Left ALF nursing.....for nights?!

[Alflpn]

I need a Little support. I worked as a resident nurse in ALF. The pay and constant on call and turn over had me running for the door. I got a new job at a state veterans home as the LPN in their dementia unit. 7p-7a, 72 hours a pay period. Week 1 of the pp is 4 shifts(so there is 8 hours of OT) and the second week is only 2 shifts. It's been awhile since I worked straight nights....and it's been awhile since I've worked with veterans..... I've been a nurse for 12 years, have 3 boys, and a disabled vet husband so child care is no issue..... did I jump out of the frying pan into the fire??? I just want my off time to be....my off time.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

You are one of the fortunate ones. It seems to take an act of congress to get on with the VA. Stick with it and then transfer to your desired shift/hours when you can. I read on their website that after 5 years, you're eligible for retirement! I'm still trying to find a VA position here. I might have to take an out-of-state position if offered; but you better believe I'll gratefully snatch it up! As for night shift, that's right up my alley.