Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your experience for this kind of role?
I am an experienced practice nurse with a strong focus on long term conditions, prevention and patient education. I am used to running my own clinics, including asthma and COPD reviews, cervical screening and immunisations, while working closely with the wider GP team. I am calm, structured and like to explain things in simple language so patients understand their condition and what they need to do. This helps reduce anxiety for patients and supports safer self management at home. I also pay close attention to infection control, documentation and follow up, so that other clinicians have clear information and patients get consistent care.
For example, in my previous GP practice I ran regular asthma and COPD review clinics and picked up an early decline in a COPD patient’s spirometry. I took a structured history, checked inhaler technique, explained the results clearly and escalated to the duty GP, which helped stabilise their symptoms and likely avoided another flare up. In another role I ran cervical screening and immunisation clinics, where I focused on dignity, clear explanations and good communication about results and next steps. That approach led to positive feedback from patients and better screening uptake, which showed me that taking a bit of extra time can have a real impact on outcomes and trust.
(Built from a mix of your stories.)
What would you say are your main strengths for this role?
My main strengths are structured clinical assessment, clear communication with patients, and safe, organised working. I am good at breaking down complex information into simple, non frightening language so people understand their condition and feel more in control. I also pay close attention to detail in infection control and record keeping, which supports patient safety and makes it easier for colleagues to follow up. This combination means fewer mistakes, clearer plans and smoother teamwork in a busy practice.
For example, when reviewing a patient with COPD who had missed their annual review, I took a detailed history, checked inhaler technique, did spirometry and explained the results in plain language. I then discussed the case with the duty GP and arranged follow up, which led to more stable symptoms and fewer reliever uses at review. In another clinic, I supported a very anxious woman having her first smear by explaining each step, maintaining privacy and checking in throughout. She later booked her next smear on time and fed back that she felt respected, which showed how my communication style can improve engagement and trust.
(Built from a mix of your stories.)
What is a development area or something you find difficult, and how are you working on it?
One development area for me has been avoiding small documentation slips when clinics are very busy and there are lots of distractions. In the past, if I let myself be pulled into the next task too quickly, I could miss entering a detail straight away, such as a vaccine batch number. I find it difficult when I feel rushed and people are asking questions at the same time, because it is easy to break my focus. I am working on this by using simple, consistent routines and by giving myself permission to pause and finish the note before moving on. This has made my documentation more reliable and reduced the risk of small errors.
For example, in a previous immunisation clinic I realised I had not recorded a child’s vaccine batch number immediately after giving the injection. As soon as I noticed, I checked the fridge log and time of administration, corrected the record and added a brief explanation. I also raised it with the senior practice nurse and we agreed that I would always enter batch and site before doing anything else, including answering questions about future appointments. Since then I have stuck to that rule, and it has helped me keep accurate, real time records even in very busy clinics.
(Built mainly from your “something went wrong” story.)
Why are you interested in this role and working with our organisation?
I am interested in this role because it matches my experience in long term condition management, screening and immunisations, and my values around patient centred care. I enjoy working in primary care where you can build ongoing relationships, spot early changes and support people to manage their own health. I am particularly drawn to roles where there is time to explain things clearly and maintain dignity, as this improves trust and uptake of services. Your organisation’s focus on safe, high quality care and teamwork fits well with how I like to work. I want to contribute by bringing my structured, calm approach to clinics and my focus on clear documentation and communication.
For example, in my COPD review clinics I have seen how careful assessment, clear explanation and timely escalation can prevent flare ups and possible admissions. In my cervical screening and immunisation work, I have seen that taking a few extra minutes to explain the process and results can turn an anxious patient into someone who attends regularly. These experiences make me keen to work in a practice that values both clinical quality and patient experience. I believe my way of working would support your team to deliver consistent, safe care and positive outcomes for your patients.
(Built from a mix of your stories.)
Can you tell me about a time when something went wrong and how you handled it?
In a previous immunisation clinic, something went wrong with my documentation rather than the clinical care. I realised partway through the session that for one child I had not recorded the vaccine batch number straight after giving the injection. This was a small but important gap, because accurate batch records are key for safety and audit. As soon as I noticed, I paused, checked the vaccine fridge log and the time of administration, and worked out which batch had been used. I then updated the child’s record with the correct batch number and added a short note to explain that it had been completed shortly after the appointment.
I also chose to be open about it and told the senior practice nurse what had happened and how I had corrected it. Together we reviewed my routine and agreed that I would always enter batch and site immediately after each vaccination, before answering other questions or moving on. I also changed my own habit so I do not let myself be distracted until the note is complete. The record was corrected the same day, so there was no risk to the patient and the practice’s records stayed accurate. Since then, this simple rule has helped prevent similar slips and has improved the reliability of my documentation in busy clinics.
(Built mainly from your “something went wrong” story.)
How do you handle stress, for example when a deadline changes or the workload increases?
When I am under stress or the workload increases, I focus on structure, safety and communication. I break the work into clear steps, decide what must be done now and what can safely wait, and keep my routine as consistent as possible. I also make sure infection control and documentation are not rushed, because cutting corners there creates more problems later. If I can see that timings are slipping, I let the right people know early so we can adjust together. This approach helps keep patients safe, reduces errors and makes the situation feel more manageable for everyone.
For example, during flu season in a previous practice we were short staffed and my clinic list was full with almost no gaps. Before starting, I checked the room, vaccine stock and emergency equipment, and I reviewed my list to spot patients who might need longer. During the clinic I kept to hand hygiene and cleaning procedures and documented key details straight away. When I saw we were running about ten minutes behind, I told reception so they could update patients and rebook anyone who could not wait. This meant the clinic still ran safely, patients were kept informed, and we avoided complaints despite the pressure.
(Built mainly from: Working safely, keeping good notes, and fitting into the team.)
Can you tell me about a time you had to manage several tasks or deadlines at once?
I often have to manage several tasks at once in clinic, and I handle this by planning ahead and prioritising safety critical work. I look at the list, identify which patients or tasks are likely to need longer, and decide what must be done during the appointment and what can be followed up later. I keep a consistent routine for each consultation so I do not miss key steps like infection control and documentation. If timings start to slip, I communicate early with reception or colleagues so we can adjust. This way, patients are seen safely, records stay accurate and the team can coordinate around any delays.
For example, during a busy flu season I ran back to back chronic disease and vaccination clinics while the practice was short staffed. Before the clinic, I checked the room, PPE, sharps bins, vaccine stock and emergency equipment so I would not be interrupted later. I reviewed my list and noted which patients were new or complex, so I could allow a bit more time for them. During the session I documented each consultation straight away and flagged a couple of complex cases to the duty GP with clear summaries. Even with the pressure, all vaccinations and reviews were completed safely and the GPs could action follow ups without chasing for more information.
(Built mainly from: Working safely, keeping good notes, and fitting into the team.)
Can you tell me about a time you worked closely with someone else to get something done?
I work closely with GPs, senior nurses and reception teams to deliver safe, joined up care. For me, good teamwork means sharing clear information, asking for input when needed, and keeping others updated about any issues that affect patients. I also try to make my notes and messages structured and easy to follow, so colleagues can act on them without confusion. This helps reduce delays, avoids duplicated work and supports consistent care for patients.
For example, in a COPD review clinic I saw a patient who had become more breathless and had a small but definite decline in FEV1 on spirometry. Because of the recent steroid course and change in function, I discussed the case with the duty GP the same day. I summarised the history, examination and spirometry results and suggested stepping up the maintenance inhaler, and we agreed a plan together. I then arranged a six week follow up and documented everything clearly. At review, the patient’s symptoms were more stable and their spirometry was back in line with previous readings, and the GP fed back that my early escalation and clear notes had helped avoid another flare up.
(Built mainly from: Looking after people with long-term breathing problems.)
Can you give an example of how you learnt a new system or process and became confident using it?
When I learn a new system or process, I like to break it into clear steps and build a simple routine I can repeat. I focus first on the safety critical parts, such as what must be recorded and when, and then I add in any extra details. I often create a short checklist or mental script to follow until it feels natural. This approach helps me become consistent and reduces the chance of missing something when I am still getting used to it.
For example, after the incident where I delayed recording a vaccine batch number, I effectively had to relearn and tighten my documentation process for immunisations. With my senior nurse, I agreed a new routine: give the vaccine, then immediately record batch, site and any advice before doing anything else. I practised this in each clinic until it became automatic, even when parents were asking questions or the waiting room was busy. Over time I became confident with this process, and it has helped keep vaccine records accurate and clear for the whole team.
(Built mainly from your “something went wrong” story.)
Can you tell me about a time you disagreed with a colleague or stakeholder, and how you resolved it?
I try to handle disagreements in a calm, factual way, focusing on patient safety and shared goals rather than who is right. If I see something that concerns me, I explain what I have noticed, why it matters, and what I suggest, and I listen to the other person’s view. I find that clear information and a respectful tone usually help us reach a joint decision. This approach supports safer decisions and keeps working relationships positive.
For example, when I reviewed a COPD patient who had become more breathless and had a decline in FEV1, there was a question about whether to wait and see or step up treatment. I felt that the recent steroid course, change in symptoms and spirometry meant we should act sooner. I discussed this with the duty GP, clearly summarising the history, examination and test results and explaining my concern about another flare up. Together we agreed to step up the maintenance inhaler and arrange a six week follow up. At review, the patient’s symptoms were more stable and their spirometry had improved, which showed that raising and discussing my concern had been the right thing for the patient.
(Built mainly from: Looking after people with long-term breathing problems.)