A job I love or pay the bills

[lilbeans]

I have been working in pediatrics for several years now and I love it. However, I have a low FTE and due to the union contract I must work up to a higher FTE. This is hard to do since we have a low turnover and everyone seems to want to increase their FTE. I have also been unbale to pick up extra shifts recently. So our finances have taken a hit. I have been offered a job somewhere else that will pay better. However it is not in pediatrics. Im unsure what to do. I understand nobody can make that decision for me. Any opinions? Any previous experiences? Been in a similar situation? What decision did you make? How did you feel about that decision?

[Marshall1]

Don't know what FTE is but..can you pull an extra shift someone else in the hospital you work? Or get a 2nd PRN job somewhere else to make up the difference of what you need? I'd think long and hard before giving up a job you love - those are few and far between for most folks these days.

[caliotter3]

My concern is that you might eventually be subject to getting let go due to low census. That was the thought that crossed my mind reading your post. I would either take the new offer or look into another part time job. Sounds as if your financial situation makes it necessary to be proactive about getting more income in a more stable job situation. It would be terrible to stay with the status quo and end up in an even worse position down the road.

[itsmejuli]

Family and bills come first :)

[guest64485]

If there is low turnover that is a good sign that you've got a quality job. Jobs like that can be hard to come by. I worry that even though this other job pays better that it may not be worth it for other reasons (working conditions/sanity/health, hours, commute, etc). I'd recommend keeping the job you love and obtaining a second part time or PRN job such as agency to help fill in the financial gap you currently have. Of course if you are in major financial straits then you do what you have to do, and may need to move on, but if its just a little financial strain, I wouldn't give up your job that you love that easily.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

I say get a per diem job and keep your job that you love. Eventually you will move up the ladder and when you find yourself in a better financial position, you can drop the per diem job.

[MJB2010]

Stay at the job you love. The low turnover shows it is a good place to work. Work your way up. In t he meantime see if you can find a part time private duty or home Heath in peds. That way if you don't like it, you still have your full time gig. It would be a shame to leave leave a great job For o e that pays better, only to realize it sucks.