Extreme Job Hopping

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am a RN with 2yrs tele/med Surg, and a couple months of home health experience. I happily made it out the hospital and tried HH.

I loved it but the company had unrealistic working requirements FOR ME, 12/14 pts a day, working M-F 8-5, on call every other weekend, meaning 12 days on, 2 off- too much for me. I have had interest for sometime to be a field hospice nurse. I actually got that job and start tomorrow. Before hearing that I got hospice position, I saw a position at my son's school for school nurse, only requiring 2 yrs nursing experience. I applied and now have an interview for that position as well.

I am trying to weigh the benefits of both. The school nurse schedule seems to be the biggest plus and I feel confident I could quickly learn the other objectives required for school nurse. I feel I will have a real shot with the nurse position being I know people at the school and I interview well. I am very torn! Any thoughts would be appreciated?!?!

Dear Torn,

You could probably succeed in both positions. The question is:

Which is better for you? and only you can answer that, given your individual situation. You have to think it through carefully, decide, and then stick with your decision. Right now you are enamored with all the jobs you now qualify for, and acting somewhat like a kid in a candy store.

Maybe the more important question is:

Is it OK to start a new job and then quit for another job?

You quit the hospital to work home health, quit home health for hospice, and you're now ready to quit hospice for school nursing. This is concerning.

If you continue this pattern, a short time after working as a school nurse, you will spot an ad for another position that looks attractive and quit school nursing. This is not the professional work history you want to build, and it shows a disregard for employers who have invested in you.

It's important to think through what you are looking for in a job, and commit before accepting a job. Stop looking at job boards and concentrate on learning your new role. Stay put for at least 2 years.

If you choose to leave the hospice position, do so as soon as possible, but not until you have a firm job offer from the school.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Hospice isn't terribly much different than home health, if I am honest. If you were dissatisfied with home health, you may face the same issues. Wish you the best of luck.