Should I mention this in an interview?

[AnaBanana.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. ?

[Lipoma, BSN, RN]

I might be the minority here but in all of my interviews I have included that I plan on advancing my education and become an NP after a few years of clinical practice as a RN. Landed both jobs without issues.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

20 hours ago, Lipoma said:

I might be the minority here but in all of my interviews I have included that I plan on advancing my education and become an NP after a few years of clinical practice as a RN. Landed both jobs without issues.

This. I usually phrase it as, "I'm interested in pursuing further education in (area) down the line, but my focus at this time is to advance my nursing skills and knowledge, and eventually take on more leadership roles within my unit." I don't think it's wrong to *briefly* mention that getting another degree is a goal of yours - being motivated to learn is a good thing! Just make sure to focus on what you hope to add to the unit you're applying to work on.

[KeepinitrealCCRN]

I would only bring it up if they ask you what your plans are for the future.

[jamalnurse]

I think it is okay to mention your interest in further your education at some point. Some nurse managers like for their nurses to strive for higher education. However, I would not go into specifics on what type of program you want to pursue. Focus on this job and then once you're hired, you can mention the specifics later.

[JustWandering78]

I am of the opinion that it would be OK to mention it in the right context. If asked where do you see yourself in 5-10 years. I think it is completely fine to say that you would like to pursue higher education. The NICU is a closed unit. Almost every Neonatal nurse practitioner was a nicu nurse. You will want to have at least several years of experience before pursuing NNP if you want to have the skills to be good at that position. Then you will be in school multiple years. So you could be in the unit as a staff nurse minimum 4/5 years before you would even become an NNP.

Because you are a new grad, I would focus on the current position you want though and worry about NNP when you are comfortable with that roll.

[emmasuern]

This is what I advise students to say for where they see themselves in 5 years. It can be modified for any unit.

"I would like to feel comfortable in my position and have greater responsibilities and the opportunity to serve on unit committees. I would like to obtain my nursing certification in XYZ. I hope 5 years into my career I will have the opportunity to train and mentor new staff and work with nursing students."

You'll need to do your homework to determine the nursing certification you would like to have.

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

As a new grad, I would definitely leave out your goal of becoming an advanced practice nurse . It has nothing to do about their philosophy on nurse practitioners but the fact you are not at a place in your career to be publicly placing a stake on that goal and being taken serious.