Int. Quest. Flashcards
Why do you want to become a PA?
Although I have enjoyed my role as a PT aid, I feel that, more than anything, it has helped me understand what I really want to do with my career. I get frustrated when my ability to help patients is limited by my expertise in PT. I’d like to learn more about the practice of medicince and be able to work in an enhanced position as a medical provider. At my age, it wouldn’t be practical to consider medical school because of the time and costs involved. As a PA, I can fulfill my desire to practice medicine and completed my degree in 2 years with way less debt. I’d also welcome the “team” aspect of the profession because I have always preferred to work collaboratively with others rather than on my own.
Tell us something about yourself.
I have a year and a half experience as a PT tech. and a year as a Funeral Home Transporter. I often worked 1 on 1 with patients, frequently spending 90% of their appointment difrecting, leading and encouraging them through, often difficult and even painful routines that would allow them to heal. As a transport person, I often worked autonomously to comfort, console, and inform families of necessary information after a loved one’s passing. Aside from the obvious transportation aspect, it was my distinct responisbility to assure families that their loved one woul be well taken care of out of their presence and that we would assist them with anything they needed. From both experiences, I learned to worl under stress, to exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and how to be a team player and leader.
What are your goals as a PA?
I’ve always believed in setting goals. Short, , medium, and long-term. Right now, I”d liek to attend a great PA program, graudate, and be able to pass my boards. Then, I’d like to work on a team and gain as much generalized knowledge as possible. Long-term goals will depend on what happens along the way. I’ll look for oppotunities that will continue to be challenging and where I can make a real contribution to the profession.
What do you consider to be your strengths?
My strengths are a combination of my interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with both staff and patients. I”m a team player and think I’m a good listener. What seperates me from the competition, though, is my ability to put pateients and families at ease, I have the ability to break down complicated medical lingo into simple, concise language. I consistently recieved positive praise from patients and was promoted to “Head Technician” at our PT office mainly, I think, becuase of these qualities.
What is your greatest weakness?
“I don’t know, ask my wife!” (haha) Just kidding. 1) Not passing intro to psych my first real semester in college. 2) fear of speaking in public and talking with strangers. Changed on my mission. 3) “I used to wait until the last minute to turn in assignments by their deadlines, but now I’ve started working ahead.”4) “I used to like to work on one project at a time, but now I can work on multiple and produce higher quality work.”
Read more: http://comerecommended.com/publish2/5-weaknesses-to-tell-your-interviewer-about/#ixzz3OIArflP0
How would you describe your personality?
I am a super-social person woh loves to help those around me feel relaxed and welcome. I love to have fun doing anything, and if it isn’t naturally fun, I make it fun! I’m a team player who loves to see others success as much as myself. Challenges are intimidating but won’t beat me down. I always put in the extra effort to succeed and work to bring others up with me.
What experience do you have that qualifies you to join our program?
With 3 years of work expeirence as a PT tech and Funeral Home Worker, as well as 50+ shadowing hours– I have the medical and interpersnal eperience to qualify as a strong applicant. My stregth is my social skills and ability/willingness to step in and help wherever I am needed- whether it be a leadership position or the most minute favor. If you were to ask my co-workers about me, they would tell you I am very loyal and dependable. I have been known to work 15+ hours over my schedule work time in order to assist other who needed help or time off.
What do you value most in a classmate or a co-worker?
I really value teamates who are dependable, trustworthy, and willing to go the extra mile. I can’t begin to explain the difference it makes in the office when myself and my teamates go above and beyond to make sure pateint rooms are prepared, supplies are available and will taken care of, and assigned tasks are always completed and done WELL. I always strive to amke my workplace both productive and harmonious and love when I can trust others to do the same.
If I asked yoru co-workers or fellow students to say 3 positive things abotu you, what would they say?
- They would most likely say that I am knowledgeable and willing to share my knowledge with anyone who wants help.
- Second, they would tell you that I’m well organized and reliable. People konw that if they as me to do soemthing, it will be accomplished withing a reasonable time frame.
- The third thing they’d tell you is I know how to laugh and have a good time. I have learned that there are times to hunker down or be serious, but work can also be enjoyable.
If it comes down to you and one other applicant, why should we select you?
If you compare my qualification with your requirement, you’ll see that I’m an almost perfect match for your program. I have above the required GPA, more than enough hands-on hours, and a full understanding of my role as a PA. I’ve shadowed multiple healthcare professionals, including a graduate of your PA program! If you were to ask any medical professional (or even professor) that I have worked with, they would say, “He has a strong desire to become a PA, and he would be a great fit for this program.”
Do you have any questions?
One thing you’ve mentioned is _____________. Can you explain more about ________________ and how it _______________________?
If I remember one thing about you, what should it be?
I have 2 skills that are distinctly differnent but that define my unique abilities. I am a skilled and compassionate Funeral Home employee, and the father of a beautiful 10mo baby girl. I’m known being 110% dedicated to everything I do.
Have you applied to any other programs?
Yes, one other: Sammuel Merrit University in Oakland, CA. Originally, my plan was to fully complete my undergrad prior to applying, then apply and begin next year. As this past year unfolded though, I found that I was more qualified than I had anticipated being at this points, so I decided to get organized and give it my best shot this year. I applied to my top 2 choices only due to tight finances and a strong desire to attend one of these 2 schools- both of which have stellar programs, pass/fail rates, and are located within hourse of extended family.
What is a “dependenet” practitioner?
PA’s are dependent practitioners. THey are requiered to work with physician supervision. Although the PA must declare a supervising physician and be registered in the state of employment, he or she may work autonomously.
Explain your undergraduate grades. Why the C-?
During that semester, I was working 40hrs/wk. I was unsure of what direction I wanted to take career wise and that indescision combine with trying to make ends meet (I have put myself through school) resulted in a less-than-awesome grade. Sinece then, I have found direction and purpose in both my professional and personal life and have not received a grade lower than a B+.
If you had a patient with a language barrier, how would you assist the parient?
There ar emany things ot consider when dealing with someone in this position. Aside from the language itself, the person also likely comest from a different culture and that culture might have different understandings and values related to health care. CONNECTION is key. On my mission ___________________________________ (Bosnia, Kenya, etc. Phrases, food, etc.) In this situation, after establishing a common ground, I would ry to find a translator. Many hospitals have them on staff. I might also try to work with family member who speak English and hope they can assist. I’d watch nonverbal communicaly closely and make sure that I don’t upset the patient and try to reassure them as best I could. A smile never hurts! I might even draw pictures or diagrams, but it would be important to make sure they were very clear and understood correctly.
What makes you mad?
I really don’t get mad very often, but rudeness is my biggest button. When people oare discourteous or mean for no apparent reason, it make me pretty angry. In such a situation, I usually try to remind myself that there may be something going on behind teh scenes and that this is my opportuniy to help change their mood or outlook. A the very least, I make sure I am not part of the reason they feel/act this way.
Tell me something unique about yourself that is not already included in your application.
I’m a huge sports fanatic. I love soccer, basketball, golf, and especially college football. My family are huge USC fans (my Dad grew up in SoCal). We go all out. Anything I’m passionate about, it’s go big or go home!
If you could change one thing about the PA profession, as you understand today, what would you change?
I’d increase the number of istitutions that offer master’s PA programs. The demand for PA’s still exceeds the supply, and with the new health care reformt, and it’s only rising.
