Applying for a job I don't want- advice?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I was working as a Med-Surg RN more than 15 years and got tired of heavy workload and routines. I want to try psych floor and am going to go for interview. I do not have strong reasons for this change if they ask me during interview and I am not sure if I like it. I also do not want to lose my skills. If I accept to work in the psych floor I have to work for 6 months before switching to another floor. What is your suggestion about my interview session and my choice? I would be appreciate it if you can answer me.

Dear Tired of MedSurg,

You don't know if you'll like Behavioral Health, you are unable to answer why you are applying to this specialty, and you are already planning your exit after 6 months.

See if you can job shadow to get an idea of what it entails and if it's for you. You don't want to waste your time and the unit's resources on a job you don't want.

There are many other choices besides MedSurg and Behavioral. If you have your BSN, there is Case Management, Infection Prevention, Regulatory, Risk, and Clinical Documentation- just to name a few.

If you don't have your BSN, there are less physical clinical settings, such as GI Lab, Cath Lab, PACU.

At some point in your career, to make a change, you have to face "losing your skills" in order to learn something new and to gain different skills. Fifteen years on MedSurg is a long time.

Broaden your horizons. Read the job boards and entertain more possibilities. Good luck on your next chapter.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class-how to land your first nursing job...and your next!"

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