Continuing in telemetry or pursuing a specialty (endoscopy)

[erinsbigsister]

Hi everyone!

I had posted this in another forum/discussion section. I'm not trying to do a duplicate post, but don't know another way to move this one to a better place and am really hoping for some added insight as I make this decision.

I check for help on here all the time & it just occurred to me that I could create a post of my own and possibly receive some helpful advice with the current decision I am making!

I am interviewing (3rd interview tomorrow morning: Peer Interview...final step in the process) for a position in endoscopy.

If I get this position, it will be 4 days/week (8 hour shifts). 2 of these shifts will be 8:30 - 5:30 and 2 will be from 6:30 - 2:30; no weekends/no holidays. Will be on call once every 9th week.

If I do not take this position, I have already been hired for day shift on my unit (cardiac telemetry) and leave the night shift in just 3 weeks to work two 12's per week. I have been working night shift on telemetry for a year now. These shifts will occasionally be on a weekend and/or a holiday and I am basically gone from home from 6:00am to at least 8:30pm (and often later if something goes crazy @ end of shift or if we were understaffed that day...which is often).

I do not know too much about endoscopy...other than I will get to do lots of IV starts; one pt at a time; pretty fast turnover; very rarely stay maybe 10 or 20 mins late

BUT

it will mean working 4 days/week vs leaving the kiddos at home in the Summer for 2 days/week

AND

I have not found out if my pre-arranged vacation will carry over (though I can be quite persuasive).

The tele unit can be quite stressful...but I also love how much I have learned and how I have grown as a nurse on that floor.

Any thoughts/advice, etc for me as I look at this decision? The kiddos are voting for the 4 days/week because it won't interfere w/me being at any/all events (in the evening) and games, etc. on weekends...and I'll be home every night. However, this might be a bummer in the Summer.

FYI: I am a single mama of 4. They are ages 17, 15, 14, and 12.

I am thinking that the 2 12 hour shifts may, in fact, render me sort-of useless @ home anyway for 4 days a week...and may drain me a lot more than the 4 8 hr shifts in endoscopy.

ALSO, I think endoscopy will be interesting and will get ACLS certified upon starting out down there.

It's just hard to leave my current unit because I am wondering if it's the best place for me to continue to grow/develop as a nurse...or if that will happen beautifully no matter where I go. And, also, I want to do what's best for my family.

Thanks for any help!!!

Jen

[erinsbigsister]

p.s. there are other interesting things about endoscopy (conscious sedation certification, etc.)...but I was trying to keep that as short as possible!