Dialysis Nurse

Through this question, your interviewer would try to understand what kind of ideas you have regarding your position as a dialysis nurse, and what you prioritize as a part of your job. Similar questions may include salary expectations and job descriptions. Take some time to think out your answer if required, and try to match your points with the expectations from the work culture of the institution you are aiming for.

While the position of a dialysis nurse is challenging and can be quite exhausting at times, it has been immensely rewarding to me. As a dialysis nurse, I am expected to initiate treatment, monitor the patient throughout the treatment, and have the immense responsibility of deciding when to discontinue treatment. I am also responsible for ensuring that the prescribed medication is rigorously followed, that the machines function properly and that the patient understands what is happening to them. A dialysis nurse often learns many new and unexpected things as she goes along. My position has also taught me to think on my feet and make quick and vital decisions. It has taught me to be very patient, has made me a good listener, and now I have become very efficient in forming and handling bonds with my patients.

This could be a very simple question if you are prepared for it. You just have to talk about the strengths that you know would be of value to the company.

DO:

☛ Make the most of this question. This question gives you the control to guide the interview to where you want it so take advantage.

☛ Emphasize the strengths you have that are crucial to the position

☛ Find out from the job description and from company research, the kind of strengths the company invests in.

DON’T:

☛ Do not be too modest or claim to be what you are not

☛ Do not try to mention things you cannot illustrate with a brief example

☛ Do not mention the strengths that aren’t relevant to the job at hand

Remember, the subtext is always ‘How far are you willing to go to impress your fellow workers?’ It is one thing to make minor concessions to be a better team member, but another to let go of your basics. A frequently asked question similar to this is what would you do if you saw someone in your team behaving unethically. Take your time to answer. Understand that everyone is looking for a confident employee for whom the reputation of the workplace would be of the utmost importance.

It depends on the situation. If it is a critical moment where I am required to do someone else’s work as well, or to work overtime, I am absolutely fine with it. At other times, I would expect my team members to make equal compromises. In case I see someone doing something they shouldn’t, I would try to understand the situation and follow protocol to seek redressal in case it is required of me to do so.

Here you talk about the number of years you have spent on the field, the hospitals or dialysis centres you have been associated with, and any special incident that you feel has been defining or life-changing. Remember that it is okay not to have much experience as compared to other candidates as long as you can establish that you are very good at what you do and that you agree to the company’s policy and look forward to new challenges.

I have been on this field for the past five years and I have been associated with both multi-facility hospitals and dialysis clinics. I have come across patients with multiple degrees of renal failure and each experience has been different. [this is where you can insert an experience which has affected you a lot and has brought out or changed your skills]

You are a parent to a toddler, and it is okay for you to have a rigid work schedule. At the same time, any professional facility would be looking for employees who are ready to make compromises for the improvement of the workplace. As a professional in an area as important as nursing, it would be expected of you to apply for the job only after giving due consideration to the work schedule. Whatever the case may be, you are required to be committed to making life comfortable for your patients.

In case my replacement does not arrive on time [for example], I would get in touch with my facility and try to inquire into my situation. I am fully aware of my responsibility of not leaving the patient unsupervised under any condition. In case there is no replacement at all, I would have to take up additional responsibilities for the time being and then lodge a complaint if the case demands once I return to my facility.