How do I tactfully say this on an interview?

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

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.......;)

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Specializes in Day Surgery/Infusion/ED.

Just say that you're looking to apply your skills in another area/need a new challenge.

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Specializes in M/S/Ortho/Bari/ED.

How about mentioning that you want something with more regular, M-F hours?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

You want to expand on your experience and application of your nursing skills.

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Specializes in Oncology, Hospice, Research.

You can say that while you love providing direct patient care, you feel you have great administrative skills (if this is so) and are looking for opportunities to use your nursing knowledge in new ways and increase your skills. Stress your excellent computer skills, attention to detail and accuracy (Again, only if this really describes you). I wouldn't dwell much at all on why you want to leave direct care except to put a positive spin on it. DO NOT tell them you are burned out and crispy around the edges, even if you are on your last nerve!:cool:

Remember, the nurses you are interviewing with all made the same choice that you did and they aren't likely to throw rocks at you because you are also choosing a different route. Good luck with your interview and remember to keep it positive. :nurse:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I wish to explore another facet of nursing.

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I'm sick of the utter B#@l$h!t I had to put up with as a bedside nurse and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, so I thought I'd better see if I could keep my sanity by trying something new.

just kidding.... :lol2: :jester: :clown:

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.
I'm sick of the utter B#@l$h!t I had to put up with as a bedside nurse and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, so I thought I'd better see if I could keep my sanity by trying something new.

just kidding.... :lol2: :jester: :clown:

:rotfl: I wonder if they will be able to see it in my eyes!!!!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
I'm sick of the utter B#@l$h!t I had to put up with as a bedside nurse and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, so I thought I'd better see if I could keep my sanity by trying something new.

just kidding.... :lol2: :jester: :clown:

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

That's exactly what I was thinking when I was interviewing for non-bedside positions a year ago. Of course, I didn't SAY it, but it sure was tempting.

I think I said something along the lines of wanting to take my career in a new direction, etc. etc.

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Specializes in burn, geriatric, rehab, wound care, ER.

I am looking for a new challenge

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Looking for a way to expand my vast wealth of knowledge in an administrative environment

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Honestly - I'm sure they already suspect that's why you're shooting for a desk job. It's pretty common knowledge that bedside nursing has major burnout. In fact, that's probably the real reason why most of their former bedside RN's now work for them now. It's not like it's a bad thing.

When I was working as a student nurse, at the beginning of one my shifts I saw an older nurse getting ready in the locker room. She had to strap on all these back support girdle-like contraptions. I was like, "Damn - I cannot let myself get to that point!"

Sure, during the interview you have to give them a positive spin. But if it comes down to it, you don't have to lie. So, if you're looking for some good crap to say, the old "I'm seeking a new challenge" or "I'm looking to take my career in a new direction" is always good. Or, you can say you feel like you have a lot to offer because you've experienced first-hand the plight of bedside nurses, patients, families. Good luck!

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