Which job would you choose?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I have been unemployed and looking since December. I am now in a position where I have two offers. Any advice?

Job #1 is at a huge VA hospital on an inpatient addiction/PTSD floor. The pay is $20/hr with a 10% shift diff for hours between 6p and 6a. Orientation begins April 7. I have no idea what hours I would actually be working, nor if it's 8 or 12 hr shifts. I was told in the interview that would all be decided after I started. I know it would entail working some weekends. I can't work nights because hubby does and we have two boys, and I told them that in the interview four months ago. The drive is almost 1.5 hr one way, so call it 3 hrs round trip. I really hate the thoughts of that!

Job #2 is here in the actual town where I live. It is a private duty job with a 3 month old baby girl with a Gtube. It is Mon-Fri 8-4:30, and pays $17/hr.

I have never worked any kind of home health. I love the thought of a federal job with the VA, but the commute would suck. I love the schedule of the private duty gig, but fear all the things that could decrease the full time hours. I have bad knees and a worn out back. I am leaning towards the job with the baby, but hesitant to turn my back on the VA. Taking the money out of the equation because the commute and sitter if it is 12 hr shifts would eat up the additional $3/hr. Such uncertainty!!!

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The job for the 3 month old can end at any time. Would your HH agency be able to keep you working?

A government job has many perks. I find it hard to believe they will not tell you what your shift will be. Sounds like HR is useless. Follow up with the NM that interviewed you and get your offer clarified.

Agree that commute is brutal, but you need to find out your shift before you can compare your offers.

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#2 doesn't sound sustainable. #2 also sounds like you'll be doing ADL's and more for this client. Despite the long commute, #1 is the easy answer. And if #1 proves to be sustainable, you might consider relocating in the future.

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Both the NM who interviewed me and two folks in HR have told me the shift will be decided after orientation. I have explained to all that I simply can't work nights, and why. Sadly, relocating isn't an option. Hubby has joint custody of the kids with his ex wife.....they spend 7 days at each home. We are trapped here until the youngest is grown and he is only 10. Thanks for the replies. I will call HR again Monday and explain that I need to know exactly what shift I'm to work and if they are 8 or 12 hour shifts.

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I'd take the government job in a heartbeat.

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Both the NM who interviewed me and two folks in HR have told me the shift will be decided after orientation. I have explained to all that I simply can't work nights, and why. Sadly, relocating isn't an option. Hubby has joint custody of the kids with his ex wife.....they spend 7 days at each home. We are trapped here until the youngest is grown and he is only 10. Thanks for the replies. I will call HR again Monday and explain that I need to know exactly what shift I'm to work and if they are 8 or 12 hour shifts.

It's unacceptable to not inform you of the shift you will be working, Feds or no Feds.

Forget any info from HR. Have you asked the NM since your offer?

I would think about completing orientation anyway. If they stick you on nights, and you must give notice.. it's their fault if they lose you.

Best of luck, please keep us posted.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Working with the VA has many benefits. If you have insurance & everything through your husband it doesn't really matter but there are still many pros-including a set schedule. With PDN everything is ALWAYS up in the air. If the family goes on vacation, baby goes into the hospital or they just don't need nursing for X/Y/Z reason your out of a job. Plus you get no benefits like at the VA. I have worked enough PDN to know that it is very unstable work. Plus you have to go to the patient's house & if you & the family don't click, no more job. It's an easy answer, the VA. Even though they haven't told you what shift I would still take the position. I know the drive will suck but it will be worth it for a full time, permanent position.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I would worry about the long commute in bad weather-if you take that position make sure you have a place to stay nearby in an emergency.

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