Top interview questions to expect

Top 7 Interview Questions Commonly Asked to Patient Navigators:

1. “Tell me about yourself.”
2. “Why did you choose to be a Patient Navigator?”
3. “Describe a time you successfully communicated with a patient’s family.”
4. “Conflict management is essential in a Patient Navigator role; give me an example of a time you successfully handled a conflict.”
5. “Have you worked with colleagues from other healthcare backgrounds? How did you collaborate effectively?”
6. “How would you handle a situation where a patient is anxious or reluctant to receive treatment?”
7. “What are some common challenges Patient Navigators face on the job?”

Check the latest questions for this role:

Answering interview questions with STAR structure

The STAR framework is a structured way of answering behavioral interview questions by providing specific examples of your experiences and skills. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. To use the STAR framework:

1. Situation: Briefly describe the situation or context in which the event occurred.
2. Task: Explain the specific task or goal you were responsible for.
3. Action: Detail the actions you took to accomplish the task or goal.
4. Result: Describe the positive outcome or result of your actions.

Using the STAR framework, you can provide clear and concise answers that highlight your skills and abilities relevant to the Patient Navigator role.

Sample answers to above interview questions

1. “Tell me about yourself.”

Answer:

S: In my previous role as a Patient Navigator at St. John’s Hospital, I facilitated patient care by providing guidance and emotional support throughout their treatment journeys.

T: My role involved developing personalized care plans, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that patients received the necessary resources and support.

A: I actively listened to patients’ concerns, addressed their questions, and provided emotional support during challenging times. Additionally, I collaborated with healthcare providers to ensure smooth communication and streamlined treatment processes.

R: My efforts resulted in improved patient satisfaction, increased adherence to treatment plans, and a reduction in patient anxiety and stress levels.

*This answer is strong because it uses the STAR framework to provide a specific example of the candidate’s skills and abilities as a Patient Navigator.*

2. “Why did you choose to be a Patient Navigator?”

Answer:

S: My passion for helping others and my personal experience with a family member’s illness inspired me to pursue a career as a Patient Navigator.

T: I recognized the significant impact that a Patient Navigator can have in supporting patients and their families during challenging times.

A: I am drawn to the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives by providing them with guidance, emotional support, and personalized care coordination.

R: The role of a Patient Navigator allows me to utilize my skills in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to create a supportive and empowering environment for patients.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s passion for the role and their genuine desire to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.*

3. “Describe a time you successfully communicated with a patient’s family.”

Answer:

S: During my time as a Patient Navigator, I encountered a situation where a patient’s family was struggling to understand the complex medical terminology and treatment options.

T: My task was to facilitate a meeting with the patient’s family, the medical team, and myself to discuss the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

A: I prepared comprehensive materials to help explain the medical information in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. I also actively listened to the family’s concerns and questions and addressed them with empathy and patience.

R: Through effective communication and active listening, I was able to build rapport with the family, ease their anxiety, and ensure that they had a clear understanding of the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively with patients’ families, empathize with their concerns, and provide clear and concise information.*

4. “Conflict management is essential in a Patient Navigator role; give me an example of a time you successfully handled a conflict.”

Answer:

S: In my previous role, I encountered a situation where there was a disagreement between a patient and a healthcare provider regarding the treatment plan.

T: My task was to mediate the conflict and find a solution that addressed the concerns of both parties.

A: I arranged a meeting with the patient, the healthcare provider, and myself to discuss the issue. I actively listened to both sides, acknowledged their concerns, and facilitated a constructive dialogue.

R: Through effective communication and problem-solving, I was able to identify areas of compromise and develop a revised treatment plan that met the needs of both the patient and the healthcare provider. The resolution of the conflict resulted in improved patient satisfaction and a stronger patient-provider relationship.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle conflict effectively, mediate between different parties, and find mutually acceptable solutions.*

5. “Have you worked with colleagues from other healthcare backgrounds? How did you collaborate effectively?”

Answer:

S: In my previous role, I had the opportunity to work with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, and pharmacists.

T: My task was to collaborate with these colleagues to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.

A: I actively sought out opportunities to learn from other healthcare professionals and valued their expertise. I also made an effort to share my own knowledge and experiences to contribute to the team’s collective understanding.

R: Through effective collaboration and communication, we were able to create a supportive and efficient work environment that benefited patients and improved overall patient outcomes.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different healthcare backgrounds, value their expertise, and contribute to the team’s collective knowledge.*

6. “How would you handle a situation where a patient is anxious or reluctant to receive treatment?”

Answer:

S: During my time as a Patient Navigator, I encountered a situation where a patient was anxious and hesitant to undergo a necessary medical procedure.

T: My task was to address the patient’s concerns, provide emotional support, and facilitate their decision-making process.

A: I actively listened to the patient’s concerns and fears, empathized with their emotional state, and provided accurate information about the procedure and its benefits. I also offered alternative options and discussed the potential consequences of delaying or refusing treatment.

R: Through patient education, emotional support, and shared decision-making, I was able to alleviate the patient’s anxiety, address their concerns, and gain their consent for the necessary medical procedure.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle difficult patient situations with empathy, provide accurate information, and facilitate shared decision-making.*

7. “What are some common challenges Patient Navigators face on the job?”

Answer:

S: Patient Navigators often face challenges related to the complexity of healthcare systems, the emotional toll of working with patients and families experiencing illness, and the need to balance multiple responsibilities and priorities.

T: My task is to effectively manage these challenges and provide high-quality care to patients.

A: I am committed to staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in healthcare to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system effectively. I also prioritize self-care and seek support from colleagues and supervisors to manage the emotional demands of the role. Additionally, I use organizational and time management skills to balance multiple responsibilities and meet patient needs efficiently.

R: By proactively addressing these challenges, I can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and their families, ensuring a positive patient experience and improving overall health outcomes.

*This answer is strong because it demonstrates the candidate’s awareness of the challenges faced by Patient Navigators, their commitment to overcoming these challenges, and their strategies for providing high-quality care to patients.*