switching from "floor" nurse to "desk" nurse

[estephb21]

Hello. I've been a floor nurse for "only 6 years" now. i am looking into getting out of the floor and getting a "desk" job which would be easier for my family and just with some changes that are going on in my work place I'm ready to get out of this "toxic" place. I was once asked this questions in an interview and did not know how I should answer this, was not really prepred for this question. So what do you think is a GOOD way to answer this question:

You haven't been a floor nurse for a long time, why do you want to get off the floor? How do you know that you are really ready for that change because it is a BIG change.

When I answered it at that time, i can't remember what I said now, but she looked a little annoyed by my answer and I got the impression that she thought i couldn't handle it.

I'm just trying to see what is a great answer without sounding like i'm complaining about my current position.

thanks in advance!

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

The answer is partially dependent on what 'desk' job you are pursuing.

'Change, growth new opportunity for learning' are all acceptable.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I have asked that type of question many times when I am interviewing applicants for jobs that are "one step up" from basic staff nurse positions. No one wants to hire someone who is not really interested in doing the type of work that you are hiring them to do. You are not a very attractive candidate if you are applying for the job mainly because you want to "get away" from anything. Hiring managers are looking to hire people who are "moving towards" a job that matches their career goals -- not "running away" from something. And they want to hire people genuinely interested in doing the work that they need to get done.

So you answer should reflect that you enjoy the type of work that you are doing now, but that you believe you will enjoy the type of work that the "new" job will require even more -- and that you are prepared with the knowledge, skills, and interest to do that job well.

For example, I have interviewed many staff nurses for staff education positions. Some candidates emphasize how the job's schedule will meet their family's needs, etc., but when asked about their thoughts on education, they have nothing to say. Such people virtually never get the job. The people who get the job are the ones that can talk about what they have liked about being a preceptor, ideas they have for doing/improving the education on the unit, things they have read about staff education, things they would like to learn about staff education, that they would be willing to come in on nights and weekends to do education, etc. See what I mean?

So ... back to original question: The best answers to such interview questions flow along the following lines: "For me, it's not really about 'leaving a staff nurse role,' ... I just feel that I am ready to move on to a position with more responsibility and this job interests me because blah blah blah. I think it is a good fit for me because blah blah blah." etc. etc. Of course the details vary with the specific situation.

[perfexion, ASN, RN]

You could say you're looking for a change. You want to explore other facets of nursing. I transferred from a desk job to a floor job because I hated the people in the office but I never would've said that in an interview.

[Caffeine_IV]

Emphasize the things you have learned as a floor nurse that can transfer into the desk job and be beneficial. What type of desk job is this?

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

I recently transitioned from a "desk job" to a staff position in the ICU. I explained to my prospective employer that I wanted to expand my skill set & become a more well-rounded nurse, & I did. Don't run from the floor for the wrong reasons though. Team conflict & idiosyncratic organizational cultures will follow you to your desk job. It's how you handle it that matters. Career paths should be dictated by internal, not external factors.

[richieanne]

I have been a nurse for 18 years now. I was a medication nurse for close to 13 years and am now doing a desk nurse work, pretty much all paperworks, admission, skilled documentation, carrying out doctor's order. And i love it. For someone to do desk nursing right away is not a good idea. To be able to pull through with desk nurse job, you have to know all the orders you are carrying out. you have to be very familiar with most of the medications and their indications. You do not do it because it is easier. You do it because you have to be ready to take on your next skills. "desking" as i call it is not for everybody. You have to be keen in everything. You have to have the ability to document and chart well.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

So, "wanting to get away from pt care " would not be a good answer then???í ½í¸‚

[richieanne]

Sad to say... Yes it is. As a nurse you are expected to function even just the basic of of the basics, even bed making, cleaning patient's dentures...so for a nurse to say , "i do not want patient care anymore is a Big NO! ".

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

Sad to say... Yes it is. As a nurse you are expected to function even just the basic of of the basics, even bed making, cleaning patient's dentures...so for a nurse to say , "i do not want patient care anymore is a Big NO! ".

Sorry, I was trying to be sarcastic,but it didn't show up....

But I will say I have had enough pt care, I guess I would just have to fudge that thought and make it not obvious