which is better

[ksc0723]

I don't pretend nursing was my first career choice. Now that I am a nurse, I know I chose this profession for the short term as a stepping stone to something else down the road. I am not sure what down the road is yet but I knew before starting nursing school I did not want to ultimately be and remain a nurse or in nursing long term.

That being said, I knew early on if I were to be a nurse I wanted to work in NICU or mom/baby or something in women's health. I was lucky for the first two years as an RN to work in both. But the invasive hospital schedule led me to a clinic job currently.

So why am I typing? I have an opportunity to go back to the hospital and work in the specialty I enjoy. My dilemma is I work the best schedule ever in the clinic. No w/e, no holidays, done at 5 everyday and no haggling over vacation or time off. I can take as much time off as I want when I want without worrying about seniority etc. But I do not like my specialty and do not feel challenged in my job at all. Plus, I would make more money in the hospital than in the clinic.

So I am wondering what others would choose. Door number one we have the clinic with a schedule that is great and does not interfere at all with life outside of work and ability to take time off when needed. Door number two the hospital job I want which I absolutely love and would make more money.

The catch is I give up great schedule in clinic for nights, w/e, every other holiday in the hospital. But the pay is better and in this economy we could use the money. I would love people's thoughts. I know it ultimately boils down to my choice but I would like other's insights.

better schedule/job I have no interest or passion doing or crappy schedule/better pay/job I would love to have (FYI I have worked in this position before so I know what the job is).

Thanks for your input!

[LynnLRN]

Do you have kids or some other reason that you need a set schedule? I say life is too short to spend 40hrs/wk doing something you don't enjoy. So I would probably do whatever job I like most.

[ksc0723]

No kids and no plans to have them anytime soon. Just a really supportive husband and pets.

Thanks for your post :)

[RN'S-Rule]

Hospital all the way!

[ivyleaf]

Hospital!