time for a change?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I've been a nurse for just over 6 years. I've worked in a nursing home, corrections and most recently assisted living. I've been at my FT AL job over 5 years and my PT job about 6 months. I like my main job as its less stressful than nursing homes and I like the residents, but they keep messing with my schedule and hours. When I started there I was working 12 hour shifts 84 hours a pay and was doing alright. When a new company took over about 4 years ago they reduced my hours to 72 so I had to get a PT job too. It was doable since I was still working 12's so I had a few days off. Recently they switched us to 8's and since I work there 9 days a pay and my PT job 3 days, I only get 4 days off a month now. Plus my main job is 20 miles away so its gonna cost me more in gas and since I bought a mustang last spring I'm worried about driving all the time in the winter and looking to get an extra set of snow tires.

A couple weeks ago I noticed a LTF (nursing home) just down the street was hiring for every other weekend on 2nd. I talked to the DON on the phone before setting up an interview and we decided it wouldn't be a good fit since I was then working thirds, but now I get off at 2am, but it still wouldn't work unless I quit my 2nd job. She told me to call back if anything changes. Now I see they had an ad and are hiring for PT and FT. I don't know if I should call back or not? Both of my AL jobs don't seem to have much room for advancement as they don't pay that good or give raises. My main job did give bonuses twice a year, but I hear we may not get one next time due to census being down.

So I'm debating the options of what to do. I didn't really like working in the nursing home due to faster pace and I don't really like doing feeding tubes and dealing with more critically ill residents, ect. But if I were to get the nursing home job close to home, I'm sure the pay and benefits would be better, I wouldn't have to work as much, I would save on gas and wear and tear on the car and wouldn't have to worry about driving in a snow storm. But then again if it didn't work out I would most likely be SOL as I live basically paycheck to paycheck and can't afford to be out of work for any amount of time. I guess I could keep my PT job (which is much closer to home than the FT job) for the time being. btw, they are short right now and I could pick up more hours there if I had more days off. But then again, I wouldn't have any benefits for awhile and at least I have quite a few PTO days I can use at my current FT job. Sorry for the long post, any advice?

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Anybody? I'm not sure what to do and probably running out of time to apply if I decide to, but did apply at a local hospital that is hiring in the walk in department for the heck of it.

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I think that the AL is going to have so many changes, that it may not be worth it. When you get a full time job closer to home, AND make SURE that you have it in writing, then give your notice to AL.

Some LTC facilities are not all clinical. Sometimes they want a med nurse only, a charge nurse...you just don't know until you get there. A walk in would be great, and then you could keep your PT job as well.

You could also look to see if there's any CNA or medical assistant courses that you could teach at a near by school.

Best wishes, and don't do anything until you have a written offer in hand.

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You have a strong background to present an excellent resume'.

You need to FOCUS .. on your goals. In the right setting... you could be working 40 hours/making 50K. (+)

Research, network, network! Good luck.

P. S. Congrats on the Mustang! My dream car.

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I really doubt I could make that much in this area. I would be happy with 35-40k. Anyway, I just heard that my main job is cutting back again. It sounds like I'll keep my amount of hours for now. I now have to go in later and work 2 hours more overnight, but with a longer lunch. Not too happy, but at least its one less day to drive. Also my PT job called and took away my every other week day they just added and one of the push shifts this weekend. Guess I'm almost getting forced to call the NH (if its not too late). Only thing is I'm a little rusty on some of the skills at a nursing home like caths, feeding tubes, ect. as there are not a lot of them in AL. But then again like someone said, maybe they will have an opening on an AL or recovery hall or something?

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I also just found out they are going to make us pay for insurance now. It sounds like its more than I can afford so I'll either have to go without any and pay the penalty at tax time or look elsewhere.

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Guess what? I got an interview at an Urgent care walk-in clinic this week. I thought it sounded good since it was in my town and mostly first shift and you wouldn't have to deal with people dying all the time. But the interview is supposed to be with a board of supervisors and I hate interviews (never know what to say). Plus it would be a lot different than what I'm used to. They are a non-smoking facility too so I would have to either quit for a short time to pass the test or for good and that would be difficult starting a new job. In the mean time my PT job called and wants to talk about my hours since they changed at my main job, but don't know if I want to continue to deal with the run around and low pay. Don't know what to do.

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Sounds promising. Don't let yourself settle for less than what you deserve.

Search "interviews" on this site and You Tube. In order to get a better job, you need to get accomplished in the interview. This is where you well yourself. I know a board of supervisors can be daunting.. but they sound like they need you. Is this clinic affiliated with a hospital or privately owned?

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A small hospital.

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Specializes in VA, Ortho, Med/Surg.

I'll take the med pass job haha. I just won't do meds, tx's, charting and admits haha. Can't find a med pass only job here in Tampa, wonder where to look?

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Awesome! Either way it's a good opportunity. Prepare your basic interview responses... let us know how it's going!

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Well I had the interview and it does help to do some searching for interview questions. But the job isn't exactly what was posted. They say all they have openings for is in the clinic with either doctors of CNA's which doesn't pay as much. I didn't get exact figures yet and it is FT days with some OT and you can pick up on weekends if you want. So it may still be something to consider if they call me back.

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