Help! Job dilemma!

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Hi Everyone!

I have a dilemma and don't know what to do. I am currently working at a psych hospital which is 2 hours away from home, part time and I'm miserable here. I live in the city and making $34/hour but after taxes and commuting (over $600) I don't come home with much. I was just offered a job very close to home, full time but the pay is very low ($27/hour). I am torn about what to do. The job is working in a clinic 5 days/week. I'm currently working 5 days/week but 5-6 hours a day. Is this what clinics pay in NYC for a RN BSN graduate?? I need advice please!!! Thank you very much in advance. ?

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Specializes in School Nursing (K-12).

I would go with the clinic that's closer to home. Sometimes, you have to make sacrifices in order to be happy. I'd take the (hourly) pay cut. In the long run, you'll be making more money (don't worry about pay per hour) and the commute will be smoother which equals a happy and healthy you! Stress stinks. Do what you must to stay on top of it. All the best!!

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I would go with the clinic that's closer to home. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices in order to be happy. I'd take the (hourly) pay cut. In the long run, you'll be making more money (don't worry about pay per hour) and the commute will be smoother which equals a happy and healthy you! Stress stinks. Do what you must to stay on top of it. All the best!![/quote']

Thank you so much! I was disappointed with the offer :( but I think you're right. I have to call her back by the end of day. I'm nervous.

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Specializes in School Nursing (K-12).

Don't sweat it! You were very nervous when you took the NCLEX, and look! You passed! That nervousness is gone. In a couple days from now, you'll look back and laugh at how nervous you were to make this call. In fact, you'll probably get over it seconds after the call is over with. You'll be alright. You were strong enough to overcome huge obstacles to become a nurse. You're strong enough to make this call! I'm supposed to take a pharm exam for Kings County this week or next week. I was very nervous, but I always think back and remember all the times that I've been nervous and how that anxiety never really does me any good.

You'll be alright, NS81! :yes:

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Don't sweat it! You were very nervous when you took the NCLEX, and look! You passed! That nervousness is gone. In a couple days from now, you'll look back and laugh at how nervous you were to make this call. In fact, you'll probably get over it seconds after the call is over with. You'll be alright. You were strong enough to overcome huge obstacles to become a nurse. You're strong enough to make this call! I'm supposed to take a pharm exam for Kings County this week or next week. I was very nervous, but I always think back and remember all the times that I've been nervous and how that anxiety never really does me any good.

You'll be alright, NS81! :yes:

You're absolutely correct! I accepted the position. I'm hoping it was the right decision. Good luck on your pharm exam! I hope it goes well. You passed the NCLEX so I'm sure you will do great ?

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Only you can decide this. For me, I've always felt that my time (and my time not in a car) is worth more than money. You're commuting 20 hours a week ... that's a half-time job right there. Also figure the taxes on gas you're spending, the wear and tear on your car (that translates into more frequent maintenance), and the increased auto insurance you pay if you commute that much. All of that may come close to making up the money difference right there. The clinic job may very well lead to something that pays more later, too.

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

Take the job closer to home, it will give you more time and save money. You will get raises and eventually be at the same amount you were making. Just to the math and see if it makes sense.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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I agree with GrnTea...time is money!!! The closer job could also lead to a greater opportunity.

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Specializes in Hospice.

Im really confused? you work 5-6 hours a day commuting 2 hours at 34 hours................and would be making 27 dollars working 5 days a week /8 hours a day..............if you do the math you make quite a bit more working at the clinic for the same amount of time and thats not even figuring in the commuting cost.

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Specializes in Operating room.

so how did it work out?

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I was going to take the clinic job but spoke with a few experienced nurses and hiring managers and they told me to not take the position because it looks bad to jump from job to job. So, I will hold out until I get a hospital job. Working 3 days compared to 5 is better and more ideal for me and my family. I've realized that I've been unrealistic with work. I wanted to work only days and close to home and I now know that is not realistic with this job market and with my goal which is to work in the ICU or ED. Sacrifices, sacrifices, sacrifices! Thank you so much for your replies! It means a lot :)

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

You made a good call. I chose clinic work when I graduated 20 years ago for many reasons, but realistically once you do that hospitals will not even consider you. I did manage to parlay it into a great gig, but it can be very hard to do that.

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