Diplomatic "reasons for leaving" on application

[quazar]

Hello, I need some advice from fellow nurses. I am in the process of applying for another job, and need a diplomatic reason to list on the application. The truth of the matter is that I am leaving the job due to lack of support from management, lack of organization and consistency within the organization itself which often leads to poor patient care and management, and management permitting disruptive behavior by physicians toward nurses that goes directly against written company policy, despite their protestations to the contrary. In a nutshell, it is a very toxic, unsupportive environment and I need to get the heck out of there before something really bad happens. I can read the writing on the wall, and the way management is handling (or rather, not handling) the many issues on the unit, a sentinel event is sure to happen, and it will not be pretty. I don't want to be there when it happens, I don't want to risk my license. The lack of organization, consistency, professionalism, and support is just galling. Nurses have and are speaking up, but nothing is changing. It is time to leave.

I know I'm being vague, I just don't want to unintentionally identify myself or my current workplace in any way.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

You can always say..

I am looking for new and different opportunities

I wanted to expand my horizons

I am looking for experience X that is hear at New Hospital

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

"I am ready for a change."

If you are applying to something other than bedside, say you are looking for a better schedule.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I wouldn't recommend saying that you are applying because you are looking for a better schedule. In fact, I recommend not saying anything that is focused only on "What's in it for me and my personal life?"

I strongly recommend that you say something that reflects an interest in actually doing the kind of work required by the job. For example, if the patient population is a little different than your current job ... say that you have an interest in working with that type of patient. Say that you have heard good things about their facility. Say that the job will help you grow in a way that you want to grow. etc. Find something positive and professional to say about it -- and say that is what is attracting you to their job.

Most hiring managers would strongly prefer to hire someone who actually wants to do the work they are seeking someone to do. The way to get hired is usually to actually BE such a person. Tell them what is great about the job they have to offer and why it is an attractive type of work for you. Show an interest in the population, their problems, the resources available to help them, etc. Show them that you are a great match for their job because that's just the type of work you want to do.

A person who is only looking for a specific schedule, or a shorter commute, or a slightly higher paycheck, etc. may leave quickly if working conditions change or are imperfect. They are looking for someone who is at least a little flexible and who will make a commitment to stay even if that means rolling with a few punches. Show your commitment to doing the work.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

"I am aspiring to take my career in another direction."

"I am seeking new opportunities."

"I have always wanted to work at ABC Facility."

Whatever you do, never badmouth your current workplace. Regardless of how true your assertions of a toxic environment might be, the interviewer may mentally label you a complainer and discreetly place your job application into file number 13 (a.k.a. the circular wastebasket).

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Wonderful suggestions - AN'ers are certainly a diplomatic bunch.

I would add - NEVER badmouth a former employer. You never know what is going to happen in the future, so don't ever burn any bridges.

[quazar]

Thank you all so much! This has been very helpful. Fortunately, the position I'm applying for is with a hospital that I have wanted to work for for *years*. I really and truly have always wanted to work on this particular unit at this particular hospital, but they rarely have openings because employees rarely leave. I would never bad mouth a former employer in an interview, oh goodness no. Thank you all so much, this has really helped.