Interviewing for a job I don't want?

[Miranda Coombs]

Hi there! So I have a pretty weird situation. I graduated from nursing school in May of 2023, and passed my NCLEX in June of 2023. Got my first nursing job in a labor and delivery unit in August of 2023 and quit 4 months later due to a series of family emergencies that impacted my mental health, as well as dealing with a really toxic workplace. 

I have been unemployed since (about 6 months) and am currently trying to find a job. I really want to do clinic nursing. I knew as soon as I was done with nursing school that I wanted to go into a clinic setting. I recently got a mentor that works at a facility who she's been trying to get me into. She pointed out that there was a Pre-Op and PACU Department position open and out of desperation, I applied, used her as a referral, and now have an interview scheduled. The problem is, I don't want to work in this area. Granted, this is considered outpatient, but I just can't see myself working in this setting. She told me that it would be a good place to start, but I just really want to try and get a job that I'm going to love, and I don't think I would enjoy doing this. 

I am still going to do the interview to find out more information about the position. Who knows, it may surprise me. BUT, what do I do if I get a job offer and I still don't want this position? I don't want to hurt my mentor's feelings or feel like I'm not taking her opinion seriously. Also, I know my parents would be so upset if I didn't accept a job offer that came my way. I do need a job, but I don't want something that I know I wouldn't be happy doing. 

I know a lot of people would say I need to suck it up and just deal with a job that I might not like doing. But my last job made me so unhappy and I don't want that same thing to happen. I am still considered a new grad and don't even have a year under my belt, but I've seen so many young, new nurses (even a couple of nurses that graduated with me) getting jobs in clinics...and in the end...that is what I want 100%. 

Any advice?