How do I answer this question in an interview?

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So I interview Friday for four different school nurse positions in my district. (I currently work p/t in the district and my principal has sang my praises repeatedly and loudly, and the chances I will get one of these positions is high-at least it better be, or I've been walking around like a half-dead zombie the last year for nothing).

Two positions are at one high school (both nurses are retiring-and it's the high school my kids will eventually be at).

One is at another high school (one nurse is moving-the other knows me and I have a feeling she will want me to come work with her there because she knows me).

The last is for a middle school position (I was certified in and used to teach middle school back a million years ago).

I know they're going to ask me what school I would prefer. They did last year. Last year I was scared of high school. I'm not now. I would be a great addition to any of these schools, and I know I would do well.

I'm pulled towards the middle school because that's in my wheelhouse, but I'm pulled towards the first high school, too, because 1) my kids will be there and 2) they need a nurse there that knows at least the computer system and district policies since both nurses will be new.

What I don't want to do is answer in a way that alienates me from one or the other. And I honestly don't know which one I want. (If there was an elementary position open-I would go for that one no matter what).

How would you phrase this in a way that is better than saying "I have no idea what I want-I'd like you guys to choose for me."

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

"The possibilities you have offered makes it hard to pare it down to one, it is like asking me to choose which room in Heaven I want."

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"The possibilities you have offered makes it hard to pare it down to one, it is like asking me to choose which room in Heaven I want."

not in a public school.

Fie.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Make it a lowercase "h".:rolleyes:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Community Health, School Health.

Are you 100% sure you actually DO want to be at the same school with your own kids? That may or may not be ideal (totally depends on your kids). If you really honestly do not have a preference, tell them that. "All seem like a great fit. Is there a particular school where you feel you need me most"? Something like that...

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Specializes in School Nurse.
I would be a great addition to any of these schools, and I know I would do well.

I thinks you gave yourself a good answer. Good luck!!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Last year I was scared of high school. I'm not now. I would be a great addition to any of these schools, and I know I would do well.

I'm pulled towards the middle school because that's in my wheelhouse, but I'm pulled towards the first high school, too, because 1) my kids will be there and 2) they need a nurse there that knows at least the computer system and district policies since both nurses will be new.

I'm with GdBSN--I think you have already given yourself the best answer. Alternatively, you could add something like, "To be completely honest, I prefer middle school, as that is what I am more familiar with, but I learn quickly and would be happy to work wherever I am most needed." However, I really don't think anything needs to be added to what you already said!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

I think you say both things. You have experience and comfort in MS but you realize that it's critical to have a nurse with the computer skills up and running in the HS. Win/Win!

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"The possibilities you have offered makes it hard to pare it down to one, it is like asking me to choose which room in Heaven I want."

not in a public school.

Fie.

Make it a lowercase "h".:rolleyes:

I love this interaction! Hahahahahahaha

I think you say both things. You have experience and comfort in MS but you realize that it's critical to have a nurse with the computer skills up and running in the HS. Win/Win!

^^good post

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Specializes in kids.

I did 7-12th with my son and it worked out 99% of the time.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
Make it a lowercase "h".:rolleyes:

Or substitute the word "paradise." If someone hearing that takes offense with that word, IMO they are actively looking for things to be offended by.

OP: best of luck whatever you decide.

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I think for two of my three, it would be really good for them, and the other one would be ambivalent. The nice thing is at our high schools, there are two nurses on staff, so if my kids came down, they could always see the other nurse.

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