Interview Q&A

[NurseJane101214]

I have been searching for the best way to answer the dreaded question...

"Why do you want to be a nurse?"

I've searched discussion boards, scrolled through threads, and read opinion articles. My reasons need to be jazzed up a bit and I made a list of the personal and practical reasons why, and I would appreciate your feedback. Since I may be called for an interview in the next month or so, I would also appreciate any advice you'd care to share with me.

Would it be appropriate to start with "At first it seemed doable"? That is how it started, after all. It seemed doable, talking to nurses has convinced me of that. I would then continue by saying that studying for the TEAS test made me realize that Anatomy and Physiology is actually very interesting. These are truths, I have no intention of saying something cliché like "I love helping people". However, I would mention that being a wife and mother has taught me that I do indeed enjoy caring for people, although this alone is not a primary reason to pursue nursing.

As someone with a retail background who was easily bored, I am drawn to the opportunities for growth and development that nursing provides. The ability to change a specialty and continue education make it appealing to someone like me who might need a change. On a personal note, I like that nursing is a skill set that can be used outside of the job. I can better care for my family. Would it even be worth mentioning that I am returning to school to show my daughters that there's more to life than being a wife and mother? I honestly do want to prove to my daughters that you can improve yourself at any time, but I don't know if this is appropriate in an interview.

Thoughts, opinions, and advice welcome.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

I'd dodge the bit about the TEAS and A&P. Whether it's interesting to you or not has little bearing on being a nurse.

Opportunities to grow and change are good reasons.

Satisfaction in providing care for people is good.

Sure, serving as an example to your kids is a good reason to pursue any education, nursing included.

I would also dodge the "it seemed doable." That's hardly a ringing endorsement nor does it communicate passion nor practicality... it mostly sounds like... settling...

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

"Why do you want to be a nurse?" When I was little I wanted to be a superhero. When I grew up I realized there weren't many job openings for superhero, so I decide to become the next best thing, a nurse,

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

"Why do you want to be a nurse?" When I was little I wanted to be a superhero. When I grew up I realized there weren't many job openings for superhero, so I decide to become the next best thing, a nurse,

Batman has been seen around a few of my emergency departments... just sayin'

[alwayslulu]

Try not to overthink it and answer honestly. Think about the times you wanted to quit- what kept you going? What makes the patients worth it to you? In the future, when you have a really bad day at work.. what will keep you going?

Helping people may be cliche, but it isn't wrong. Many people feel called to nursing for whatever reason and they feel like thats what they are meant to do. Don't overthink an answer, just honestly share your story.