where do you see yourself in 5-10 years

[sourapril]

I was asked this questions during a panel interview for a public health nurse position. I answered that while I don't have any specific goals for the next 2-3 years, I want to be the best nurse I can be, and become an expert in my specialty. Then I said eventually I want to do Doctors Without Borders. (of course I was not interviewing for a MSF job...) Joining MSF and serving the underserved has been my goal and motivation to be a nurse. I know there are rights answers you can find on google for this kind of questions (like "I want to grow with the company"), but I want to be honest. How would you feel about my answer if you were interviewing me?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

I would have answered "I want your job in 5-10 yrs." I have asked the same question to people that I interviewed. If they have plans to leave the company after a couple years, resume goes into the trash. Why would I hire someone that has no plans to stick around and I have to post the job and incur the expense of having to train a new person in a few years?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I abhor this question, mainly because I don't plan 5-10 years into the future.

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

I would have answered "I want your job in 5-10 yrs." I have asked the same question to people that I interviewed. If they have plans to leave the company after a couple years, resume goes into the trash. Why would I hire someone that has no plans to stick around and I have to post the job and incur the expense of having to train a new person in a few years?

I was thinking the same. If someone told me they plan to leave, I would think twice. I would want to hear someone say that they planned to grow with the company, or planned to be there sitting on committees, serving as a mentor/training new employees, moving up the clinical ladder, etc. I've never had anyone ask me for the next 5-10 years though. Usually it's 3-5.

[green34]

I'd say that I would be working on my MSN so I can start working additionally as a clinical instructor and preceptor while continuing to work with X department. Preferably on nights and full-time at that point.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Anything that suggests you are already planning your departure from the company is usually not a good answer -- particularly when you are asking the employer to make a big, expensive investment in your orientation/education.

[Wrench Party]

I hate this question- although I did answer honestly in my interview "probably a combination of precepting and mentoring, working on my Master's, and serving on committees". The idea is to promote yourself as a long term investment in the company or institution.