The Top 15 UF Health Shands Hospital Interview Questions and Answers

As one of the premier academic medical centers in Florida, UF Health Shands Hospital attracts top talent across all areas – clinical, research, IT, finance, and more. Competition for jobs is intense.

As a current employee, I’ve both interviewed candidates and been through the process myself at Shands. Based on my experience, I’ve compiled the 15 most common Shands interview questions with tips to help you prepare winning answers.

Overview of the UF Health Shands Interview Process

Before diving into specific questions let’s review what to expect

• Multiple interviews – expect at least 2-3 rounds including your hiring manager and a peer interview. Some roles also have panel interviews.

• Behavioral questions – many questions will assess soft skills like teamwork communication, and adaptability.

• Technical expertise – be prepared for in-depth questions on your clinical, IT, finance or other job-related knowledge.

• Customer service – Shands emphasizes patient-centric care and service, so expect several questions on this.

• Culture fit – Shands seeks those aligned with its values of compassion, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.

Now let’s look at 15 of the most commonly asked interview questions and how to ace them:

1. Why do you want to work at UF Health Shands Hospital?

Use this opportunity to demonstrate you’ve researched Shands and are excited by its mission and values. Focus on:

• Cutting-edge patient care, research, and academics. Mention specific centers of excellence or departments that interest you.

• Opportunity to collaborate with top medical minds from the University of Florida.

• Diverse patient populations – chance to make a difference for underserved groups.

• Alignment with your passion for evidence-based, compassionate care.

• UF Health’s reputation as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence.

2. What does patient-centered care mean to you?

This question tests your commitment to exceptional service. Share how you:

• Get to know patients on a personal level to understand their unique needs.

• Thoroughly explain diagnosis, treatment plans, and care instructions in simple terms.

• Actively listen and respond with empathy.

• Keep patients informed and engaged throughout their care journey.

• Partner with families and incorporate their insights to customize care.

• Uphold patient dignity, comfort and quality of life.

Align your answer with Shands’ values of compassion and respect.

3. How do you ensure you deliver care safely and effectively?

This evaluates your commitment to evidence-based care. Discuss how you:

• Continuously review clinical guidelines and best practices.

• Leverage collaborations with peers and specialists to improve care.

• Are rigorous about infection control, medication management, and risk mitigation policies.

• Speak up immediately if ever concerned about safety – Shands promotes a culture of safety.

• Welcome feedback and implement changes to strengthen care.

Emphasize prioritizing safety while pursuing optimal outcomes.

4. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.

Use an example that shows how you:

• Anticipated a customer’s needs and took initiative.

• Handled a difficult situation calmly with empathy.

• Went above and beyond expectations.

• Sought feedback on how else you could have improved their experience.

• Took actions based on feedback to continuously improve service.

At Shands, every patient interaction reflects on their reputation for service excellence.

5. What qualities make an effective team player?

This assesses your teamwork skills. Highlight how effective team players:

• Offer help proactively and share knowledge and resources.

• Listen attentively and incorporate diverse perspectives.

• Give constructive feedback respectfully.

• Recognize accomplishments of others.

• Commit to shared goals over personal glory.

• Resolve conflicts maturely through open communication.

• Exude positivity and optimism even during challenges.

Share examples of how you’ve demonstrated these qualities.

6. Tell me about a time you successfully collaborated with physicians and clinical staff.

Physician relationships are vital at an academic medical center. Share a time you:

• Coordinated patient care seamlessly across specialties.

• Anticipated physicians’ needs and facilitated efficient workflows for them.

• Earned physicians’ trust and respect through your expertise and professionalism.

• Leveraged physician input to improve processes and policies.

Emphasize shared goals of outstanding patient outcomes and safety.

7. How do you stay up-to-date in your field with the latest knowledge and best practices?

Lifelong learning is essential in healthcare. Discuss:

• Reading respected peer-reviewed journals in your specialty.

• Taking continuing education courses and internal training.

• Attending conferences and external workshops.

• Participating actively in professional organizations.

• Using PubMed or other tools to research clinical studies.

Demonstrate an intrinsic passion for continuous learning.

8. How would you handle a situation in which you identified a breach in compliance with laws, regulations, or policies?

Healthcare compliance helps ensure patient safety. Share how you would:

• Discretely report the issue through proper channels like your manager or compliance hotline.

• Document details objectively for investigation.

• Follow-up appropriately to ensure the situation is addressed.

• Complete any required training to prevent future occurrences.

Emphasize maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

9. Tell me about a challenging time you faced a problem with a piece of clinical equipment. How did you handle it?

This question evaluates your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Walk through how you:

• Thoroughly assessed the equipment and situation to identify the root cause.

• Determined risks and interim steps to ensure safety.

• Escalated promptly to the appropriate resource e.g. biomed engineer.

• Verified issue resolution and participated in training to prevent recurrences.

• Identified process improvements like better monitoring and maintenance.

Getting training on the latest technologies is a plus at Shands.

10. Imagine you disagree with a colleague’s approach to a patient case. How would you handle it?

This assesses your diplomacy and conflict resolution skills. Discuss how you would:

• Listen openly to understand their rationale.

• Present your perspective professionally, focusing on evidence.

• Collaborate to find common ground in the patient’s best interests.

• Involve leadership if needed to reach a sound resolution.

• Document the chosen approach clearly.

Emphasize that patient wellbeing is always the priority.

11. How do you ensure accuracy and quality when performing [task specific to your role]?

This demonstrates your diligence around clinical, data, or other discipline-specific responsibilities. Discuss:

• Double checking work.

• Following established protocols meticulously.

• Leveraging technology like algorithms or automated alerts to reduce error.

• Collaborating with peers for additional validation.

Share examples of how you enhanced a process to improve accuracy.

12. Tell me about a time you successfully led a project or initiative.

This question gauges your leadership skills. Share a project where you:

• Created a vision aligned to organization goals.

• Assembled and motivated a high-performing team.

• Implemented a structured project management approach.

• Overcame obstacles through adaptability and problem-solving.

• Achieved results that had a measurable positive impact.

Demonstrate how you lead with purpose and inspire excellence.

13. Where do you see your career in 3-5 years?

Shands favors driven individuals who want to grow professionally. Share how you see yourself:

• Advancing your clinical, IT, finance or other relevant expertise.

• Gaining leadership opportunities.

• Broadening your skillset through lateral moves or cross-training.

• Taking on additional responsibilities like training others.

Convey your long-term mindset.

14. What are your salary expectations?

Do your research beforehand on Shands’ pay bands for your role and level of experience. Take into account cost of living in Gainesville and benefits. Provide a reasonable range based on your research. Be flexible – convey you’re open to negotiation if an offer is made.

15. Do you have any questions for me?

Prepare 2-3 insightful questions that demonstrate your engagement. Examples:

• How would you describe the culture and work environment here?

• What are the most pressing goals or challenges the team/department is focused on this year?

• What success measures will my performance be evaluated against?

• What opportunities are there for mentorship and professional development?

This shows your enthusiasm and preparation for the role.

Following these tips will ensure you are ready to ace your Shands interview. Best of luck!