Review the evidence signals before interviewing. Then use the anchored descriptions—not instinct alone—to choose the score that best matches each answer.
01
Evaluation factor
Clinical competence
35% weight
Check hands-on command of ventilator modes (PRVC, APRV, pressure support), ABG interpretation, weaning and SBT protocols, BiPAP setup, and bronchoscopy or intubation assist experience.
Evidence to listen for
Command of the procedures, anatomy, and equipment the role requires
Holds current registration or certification
Knows normal from abnormal and what to do about each
Recognises when a case is outside their scope
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Unsafe knowledge gaps; registration missing or lapsed.
2
Needs Improvement
Knowledge gaps that would affect patient care.
3
Satisfactory
Competent for standard cases; needs support on complex ones.
4
Very Good
Strong clinical knowledge; safe and reliable across the usual range.
5
Excellent
Names specific ventilators (Servo-u, Puritan Bennett 840), explains why they changed PEEP or tidal volume for a given ABG trend.
02
Evaluation factor
Patient safety and protocol
30% weight
Probe adherence to lung-protective ventilation targets, VAP bundle steps, circuit change and suction protocols, alarm response, and how they escalate a failing weaning trial to the intensivist.
Evidence to listen for
Follows identification, infection control, and documentation protocol without prompting
Can describe an error or near miss and what they did
Escalates deterioration early
Treats protocol as protection rather than bureaucracy
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Casual about protocol; would not report an error.
2
Needs Improvement
Inconsistent protocol adherence; slow to escalate.
3
Satisfactory
Follows protocol reliably; documentation sometimes thin.
4
Very Good
Protocol is instinctive; escalates early and reports honestly.
5
Excellent
Cites ARDSNet volumes per predicted body weight, describes a catch they made on a wrong ETT depth or disconnected circuit.
03
Evaluation factor
Patient communication
20% weight
Assess how they coach anxious patients through NIV masks, explain incentive spirometry or inhaler technique, and discuss trach or end-of-life ventilation choices with families.
Evidence to listen for
Explains a procedure to an anxious or confused patient
Handles distress, pain, or refusal without losing control of the interaction
Respects privacy and dignity in practice, not just in principle
Works with families and carers
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Dismissive of patients; no bedside awareness.
2
Needs Improvement
Task-focused; struggles with distressed patients.
3
Satisfactory
Adequate rapport; less confident in difficult interactions.
4
Very Good
Calm, clear, and respectful with anxious or difficult patients.
5
Excellent
Describes talking a panicking BiPAP patient into tolerating the mask, and teaching MDI spacer technique that changed readmission outcomes.
04
Evaluation factor
Working in a clinical team
15% weight
Look for evidence of code blue and rapid response participation, handoff quality across shifts, working with intensivists and RNs on rounds, and neonatal or transport team coverage.
Evidence to listen for
Hands over cleanly and completely
Challenges a colleague when patient safety requires it
Takes direction from clinicians without deferring blindly
Handles shift work and pressure without becoming difficult to work with
Five-point scoring guide
1
Poor
Poor handover; cannot work in a clinical team.
2
Needs Improvement
Handover gaps; avoids raising concerns about colleagues.
3
Satisfactory
Reliable team member; handover adequate.
4
Very Good
Clean handovers and willing to speak up on safety.
5
Excellent
Gives concrete rounding contributions, recalls a code where their airway role was clear, and describes structured shift handoff of vent settings.
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