is it okay to say this on an interview?

[glamgalRN]

I recently graduated and have gone on a few interviews for RN positions. I don't really have a preference as to what unit I work on, I just want to learn as much as I can, improve my time management skills, and get EXPERIENCE! I just got back from an interview on a tele/neuro unit. When asked the question "so why do you want to work on this unit?" I was honest and explained to the NM that I do find neuro and cardiac fascinating, but my primary goal is to improve my skills and get a good, solid foundation (which I know I would get working on this floor.) After I said this I realize that it sounded like I just want to put in my 1 year of med/surg and go into a specialty. To be honest I don't know what I want to do and as a new grad I don't think I should be expected to know what I want! I just don't know if I should lie to the NM and tell them what they want to hear- that "I've always dreamed of working on a neuro/tele unit."

So my question is what do you think I should say when asked "why do you want to work on this unit?"

Thanks!

[elkpark]

C'mon, give the NM a little credit :chuckle -- s/he's not asking that question just to hear you say, "I've always dreamed of working on a tele/neuro unit"!! The question is asked to find out more about you and your professional goals and interests, and to help judge how good a fit your interests are likely to be with the needs of the unit. The question is also asked to see how much "homework" you've done before coming to the interview; do you (the interviewee, not you personally) have a clear idea of what appeals to you about that unit, or are you just looking for a job, any job?

I think it's fair and reasonable for new graduates to say that they don't have a clear idea of a career path when they're just starting out, and that you don't care about what type (specialty) unit you work on as much as getting good support and experience to grow and develop as a new nurse. One thing you can do is ask a lot of questions that indicate you're interested in finding out about the unit and whether it's going to be a good "home" for you as a new grad. And there's nothing wrong with talking about wanting to develop a sound foundation and basic skills/competence -- you can do that without also suggesting or implying that you're going to leave for some other specialty area the first chance you get! :)

Since you've already been on a few interviews now, and are finding out what kind of questions get asked, you may want to spend some time at home working on preparing answers to the questions you know you're likely to get asked in future intervews, so you're not starting from scratch each time you interview. As with everything else in life :), you'll get better at it (interviewing) and more comfortable as you get more experience.

Congratuations on graduating, and best wishes for the job hunting!! :)