Sample interview questions: Have you ever encountered any ethical dilemmas in your practice, and how did you handle them?
Sample answer:
Ethical Dilemmas in Psychiatric Nursing Practice
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I have navigated numerous ethical dilemmas throughout my practice. Here are two notable encounters and how I addressed them:
1. Patient Confidentiality and Mandatory Reporting:
- Scenario: I was treating a patient who disclosed a history of child sexual abuse. While I was ethically bound to maintain confidentiality, I was also legally obligated to report any suspected abuse.
- How I Handled It: I consulted with my supervisor and reviewed the relevant ethical guidelines. I ensured that my patient understood the potential consequences of mandatory reporting and provided them with support and resources. Ultimately, I made the decision to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities while maintaining the patient’s confidentiality to the extent possible.
2. End-of-Life Decision-Making and Patient Autonomy:
- Scenario: I was assisting with the care of a terminally ill patient who was nearing the end of their life. The patient’s family requested that we continue life-sustaining treatment indefinitely, even though the patient had previously expressed a desire to forgo such treatment.
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/7_0_24/Psychiatric%20Nurse%20Practitioner