[NurseCherlove]

Hey guys....I really need your opinions...

I have an interview for a cardiology office on Wednesday and I also am planning on visiting a hospital that is a sister hospital of my facility's to see about getting a tele job - haven't decided which one I want yet, but I'm leaning toward the tele job.

Anywayz, my question is do you think it is a good idea to say in my interview that I am planning on becoming a Cardiac NP within the next few years (likely start school in another year or so)? On the one hand, it sounds ambitious, etc. which is a good thing, but on the other hand, they might think, "Well, what 's the point of hiring her if she is just using us as a stepping stone to gain experience?"

If I choose to omit that information, then how do I address the "What are your professional goals for the future?" question??

Becoming a Cardiac NP is the ONLY future professional goal I have, but I don't want to say that if it is going to hurt me! I have very little cardiac experience (about 3 months on a tele unit a little over a year ago), so I REALLY need to get into a position where I can get more cardiac experience....and quickly because I feel like I am just wasting valuable time working med-surg.

I hate interviews. Any good tips??? I would REALLY appreciate it! Thank you for any help!!!!

[angel337]

trust me, they don't hire people expecting them to retire on the the same unit. nursing is a constant revolving door and they expect people to move on for personal and professional reasons. it is completely ok to say that your ultimate goal is to become a NP. most NP programs are 18-24 months depending on if you have a BSN already or not and if you go full or part time, so yeah you may be on that unit a while if you like it. good luck.

[oMerMero]

I would mention it in the interview if they ask what your plans are. If you are not in school already, then you could still work on that unit for a few years.

I once worked on a floor where the nurse manager was a diploma nurse, yet agreed to get her masters degree once she took the position. Needless to say, she never even started on her bachelors, but that is another story. Anyways, she would only hire associate degree nurses, no BSNs, and no nurses who said they were planning on going back to school. She was not fond of her nurses having more education than her or more desire and drive to continue their education. I ended up leaving that unit as soon as I heard about her hiring techniques. If she was not going to be supportive and encouraging with furthering education, I did not want to be a part of her unit.

So yes, I would mention it in the interview. If there is a problem with it, I would not want to work there, as I would want to work somewhere where the management is supportive and encouraging of continuing education.

I'm kind of babbling, but I hope that makes sense.

[llg]

I would mention it, but be a little vague about dates. That way, you'll get the advantages from showing that you like to learn and grow -- but you won't be simultaneously announcing when you plan to leave.

[BSNDec06]

I was forthcoming during a recent interview about my graduate school plans, and I am convinced that it cost me the job.

Instead, I am moving into PMs (at my current job) in 2 weeks (2- 12's and 2- 8's each week). My supervisor has been more than willing to accommodate my school schedule.

It is my opinion that any potential manager or supervisor who reacts poorly when you mention that you are in graduate school is not someone that you want to be working for anyways. I have had experience with these types of bosses, and they only cause you headaches when you need time off for class, studying, etc.

[GoLytely]

At my job interview yesterday for a position on the telemetry floor the NM and floor manager asked me what I saw myself doing in five years (she asked me this same question on the telephone before I even came in for my interview) and both times I told them I wanted to be on my way to becoming an advanced practice nurse. She said in what specialty and I said hopefully FNP. Then she asked me how long I thought it would take and I said realistically for me probably 6-7 yrs..
They both acted like I gave them a very sensible answer. Then when she asked me why I wanted to do this (I thought what is this, 20 questions?) I mentioned that I wanted to advance as far as I was able to in this field, and who knows, maybe in 15 yrs. or so (Gosh, I'll be old!) people will be calling me professor...since there was a message on my machine offering me the job before I got home from the interview I reckon they were glad to hear I had a little ambition, which makes sense to me.

[RN4NICU]

I would absolutely mention your future plans. If you do not get the job because of it, it is likely for the best. You do NOT want to work for a manager that does not support your plans to further your education (I've been there, done that, and quit because of it). You are going to need special scheduling around classes and clinical. You may need reduced hours to allow more time for school, particularly once you begin the clinical portion of the program. An unsupportive manager can make life very difficult for you when these needs arise.

[scribblerpnp]

As a new college BSN grad, I applied to a pediatric hospital for one of the units I really wanted after I had been accepted for a PNP program to begin that fall. During the interview I was very clear that I was going to grad school and after I graduated would be returning home to work as an NP (four hours away). Got the job and had wonderful experiences.. (And I think they got a good employee for two years). It wasn't a big deal for my manager.

Actually this peds hospital is in the top 5 in the country, so they weren't desperate since they were a magnate. I interviewed for 7 RN floor positions throughout the hospital, they ALL new I would only work for two years and that I was going to start PNP school and I got offered a position from every unit I interviewed for. I think willing to work mostly weekends and off shifts helped my cause a lot too.