why do you want to be a nurse???

[Nili927]

would all of you think i'm crazy if i said that i find this to be the most difficult question during an interview?

think about it, "why do you want to be a nurse?" it's a given that this question will be included in the interview process and i'm positive that every interviewer have heard "because i want to help others" or "because i want to make a difference" how creative can we be with this question? i really do want to help others, i really do want to make a difference, why else would i want to work in an environment where we see others at their most vulnerable moment, when they are too sick to take care of necessities, when they may need a total stranger (us nurses) to help them in their most intimate needs.

how do i answer this question without sounding so common...? i want to be able to stand out and give an honest answer and not sound like every other nurse applying for the job that i want.

any suggestions as to how to answer a very important question like "why do i want to be a nurse?"

[fmrnicumom]

I think a good way to keep your answer from sounding common is to make it personal. What triggered your interest in nursing? Was it your experience as a patient? Was a parent/friend/relative a patient? I think it's best to be honest. I'm sure most interviewers can tell if you're being genuine or if you're making up an answer because you want it to sound good.

I'm sure you'll get some great advice on this.

Tiffany

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I have never had any problems with being fully honest for my reasons for entering nursing.

I tell interviewers that, "Nursing is not my passion. I'd define a passion as something which one could not live without, and I'd be just as happy doing something else with my life. I became a nurse for the multiple job opportunities, flexible scheduling, pay rates, chances for advancement, and the ability to make a positive impact on the life of a patient."

[krenee]

Yeah, for some reason I hate this question . . . I don't really get why people feel compelled to ask it so much compared to other professions. I always want to say "I want to help people" because that seems like such a stereotypical answer (to a stereotypical question). Obviously if I *didn't* want to help people I wouldn't want to be a nurse. But anyway, for me, I find it an interesting field, I want to use my mind and do something challenging. It helped that there is a nursing shortage so I know I could get a job, and I could get my RN in two years, and fairly inexpensively at a CC - but I wouldn't say all that in an interview!

Kelly

[MB37]

I'd probably say something like, "I wanted a people-oriented field where I knew I would have new experiences every day. I've never wanted to sit behind a desk or work 9-5, and I look forward to constant opportunities to advance my education and nursing knowledge." Or something, I'd have to graduate (or be close) before I try it on an interviewer though. It's the truth for me, plus the fact that it's a steady paycheck that won't ever be computerized or outsourced to another country (though we may keep importing nurses).

[RunsWscissors]

When I was asked this question right after selection I said that it was manifest destiny. However, I am a bit odd with a strange sense of humor. I think a sense of humor can go a long way depending on the situation/interviewer.

That question to me always brings up the Miss America question about what you would do with your title. The answers are for the most part stilted and reheorificed with little genuine feeling. I would rather make people blink than to make their eyes glaze over.

When the students in my class were taking their turns telling the reasons why they wanted to be a nurse, I was like hmmm. It was all, "I want to save lives" speeches WHICH IS GREAT, don't get me wrong. Its just that it was sooo impersonal. A few said that they had been touched by other nurses when family members had been ill or passed, to me that speaks volumes. I can relate to that. The people who just said what they thought was expected, bored me. Even the folks who said they wanted to be nurse because of the flexible job market were better than a generic reply. I know sincerity when I hear it.

I think they ask this question to make you think about it. When you have to put your thoughts into words it actually makes you take pause to think it over. Also, I think they get a better feel about what kind of student or employee you will be.

[APBT mom, LPN, RN]

What I say is "the reason that I want to be a nurse is to able to be there for someone during what can be a difficult time in their life". It's a little different than saying I want to help people but it's the same.

[yurnurse]

I agree with the person that said to just be honest about your reasons. I had an aunt that died from breast cancer when I was 17 and she had the most pehnomenal nurse imaginable. There was never a time during her hospital stay where she did not look 100% comfortable and pain free. I think the ability to comfort not just the patient but the family as well is a gift that should not be taken lightly. After seeing that I wanted to be a person who could help comfort and put patients as well as family members at ease during their most trying times. ( Oh, and it sounds nice! )