Patient Care Technician Surgical Care Center Full Time Days
Posted Oct 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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Likely interview questions for this role
Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.
About your past
The unit is in the top decile for patient satisfaction. What do you personally do to make a patient's stay better?
What they are checking: Whether they see small acts like responsiveness and explanation as part of their job.
You've got 12-hour day shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on a 49-bed unit. How do you pace yourself to stay sharp the whole time?
What they are checking: Stamina and organization on long, physically demanding shifts with rotating weekends.
Tell me about a time you had to prioritize many tasks when the unit's needs kept changing.
What they are checking: Critical thinking and reprioritizing, which the posting names directly.
Tell me about a time you worked with a nurse to solve a problem for a patient.
What they are checking: Teamwork with the RNs who direct their work on a high-performing unit.
What would you do
A post-op patient's blood pressure is much lower than it was this morning, and they say they feel lightheaded. What do you do?
What they are checking: Recognizing a possible complication and getting the RN right away instead of finishing the round.
A patient refuses to get out of bed because they're in too much pain. What do you do?
What they are checking: Encouraging mobility with empathy while letting the RN know pain may need to be addressed.
About the work
This unit cares for patients recovering from orthopedic and general surgery. What do you think those patients need most from a tech in the first day or two after surgery?
What they are checking: Understanding of post-op priorities like pain, mobility, fall risk and early warning signs.
How do you help a patient stand and walk for the first time after a hip or knee replacement?
What they are checking: Safe mobility after joint surgery, using the right equipment and following weight-bearing orders.
How do you keep intake and output accurate for a patient with a drain and a catheter after surgery?
What they are checking: Careful recording of fluids that the care team uses to judge recovery and complications.
How do you watch for signs of infection or a blood clot when you're caring for surgical patients?
What they are checking: Knowing common post-op complications well enough to report changes like calf pain, fever or wound drainage.
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As published by Northwestern Medicine.