Tell me about a time you made a mistake

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 31, 2015

For the mistake question ... I can't believe you have never made a mistake in your entire life. Nobody's perfect: neither are you. Have you never regretted anything you have ever done? Ever wish you had done something differently? It doesn't have to be a major disaster and it doesn't have to be nursing-related. Pick something that shows you can acknowledge your mistakes and respond to your mistakes in a positive way.

As for the long-term plans question. Start by saying you are unsure and need time to practice for a while as a nurse before you will be ready to make such a decision. Then mention some of the career paths that seem interesting to you -- but end by saying that you have not settled on a specific path yet -- and for now, you want to focus on ...(whatever job you are applying for) ... and postponing any long term decisions indefinitely, when you hope to feel more ready to make such an important decision.

As you mention some of the possibilities that you think sound interesting, be sure to include a few that would be available at their institution -- demonstrating that if you like it there, you might stay for a long time.

SN2014 · Feb 1, 2015

For the mistake question ... I can't believe you have never made a mistake in your entire life. Nobody's perfect: neither are you. Have you never regretted anything you have ever done? Ever wish you had done something differently? It doesn't have to be a major disaster and it doesn't have to be nursing-related. Pick something that shows you can acknowledge your mistakes and respond to your mistakes in a positive way.
As for the long-term plans question. Start by saying you are unsure and need time to practice for a while as a nurse before you will be ready to make such a decision. Then mention some of the career paths that seem interesting to you -- but end by saying that you have not settled on a specific path yet -- and for now, you want to focus on ...(whatever job you are applying for) ... and postponing any long term decisions indefinitely, when you hope to feel more ready to make such an important decision.
As you mention some of the possibilities that you think sound interesting, be sure to include a few that would be available at their institution -- demonstrating that if you like it there, you might stay for a long time.

Thank you for the suggestions. I'm not implying I'm perfect. I just cannot think of anything that I could use as an example in a job interview.

movingforwardRN · Feb 2, 2015

I don't have much advice on the mistake portion, but as far as your long term goal, DO NOT share them so specifically. I have been on interviews where, I shared about wanting to get my masters and specialize as an NP. And I can automatically tell, they were thinking, " She's going to be here for a while and go on to do better, then Ill have to need to fill this position again". Sadly, many managers are looking for someone to fill that one position, and not advance anywhere. it's pathetic. And yes there are many people who Ive worked with who were okay being a nurse forever. I for sure, don't.

When asked, just express how you plan on taking advantage of any certifications available specific for the unit/position you are applying to, while you're not entirely sure as to what your long term goals are, you are looking for a position that is going to challenge your growth and potentially gear you in a direction where you would be able to get an idea of where you want to be in the future. You're open to learning so much that inevitably you will find your place as you continue to grow with the opportunity that is infront of you.

SN2014 · Feb 6, 2015

I don't have much advice on the mistake portion, but as far as your long term goal, DO NOT share them so specifically. I have been on interviews where, I shared about wanting to get my masters and specialize as an NP. And I can automatically tell, they were thinking, " She's going to be here for a while and go on to do better, then Ill have to need to fill this position again". Sadly, many managers are looking for someone to fill that one position, and not advance anywhere. it's pathetic. And yes there are many people who Ive worked with who were okay being a nurse forever. I for sure, don't.
When asked, just express how you plan on taking advantage of any certifications available specific for the unit/position you are applying to, while you're not entirely sure as to what your long term goals are, you are looking for a position that is going to challenge your growth and potentially gear you in a direction where you would be able to get an idea of where you want to be in the future. You're open to learning so much that inevitably you will find your place as you continue to grow with the opportunity that is infront of you.

Thanks!! This is definitely helpful!