Here's how you can showcase your problem-solving skills in a Patient Advocacy interview.

When showcasing your problem-solving skills in a patient advocacy interview, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to thoroughly understand the issues at hand. Provide examples of how you gather information, ask clarifying questions, and analyze the root causes of problems. Highlight your active listening skills and your commitment to understanding the patient's perspective.

An example I’ve seen while working in a Magnet Hospital, nationally known heart failure unit was the treatment and length of stay, complete treatment of those patients with a non-Medicaid or Medicare insurance vs. one with a private insurance company, apparently higher income, and more educated visitors with them had all the checkmarks+ in their care. A lower income or unemployed patient was treated by nurses 100% differently and cut more corners as well as more likely to be called frequent flyers because of readmissions that made the staff recognize them and formed an attitude their conditions and forming co-morbities were a direct reflection of the education they’ve received from the doctors and amount of time nurses spent with them.

I was appalled at the fact when a patient did not know their dx let alone the amount of 2000 mg limit of salt and their individual daily liquid intake or diet type. Each patient has in their care plan 20 minutes of education on diet and activity. I never saw a nurse perform this part of their care plan resulting in worsened health. Maybe it was because they were understaffed because a unit of that acuity and are hired to care for a maximum four patients at time but never was there a day no one had less than five patients assigned to them. Six patients happened occasionally but this was a very dangerous, and inability to properly care fore these patients. As Safety Chair I implemented a program no one went over 15 min. w/o being checked on.

Emotional intelligence is a vital aspect of patient advocacy, enabling advocates to empathize with patients and understand their emotional responses. For example, when a patient was anxious about a new diagnosis, I listened actively and validated their feelings, which helped build trust. By using reflective listening and maintaining a compassionate demeanour, I guided the patient through their treatment options, ensuring the decision was both practical and aligned with their emotional needs.

When showcasing your problem-solving skills in a patient advocacy interview, also consider: Providing specific, concrete examples that illustrate your skills in action Tailoring your responses to the specific needs and challenges of the organization Highlighting your ability to prioritize and make decisions in high-pressure situations Demonstrating your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development Emphasizing your passion for patient advocacy and your desire to make a positive impact

I will always go back to "meet them where they are at". Not just the patient but anyone involved. We need to be able to step back, gather facts and present the facts in a clear, easy to understand way. We need to be sure what we are addressing the patients needs, goal and wishes. Often times people that are recommending treatments/care/etc are recommending what is best for the disease/problem. They are truly coming from a place of care and concern. Even with that being true, it may not be what is right for the patient. We need to be able to educate to their level of understanding and listen to understand all sides!