If not really our passion, how do we play it on an interview?

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Specializes in Medical ICU, Orthopedics.

So I'll start this off by saying I don't even have an interview to have this problem but I am curious about this: Hospitals want you to be passionate about them and the position you're applying for. In an interview they want to hear why you want to work on that particular unit. However, given the state of the economy a lot of us have been applying to places outside of our passion. We can't be picky in this job market.... So my question is, what do you say on a job interview for one of those positions? Has anyone encountered this and if so how did you handle it?

I am hoping for everyone searching that we do end up in a place we are passionate about, better for us and our patients! Saying prayers for all the job hunters out there :)

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As a new grad, you're in a particularly good position (this doesn't really work for experienced nurses :)) to say that, as an inexperienced new grad, you don't really have a particular area you're "passionate" about, but are looking, generally, for a good, supportive work environment where you can learn and grow, in general, as a new nurse. Make the interview more about the positive aspects of that unit and that hospital (and how eager you are to dig in and get started contributing) rather than the particular clinical specialty.

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What worked for me was finding a positive aspect and focusing on that. I wasn't sure I saw myself on a med/surg rehab floor, so when asked why I wanted to work on that unit, I talked about being interested in the recovery process (which I am), etc.

Even if you don't think you'll like the position, go in with an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised when I went in for that interview, and actually would have been happy accepting a job there if I hadn't gotten something else.

Hope you find something great soon, LoriNJ!

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I wanted ED, got med/surg rehab and glad to have the job. I came from sub-acute LPN, so I played up how much I enjoyed elder-care. I really do love geriatrics but could never do LTC again, so this unit is a good fit for now, altho it is physically demanding and I am not getting any younger, LOL.

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That's when you talk about how much you want to learn and grow as a RN. If applying for a med-surg position and your passion is critical care, I would state how much I want to succeed as a new grad, how much I want to build a foundation for my nursing career, and how much I want to learn as much about the complex issues of med-surg patients as I can (since you will see any and everything).

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Specializes in Medical ICU, Orthopedics.

Thanks for all the great responses! They were very helpful on an interview I had last week~ Crossing my fingers that I get the job! :nurse:

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Congrats and best wishes! :balloons:

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