Bonus

I just finished by 3-year mark in a very busy ICU. My bonus was $5,000/year or $15,000. Was it worth it? Yes. Have learned a lot and will continue to work there past my three-year mark.

First, you can do just about anything for a year. But before you convince yourself, make sure your commute home is safe. I work nights and have found myself on occasion delirious driving home. Very, very difficult. Just make sure the drive is safe.

Second, ask yourself why the bonus? It is not always an easy answer. I have worked for worse for far less money than I receive now, so sometimes the bonus could just be your reward for being in the right place at the right time.

Good luck!!!

Classicaldreams:twocents::)

The money isn't everything. Once that money is spent, will you still be happy you took the offer?

Ok, first of all thanks for the responses! Then: I think I'll be happy here for an extended period, I really have liked the job so far!! I'm learning bunches and thats why I wanted to work here rather in my home town. I'm kind of in the mind set of I can do anything for a year, if it boils down to it, but at this moment, I have NO plans of going elsewhere. Then: I drive over 100 miles to work, so I drive the 1st day of my shift then stay in a motel (that the hospital pays for...) then go home on my last shift, theres a couple week turn around on the money (from the motel) but thats not an issue. Then: The unit I work on is opening a new step down unit and want all the nurses trained in the NTICU so everyone has the same knowledge level so... that's why they're offering the bonus (I think) because once all these new nurses are hired, there will be a whole unit (step down) that will have day shifts open for those of us with seniority and some might want to bail on nights to go to days even though it's in the step down unit... All and all, I feel that the bonus is good, enjoy my job, the drive is a pain but I'm used to it and it gives me time to vege after work and talk to whomever the urge strikes while I'm driving (keeps me awake if I need it), the time away from my family is yucky, but I wouldn't see them but a few hours a day anyway with working nights...The hourly pay is more than I can get at home and the experience is SOOOO far above anything I'd experience at the hometown hospital. My only fear is that unforseen issue, ex. a new boss, emergency in the family requiring me to be home, hating a co worker (worked that way before...lol) etc...

Thanks for everyones input!