"Why are you leaving your current job so soon?"

[Nursecliff]

My first job out of nursing school has turned into a nightmare. I took a job at a nursing home that turned out to have awful management, rampant resident neglect, and the most chaotic and hostile work environment I've ever seen. The last straw was when they demanded my coworker falsify documentation to cover up serious errors that sent residents to the ER. I have enough healthcare experience (2 years as a CNA, 6 as an EMT) that I know this isn't just new grad reality shock--this place is bad.

So I'm getting out. I have a job interview coming up with a facility that has a great reputation from patients and staff and I'm very excited about it.

My question is, how do I deal with the interview question "Why are you leaving your current job after only seven months?"

I'd love to just tell them the truth, but I'm worried I might come off as overly sensitive or complaining--they don't know my situation, they might think I'm turning ordinary work stress into nasty accusations. So I figure I have to coach my response in some kind of positive "I'm seeking ever greater challenges!" way. But I'm not sure how to do that without being completely fake and insincere. Does anyone have any ideas how to handle this?

[mirandaaa]

Just be honest but not overly detailed.

Just explain that you've decided after your time there that the facility wasn't for you and you are just looking to work in a better facility for staff and patients/residents.

If they ask for more details you can share some of your concerns, just don't be too overbearing with what you share.

[anewsns]

Yea , I agree , just honest but general. It wasn't a good fit.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Agree with the PPs... but felt the need to add - As an RN, you are a "mandatory reporter". You have a professional responsibility to take action when you are personally aware of any ethical or legal breaches. Failure to take action can be interpreted as complicit behavior or 'guilt by association'. I realize that you may not be able to do so until you have found another job, but you DO need to report the illegal practices you've described.

[mirandaaa]

Agree with the PPs... but felt the need to add - As an RN, you are a "mandatory reporter". You have a professional responsibility to take action when you are personally aware of any ethical or legal breaches. Failure to take action can be interpreted as complicit behavior or 'guilt by association'. I realize that you may not be able to do so until you have found another job, but you DO need to report the illegal practices you've described.

Definitely this.

You don't need to report it to your potential new employer, but the proper parties do need to be made aware!

[Nursecliff]

Thanks, and you're right. At the time I thought the "proper parties" were my unit manager and the DON, but clearly I'm going to have to escalate it beyond them to get an appropriate response for the residents' well-being.