Dream positions...which would you choose?

[nursediesel]

If you had the chance to be an LPN at a hospital as a c-section scrub, which would also include some pre/post care of mom and newborn hearing testing in the nursery.

12 hour day/night rotation, every 3rd weekend and e/o holiday.

OR...

Specialty clinic LPN working with Dermatology, Plastic and Vascular Surgeons

3-4 days per week, no nights, weekends or holidays.

Work with one Medical Assistant and one RN for each provider. Assist with MOHs, mole removals and minor procedures, sclerotherapy, and surgical consults. Triage, rooming, etc.

Same pay, similar benefits and overall hours......

[pookyp, LPN]

If you had the chance to be an LPN at a hospital as a c-section scrub which would also include some pre/post care of mom and newborn hearing testing in the nursery. 12 hour day/night rotation, every 3rd weekend and e/o holiday. OR... Specialty clinic LPN working with Dermatology, Plastic and Vascular Surgeons 3-4 days per week, no nights, weekends or holidays. Work with one Medical Assistant and one RN for each provider. Assist with MOHs, mole removals and minor procedures, sclerotherapy, and surgical consults. Triage, rooming, etc. Same pay, similar benefits and overall hours......[/quote']

Are you planning on getting your RN? If so, take the hospital. That way you can get a job there once you obtain it.

[nursediesel]

No plans for school at this time, but who knows if I really liked the hospital setting, that may change. My biggest fear is shift work. I have never done it other than being a CNA for a short time in LTC, but that was mostly days, and occasionally 2nd shift.

The fact that it is only about 2 days a week doesn't make it seem as bad?..

Are there any OB nurses or scrubs out there that can give any feedback good or bad? How about burnout?

thank you!

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I would go for the acute care job. I work in an outpt setting and am so bored out of my mind. I don't use nearly enough of my skills and I do a lot. I love fast paced environments, but that's just me.

[Full metal jacket]

I would go into the the second option. Seems like you would gain more experience and learn a lot.

[nursediesel]

So I did not get the dermatology position, and figured I had not heard back on the OB scrub position a month after interviewing, so I assumed I was not being considered.

Last week, I interviewed at an outpatient cancer clinic. Not sure if it is my ideal fit, but it is a meaningful position and they are offering a decent starting wage, M-F and no holidays. For the most part, I would be drawing blood and running labs prior to treatments.

Now the clinic made an offer for this position, and to add to it, the hospital has called offering a part time, every other weekend position in L&D scrubbing mostly for c-sections and assisting with vag. deliveries as needed.

My biggest fears at the hospital is day/ night rotation never having done it before (I am an early bird which I have read has the hardest time with night shifts), and dealing with the pressure of emergencies and fetal demise. I also know this position is hard to come by and I am thrilled to be in this position.

It now comes down to a tough decision, both of which are new areas to me so I cannot base my decision on interests or past experience.

I realize both positions can be emotionally sad or draining. Which position do you think could lead to burnout? I am not an adrenaline junkie, but I don't want to sit at a desk all day either. I have a big heart and aim to please. Which would you choose and why?

[Yamamama]

Though I'm not a nurse yet, I work in a hospital in a level 3 NICU and mother/infant unit. So, caring for that population would be my choice. Very rewarding! And I often say that I work in the happiest place in the hospital. Those are two very different specialties. Where does your heart lead you? What other responsibilities do you have (children, home) and how would those responsibilities be impacted with the difference in work times?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Day/night rotation is brutal on the mind and body.

You will learn many marketable skills in the clinic job.

Congratulations on multiple offers.

Please keep us posted.

[nursediesel]

That is my family's thoughts as well, however, I am trying to tell myself it wouldn't be so bad as it is only 3-4 shifts per two weeks, with the worst being 3 days in a row when it's your weekend??? Idk.

In response to Yamamama, my heart says the hospital role is rare where I live and may not have another opportunity.... and my head says don't be away from your family on holidays and weekends.

My husband feels I would never adjust to that schedule, but will support either decision. We also have a teenager at home who drives and is in sports.

I wonder if this is a role that LPNs and CSTs can work in while furthering their nursing degree (which isn't something I am considering at this point in my life)? Maybe it isn't a role people tend to stay in for many years? I also am not a fan of high pressure roles, but once I learn a particular task, I tend to do it well.

Trying to find fulfilling work that does not equate to a ton of stress both on the job and at home, but still provides enough of a challenge is a full time job!

[LTCNS, LPN]

Having 18 years of experience in many different clinical and administrative roles, I would be inclined to take the clinic position, simply because I've had the opportunity to do things many LPNs never get to experience, and I enjoy weekends and holidays off

Weigh the pros and cons and give it some serious thought as to where YOU think you might be happier. Good luck to you in whichever route you choose :)

P.S. You would get some great experience as a scrub nurse as well, and if you like the hospital and L &D, you can go on to get your RN and secure a good job in L & D.