A nursing home administrator is responsible for the daily operations of a nursing home. These include hiring, firing, and supervising the staff, and overseeing the financial and physical status of the nursing facility.
The administrator is also an advocate for residents, ensuring that their needs are met and that all legal requirements are fulfilled.
This means that the interview questions for nursing home administrators should be designed to test the applicant’s competence in the role.
The questions should aim to determine whether or not the candidate can perform essential job functions, such as:
- hiring and firing staff members
- complying with legal requirements
- managing budgets.
The interviewer will also want to ensure that the applicant has adequate knowledge of federal regulations and can provide a safe environment for the residents.
To qualify for this position, an individual typically has a bachelor’s degree in business administration or human services and several years of experience working as a nursing home administrator assistant.
Moreover, the administrator must have experience working with the elderly, including knowledge of medical conditions that affect older people.
Since this position requires being on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, applicants are required to have excellent communication skills and be willing to work irregular hours.
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Table of Contents
The 10 Most Common Interview Questions for Nursing Home Administrator
After being shortlisted, applicants typically have to pass through a job interview before being offered the position.
At this stage, employers ask questions about knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to their industry.
These commonly include the following examples of interview questions for nursing home administrators:
1. Why do you want to work as a nursing home administrator?
2. What is your philosophy regarding care for the elderly?
3. How many staff members would you supervise at this facility?
4. Describe three qualities that are essential for success in this industry?
5. Explain the steps you would take to hire a new staff member.
6. How would you handle a situation in which an individual was medically stable but had no family to care for her?
7. At what point do you discharge residents from nursing homes?
8. Describe your management style and approach to problem-solving.
9. What challenges are involved in this position, and how will you deal with them?
10. How do you handle difficult situations involving members of the public?
1. Why do you want to work as a nursing home administrator?
Applicants should emphasize their management skills, experience in the medical field, and ability to make sound decisions.
They should also mention their desire to bring quality care to their patients.
Applicants should highlight how they would go above and beyond for residents requiring special assistance.
Example:
Nursing home administration is my calling.
I have always wanted to help people achieve the highest quality of life possible. My goal is to give individuals more independence and dignity, which can be achieved by ensuring that they are safe, clean, and well-fed.
I want to ensure that residents are happy with their care so that they look forward to living here.
2. What is your philosophy regarding care for the elderly?
Applicants should emphasize that their job is to provide the best possible care and support to seniors and their families.
They should acknowledge that it can be difficult at times, especially when loved ones require special attention.
Applicants should demonstrate compassion and empathy in response to an emotional question.
See also: Compassion in Nursing With Examples
It is important to not become flustered under pressure, and applicants should maintain professionalism at all times.
Example:
When it comes to caring for the elderly, I believe that no two individuals will go through life in exactly the same way.
That’s why we need a range of support services, including social activities and recreational programs, to keep people’s minds active and engaged.
It is important that residents have a community of their own to help them enjoy life as much as they can, given their circumstances.
3. How many staff members would you supervise at this facility?
Applicants should mention that they are prepared for an entry-level position with the potential for supervisory roles in the future.
Applicants should emphasize that they are eager to learn and work hard, and they would prove worthy of a promotion.
Example:
I am willing and able to take on responsibilities as they become available.
As this is my first job with nursing homes and assisted living facilities, I am excited to gain valuable experience here.
See also: Nursing Chain of Command
4. Describe three qualities that are essential for success in this industry.
Applicants should mention that a compassionate, dedicated, and empathetic nature is a must.
They should highlight how their own personal qualities would make them a good fit for the position.
Applicants should be thorough in their responses as well as specific to this job description.
Example:
The three most important qualities needed for success are empathy, compassion, and patience.
In order to be able to work with elderly adults, you must have a good understanding of their feelings and needs.
You must also be compassionate about what they are going through so that you can provide them with the care they deserve.
Patience is crucial because some residents may need more time than others before being able to complete a task.
5. Explain the steps you would take to hire a new staff member.
Applicants should mention their strong commitment to hiring and developing top talent.
You should discuss how they would start with a list of qualifications, then perform an interview and background check before making a final decision.
Applicants should also emphasize that they believe in a trial period prior to a final hiring decision, as this allows them to better assess potential candidates.
Example:
The first thing I would do is create a list of qualifications that the ideal candidate must have in order for this position to be successful.
This will help me narrow down my pool of candidates and make sure that only those individuals with the necessary skills are able to move forward in the hiring process.
I would then perform an interview with each candidate, asking them questions about their experience and taking care to listen carefully for any major red flags.
Before making a final decision, I would also do background checks on each individual so that they can be licensed properly before joining the company.
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6. How would you handle a situation in which an individual was medically stable but had no family to care for her?
In this question, you should focus on the fact that they believe family is important and would like to work with a patient’s family members.
Applicants can also mention how they would refer the case to social services in an effort to find a solution.
Example:
It is unfortunate when there are no family or friends available to be with our patients, but we must do what we can to provide them with the care they need.
I would make a referral to social services and hope that a family member or friend is located soon.
7. At what point do you discharge residents from nursing homes?
Applicants should focus on the fact that they would work closely with a resident’s physician to make a final determination.
Applicants can also mention how long-term care is beneficial for many patients, and how it takes time to recover from illness or surgery.
Example:
I typically discuss this matter with a resident’s physician.
We assess their progress and determine after a few weeks if they are ready to move on.
It can also take some time for them to recover from illness or surgery, which means that long-term care is important in certain cases.
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8. Describe your management style and approach to problem-solving.
Applicants should mention that they are the type of manager who is not afraid to make tough decisions when necessary.
Applicants can also discuss how they take a proactive approach and do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Example:
I am a very hands-on leader, which means I work alongside my team members instead of sitting behind a desk all day.
I also take a proactive approach to management, doing whatever it takes to get the job done and keep my team members happy.
9. What challenges are involved in this position, and how will you deal with them?
Applicants should mention their strong organizational skills and how they would make sure that the right steps are taken to resolve any challenges.
You can also discuss how you would remain calm under pressure, as this helps solve problems more efficiently.
Example:
I think there are multiple challenges involved with this position, which is why it’s important to have strong organizational skills.
I would make sure that the right steps are taken to resolve any problems, and remaining calm under pressure helps solve issues more efficiently.
See also: Nursing Interview Questions and Answers
10. How do you handle difficult situations involving members of the public?
Applicants should mention that they try to remain composed and deal with the situation as professionally as possible.
You can also discuss how you would be empathetic towards the individual(s) involved, even if they are upset or rude.
Example:
I try to remain composed when dealing with difficult patrons because it’s important to act professionally.
I would also be empathetic towards them, even if they are upset or rude.
Conclusion: Nursing Home Administrator Interview Questions and Answers
These questions are very relevant to the position of a nursing home administrator.
These address different areas of the job and some scenarios that would occur during a typical day.
These nursing home administrator interview questions can help determine how well-suited an applicant is for this type of work environment.
Good luck with your interview!
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