Healthcare Assistant Interview Questions

Q:What valid certificates or specialised training do you have for the position of healthcare
assistant?

A:This question aims to gather information about the candidate's training and experience. It's
essential to know what certifications are needed for the position in your province or territory.
What to look for in an answer:

 Provincially regulated training or certifications

 Basic understanding of the role of a healthcare assistant
 Experience that can be used in place of certifications

Example:
"I have valid certificates in First Aid and CPR, as well as a Health Care Aide certificate with
the Government of Alberta. I am up to date on all of my immunisation and have a copy
available of my criminal record check."

Q:Can you tell me about a time you had to deal with a patient who refused your care?

A:This question aims to determine how the candidate deals with conflict within the daily work
environment. What to look for in an answer:

 Clear communication skills

 Compassion and patience with the patients they attend to
 Ability to achieve a favourable outcome
 Example:
 "The most challenging part of being a healthcare assistant is providing comfort to a
family whose loved one is critically ill. It's challenging because I have an important
job to performin taking care of the patient. At the same time, I must be compassionate
and helpful to the family members that visit."

Q:How do you prioritise your duties on the job?

A:This question aims to understand how the candidate prioritises their time and the level of their
time management skills. What to look for in an answer:

 Effective time management

 Awareness of shifting priorities throughout the workday
Ability to remain calm under pressure

Example:
"Every day when I begin, I will read over the communication book from the previous shift to
familiarise myself with any new information about my patients. This gives me any details I
need to be aware of before I begin my routine. Then, I become familiar with any patients
coming in or being discharged."

Q:What is the most rewarding part of your role as a healthcare assistant?

A:This question provides insight into what the candidate enjoys about the role of a healthcare
assistant. It will allow you to see what motivates the candidate to maintain a high level of service
for their patients. What to look for in an answer:

 Compassion and a desire to help others

 Personal responsibility in their role
 Positive internal motivation to provide high-quality work
Example:
"There are so many things that I find rewarding about this type of work. However, if I had to
choose just one, I would say the most rewarding thing is when a patient is finally able to do
something for themselves that they couldn't before. Even small tasks like brushing their teeth
or buttoning their shirt. Knowing that I helped them redevelop these skills is so rewarding to
me."

Q:Can you tell me about a time you had a patient become critically ill in your care?

A:The goal of this question is to understand how the candidate reacts to an emergency within
their role. It can also provide insight into the way they handle stress in a crisis. What to look for
in an answer:
  Critical thinking skills
 Ability to follow procedures and protocol
 Effective communication skills
Example:
"Not that long ago, in my most recent position, I had a patient I was tending to for personal
care and grooming. During our time together, he became faint, and his vital signs became
irregular. I immediately secured the patient in his bed to ensure his safety and then called for
help to the nurse's station. Fortunately, we were able to stabilise him again."
Q:How would your coworkers describe your work ethic?

A:The purpose of this question is to see how the candidate would describe their work ethic
through the perspective of their colleagues. What to look for in an answer:

 Positive attitude about their role as a healthcare assistant

 Clear verbal communication
Ability to put themselves in someone else's position

Example:
"I think that my coworkers would describe me as compassionate towards the patients under
my care. They would likely say I am willing to take the extra time to make a patient feel
comfortable and respected. I think they would also say I follow procedures and ask questions
when I am unsure about something."
Q:What duties do you enjoy the most as a healthcare assistant?

A:This question aims to ensure the candidate has a basic understanding of the duties involved as
a healthcare assistant. What to look for in an answer:

 Knowledge regarding the essential duties of the role

 Positive, compassionate attitude
Desire to help others

Example:
"The most enjoyable part of the job is to help a patient get ready for a visit from loved ones.
Attending to their personal care and grooming while chatting with them about their upcoming
visit gives me a sense of satisfaction. I love seeing them happy, and knowing that they want
to look their best motivates me to ensure the process is enjoyable for them."
Q:What would you do if you witnessed patient abuse by a coworker?

A:The goal of this question is to evaluate how the candidate deals with unacceptable situations in
the workplace. What to look for in an answer:

 Awareness of unacceptable behaviour of colleagues

 Critical thinking
 Compassion for those in their care
Example:
"If I witnessed abuse of a patient by a coworker, I would stop them, and report it to a
supervisor immediately. As a healthcare assistant, a patient's care and respect are of primary
importance. I feel it's my responsibility to advocate for the patient's rights."
Q:What other healthcare members do you have experience working with, such as registered
nurses or physical therapists?

A:The purpose of this question is to understand if the candidate has experience workingwith
other healthcare professionals and how they interact in a team environment. What to look for in
an answer:

 Positive attitude towards other colleagues

 Experience in a variety of practical settings
 Effective communication within a team
Example:
"I have experience working within various teams and with many types of healthcare
professionals. I have worked with doctors, registered nurses, nutritionists, respiratory
therapists, and physical therapists in a hospital setting. When I worked at the nursing home, I
worked the same healthcare professionalsand psychologists and pharmacy technicians."
Q:Are there any parts of the role you need special accommodation with, such as lifting a patient
into a wheelchair?

A:This question aims to ensure that the candidate can perform the physical aspects of the role. If
they need special accommodation, that can be addressed at this time. What to look for in an
answer:

 Understanding of the requirements of the position

  Ability to perform all physical aspects or necessary adjustments
Willingness to ask for assistance if required

Example:
"I understand that there are many physical aspects to the role of a healthcare assistant. I have
the necessary fitness andability levels to perform all required duties. I also have training on
how to adjust my technique for patients that may be a struggle to reposition or move."
Q:Can you tell me the steps you would take to familiarise yourself with a new patient?

A:The purpose of this question is to determine if the candidate understands the basic protocol of
working with a new patient. What to look for in an answer:

 Basic understanding of the information required to begin working with a patient

 Ability to read and comprehend medical information, such as medication protocol
Critical thinking and planning

Example:
"When I first start to work with a new patient, I initially read over their chart and become
familiar with their condition. I educate myself on how often their vital signs are to be taken,
their medication protocol, and any other helpful information. Then, I introduce myself and
take some time to talk with them and get to know them."
Q:Why did you apply for the role of healthcare assistant at our facility?

A:This question aims to understand the motivation of the candidate to apply for the position. It
can also provide insight into what they may already know about your company. What to look for
in an answer:

 Compassion and a desire to help others

 Basic information about the company
 Understanding of how the role of healthcare assistant fits into the larger team
Example:
"The reason I applied to your facility is because of the outstanding reputation you have for
patient care. I want to work for a company that puts the needs of the patient first, and one that
take s care of its staff and employees."
Q:Why do you want to work in the healthcare field?

A:This question aims to understand what motivates the candidateto work within this field and
helps you gauge if they'll stay with your company long term.What to look for in an answer:

 Desire to help and serve others with dignity and compassion

 Willingness to work within a professional team
 Understanding of the qualities for workers within the healthcare system
Example:
"The reason I want to work in the healthcare field is my desire to truly help people. I took
care of my grandmother in her final years, and the experience was so rewarding that I decided
to make it my career."
Q:How do you maintain dignity for a client when performing personal care tasks?

A:The purpose of this question is to ensure the candidate understands the importance of
following protocol while maintaining patient dignity. What to look for in an answer:

 Ability to follow procedures and protocol

 Compassion and empathy for others
 Willingness to perform personal care tasks
Example:
"Maintaining dignity and respect for a client is important when completing personal care and
grooming. I do involve them in the decisions related to their care, such as the clothing they
want to wear or what lipstick to put on. I also make sure to close the door or screen before I
begin any private care."