We had to create our own system using Excel spreadsheets. After two years of using this system, we were able to implement an EMR system.”

8. Can you tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult issue over the phone?

UPMC is a large organization with many departments, so it’s likely that you’ll have to speak on the phone at some point in your career. The interviewer wants to know how you handle challenging situations and if you can remain professional while doing so.

Example: “I once had a patient call me who was very upset about their bill. They were adamant that they should not be charged for certain services because of their insurance plan. I calmly explained our billing policies and asked them to explain their situation again. After listening to their explanation, I realized that they did indeed qualify for the service they were questioning. I apologized for any inconvenience and assured them we would adjust their account.”

9. Have you ever worked with patients who have mental illnesses?

UPMC is a large healthcare provider that offers many services, including mental health. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience working with patients who have mental illnesses and how you handled those situations. Use your answer to highlight any specific skills or experiences you have in this area.

Example: “I worked at a community hospital for two years where I saw all types of patients. One of my favorite parts of the job was getting to know our patients and their families. In one instance, I had a patient who suffered from schizophrenia. He would often get confused and forget why he was there. His family members were always very supportive and helpful when it came to answering questions. I learned a lot from them about what to expect from his condition.”

10. Do you have any experience educating patients on medical procedures or treatments?

UPMC is a large healthcare provider that offers many different services. The organization may ask this question to see if you have experience working with patients and educating them on medical procedures or treatments. This can help the interviewer determine whether you are qualified for the position and how your previous experiences might benefit UPMC. In your answer, try to explain any relevant experience you have in this area.

Example: “I worked as an emergency room nurse at a hospital where I often had to educate patients about their conditions and treatment plans. For example, I once cared for a patient who was experiencing chest pains. After running some tests, we determined that he needed surgery to remove his gallbladder. I explained the procedure to him and answered all of his questions so that he felt comfortable before going into surgery.”

11. How many years of nursing experience do you have?

UPMC is a large organization that employs many nurses. The hiring manager may ask this question to learn about your experience level and determine if you are qualified for the position. If you have less than five years of experience, explain what steps you’ve taken to gain more experience. If you have more than five years of experience, highlight some of your most recent accomplishments.

Example: “I have eight years of nursing experience. I started my career as an emergency room nurse at a local hospital where I worked for three years. Then, I moved to another hospital where I worked in the intensive care unit for four years. Finally, I joined UPMC two years ago.”

12. Tell us about a time when you felt like a resident needed additional assistance, how did you help them?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you work with your colleagues and support them when they need it. Use examples from your experience where you helped a colleague or mentor who was struggling to complete their tasks.

Example: “When I first started working as an ER nurse, I had a resident who was new to the hospital. She would often forget important information about her patients that could have affected their care. One day, she forgot to tell me one of my patient’s allergies, which caused me to administer medication that could have been harmful for them. I calmly reminded her of the allergy and asked her to double-check all other details before administering any treatment.”

13. Are you able to work autonomously?

UPMC is a large organization that requires employees to work independently at times. The interviewer wants to know if you can complete tasks without constant supervision and guidance. Use examples from your experience where you were able to accomplish goals or projects on your own.

Example: “In my previous role, I was responsible for managing the social media accounts for our company. This required me to create content daily and respond to comments and questions within 24 hours. I learned how to manage this task by myself as I gained more experience with it. Now, I am comfortable working autonomously and have no problem completing tasks without direct supervision.”

14. Do you think you are capable of handling stressful situations with ease?

UPMC is a large organization that requires its employees to handle stressful situations with ease. This question allows you to show the interviewer how you can manage stress and remain calm in high-pressure environments.

Example: “I believe I am capable of handling stressful situations with ease because I have done so throughout my career. In my previous position, I was responsible for managing multiple projects at once while ensuring deadlines were met. While this was challenging at times, I learned to prioritize tasks and delegate work to ensure I could meet all project requirements on time. I also developed strong communication skills that helped me collaborate with team members to solve problems.”

15. If hired, what would be your approach to training new residents in a mentoring role?

UPMC is a large healthcare organization that employs many medical professionals. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your mentoring skills and how you would help new employees succeed in their roles. Use examples from previous experiences where you helped others develop their skills or knowledge.

Example: “I have experience working as a mentor for residents at my current hospital, so I know the importance of providing support and guidance to those who are learning on the job. In my last role, I noticed that some residents were struggling with patient care tasks like administering medications or changing bandages. So, I developed a training program to teach these skills to all residents. This approach helped me ensure that everyone was performing these tasks correctly and provided an opportunity for me to assess each resident’s progress.”

16. We want our physicians to also act as educators to their students. Please describe a scenario in which you acted as an educator to a student.

UPMC wants to ensure that their physicians are able to educate and mentor students. This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your ability to teach others.

Example: “I have been teaching medical students at my current hospital for the past three years. I enjoy being able to share my knowledge with these students, as it helps me remember what it was like when I first started learning about medicine. It’s rewarding to see them grow in their understanding of the human body and how to treat patients.”

17. Give an example of 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 think of a specific situation where you went above and beyond for a patient or their family.

Example: “When I was working as an ER nurse, there was a young boy who came in with his mother because he had broken his arm. He was very scared and nervous about getting his cast put on, so I stayed with him while they applied the cast. I talked to him the entire time and made sure that he felt comfortable. After we were done, he gave me a big hug and thanked me for making him feel better.”

18. Do you have any experience working with children?

UPMC is a large employer that offers many different types of jobs. Some employees work with children, and the interviewer wants to make sure you have experience working with them if this is one of your job responsibilities. If you do not have any experience working with children, explain what type of work you did that was similar.

Example: “I worked as a teacher for five years before I moved to Pennsylvania. I taught elementary school students math and science, and I also coached some of the sports teams. I am very comfortable working with children and know how to communicate effectively with them.”

19. In your opinion, what makes a good doctor?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of the medical field and how you can apply it to your work. When answering this question, make sure to highlight qualities that are important in healthcare professionals.

Example: “A good doctor needs to be compassionate and empathetic toward their patients. They should also have excellent communication skills so they can explain procedures and diagnoses clearly. A doctor should be able to remain calm under pressure and think critically about treatment options. Finally, I believe doctors need to stay up-to-date on new developments in medicine.”

20. As a physician, what are some challenges you have faced?

This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your problem-solving skills. When answering this question, it can be helpful to highlight how you overcame challenges and what steps you took to solve them.

Example: “The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a physician is helping patients understand their diagnosis. It’s important for me to make sure my patients fully understand their condition so they know what to expect during treatment. To do this, I try to explain things in simple terms that are easy to understand. If I notice a patient seems confused or overwhelmed, I will take extra time to ensure they feel comfortable with their diagnosis.”