Answer to Question 1
C
Asking about political preference is one of the topics that is illegal for the interviewer to question. The
most appropriate response would be to tell the interviewer that you evaluate issues, and make all
decisions based on where a candidate stands on the issues. Refusing to answer may be seen as
uncooperative or confrontational.
Answer to Question 2
Correct answers should include two of the following points.
o Reliance on professional judgement and expertise to identify staffing requirements (e.g., when a workload becomes too great, identify the need for more staff when there are temporary changes or upward trends in patient acuity that require adjustment)
o Patient classification systems and workload measurement systems
o classification scheme to predict the demand for care
o classified into groups such as acuity of illness or critical elements required
o established hours of care for the types of patients in the setting
o calculate the staffing requirements
o not considered consistent, reliable, or useful by many, since they show trends in acuity but not in workload
o Decision frameworks used to formulate staff mix and staffing plans
o Use of standardized ratios: nurse-to-patient
o While ratios may be used as a general guideline in facilities, mandatory ratios have not yet been established in Canada.
o In acute care hospitals there are a variety of specialty units that have needs for more nursing hours per patient than general medical/surgical units.
o Many believe that mandatory ratios do not allow for flexibility in responding to shortages.
o Dynamic and shared decision making
o involve front-line nurses working in collaboration with nurse managers to make decisions based on characteristics of patients and nurse competencies or characteristics
o decisions made based on the group of patients/clients and the nurses available
Answer to Question 3
A
Asking a question regarding your religious affiliation would be illegal. However, the interviewer can
ask about your career goals, your strengths and weaknesses, and problems you foresee.