FEELING GUILTY!!! New(ish) grad, @ job 6mo, got call for another job... help!?!

[Nihalu54]

Hi all!

I'll try to keep this short, I graduated my RN program in March, passed NCLEX less than a month later, and started applying for jobs. My area is SUPER competitive for nursing jobs (and our local hospital just laid off a bunch of nurses ).

Back in April I applied for a ton of jobs, both online and in-person. Before getting my (only) interview and job offer, I was really crossing my fingers for one of two places I'd applied (due to reputation, location of facility, and staff), either at DP or SR. DP is where I got hired, originally for a VERY part time evening shift which later turned into (just barely) full time graveyard... and I got a call this morning from SR saying one of their (2?) nurses is resigning the end of December, and was wondering if I'm still interested...

Here's my dilemma -

At DP - I work a 3 on/3 off rotating graveyard schedule, equaling about 30hrs a week. I like the people I work with, but working NOC is hard with 2 kids (ages 16mo and almost 5yrs) - constantly flip-flopping my sleep schedule and all, and the job itself is not quite what I'd imagined a RN job to be. Since I work when most of my residents are asleep, I do a lot of the paperwork, and the majority of the med ordering for 100+/- residents. I do get to do one regular dressing change, and a med pass with treatments (inhalers/nebs, BG checks w/insulin, etc), but that's about the extent of it.

At SR - My schedule would be M-F, 9am-5pm. Yay for being home with my family in the evenings and weekends! And yay for a normal sleep schedule! I do know SR is a retirement facility, but not much else about it (it does seem to be a nicer facility than most around here, but again, not quite sure what the differences would be)

I did schedule an interview with the lady that called me from SR, which is set for Tues, 11/12 @ 1:30pm... but now I feel guilty for thinking about leaving (or at least going to on-call) at DP! When I had not-so-great luck getting my first job (I was REALLY HOPING for a skilled facility, but that didn't happen!), I decided getting a BSN sooner rather than later would be a good idea, so I started @ WGU October 1st.

I guess I'm a bit conflicted as to if I should pursue the job at SR, given it has a much better schedule (not sure about the pay, yet) and more hours than my current job, or if I should just hang tight where I am now since I know the residents, like my co-workers, and would feel guilty leaving!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[edwindelahiggins]

Normally, I'd say you should stick it out the entire year. I'm in a similar sitution as you. I love the place I'm at, but the commute kind of sucks. There are major hospitals within 2-3 miles of where I live now which would make life easier. I'm going to give them a full 12 months. That being said, I'm a single guy with no kids. If I were in your shoes, that opportunity seems too good to pass up. While the place might be unhappy that you're leaving, the reality is that it's a good market for employers right now and they shouldn't have a hard time finding someone to take your place. 9-5pm at a place that will provide you more learning opportunities is a no-brainer. You only get to see your kids grow up once. I say go for it. Good luck.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I second what previous poster said. I'm a career changer who misses my 9-5p,with weekends and holidays off. Take the job if they offer it to you. Good luck on your interview.

Sent via Glad2baRN's iPhone using allnurses.com

[sunshyne17]

In a perfect world, we would be able to give our employers 2 weeks notice. But the world ain't perfect. You have to take the opportunity that would be best for you and your family.

That being said - ask as MANY questions during the interview as possible- responsibilities, patient care load, CNAs, paperwork, etc. That way you can see whether or not changing jobs is really the move for you. HTH

[Nihalu54]

I'm not sure why I wasn't notified via email for the first 2 comments, but I did get a notification for the 3rd. I'm pretty nervous for the interview tomorrow, but at the same time kind of in a unique situation. Before when I was applying for jobs it was because I needed one, this time I have one, so going into the interview I'll hopefully be able to assess if the job appears to be a better fit than my current job, and not jump the gun if it doesn't seem right. I did make up a list of questions, and after thoroughly researching the company's website, I'm not 100% convinced the job itself will be that much different than what I do now (except better hours!) Thanks for your input, and if anyone else has anything to add please do :) Thanks again!!!

[lovenotwar14]

The grass isn't always greener. Now, with that being said I would go to the interview ask a lot of questions. THEN talk to some of the nurses that currently work there who work the same shift you would be working. Make sure you are making a good idea. As far as feeling guilty for leaving... well the way I see it you don't owe anyone anything except your children. If you are doing what is best for your family then so be it.

[serenitylove14]

Word of advice. Never feel guilty for leaving a company. If the shoes where on the other foot the company would have no problem getting rid of you and finding a better fit. Its sad but we get emotionally attached to some of our jobs but I have seen companies do away with long term employees lately for frivolous reasons and personally it has changed my entire way of thinking.

[Compost189]

Wow, I just posted a similar circumstance that I am having. I currently don't have either job, but am planning for the future. My personal thought's are to take the job that you want. Employers look out for the company, you look our for yourself. If they offer you the new gig you want, take it. I know professionally it doesn't look good to be in a position for less than 6 months to a year, however if they have no issue with it I see why not. How did your interview go? Was the new employer aware you worked at another facility? I'm trying to decide on what to do myself. Stick it out in a non-nursing job for 4 months and wait for the RN job I really want, or take an RN job to tide me over....All good problems I suppose.