Resigned - New Job Help

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 12, 2017

What you said pretty much sends up red flags for the person doing the hiring. You never want to malign your current employer during an interview. Nor do you want to imply that you had a personality conflict that couldn't be resolved- it's only going to make the interviewer wonder if the same thing will happen at the new employer. A simple "it wasn't a good fit" or "I'm looking to expand my experience" will suffice.

Sour Lemon · Jan 12, 2017

How do I honestly answer this question?

You don't. Claiming a "personality conflict" with a manager (or any other employee) is probably one of the worst possible answers you can give.

Atl-Murse · Jan 12, 2017

You allowed your anger to show . "Seeking to expand my knowledge with your renowned organization" would be fine.

cleback · Jan 13, 2017

Why did your former employer need to talk to you before training someone else for charge? Is this some ICU faux pax I'm unaware of?

But agree with the PPs. In this case, complete honesty isn't your friend. Present your job search as something positive for your career.

FutureNurseInfo · Jan 13, 2017

I do agree with many PPs on here. However, also keep in mind that whoever interviews you may contact your former employer for a reference. So, make sure to turn a negative into positive but also do not deviate too far from the truth.

MHDNURSE · Jan 13, 2017

What did you tell your former employer as the reason you were leaving? Did you leave on a good note? Always best not to burn bridges, no matter how awful they are or how miserable you were. I would tell any interviews from here on out that you wanted to try something different as the prior area wasn't a good fit. Obviously if you are applying to the same type of unit you came from that won't work.

Cat365 · Jan 13, 2017

I am looking for a change/new challenges. This works especially well if you are applying to a different type of unit. If the new job has different hours say it was the old hours. You wanted an opportunity for advancement. If you can find something different/good about the new position that makes it a better fit than the old one.

Stating it was a personality conflict implys that you can't get along with others.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2017

Well for the last year and a half it has been me despite multiple attempts on my part to rectify the situation. After walking in the other night ( and multiple months of feeling discouraged about work), a (suitable) RN who had only been there 8 months was training for charge RN & no ANM felt the need to have a discussion with me about it.

Why would they?! Since when is any administration required to clear personnel decisions through other staff nurses?

ottersloveoysters · Jan 13, 2017

100% honesty is not going to be the best route when answering this question. Saying anything in an interview about personality conflicts or disagreements with your previous managers or coworkers is going to put a quick end to the interview, no matter how much they initially liked you. Find another reason to give. Anything! Come up with a story about needing to grow in another area of nursing. Just make the story truthful and genuine and leave out the personality conflict part.

CalArmy · Jan 14, 2017

I feel like there are pieces missing to your story. Why does a manager have to clear charge nurse training with you?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 14, 2017

I feel like there are pieces missing to your story. Why does a manager have to clear charge nurse training with you?

My guess is that OP is upset that they were passed over for charge training in favor of someone with 8 months experience. But not everyone has what it takes to be charge and OP may be viewed as one of them by management.