What are your professional nursing goals?
Of course your immediate goal is to get this job that you are applying for, but interviewers also want an idea of where you would like to go from here? These types of questions are gold mines of information for the interviewer, and unfortunately it's often not clear what they are mining for. However, answer the question authentically and with some forethought. The interviewer is not going to believe the candidate that says that their goal is to retire from this job unless they are an older candidate established in the community. Interviewers want motivated candidates but they also do not want to be a farm club for other hospitals where new nurses get a years worth of training somewhere to improve their skills so they can seek employment elsewhere. It should be a nice balance of ambition and stability, and your answer should reflect this. The following answer is transparent in the intent to use the tuition reimbursement program and it's associated 3 year commitment. This answer also showcases the desire to continue to move up the career ladder and the willingness to perhaps continue that journey at this organization if the opportunities are available.
"I definitely want to take advantage of the tuition reimbursement program here at Mount Bennet Hospital so that I can really add value to the nursing team. I eventually want to pursue my MSN and would really like to talk about advancement opportunities here for me when I'm able to achieve that goal."
"In the last few years, I have really found my calling within cardiac and intensive care work. This is an area I see myself working for years to come, so I would like to focus on my specialty area and obtain additional certifications. I already have my ACLS, so next would likely be my CCRN. I would also like to research relevant professional organizations and join those that make the most sense for my area of interest. I love to learn and grow my professional network, so this is definitely an area of interest for me."
"As a new grad, my focus right now is to build my skills, experience, and confidence. My goal for the next year is to learn and absorb as much training as I can. I hope to find a mentor that can also work with me as I settle in and begin my career, to help guide me and provide insight and advice. My short-term professional goals also include obtaining my CPR certification and enrolling in any CEU or workshops your organization may offer new grads."
"My long-term goal is to grow within my organization. I love working with patients in the surgical setting. There can be a lot of worries and anxieties for these patients as they prepare for surgery. I greatly enjoy being able to provide these patients with education about their procedure and being able to be their support. In the future, I would like to return to school for a master's degree in nursing education so that I am better able to provide education, resources, and support for these patients."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Get the experience for the next two years and my masters.
Cindy's Feedback
Great! Dwelling on both practical, on-the-job experience as well as an educational experience is a great approach. Can you elaborate on why both are important to you and where you see them leading?
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