How to Answer: Why are you leaving your current position?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Nursing job interview.
37. Why are you leaving your current position?
How to Answer
This question is a time for you to be up front and honest with the person that is interviewing you, but to a point. Under no circumstance should you talk negatively about your current employer as that is a major red flag for interviewers. If you are truly leaving your former position because the organization has done bad things, make sure to find reasons that the organization you are interviewing with is better for your long term well being and career. Don't make money or benefits the sole focus of this interview question either as that will be a red flag that you may jump ship later on for more money. Focus on how the new position would better you as a nurse and a person.
Written by Elisabeth Walter
1st Entry Level Example
"As a recent graduate, this would be my first RN position. Through the various healthcare settings, I worked in during clinicals, I found that hospitals or clinics are my preference. I have done a lot of research on employers in this area, and I was impressed with X's awards and recognition both locally and nationally. I'm excited to learn more about this opportunity!"
Written by Jaymie Payne on December 18th, 2022
1st Experienced Example
"While I've enjoyed my time working in my current role, your position for a nurse in your women's health clinic will help me expand my horizons as a nurse and put me where I have always dreamed of being a nurse. I came into the profession to help work with women with specific health issues and this would be my dream job in doing so."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
2nd Experienced Example
"I have been working in my current position for two years, and while I appreciate all the opportunities I have had to learn and become a better nurse in the position as an outpatient nurse in an adult medicine clinic, I feel like it is time to move on. My current position was my first job out of nursing school, and while it has helped me strengthen my clinical and interpersonal skills, I feel like I am ready for a position in the inpatient environment where I will be more challenged. I want a position where I can grow clinically and not one where I feel my clinical skills are waning, and I feel that this position at your organization can offer me that."
Written by Ryan Brunner
3rd Experienced Example
"After spending six years as an entry level nurse on a Med/Surg unit, I have realized that I have gained as much experience as I can there and am looking to expand my horizons and get into Hospice nursing. My job search has been very meticulous and thorough in looking for an employer that can meet my needs both personally and professionally and your organization can provide that."
Written by Ryan Brunner
4th Experienced Example
"I love my current job caring for pediatric patients who are hospitalized for various conditions, but I am ready to take a step in a different direction and work with a different population of patients, such as the orthopedic surgery patients that I would work with in the position at your organization. While I love children and the pediatric patients I work with, it can be emotionally draining, and after being in this position for over five years, I feel like it is time to move on to something else and not only allow myself a reprieve from the emotional aspect but also expand my skillset."
Written by Kelly Burlison on March 17th, 2019
1st Answer Example
"Currently, I am working with the adult population. Although I have enjoyed my time in this setting, I greatly miss working with the pediatric population. I have learned a lot while working with adults that I believe I will still be able to use when interacting with pediatric patient's parents and caregivers."
Written by Tabitha Cumpian on January 31st, 2023
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About the Author
I began my healthcare career when I was a sophomore in high school and became an STNA (state-tested nursing assistant) at a local long-term care facility. I then went on to work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital and home healthcare agency. During that time, I pursued my Bachelor's in Business Administration: Human Resource Management and transitioned to working for one of the largest long-term care and post-acute rehab companies in the country. I supported the talent acquisition function, and in the span of 8 years, I screened and interviewed over 1,500 nurse aides, LPNs, and RNs.
I hold a very special place in my heart for nurses, as it's often a thankless and tiresome job. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse, and I have great respect and admiration for those that choose this career path. As a content writer and interview coach for MockQuestions, my goal is to help you prepare and succeed in your upcoming interview. This article offers interview tips and advice along with 50 practice interview questions and answer examples to help you better understand what to expect and prepare for interview day! Wishing you the best of luck!
Learn more about Jaymie Payne