Confused between two job choices

RNMoxie · 2025-01-11T04:02:21Z

I need more information to give an opinion. What state are we talking about? Do you have your ASN or BSN already? How long till your retirement? Are you taking over health insurance or is there a partner that is?
Background: I worked in the state of Florida in the health department for two years and had my BSN entirely paid for while I worked full-time. The pay sucked (around 60,000/year), but I worked strict 8-4 M-F hours with all holidays off. Maybe I would've stuck around for the state pension, but I got hired at the VA for a federal pension. Retirement is super important to me, but maybe you're young enough to stress that later. Health insurance with the state was only $50/month total for me and no matter how many dependents I had. In private sector, with the ASN as a new nurse, I was making about $30/hr. Tuition reimbursement is there, but terms vary depending on who you're working for. The schedule in private sector is always subject to change. Insurance for me and my husband was about $500/month. You only work three days a week though with ample opportunity for overtime and holidays. Doing public health nursing or mental health nursing won't give you bedside nursing experience; however, it counts towards your total experience. I have seen nurses go into an administration role without bedside nursing experience.

Cynwillrn18 · 2025-01-11T05:37:00Z

Hello, thank you for taking the time to respond to my post. I live in California and I have my ADN and working on my MSN, fund by my spousal benefits from the VA. I'm far from retirement and I opt out of insurance, my husband is a 20 year veteran and we have his insurance. I worked on the med-surgical floor for about 2 months, but I had to quit because I have a baby under a year and just couldn't continue to work the night shift. As a new nurse it's hard to find a day shift position and I was lucky enough to get these two job offers. I think the PHN county job would benefit me more than the MHN position. As far as pay the PHN is $104,000 a year and the MHN is about $90,000 a year, but I want to choose the best option for me and my family.

RNMoxie · 2025-01-11T06:48:03Z

I'm not sure on your husband's service connection, but based on the information you're providing, take the PHN job. In my opinion, it's no question. You are in a great position to do so with all factors considered. I'm not sure what type of MSN you're pursuing. While I can almost guarantee working "business hours" in PHN will interfere with the completion of your MSN, the pay, health and retirement benefits, and work-life schedule of the PHN job will outweigh the benefits of the MH position. Working the MH job will give you the flexibility to complete your MSN, but you will have to sacrifice a lot. I am assuming that is why you're debating the two. The PHN position seems like a no-brainer till you mentioned the MSN... practicum is going to be a pain. How important is it for you to complete your MSN? Do you have a plan for it for either case? Can it be done during off-hours?

Dasitmane · 2025-01-11T14:18:54Z

I have done both M-F 8-4 and the 3 12s/wk.

hands down, the 8-4 m-f will always be the best in terms of your energy and scheduling. plus the pay is better. it may not be your forever job, but its definitely a great spot to regroup.

Cynwillrn18 · 2025-01-11T21:19:33Z

Thank you @RNMoxie and @Dasitmane, I appreciate your input. Yes, I'm definitely taking the PHN job, after thinking about it. I'm confident I will be able to make it work. Getting my MSN is very important and I'm confident that I can do it, I have a very supportive husband and we both love education.