Job Interview-Need Some Advice

[RNLola035]

Ok, so I have an interview coming up for a job as a new grad.

Prior to this I was working at a hospital as a staff nurse but was "let go" because I did not pass my 90 days probation. Although I was let go my manager wants me to put her as a reference and she told me to tell my next future employer that I left my position because "I did not have support as a new grad and that I did not have consistency with my preceptors (which is kind of true as I had a total of 7 different preceptors and they did not have an actual "new grad" program)"

Anyway I told the nurse educator, who also worked at my previous work and she told me that I should not say what my manager said. She told me to say that I left because I needed a more structure as in a new grad program.

My problem is that when I have my interview for this coming position (which btw does not have a new grad program as well) I know they will ask me what happened with my previous employer and I'm not sure what to say. I planning on saying something like, "I left because I needed more structure and I needed more consistency with preceptors. I talked about this with my manager and I felt we both did the best we could but I just didn't feel ready." Does that sound bad? Do I just sound lazy?? Any help will do. Thanks!

:heartbeat

[delaney1]

I say always be truthful. I as a manager would be more impressed with someone who tells me that she did not make it through her 90 day d/t 7 preceptors, but that your manager was willing to give you a good reference. I would say with some support and guidance you personally feel you would be a good nurse, and hope that they would give you an opportunity, then go in there and shine. Go above and beyond their expectations and stay patient oriented.

[r.o.w.d.yRN]

just tell the truth girl.thats all it takes.:)

[cook1043]

If your nurse manager wants to give you a good recommendation and feels that you would do better with better training, why did she not extend your probation period?

[CathyLew]

always be truthful. you never know who at this hospital has ties with someone at the other hospital. A fib is always found out!

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you feel you can not be successful without a more structured new grad orientation program, why are you setting yourself up to fail by applying for a job that will not offer you the support you need?

That's what I would be asking myself if I were the person interviewing you. I would be thinking that you might not do well in my unit either -- since we don't have the structured new grad program you say you need. So, I wouldn't say anything like that.

Be truthful, but don't them what you "need" unless you are sure that they can offer it to you. Emphasize what you learned from the experience and how that will help you be a good employee for them. Perhaps say that you felt that a "fresh start" in a new environment would be the best way to take what you learned and apply it with new people.

[RNLola035]

Thank you all!!! Your right about being truthful! I've decided to stick with a new grad program too! I really think I need one!