New job jitters

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2003

OHHH---- Dayay long time, no see, guy! I see your predicament. I think it's a disgrace that a director of OB would NOT use a man on LDRP-----that is out and out discrimination. Too bad, you can't absolutely PROVE this and do something about it.

Sounds as if you really, really want this new opportunity. I know I would. What does your wife say about moving? Is she for it? 100 miles is NOT that far (you are talking to a military wife here and it's NOTHING to me lol). I would DO IT ---IF IF IF IF----- my family were with me on this. It's important to have good support from home, especially starting a new job!

Make sure you go and interview the manager of the large hospital. Look all around, get a feel for the place. Talk to staff members. Is it REALLY someplace you WANT to work? Would you feel welcome there? Form NOW your questions in your mind you want to ask to help you decide if this is a place you really want to work.

Hon, 50 deliveries a month sure is not much and IF you want lots of experience and the opportunity to do LABOR nursing, it sounds as if the larger center is your best bet. Yes, commuting would suck, but perhaps you could find a place to live fairly soon. I know here in WA, it's a buyer's market for housing, so we have our choice of places to live. Don't know about your home state.

It's so easy for me to say "GO FOR IT!!"---- (and I think you should), but it's up to you and your family. Look into what kind of housing is available there, and also the schools for your kids. Make sure it would be a move your family can live with. And then, if it comes together (and I think it is already starting to)---go for it!

I wish you a lot of luck----I hope you can reach a decision with confidence and can look forward to learning a lot in OB. You will have had lots of orientation, which can't hurt. Let us know how you do and what you decide. I am with you 100%!!!

cometothecradle · Jul 21, 2003

DON'T DO IT, IF IT SOUNDS THAT GOOD, WHY ARE THERE POSITIONS OPEN TO NURSES WITH LITTLE EXPERIENCE, I JUST QUIT A JOB WHERE THERE WERE THAT MANY DELIVERIES, IT IS CRAZY, NURSES SPREAD WAY TO THIN, IF YOU LIKE WHERE YOU WORK NOW, DON'T LEAVE, EVEN IF YOU THINK THE EXPERIENCE WOULD BE GOOD, TALK TO THE PEOPLE WHERE YOU WORK NOW ABOUT WORKING IN L&D. I WANTED THE EXPERIENCE, SIMILAR SITUATION, TOOK MORE THAN 1/2 A PAY CUT, AND THE EXPERIENCE ENDED POORLY AND I WISH I WOULD HAVE STAYED AT MY OLD JOB. THE BEST THING TO DO IS PRAY! I JUST KNOW FROM MY EXPERIENCE, IF THE HOSPITAL CAN'T FILL THE POSITION WITH THERE OWN STAFF, WANTING TO MOVE TO L&D, WHAT'S UP? LOT'S OF NURSES ARE TRYING TO GET INTO L&D, THE HAPPIEST PLACE IN THE HOSPITAL

Dayray, RN · Jul 21, 2003

Thanks SmilingBluEyes and cometothecradle I just spoke with the recruiter and it sounds like they might increase the hourly a little and possibly add a relocation bonus so the money issue might not be an issue.

I think Ill take it if they come up a little on the pay. Both of you had great advice and good ideas. I did a little research and it seems like it's a good place to work. Its a self scheduling unit you are required to do 1 weekend a month but the rest is self scheduling. The average tenor is 6 years (not too long and not to short) everyone that works there seems to be really happy the average load is 2 on Labor patients and 2 - 4 on antipartum patients.

As far as why they are offering jobs to new grads, I was wondering that myself. I talked to some friends this week and they were surprised I got the offer. Apparently some of them had applied interviewed and didn't get the job. The one person I know applied for sure has 8-yr. experience. I think I got the position because my background is similar to a nurse they have working on the floor. He just graduated as well and had worked there as an intern. The recruiter said that before he wouldn't even send an app to L&D without several years L&D expanse. I think for once the things that usually hurt me when applying have actually helped.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 21, 2003

I was offered a labor/delivery job right out of school when they had their pick of students and ONE position. I did not even apply for it; the manager had heard my name and saw my app for the float pool. So don't judge a place that hires new grads. I loved working where I did right out of school and the manager ran a tight ship. I see you are ready to go for it, Dayray, so DO! I wish you the best! Let us know how things turn out.

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 21, 2003

What no men in L&D? When I had my kids I did not care who came to help as along as someone did. Go for relocation money as part of your agreement-most hospitals offer it.

renerian

imenid37 · Jul 21, 2003

i wish you all of the best in whatever you decide. search your heart. consult your family. follow your dream, but realize that everything has its drawbacks. i like my 60 del/month hospital in many ways, but i am becoming disenchanted w/ some of the policies and people right now. so i am considering a career move too. it's exciting but scary too. you'll be a standout at whatever you do. if you find a place w/ an opportunity for real advance-ment, give it strong consideration. after 16 years at the bedside (where i still want to be), i'd like some more recognition and appreciation in terms of both respect and financial compensation.

fourbirds4me · Jul 22, 2003

I say ... go for it!!! I am kinda in the same situation and wish that I could move or drive the hudred mile but *sigh* it's not possible. But on the bright side..... I thought I was gonna have to work float until a L&D job opened but the director called me Friday and someone put in their notice.... so I'm in!