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Discussion

I never know how to answer this question

Ok so whenever I have an interview with a HR or nursing manager I never know how to answer correctly this particular question "What is the least thing you liked about Nursing School" Arghhhhhhh,I swear this question always leaves me speechless..Whenever I'm faced with with a question "What did you like best about Nursing school" I can answer it without pause and with some sense...but I'm always hesistant to give answer to what I did not like about Nursing School..Like today I had a "talk" with a nurse recruiter and during our chat she unexpectedly asked me what I liked best about nursing school I answered that I'm a med-surg girl cause I like to learn about a bit of everything--the chat we had was actually about a med-surg position opening..then the dreaded question came "What have you not liked about nursing school" Big pause in my speech and I clumsly answered "Peds,cause it takes a lot of practice and knowledge to take care of a pediatric client since kids can turn on you very quickly and they often can tell you what hurts etc" So then the nurse recruiter proceed to tell me that the nurses on the med-surg at this particular hospital (very small rural hospital) take care of all age groups..Bummer...but anyway she said she will still consider me and she told me to think about if I'm interested in this postion (I would have to relocate but they are willing to pay my relocation fees and train me for few months or even up to one year)..I just fee so bad that I never to know how to answer such a simple interview question in a diplomatic way so my chance to get an interview with a floor manager wont be comromised...Answers like "I didnt like the long hours,critical thinking tests,not being able to spend time with my family etc doesnt sound like a good answers either any suggestions please........:confused:

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    Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, whether it be nursing or waitressing, try to spin your truthful answer into a positive. For example if what you said about working PEDS is true, spin it like this, "The thing I liked least about nursing school was having the knowledge but not the experience to be able to anticipate when a patient is going south. I am so eager to get experience on the floor so that I will be a more confident nurse that can anticipate adverse outcomes and take the steps needed to mitigate them."

    At least that's what I always do.

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    Oh yeah, I have heard experts on getting through the interview process say be careful how you answer those questions that focus on weaknesses. One went as far as to say "NEVER tell anyone your weaknesses" even if they ask. This same person said to always have several responses ready for those sort of questions and turn it into a strength. However, I think honesty is best and I actually liked your response because it did not sound reheorificed or false. My standard response to the "what is your biggest weakness" question has always been the truth. "My greatest weakness is my also my greatest strength". I actually have empathy and I am acutely aware of my patients mental state. Patients really benefit from this but it does take it's toll on me sometimes as I struggle to stay focus on them instead of my own feelings.

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    I was asked what my least favorite clinical rotation was during a med-surg interview and I said, "honestly, adult psych. I know that the psychosocial aspect of nursing care is very important, and I really enjoy talking to patients and getting to know their story, but all psych all the time just wasn't my cup of tea." One of the nurse managers laughed and said "yeah, me too. I could not be paid enough to do all psych all the time."

    You're not obligated to like everything about nursing. I think it'd be very hard to find a person who truly and honestly loves everything/every area of nursing. Just be honest, they can't (or shouldn't) fault you for that. :)

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    what didn't i like about nursing school? paying for it

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    IMHO: If you're having that much trouble thinking of an answer, try "I've heard that question before, and I still can't think of anything I disliked."

    K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple, Silly! Longer answers sound insincere and open the door to more uncomfortable questions.

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    what didn't i like about nursing school? paying for it

    :lol2::yeah::lol2:

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    • Author
    I was asked what my least favorite clinical rotation was during a med-surg interview and I said, "honestly, adult psych. I know that the psychosocial aspect of nursing care is very important, and I really enjoy talking to patients and getting to know their story, but all psych all the time just wasn't my cup of tea." One of the nurse managers laughed and said "yeah, me too. I could not be paid enough to do all psych all the time."

    You're not obligated to like everything about nursing. I think it'd be very hard to find a person who truly and honestly loves everything/every area of nursing. Just be honest, they can't (or shouldn't) fault you for that. :)

    Yup psych is always a safe good answer...many nurses or nursing student dislike psych...going to keep this in mind for my next interview.

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    Regardless of the position you are interviewing for, whether it be nursing or waitressing, try to spin your truthful answer into a positive. For example if what you said about working PEDS is true, spin it like this, "The thing I liked least about nursing school was having the knowledge but not the experience to be able to anticipate when a patient is going south. I am so eager to get experience on the floor so that I will be a more confident nurse that can anticipate adverse outcomes and take the steps needed to mitigate them."

    At least that's what I always do.

    Perfecto.

    This hits the nail on the head for me - it was honestly my biggest frustration with nursing school. Thank you!

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    I would probably answer that question with something vague like a lack of sleep. Something all nursing students can relate to.

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    Answers like "I didnt like the long hours,critical thinking tests,not being able to spend time with my family etc doesnt sound like a good answers either

    Yeah, I'd definitely steer away from those; in almost any nursing job you come across, you're going to be putting in long hours and spending lots of time and at least some holidays away from your family. And you're definitely going to be using critical thinking every single day. This would be a pretty quick way to shoot yourself in the foot interview-wise :o

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    • Experts
    I was asked what my least favorite clinical rotation was during a med-surg interview and I said, "honestly, adult psych. I know that the psychosocial aspect of nursing care is very important, and I really enjoy talking to patients and getting to know their story, but all psych all the time just wasn't my cup of tea." One of the nurse managers laughed and said "yeah, me too. I could not be paid enough to do all psych all the time."

    You're not obligated to like everything about nursing. I think it'd be very hard to find a person who truly and honestly loves everything/every area of nursing. Just be honest, they can't (or shouldn't) fault you for that. :)

    Be very careful with how you word this because all specialities get psychiatric patients so imo its a huge detriment when the nurse isn't able to handle that and there is always the chance that you will be talking to a psych nurse.

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    Without hesitation, I would say "Writing papers in APA format."

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