[mia]

I hope that someone out there can give me some advice. Here is the situation. I have been working at a small hospital for about 7 months. We do both acute and chronic patients. Initially there were only 3 nurses to share call and care for our chronic patients. Our patient census dropped dramatically and there was talk of floating us to the floor. I really did not want to do this so I started to explore other career opportunities. I applied for my "dream" job not really expecting to even get an interview. It turns out I not only got an interview but was offered a position. This is the job I have wanted to do since nursing school! Now the problem...One of the other nurses I work with was also interviewing elsewhere and accepted a new position. She gave her resignation last week. That leaves me and the senior nurse who has been really, really good to me. In fact, its because of her that I am even qualified for the dream job I applied for. If I take the position I would leave her alone with all the patients and all the call. To make matters worse she is scheduled to have some surgery in about 2 months. I feel guilty that she may have to delay her surgery if I leave. I really want this job. What would you do in this case?

[nurseunderwater]

I would give notice....soon. This gives a new nurse a chance to orient before the charge takes her sick leave. In the interim they can use agency to fill. To base all your choices, especially the chance for your "dream job" on other peoples comfort level....seems over the top to me. She knows how bad you want this. Let Admin do their job now and get on with your life.

[luanne123]

I would give notice ASAP. Imagine passing up your dream job and not having another one come along for another five years. Ten years from from now, will you remember losing your chance for the dream job and spending another five years doing what you don't want to do? OR will they remember having to hustle a little bit harder for a month or so? Watch out for yourself first.

[ageless]

Mia...........
........ tell us what has happened..are you in your dream job?

[renerian]

I would never want to pass up a dream job. I think if you let the new possible employer know you feel this way you can put in a longer notice if the new position can wait.

I am in a similar spot feeling guilty over a similar choice. Feels awful I know.

renerian

[PeninsulaRN]

I would definitely give notice. I appreciate your loyalty to your organization but its you that needs to be happy with your life decisions.

[Havin' A Party!]

This is your dream job!

You must follow it!

[Paednoch]

I Have no Idea how long you have been a nurse but I worked during the "crap on the nurses era" and will never forget it. It is the hospitals problem to worry about staffing not yours. Unless you make 6 figures and play golf with the other Hospital CEOs and administators you can assume that it is their problem to cover for the short staffing. Take the dream job. and don't look in the rear view mirror.

[Hellllllo Nurse]

I agree with everyone here!

Admin needs to find the remaining nurse some more staff, and they need to find coverage for her when she has surgery. Why not buy her a nice "goodbye and thank you" gift and let her know how thankful you are for all the help and mentoring she has given you?