Interview Q: Why adult med-surg, when you have pediatric as your preceptorship?

[nooneelse]

I'm just thinking what possible Q they may ask on interview - this is my honest answer. but do you think this is what the interviewer want to hear?

The reason was because towards at the end of nursing school, I know I was comfortable working with adult. but wasn't sure about pediatric - I didn't know if I didn't feel comfortable with kids because I never got to work with them long enough (clinical rotation was half on gen. ped, half rotation 1 day at different unit mainly observing), or because peds were really just not for me. so I pushed myself out of the comfort zone for the preceptorship. I love challenges. :)

I am glad I choose peds for the rotation, because now I know I am actually enjoy working with kids. And I use to be intimidated working with parents - now that fear is gone too. Not saying I want to be a Peds nurse - but I am definitely open to working with peds!

However though, for my first job, I would still prefer to have experience with adult med-surg. Because I always know I'd be comfortable working with adult, some of my most memorable clinical experience were all with adult patients. I also would like to gain the skill of working with general med-surg. Maybe somewhere down the road I will work with pediatric eventually. but I'm ready to commit to adult med-surg for at least a good couple years.

what do you guys think about my response?

what are some of the clinical skills hiring manager wants to hear? like practical experience, eg. insert foley cath? wound care?

I really want to work with adult med surg, but just afraid my ped preceptorship would hurt my resume & interview.. tips?

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

I don't see why it would hurt you. I don't think everyone always goes into the area they did a preceptorship in. I'd just say that you enjoyed peds but also loved adult care. Just doing an internship puts you ahead IMO. Good luck!

[merlee]

Your original rationale was perfect. You chose an area that you felt you wanted to explore more deeply. I chose the neuro floor because I didn't feel comfortable working with stroke and spinal cord injuries. I absolutely knew I never wanted to work with those patients again! My first job out of school was in neonatal intensive care; everyone thought I would try for the ER but my 2 weeks in the NICU led me to the babies.

So don't be concerned about that question. Your answer is an honest one.

Best wishes.

[phillycpnp-pc, MSN, RN, NP]

I don't see why it would hurt you. I don't think everyone always goes into the area they did a preceptorship in. I'd just say that you enjoyed peds but also loved adult care. Just doing an internship puts you ahead IMO. Good luck!

This is very true. I did my preceptorship in L&D/Maternity/Nursery in my last semester of school...And i already had accepted my first job in a pediatric hospital. I choose this preceptorship in Maternity/L&D because this was my second choice in nursing and wanted to get a taste of it to make sure i made the right choice in peds.

Good luck to you.