Deciding between jobs

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

Hi, guys!

I am a nursing student about to finish my first year. Throughout nursing school I have taken on private clients as a caregiver. I recently started with a new one that I work for right now on Sunday nights and throughout the week (about 20 hours/week at $12/hour). I just sit with the client and do homework. Over the summer they want me to go up 35 hours/week and I would use my free time to do PRN with another agency that I just recently got a job with, too.

Although, I just recently received an email from the director of our local hospital's emergency department. I had applied for a couple jobs with that hospital as a PCT about a month or so ago. The director just randomly emailed me this afternoon. She wants me to tour the department, meet the ED workers, and have a job interview. From what I recall about 3 years ago, they pay $10/hour plus benefits.

I don't know which one I should keep or take! ER will be really fast-paced and may be a slight pay cut, but I will get so much more experience. On the other hand, my caregiver jobs are easy and I just do homework while on shift.

If it comes down to it and I would have scheduling conflicts with working both ED and as a caregiver (just one weekend shift with the private client), which should I take/keep (especially during the school year)?

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Specializes in ED.

Do you have an interest in working in the ED after graduation? If so, I would take the ED job. It could possibly give you an in once you graduate. If not I would stick to the other jobs.

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Even if you don't want ED after you graduate it would be a foot in the door at a facility If you want to work in a hospital after you graduate I would take the ER job

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

ED - great networking opportunity and you will learn so much that will help you through school.

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Specializes in Med/ Surg/ Telemetry, Public Health.

Working in the ED will stand out more on your resume than a sitter job.

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Specializes in Cardiac, CVICU.

So, I went in for the interview today and they were very nice! Because I am a student nurse, she thought I was well over qualified for the job (in a good way). I had applied to multiple jobs within that hospital, so I didn't remember what hours they were wanting. They seem to want a PRN worker, but they didn't tell me what hours they would want me to work. I am guessing that I would probably keep my sitter job and work the PRN job into the hours I am free. Or, if they offer me more hours, I would just work for the ED. I also mentioned that I could do PT and FT over the summer, so we will see how that goes.

And job details wise... There is a lot to do. They have one PCT per shift (7A-7P and then 7P-7A) and then an extra that works from 12P-12A to help with the evenings. I would be doing pretty much everything, such as transporting patients, setting up beds, stocking the supply area, starting EKGs, taking vitals, helping the physicians, and etc.

Oh... Ironically, the new ED supervisor used to teach at my university until recently!

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