New Grad Interview Question - Med/Surg

AJJKRN · Apr 24, 2015

Hey, everyone! I have a quick question.
I have two inteviews for med/surg positions next week. My senior practicum was in mother/baby. How do I answer if I'm questioned about why I'm interviewing with med/surg instead of for a women's position? I quickly realized in my m/b practicum that I'm better suited to handling med/surg patients, which is why I've decided to apply to med/surg positions. I don't want my interviewers to think I'm choosing med/surg as a "back up" or anything like that; I'm just truly not interested in working mother/baby, and I think I'll gain a better skill set if I work in a medical/surgical position. Thoughts?

If you just gave a genuine and honest answer about why you're leaning towards Med-Surg then you have had your answer before asking. The majority of the time "honesty is the best policy"! Disclaimer: I do not hire people :saint:

LV3677 · Apr 24, 2015

I had a friend go through the same thing- did her preceptorship in OB, and then decided it wasn't for her. She was recently hired in an ICU. She told the interviewers that she wanted to see how she liked obstetrics, but decided it wasn't what she was passionate about. She stated that her preceptorship gave good experience with post op patients (c-sections), as well as delegating and time management.

Like the PP mentioned, if they ask, just answer the question honestly.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 24, 2015

I don't think they care where you did your practicum. Were you a good nurse? Did you develop critical thinking skills? Time management? I don't think it is at all odd to look for a job that is different that where you spent your practicum time. I thought I wanted peds and did mine on a floor that did have a peds wing, but after I watched a child in severe resp distress, I knew that it was not for me. Sometimes people don't get to choose their practicum setting. It is what you get out of that experience that is useful.

If for some reason they were concerned, you can just say that you didn't want to be so specialized: that you want a broader experience.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2015

I think I'll gain a better skill set if I work in a medical/surgical position.

I think this comment from your original post is a good reply if they should ask. You could tell them that your experience in mom/baby laid a foundation for future learning, but you desire a less specialized area of practice....or something along those lines. Good luck!

VANurse2010 · Apr 24, 2015

I think this comment from your original post is a good reply if they should ask. You could tell them that your experience in mom/baby laid a foundation for future learning, but you desire a less specialized area of practice....or something along those lines. Good luck!

Many folks consider M/S a specialty, so I would be careful with that terminology.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2015

Many folks consider M/S a specialty, so I would be careful with that terminology.

I work in med surg, and don't necessarily see it as a specialty since we get everything on our floor, why I said "less specialized". But you are right. At the risk of offending someone, I am going on record saying I stand corrected.

breezy7, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2015

Excellent advice - thank you, everyone! I asked mainly because two separate recruiters have expressed confusion at why I'm seeking out med/surg positions. Practicums are actually quite important in the hiring process, even though many people in my program didn't get to select theirs. For instance, most hospitals in my area won't consider you for ICU as a new grad unless you had a practicum in ICU. Labor & delivery is the same.