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Question:

Dear Donna,

I am a new nursing grad. I recently quit a hospital job after five weeks because working nights is too difficult for me. I am going to interview for another hospital job, and I am wondering how to explain this.

Patti

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Patti,

Just mention that the adjustment to the night shift was more difficult than you could have imagined and there were no other openings for you (presuming this is the case). Most nurses/recruiters will understand this because the night shift is not for everyone. Assure them that you wish to dig your heels in and get your nursing career started on the right foot. Please read Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional (http://www.nurse.com/CE/7010).

My best wishes,
Donna

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Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional and The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career. Information about the books is available at www.nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.