should I stay or should I go?

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been working in the same LTC/rehab facility for nearly 11 years. Nine of these 11 years we have received deficiency free state surveys. Most of my co workers have been there long term as well. I love them all like family. We work SO well together. We have received compliments and accolades from state survey teams, doctors, and family members about how well we work together. I love my residents too. Some of them have been there as long as I have and are like grandparents to me.

My starting pay was $15.75/hr. I currently make 17.45/hr. Every yearly review I have ever received I've scored above average in all areas and have gotten the maximum pay increase offered. A whole 1%. We are the lowest paid facility in our tri county area. Our DON has been trying her hardest to get us raises but continues to get shot down by corporate (this facility is belongs to one of the largest LTC chains in the country).

Another nurse and I have been offered positions at another LTC facility. Our starting pay would be $22/hr. This facility is also about 20 miles closer to my home. The thing is, I don't want to have to start over. I get 3 weeks of vacation time and several personal days. I have very good relationship with our MDs which took a long time to build. I know my residents and co workers like the back of my hand. I have amazing relationships with many of the family members. I really don't want to lose all of this. I just don't know if I can turn down that much pay. I have a family to support and need to look out for their best interest.

Just wondered if anyone has encountered a similar situation and if so what did you do?

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Thats $400 a pay period pre tax. That is a lot to give up in exchange for the comfort of your current job. I guess the important things to know before switching would be what the work environment will be like at the new place if you have heard anything. And how they do on state surveys. And just the general feel of the place. The money isnt worth it if it's a toxic environment. But to be 20 miles closer will be a gas saver in addition to the extra $800 a month. Thats a pretty big incentive to take the leap.

Maybe try to stay on as PRN at your current facility while you feel out the new one. That way, if the new facility doesn't work out, then you still have another job to go back to.

The above poster had great advice. I am kinda in the same boat. Fear of the unknown holds us back. I've been at the same place for 15+ plus years. I think I get paid well, it is close to home and l and am somewhat on top senority wise. What is pushing me to go?? A new company took over. I welcomed the changes, but not in the direction we are going. Not all non profits are the same. :(

It really boils down to what you can tolerate.

I personally would change jobs for the raise. It gives your administration the message that they need to keep up on the wage front to keep their staff.

If you are really worried about changing, then tell your manager about the job offer and see if they will match it to keep you. It would be cheaper than hiring someone new and training them.

Specializes in Postpartum, Med Surg, Home Health.

That really is a huge raise in pay, and the shorter commute will save you money on gas and car maintenance. We get very comfortable in a place we have worked for a while...change is hard..but it sounds like it would be to your benefit.

Also, I commend you on keeping your nursing home in the shape it seems to be in. I have worked in a snf and it was very difficult and a toxic environment , low morale and high turnover.

How does it feel to get paid less than you are worth? We all work for MONEY. You are giving away almost 10K a year, and hours of your time commuting. This is time and money better used for your family.

Change is hard, change is also very good for you.

I left a job of 5 years where I was very well respected, and "comfortable". Was I scared?.. a little. Since then I have done everything from private duty to travel in Hawaii. I know I am a better person/nurse because I challenged myself.

Good luck, let us know what you decide.

Specializes in Medical and Behavioral Health.

My friend,

Nursing is ever changing. You have to improve your career and livelihood. You have a good offer, go for it. I used to work in a LTAC and loved the people there, but I knew I wanted hospital experience, increase pay, and a different career path. Look at is this way, your kids cant stay with you forever because they love you. They have to have their own livelihood and career choice separate from staying in the comfort of your home.

Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Would it be possible to shadow at the new job first to feel it out? See if you can get a sense of what it might be like to work there & the general mood of the staff before making a decision?

Specializes in Heme Onc.

Wait... are you an LPN? or an RN. If you're an RN... run screaming, as 17.45 an hour is a ridiculously low wage. I made $16 an hour to fold jeans at a J.Crew outlet store in the midwest. I know everything is relative regionally, but .... seriously.

Thank you all so much for your comments!! I filled all my paperwork out for the new job today. I also talked to my DON. She was very sad and very upset but said she knew this was going to eventually happen. For right now I'm gonna go PRN at my current job and start orientation at the new job. She told me if it doesn't work out I can come back anytime. It was comforting to hear that. She still doesn't know the other nurse is probably going too. Hopefully this will make corporate finally realize they need to pay their nurses what they're worth!! thank you all again!!

I am an LPN, btw.

I am a CNA at a ALF. I have been here for 3 years. I get paid $11.37 a hour. I have 5 years experience. People that walk through the door with less experience make more than me. I have been a good employee.

Now I am in nursing school, I am looking for

A) more money

B) wider range of clientele

C) another job that I can call home for however long.

I am kind of in the same position. I got a new job on a progressive care unit for $15.78 plus differential, double time on holidays, $1600 tuition grant per year plus tuition reimbursement. I will be starting at the bottom. I know nobody there, I have never worked in a hospital and I am scared I will do something wrong. However, this is career advancement. It is a big pay raise and a better opportunity. Just like mine. Go us!😀

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