should I take this home health opportunity???

[DreadiLocs]

I am an LVN who has been in various aspects of hemodialysis for the last 5 years. I love what I do but my clinic has a lower census than most (I work Tues, Thurs and Sat) and it is a struggle to make even 30 hours. To supplement, I also work as a staff assist dialysis nurse on MWF. I carry my benefits with my TTS job because it used to be full time 40 hours. I am also working toward my RN through an online program. I have time to catch up on reading with my MWF but not on TTS. Plus the running around during turn over is starting to catch up with me. The mind is willing but sometimes the body can't keep up.

Here's my dilemma. I interviewed with a pediatric home health agency yesterday. I was offered my choice of 3 cases, paying $5/hr less than I make in dialysis.

It would be less physical exertion, perhaps more opportunity to study at work during evening or nighttime hours. I would keep my MWF job as it pays more between the 2 dialysis jobs. I'm looking to regain my weekends and just work Monday through Friday.

I'm looking for some feedback on what some of you would do. Is it worth is to take a pay cut and go in to home health until I finish school? I could regain some of the skills that are rusty. Or would you stay in dialysis and try to work M-F, studying only on weekends and after work when time allows?

[caliotter3]

I would come up with a mix between the dialysis and the home health and do both until finished with RN school, then go from there. Since it sounds as if you were offered extended care cases, you are able to pick and choose the shifts that you want to work. You are not required to work full time or full time on any one case, if that is not your desire. You can work one shift a week if that is what fits your schedule.