Did I Make the Right or Wrong Decision?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am graduating in the next month with my ADN and am super excited about it! During my entire nursing education I have wanted to be an OR nurse, this has been my dream.

During my fourth semester I was given the wonderful opportunity to do my capstone in the OR at a level one trauma hospital and had an amazing experience. I was also lucky enough to get a job at this same hospital. In the mean time I had also interviewed at a children's level one trauma center hospital in their OR and was also excepted for the job. You can imagine my excitement.

Once I gave this whirl wind of excitement some serious though I realized that neither of these jobs are exactly the best option for me at this time. Here are some of the reasons why: The commute for both hospitals is approx. 1-2 hrs commute both ways. They pay is less than if I were to just stay at my current job, which is approx. 5 minutes away from home, and I would have to work more days than my current job, ( I am an LPN at a long term care center that will transition into an RN). I am also a very active mom of three boys and all of their sporting activities and plan on doing the BSN program full time starting in January.

Needless to say, I've realized that if I took either job at the hospital I would be putting myself at a high level of stress. Regrettably I turned down both of the hospital jobs and have decided to stay at my current job due to it being closer to home and more money. What kills me is the fact that this is not my dream job and not what I want to do for the rest of my nursing career.

Did I make the right or wrong decision?

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Dear Did I Make the Right or Wrong Decision?

Congratulations!!

You made three good decisions.

• Putting your boys first
  
• Getting your BSN
  
• Managing your stress
  

Keep your eye on your values. In the long run, you will have

opportunities to realize your dream.

But for now, the time and circumstances are not best.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

[BigA14]

Congratulations on your graduation! I agree with Nurse Beth. Know that this isn't the end of the road for you, just the beginning. It is a wise decision to manage your stress level especially when you have a family to take care of and more nursing education that starts so soon. You might feel disappointed right now that you didn't take a dream job, and it's ok if you do. Once you begin your BSN and working as a RN you will probably appreciate your decision to stay at your current job! Congratulations again and good luck!

[Froggybelly]

Congratulations on completing your degree! I commuted to work full time (with children at home) while earning my BSN. I think you made the right choice. If they hired you as an ADN, they will hire you as a BSN when you're ready.