Utilization Review Nurse Interview Questions

Utilization review nurse interview questions

A utilization review nurse is a person who reviews medical records and patient information, like chart summaries or reports to ensure the accuracy of the medical record.

Utilization review nurses usually work under the supervision of an attending physician.

The utilization review nurse provides feedback on care rendered by other health providers and may recommend changes in inpatient care.

Once shortlisted, as a potential job candidate, you may be asked these common utilization review nurse interview questions by the hiring manager or an HR representative.

These utilization review nurse interview questions are meant to let the employer know if you will be a good addition to their team.

They want to make sure you have all the qualifications needed for this job role and that it is a good fit for your personality as well as skillset.

When answering utilization review nurse interview questions, you should provide the interviewer with examples of your experiences that relate to the job description.

If needed, be ready to elaborate on a certain qualification or skill which relates to each question.

Utilization review nurses must have excellent time management skills and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Other skills required include the ability to multi-task, pay attention to details and be able to handle confidential material with care.

See also: Qualities of a Good Nurse

Utilization review nurse interview questions usually pertain to your training, qualifications, and work history.

They may also ask you about your skill set, abilities, and accomplishments as well as how you would perform in the position.

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Concurrent review nurse interview questions

The Most Common Utilization Review Nurse Interview Questions

Depending on your employer, there could be a range of utilization review nurse interview questions.

This means that there are so many utilization review nurse interview questions it could be difficult to prepare for all of them.

These utilization review nurse interview questions are among the most common:

1. What is your employment history?

2. Why do you want this job?

3. Have you ever had to deal with any irate patients or family members? How did you handle it?

4. How do you handle stressful situations?

5. Can you work under pressure without losing your cool?

6. How would your best friend describe you?

7. What motivates you?

8. How do you prioritize your work when several tasks come up at once?

9. What are some important skills required for the Utilization review nurse position?

10. What are some of the unsatisfactory performance reviews you have received?

1. What is your employment history?

When this question is asked, it is important that you provide the interviewer with all your previous positions beginning with your current one.

You will be expected to give dates of employment for each job as well as how long you stayed at each place.

If there was a reason for why you left any of these jobs, make sure to mention this briefly during the conversation.

I currently serve as a utilization review nurse for ABC Company. It is my first time working in healthcare and I am enjoying it so far.

Prior to this, I was employed at XYZ Hospital for two years and seven months where I worked as a staff nurse. My last day there was January 23rd, 2020.

2. Why do you want this job?

The interviewer would like to know why you are interested in the utilization review nurse job position.

They also want to understand what extra skills or qualities you have that could be beneficial for this role.

You can mention anything which relates to your qualifications, strengths, and work ethic when answering this question.

I want this job because I would like to apply my skills and knowledge as a utilization review nurse.

It is a great opportunity for me and it fits my personality and work ethic well.

3. Have you ever had to deal with any irate patients or family members? How did you handle it?

The interviewer wants to know how you have handled difficult people in a professional manner.

They want to know if this has ever happened before and if so, what your response was.

This question is a good one because it will show the interviewer your ability to keep your cool under pressure as well as your communication skills.

Yes, I have had to deal with difficult people before.

For example, there was this incident where an irate mother came to me at the reception desk because she wanted her son’s lab results yesterday.

The way she spoke to me made my blood boil but I kept my cool and explained that it would be impossible for us to give her those results.

See also: Can Nurses Order Lab Tests?

4. How do you handle stressful situations?

The interviewer would like to know how one deals with stressful circumstances.

They are interested in your control over your emotions and your ability to remain composed when under pressure.

This question is easy enough to answer because all you have to do is demonstrate how calm, patient, positive, optimistic, and proactive you are when in a stressful situation.

I handle stressful situations by taking a deep breath and reminding myself that I am capable enough to deal with anything which comes my way.

If there is a challenge, I would seek the best solution possible and if something negative happens then I take responsibility for it.

See also: Nursing Interview Questions and Answers

5. Can you work under pressure without losing your cool?

The interviewer is interested in knowing if you can handle a busy work environment and how well you perform when under pressure.

It is important to show the interviewer that any task which comes your way, no matter how big or small, will be completed on time without losing your temper.

Yes, I am capable of doing my work when under pressure and I promise to complete any task which comes my way without losing my cool.

I pride myself on keeping such a positive attitude when in such situations.

6. How would your best friend describe you?

The interviewer wants to know how people perceive you in a work environment.

They also want to find out your leadership qualities and if you can be trusted with sensitive information or tasks.

See also: Nurse Leadership Interview Questions

It is important that you maintain the same tone of voice when describing yourself as when answering questions earlier on in the interview.

Mention one’s positive traits while hiding their negative ones.

My best friend would describe me as a hardworking, friendly, and kind person.

He or she would also say that I am an organized and dependable team player who is always willing to help others.

7. What motivates you?

The interviewer is interested in learning about your motivations and what drives you.

See also: What Motivates You Nursing Interview Question

It would be a good idea to mention an ideal or goal which will also show the interviewer that you are passionate about this career.

Mention something significant which has influenced your decision to work as a utilization review nurse.

I am motivated by my desire to help patients and their families.

I also want to make a difference in people’s lives.

Lastly, I would say that my goal is to provide exemplary care for all of the patients which come through our doors.

See also: Research Nurse Interview Questions

8. How do you prioritize your work when several tasks come up at once?

The interviewer wants to know how you handle different tasks and when one should take priority over another.

It is important to mention that your work comes first when faced with difficult decisions and that prioritizing one’s self and family can also be done simultaneously.

When several tasks come up, I would do the most pressing ones first and then move forward to complete the others.

I am also very willing to help my colleagues with their respective tasks, which is why they would likely say that I am a great team player.

See also: Getting Things Done by David Allen

9. What are some important skills required for the utilization review nurse position?

A list of skills is usually provided by the interviewer so that you can efficiently describe your abilities.

It is best to mention a mix of soft and hard skills.

Saying too many technical terms, however, would result in your qualifications being overlooked.

Some important skills are great communication, teamwork, organization, time management, punctuality, and a team-oriented attitude.

I have all of these skills which is why I am the ideal candidate for this position.

See also: Quality Assurance Nurse Interview Questions

10. What are some of the unsatisfactory performance reviews you have received?

The interviewer is interested in how you react to criticism and if you can handle constructive feedback.

It is best to keep your tone of voice steady when speaking about this.

Try not to show that you are offended or angry, but instead focus on the aspects which need the most work.

I have gotten several unsatisfactory reviews due to my lack of communication with my colleagues.

When I am assigned to tasks, I tend to work alone which is problematic because it doesn’t allow me to develop these important relationships.

See also: Infection Control Nurse Interview Questions

Conclusion: Concurrent Review Nurse Interview Questions

Utilization review nurses are in high demand, and tough utilization review nurse interview questions should not deter you from applying for the position.

It is important to be confident when speaking with the interviewer.

Also, try to give thorough answers which clearly demonstrate your abilities and skillsets.

By following these steps, you will be transformed into a well-qualified candidate who is the perfect fit for the utilization review nurse job. Good luck!

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About Ida Koivisto, BSN, RN, PHN

Ida is both a registered nurse and public health nurse. Her passion is to provide as much valuable information about nursing to the world as possible. In her spare time from work and blogging, Ida loves to work out at the gym and spend time with relatives.