Do I switch jobs?

[Full time mom RN]

Hey all. Looking for some advice from those who might've been here before.

Short version of a a long story : I herniated a lumbar disk and had to have back surgery this summer. I was an ICU nurse in a very physically demanding unit. So I obviously can't return to that job for the health and healing of my back (I'm also young into my career ).

So ive applied and been offered a job in an OBs office. Great hours, I have a baby at home... no weekends no holidays yada yada. The paycut is significant though. About 2/3 of what I was making.

Now my husband and I could afford it. It would take a little budgeting and more mindful spending but it's doable. But is that schedule all it's cracked up to be? I can't imagine I'll ever regret spending time with my baby when their young... but an office is very different for me. What are your experiences?

if I had the opportunity to take another nursing job that was lighter on the lifting (say PACU), should I do that?

I guess my question ion boiled down is this: are nights/holidays/weekends as great as they sound? Or am I in a grass is always greener situation?

thanks for your input!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Go for the family friendly job

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

Take it for now. Let your back heal and spend time with your baby. And then when your ready get back to the icu or whenever else you want to go. The OB office can be temporary, you change jobs whenever you like. Try it out first!

[KoffeyRN]

I worked in a clinic for twelve years. The Monday thru Friday is nice and it usually is not hard to get time off when you need it. After this I went to four days a week at a care facility and I loved having a week day to get things done. I have worked twelve hour shifts and loved having four days off. I think there are advantages to each. It never hurts to take the job if you can afford it until you heal up.

[VirginiaK]

I recently switched from floor nursing to outpatient, Endocrinology and Anticoagulation clinic a little over 2 months and I have had moments of regret and moments of peace. I think my greatest regret is feeling like I am losing practical nursing skills and doing pretty basic on the job tasks that require very little critical thinking. I have also found that the Mon-Fri schedule is more tiring for me than 3 12's. I chose to leave floor nursing because my back was killing me and night shift was taking a toll on me physically and emotionally. Not having to work weekends is nice, but I miss middle of the week breaks and the weekends just fly by so quickly! I certainly thought that the grass was greener on the other side. Finding a PACU job or Same Day Care might be less taxing on the back versus leaving bedside altogether. Outpatient /Ambulatory Care services are eager for more RN's but at least where I live in Orange County, CA-- they do not have clear guidelines or set duties specifically catered for an RN. I am currently seeking a way out of ambulatory care since I miss acute care more.