Should I mention this in an interview?

[AnaBanana.RN, RN]

Hello,

I am a new grad nurse and am hoping to be hired in a NICU. If I am interviewed for a position as a NICU RN, should I mention my goal of wanting to become a neonatal nurse practitioner? The reason I ask is what happens if for some reason that hospital does not have neonatal nurse practitioners and only has physicians and then they won't want to hire me because they don't see me staying with them for more than a couple years. Also, if you think I should mention it, should I also mention it for postpartum and L&D interviews in the case I don't get hired in a NICU initially?

Sorry if this sounds like a silly question, I'm just unsure if most hospitals have neonatal nurse practitioners or not. Thank you for any advice. ?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

This is certainly a matter of opinion, but if I were a new grad I wouldn't focus on what essentially would be my next job before I even got my first.

You could mention your aspirations of advancing your education...

(When you land your first job, give yourself some time to get comfortable in the role before you jump into grad school. If you feel you absolutely have to start back to class immediately, focus on non-clinical requirements at first.)

[Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM]

Nope. Don't mention it. It's not relevant to the position to where you are applying. I also, as a new grad, thought that ambitions would be "impressive" when I started interviewing. Trust me, they don't see it as that. They will only see you as someone that will leave soon.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

OP:

Jory stated it well. Nope, no reason to mention it.

When asked the where do you see yourself in five years you can say something like... " I need to see where my first job takes me. I am focused on getting my nursing career started. After I successfully complete orientation I hope to become involved on the unit in (pick what best suits you, education, precepting, etc).

Even though an NNP might sound appealing now, see where your job takes you. It is possible you might find something else you like. No need to rush it.

If you start saying you want to go back to school in two years, it comes accross as someone who will leave as soon as they can

[Sour Lemon]

I agree with the others. There's no need to mention it, and our plans don't always become reality anyway. Take one step at a time and enjoy the walk.

[Emergent, RN]

Amen to above advice, nothing more to say.

[Nunya, BSN]

You can look online for most hospitals to see what kind of staff providers they have, that'll tell you if they have NNPs.

[amoLucia]

2 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:

I agree with the others. There's no need to mention it, and our plans don't always become reality anyway. Take one step at a time and enjoy the walk.

Nicely said. Need to remember to add this to my repertoire of great sayings.

Only I forget them all. But good ideas.

[AnaBanana.RN, RN]

Thank you all for your comments and advice. I decided the best course of action would be not to mention it.

3 hours ago, Sour Lemon said:

I agree with the others. There's no need to mention it, and our plans don't always become reality anyway. Take one step at a time and enjoy the walk.

Very well said, thank you for your advice.

[CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN]

Only thing to add would be to request a name change from Admins as the internet is forever.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

All they will hear is "will be looking to leave right as they become truly competent". Keep that nugget to yourself.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, Nurse SMS said:

All they will hear is "will be looking to leave right as they become truly competent". Keep that nugget to yourself.

^^^^^

Your goal is to get a job. Not a job that will let you become an NP....a job where you can safely practice. Best of luck!