Future Goals Interview Help

Nurses Career Support

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I just graduated with my BSN in December. I have an interview in a few days for a job on a med-surg unit. While I would love to start my career on such a unit, my ultimate goal is to eventually be a labor and delivery or NICU nurse. When asked about career goals, I'm not sure if it is better to say that I want to be a L&D nurse in a few years or not. I really do plan to stay with the same hospital for a long time, but is it bad to say I want to move to a different unit in 3 years? I have heard it is better to be honest here, but I have had such a hard time getting a job.

I'm applying to places near Savannah, GA because that's where my fiance lives and there are fewer job opportunities for him elsewhere. Having no connections there has made it more difficult to get interviews and job offers, and I am really ready to work!

Specializes in public health.

How about just saying "I want to grow with the hospital. I want to horn my nursing skills and get a good foundation in Med-Surg. As a new nurse I want keep my eyes open." You don't have to tell them what eventually you want to do this early on. Giving them an open ended answer usually shows that you are flexible and willing to be molded to their needs. If they ask you what you want to do in 5-10 years, you can tell them your passion about L&D or NICU but emphasize on how important it is for you to develop your basic nursing skills, time management and communication skill in Med-Surg. Good luck!

Thank you so much! I will keep that in mind!

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