Notes on NHS Behavioural Interview Questions

Introduction

• Presenter: Joshua Brown from HowToBecome.com
• Focus: Providing top scoring answers to NHS behavioural interview questions.
• Audience: Anyone applying for a role within the NHS.

Content Coverage

1. NHS values and corresponding interview questions.
2. Top scoring answers to each question.
3. Information on how to access additional resources.

Importance of NHS Values

• Essential to succeed in NHS interviews.
• Six core values will be discussed.

Key NHS Values and Sample Questions

Compassion

• Sample Question: Describe a time when you demonstrated compassion in your work.
• Key Points:
  • Focus on empathy and consideration towards patients.
  • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result, Reflection) for structured answers.
  • Highlight personal experiences showing improvement in patient outcomes.
• Example Answer:
  • Care for an elderly patient feeling anxious.
  • Emphasised safety, understanding, and comfort.
  • Resulted in improved mood and treatment cooperation.

Respect and Dignity

• Sample Question: Tell us about a difficult interaction you had with a patient or colleague and how you resolved it.
• Key Points:
  • Effective communication and empathy.
  • Respect for individual perspectives.
  • Aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Example Answer:
  • Interaction with a difficult patient due to hospital fear.
  • Built trust and communication for better cooperation.

Working Together for Patients

• Sample Question: Describe a time when you had to lead a team through a challenging situation.
• Key Points:
  • Leadership and collaboration.
  • Patient-centred outcomes.
  • Highlight experience in coordinating teams.
• Example Answer:
  • Managed a team during an influenza outbreak.
  • Maintained patient care and infection control.

Commitment to Quality of Care

• Sample Question: Can you provide an example of how you handled a high-pressure situation?
• Key Points:
  • Maintain high care standards under pressure.
  • Problem-solving and professionalism.
• Example Answer:
  • Managed operations during a pharmacy system failure.
  • Used manual processes to maintain service quality.

Improving Lives

• Sample Question: Discuss a situation where you took initiative to improve patient care.
• Key Points:
  • Proactive improvements in care.
  • Better patient outcomes.
• Example Answer:
  • Improved discharge process in a rehab centre.
  • Developed a standardized checklist for clarity.

Everyone Counts

• Focus on inclusivity and equitable care.
• Ensure no discrimination in resource distribution.

Preparation Tips

• Understand and demonstrate NHS core values.
• Use personal examples to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
• Practice using the STAR method.

Additional Resources

• Access a comprehensive guide with 50 NHS interview questions and answers at HowToBecome.com.
• Encouragement to subscribe for more tips and resources.
• Connection on LinkedIn for further professional networking.

Conclusion

• Emphasised the importance of reflecting NHS values in interviews.
• Encouragement to seek additional assistance if needed.