ER, PEDS or JAIL...hardest decision in my life!

[Ashleyhunleyrn]

So, I've had 3 interviews and have gotten offers from all 3. Here's a run down:

1. Children's Hospital

[*]$27/hr base for 1st shift, unclear on shift differential

[*]Offered 7a-7p

[*]Temporary to permanent w/no benefits initially, excellent benefits IF offered permanent position after 3 months

[*]always a dream job of mine, i have experience with peds

[*]One children's hospital in most areas, not easy to transfer anywhere

2. County Jail (not a gov't position)

[*]$26/hr base, $3-night shift, $4-weekend nights differentials

[*]Offered 6p-6a

[*]Permanent w/benefits

[*] Great triage experience

[*]Will possibly be limited to correctional healthcare facilities

3. St Joseph's

[*] 24.50/hr, $2-night shift, $2.75-weekend differential

[*]Offered 9p-9a, but 8hr shifts available

[*]Permanent w/benefits

[*]Excellent experience in the ED, which will lead me to the ICU

[*]Able to travel anywhere with ER experience

Just to name a few facts....now i know i can always do pediatric home care part time, or even prn later down the line at Children's. I have also already accepted the position at Children's, not knowing i would get other offers.

I do have a family who needs healthcare benefits. So I'm torn more between the ER Position with less pay, or a pediatric specialty which is why i wanted to become a nurse. I know i need to think about the future, which involves becoming a CRNA. (Need 2-3yrs ICU) But no benefits, and no 100% guarantee I'll become permanent....that's iffy. Private insurance would be around $1000/mo if not thur a company.

I also don't know if i would blow my chance of getting hired again if i rescind my acceptance. But technically, i havent started nor trained. Im so torn, and i cant hear my heart because of my logical mind.

I have a spouse willing to accommodate my work schedule, 8yr old in full time school, 3yr old autistic kid, going half days and a 1yr old not in school. So 3rd would maybe work better for me. I am also a new grad who graduated last month with my license.

Someone please help me!

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

OK, but first you tell me what I should have for dinner.

[nurse2be13]

You want strangers to make a decision for you?

[Ashleyhunleyrn]

Spaghetti! Lol

[Ashleyhunleyrn]

No, everyone's opinion would really help. I want to know what experienced nurses as well as new grads think. Has someone been in this situation?

[FlyingScot, RN]

1. More money yes but not a guaranteed position and no benefits. Area you wanted to work in but can you financially handle potentially losing the job in three months?

2. I know absolutely zero about corrections nursing

3. Guaranteed hours and benefits. ED experience makes you very marketable. The lower pay isn't really accurate if you add in the benefits you are actually making more.

Not telling you want you should do but wanted to give you more perspective.

[Ashleyhunleyrn]

Thank you very much. With Children's, they said they are hiring extra nurses due to the upcoming viral season. But if census isn't high, we still may become permanent... if the budget allows. But i may not hours right away. Everything with them i as big maybe or IF. even though i always wanted to work Peds, talking to others, i really don't want to be limited. The ER Position is the #1 busiest hospital in WI. I guess I'm torn between money and passion and then a chance for growth and ICU experience which i need for my future schooling. Its almost like my mine is telling me what's smart, but my heart is saying otherwise. Thank you, i really appreciate it.

I also saw that you specialize in Peds and OB. Is it easier to go from Peds to adults like I'm thinking? And how was your transition between the two?

[adpiRN]

I don't know why you assume ER is an easy transition to ICU. If you get a job at the Children's Hospital you could probably easily transfer to PICU. Would that count?

For me it would be a no brainer - I'd pick Peds b/c I'm interested in it and hate night shift.

Have you ever done nights before?

Don't underestimate how hard it is especially as a parent expected to be patient with children after only a few hours of "sleep" during the day.

What are you all currently doing for benefits?

The 3 month probation is a bit scary but I'd take the risk.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I am a wuss so I'd take one of the permanent positions, but that's just me. I wouldn't want the worry of not having a job in a few months hanging over my head while I was trying to learn.

[Ashleyhunleyrn]

Im assuming it's easier because they have a critical unit within the ER until flight for life comes. And yes, i could possibly transfer into a PICU at Children's, but a opening isn't as guaranteed as readily as the company that has multiple hospitals throughout the area. I can also go to a different company into their ER. Not so much with PICU. Plus in order to get into CRNA school, they prefer CVICU or something of the sort. The don't hold the PICU in high regard.

I have also worked on the peds unit im referring to for almost 3 months full time as an intern, so i know exactly what to expect. And Yes, i do prefer 3rd shift. It works for my family. And honestly, what i have now for insurance is irrelevant and doesn't pertain to you.....not to be rude. BUT, that is the reason I'm worried about not having benefits, because i have them now. Switching jobs....and we dont qualify for state insurance and my premiums thru the market place would be literally $1000. That's unacceptable. So at that point, pay isn't even going to matter. And after the month training (im considered reserve) im not even guaranteed a position or hours.

So a job i may not have after 3 months? With no benefits the whole time. And IF i do get offered a position, i may not have hours for a couple weeks until im needed. Just to end up with no job and still no insurance. Its like nothing is definite here. Not to mention the pay cut I'll get since ill be "perm w/ben"

[adpiRN]

Ok then take the ER job.

Just saying what I would do.

Sheesh.

[sadiemae1123]

Take the ER position. It's got decent pay with benefits and its night shift, like you want. Unless it's an adult-only ER then you should still see plenty of pediatric patients.

Work in the ER for a couple of years. By then you should have a better idea what direction to take your career. You can then either apply to the CVICU to get the ICU experience you'll need for CRNA school or apply to the Children's Hospital so you can work exclusively with pediatrics.

FYI, if you just want to be an APRN, you could become a Pediatric NP. It won't be as much money as the CRNA but you say you want to work with kids, so it could be an option.