How do I tactfully say this on an interview?

Nurses General Nursing

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HI, in case anyone remembers, I am leaving acute care/hospitals, and seeking a different area... like insurance companies, chart review, etc.... My question is, how would you phrase why you want this kind of job, without basically saying : I am tired of traditional nursing, and am in desperate need of a change. Ya know? that is surely the answer, but I cant figure out how to tactfully say it....(without making them think they are the last resort, ya know?) please, any tips? Interview w/ ins co tomorrow!!!!:monkeydance:

Thanks.......;)

Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

You're interviewing with a nurse, right? Don't you think he/she knows the score? What's wrong with honesty? On my latest round of interviews, it worked for me. I would however stay away from words like "desparate".

Specializes in Government.

For many years I was a manager of case mgt nurses and was one myself. I did hire/fire. Obviously, people applying for a M-F, 9-5 type job have a desire for a more friendly schedule. It never bothered me that someone said that. However, I rejected people who made it clear they were only interested in getting away from something. If the whole interview was why they hated their old hospital, then they weren't showing me that they had or sought the skills unique to the job I was offering.

Office work is really different. You might work in a cube, you might have to have an eye for details in the records, you may have to do billing. Many of the skills are not those you learned in school. I looked for people who were open to learning and who brought some awareness of the office environment to the table.

I used to start the interview with a walk through the work environment. You'd be amazed at how many nurses thought they'd have their own office with a door, etc....their fantasy of office work. About 25% left after that and didn't even interview!

Specializes in Utilization Management.
For many years I was a manager of case mgt nurses and was one myself. I did hire/fire. Obviously, people applying for a M-F, 9-5 type job have a desire for a more friendly schedule. It never bothered me that someone said that. However, I rejected people who made it clear they were only interested in getting away from something. If the whole interview was why they hated their old hospital, then they weren't showing me that they had or sought the skills unique to the job I was offering.

Office work is really different. You might work in a cube, you might have to have an eye for details in the records, you may have to do billing. Many of the skills are not those you learned in school. I looked for people who were open to learning and who brought some awareness of the office environment to the table.

I used to start the interview with a walk through the work environment. You'd be amazed at how many nurses thought they'd have their own office with a door, etc....their fantasy of office work. About 25% left after that and didn't even interview!

I was thinking along the same lines.

It's about what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.

So I would say something like, "I want this job because I really think I'd be good at it, and the idea of doing chart review sounds interesting and chanllenging. My last manager described my clinical skills as 'excellent' which translates into having a good picture of what's going on with a patient clinically. I have very strong customer service skills and writing skills. I have excellent computer skills and know my way around all types of office equipment. I have dabbled in and am familiar with DRGs because of my combination of nursing and secretarial background. In short, I can bring some valuable skills to your company."

I interview on Friday. So wish me luck. ;)

1 Votes

Honestly, don't you wish you could just be honest in interviews?

"I need the money and I haven't married Donald Trump yet." Or "My boss is driving my blood pressure up." Or some equally honest reply - "Because you're hiring and you're not too far from home and your pay rate isn't too bloodsucking and I need the money so I guess I can stomach the job for a few years." Why the devil do they think we're applying for work when we really would prefer to be jetsetting and meeting royalty or home relaxing - or whatever out personal preference would be for squandering time and energy?

Do we honestly care about expanding our skills, exploring other facets of Nursing, or personal and professional growth? Do we truly want to serve humanity and give back to our wonderful profession? I think there was a time when I really enjoyed my work. I know there was. Certain jobs I have loved. Lately, though, to be honest, I just need to pay the bills and keep my head above water while I try to earn my pension - and hope it will actually be there when I need it.

Oh, OK, that's not entirely true. There is some good besides money and benefits in working.

Specializes in Utilization Management.

I do enjoy working. I learned this while being a stay-at-home mom. If I had to stay home all the time, I'd probably lose my mind.

Even if I hit the Lottery and could jet-set all I wanted, I would probably want to volunteer on medical missions. Even lollygagging around on the beach, shopping, and sightseeing would bother me after awhile.

So yeah, when I'm interviewing for a new job, I've usually drummed up some enthusiasm about it or I wouldn't waste my time and everyone else's. Why go from one job you hate to another job you hate?

Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

This thread makes me think even more so, that I must be out of my mind for wanting to leave my current position. I'm still in direct care for the most part, but I don't do all that much bedside care at all. My "underlings" do most of the direct care. I'm wanting to go back to something more hands-on. I'm guessing that I just wasn't ready to leave bedside nursing. Still had "more to offer" I guess? I don't know.

Anyway, hmmmm... yeah I would just put a positive spin on it and say that you want to put your administrative and computer skills to greater use.

You looking for new challenges to broaden your experience and you have always wanted to do say the administratives job and you have tried nursing but still your heart wanted admini so here you are.

Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Thank you very much, everyone!!! I got alot of good advice, and once again, you all gave me the words to convey what I was thinking!!!

anyway, I had the interview today, and I had to basically inturrupt the interviewers to sell myself!!! They were so busy telling ME about the company, job and benefits... they didnt ask much , except for if I was hired, when could I start, and did I have any pre planned vacations!!!! I dont know if thats good, bad, or indifferent, but, wow, do I want this job..... thanks again...

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