why do you want to leave your current job?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hi everyone!

I'm currently working in a very busy geriatrics clinic for years now and I wanted a change. Right now there's an opening in another clinic where most of the patients are a bit younger(20s to 40s). How do I properly say in an interview why i wanted to leave my current job. The truth is that I am very burnout in my job right now ( alot has to do with inadequate staffing, high staff turn over rate and the patients that we have to deal with-elderly, multiple medical co-morbidities, mental issues like alz dz etc). I don't want to sound negative because my current manager is friends with the manager that i am applying the job to. Help!

Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
I don't want to sound negative because my current manager is friends with the manager that i am applying the job to. Help!

If your current manager is friends with your prospective future manager, you can bet they BOTH know why you are leaving.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moving to job interview help.

Say you are interested in working with a slightly different patient demographic, and this job would offer you the opportunity to broaden your scope...

Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Just say that you think a change in population would revitalize your practice......

You could always use the "I'm looking for a challenge".. line of bs.

And it is all bs... they know why you are leaving.. but we still must play the game.

Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

"I want to broaden my knowledge base and skills as a nurse by working with a different patient population".

Good luck!

Specializes in OR, public health, dialysis, geriatrics.

Be honest- you are looking for a change and to broaden your scope as a professional. Burnout happens. Been there done that and changing your workplace can help you, and helps your employer keep a good nurse.

I would go into the interview knowing a ton about the new potential workplace and how it will benefit them and you to get you this position.

Good luck!

Hi everyone!

I'm currently working in a very busy geriatrics clinic for years now and I wanted a change. Right now there's an opening in another clinic where most of the patients are a bit younger(20s to 40s). How do I properly say in an interview why i wanted to leave my current job. The truth is that I am very burnout in my job right now ( alot has to do with inadequate staffing, high staff turn over rate and the patients that we have to deal with-elderly, multiple medical co-morbidities, mental issues like alz dz etc). I don't want to sound negative because my current manager is friends with the manager that i am applying the job to. Help!

As a current manager of a primary care clinic I can understand your need to "lighten your load". My gut tells me that some of the problems you are seeing in your clinic will not be solved by moving to another that just has different patient demographics. Expect the poor staffing to continue. Also expect the patients to have other problems just as daunting- overuse of pain med, chronic pain, non-compliance, workplace problems etc. That being said, be honest in your interview...let the new manager know you are looking for a change- patients that have different problems and a chance to learn new skills. I would not mention the other issues...it is usually well known in an organization if one unit has morale or staffing problems. Hope this helps

Specializes in Pedi.

I, too, loathe this question. I always give the same bs answer... "I'm looking for new opportunities", "I'm ready for a change." Both are true but, let's be honest, I want to leave my current job because it sucks! :)

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