There are a few particular requirements for a home health nurse.
The main questions for such a job usually revolve around dealing with the patient’s family, respecting the cultural differences, and having a set routine.
The interviewer wants to make sure that the future home health nurse:
- is flexible,
- has strong communication skills,
- and is able to make independent decisions.
Below you will find a few common home health nurse interview questions and helpful tips on how to answer them.
Interview Questions for Home Health Nurses
All nurses share several attributes and skills, but to be effective as a home health nurse, you would have to have a few additional qualities.
Such specialists will encounter personal challenges and certain situations that you won’t really see in a healthcare facility.
An interviewer wants to make sure that you’re not only a highly skilled professional but also a tactful and flexible person who can productively spend time while traveling from one patient to the other.
The majority of the questions asked by the interviewer would be aimed at finding these qualities in you.
Home Health Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
1. What are the first steps you take as soon as you arrive at a patient’s home?
The interviewer wants to hear that you have a set-up routine and that you can confidently list all of your steps.
In this answer, you should be very specific and practically non-hesitant.
Don’t forget to mention that safety is the top priority and that each patient deserves to receive similar care.
You can say a few words about maintaining inventory as the care takes place outside a hospital setting and keeping an eye on the supplies might be your responsibility.
2. What would you do if you have found out that the patient’s family is not happy with the care that you’re providing?
Such a question helps evaluate your problem-solving and communication skills.
Any issues should be addressed as soon as possible.
The opinion of the patient and his family should always be respected and considered and you might also want to point out that your patient will always come before your own opinions.
Offer a few solutions to the situation.
For example, some home health nurses might prefer to have a sit-down meeting with the family where they can attentively listen to one another and share their thoughts.
See also: Hospice Nurse Interview Questions
3. How far can you travel to make it to your patient home?
Being honest is incredibly important as no matter how much you want to land the job, maintaining a healthy life-work balance and correctly setting limits matter as well.
Make sure to vocalize your preferences and your traveling abilities.
However, you can also say that you do understand the need for flexibility and that you’ll be able to make an exception whenever there is an urgent need on the company’s part.
This is one of the top questions of home health care businesses as it helps the company determine if you are the right fit for their type of business.
Bear in mind that some businesses would prefer candidates who have reliable transportation.
See also: Travel Nurse Interview Questions
4. How do you choose to deal with cultural differences?
The best way to answer such questions is to make it clear that you will treat all patients with respect and that you’re always open to hearing out and considering various solutions.
Nurses have to work with different patients.
But when it comes to home health nurses; they come to the patient’s home, a very personal space with certain rules and peculiarities.
You might want to mention that as long as you’re not working outside the scope of practice underneath your license, you will be willing to meet the needs of the patients.
Respecting and fulfilling such requests as taking your shoes off, for example, is a great way to make the patient feel more appreciated and such gestures help establish a stronger bond.
See also: Community Health Nurse Interview Questions
5. A patient is declining in the home but the family refuses to take them to the hospital. What would you do?
This question is all about finding a balance between empathy and the need to do your job.
Home health nurses have a more personal relationship with the patient and his family.
You should respect their wishes and opinions, but, at the same, time, a nurse should always choose to do what’s best for the patient.
You can mention that, in such a case, you might have to spend quite some time educating the family members.
Even though they should already know a lot about the patient’s condition, make it clear what the consequences of their decision might be like.
Of course, if the family has certain medical documents, like a DNR, for example, the patient can stay home.
If the family doesn’t have such a document, then you can tell them more about what has to be in place, if they are not accepting any other medical intervention (POA, Advanced Directive, and so on).
In some cases, you might be required to activate the EMS.
6. What qualities make you a great home health nurse?
Here are the main skills that the interviewer is looking for:
- Knowledge of clinical skills
- Ability to work and make decisions fast in case of an emergency
- Patience and flexibility to work in various environments
- Strong communication skills and high emotional intelligence
- Ability to make independent decisions, if required
See also: Interview Questions for Nursing Home Administrator
7. Why have you chosen to become a home health nurse?
The interviewer wants you to demonstrate a passion for the job.
He also wants to make sure that you understand the value of such a career and that you’re not seeking such a position simply to gain financial benefits.
While answering, explain why you are the best candidate for the job and don’t forget to emphasize how attentive and compassionate you are.
Let the interviewer know that you’re more than aware that taking care of a person in their own house is a lot different from working in a facility.
Home Health Nurse Interview Questions and Answers PDF
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Conclusion: Home Health Nurse Interview Questions
These were a few examples of home health nurse interview questions to give you an idea of what to expect.
Telling about your experience and education is, of course, important, but so is pointing out your non-clinical skills.
So, make sure to do that.
Good luck with your upcoming interview!
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