I'm an LPN new grad and am decided b/t 3 positions at the time, 3 very different positions.
For starters, I am late 30's with 3 active kids in weekend sports, mostly in the Spring but some in the fall as well.
Job #1 is telemetry unit at a local hospital (they just started opening back up to LPN's), rotating shifts 7-7, with every other weekend. 2 12's per week. Second lowest paying, by $1 (except for shift differential). Would use the most "skill" and maybe be most beneficial if I did decide to go back to school.
Job #2 is pediatrician office, 3 days per week (not set days), 1 Saturday (for 4 hours) every 6 weeks. No holidays. Weekly hours anywhere from 24-30 in those 3 days. Lowest paying of the 3 jobs, but best position as a mom.
Job #3 is at an LTC. 24 hours per week (unsure if it's 3 8's or 2 12's.). Pay is amazing and differential is even better. Likely some weekends and holidays. But concerned about the stress that comes along with LTC (or everything I hear ...)
I am unsure if I will go back to get my ADN ... that is the plan, but it likely won't be for another 2 years, so I'd potentially like to keep whatever job I get until I actually am finished with the ADN - which could be about 3.5 years in its entirety.
My husband is super supportive in whatever I do, but I cannot come to terms with either. This program was super hard in itself and I just want to do something that I will be proud of, after all of that hard work getting this license, but I don't want to overdo it and regret taking a specific job just b/c "it sounded cool" and feel like I made the wrong decision.
If anyone is in a similar situation or can give recommendations based on their experiences as a new nurse, plus family time, I’d love to hear it!!
On 11/29/2021 at 7:21 AM, MomWifeNurseStudent said:
Job #3 is at an LTC. 24 hours per week (unsure if it's 3 8's or 2 12's.). Pay is amazing and differential is even better. Likely some weekends and holidays. But concerned about the stress that comes along with LTC (or everything I hear ...)
Amazing pay for LTC, better than in Hospital is a bit of a Red Flag as is the uncertainty of the shifts 3x8 or 2x12.
I would say this place is very understaffed and after a very short orientation you will being pressured to work 3x12 or whatever they need with little regard for your home situation. My advise would be take the job that best suits your life as it is not what it maybe in a few years.
I would not take LTC based purely I my comments above, I would also avoid the Tele rotating shifts. I did them for years and they were brutal (in my 20's without kids) and horrible for your personal life.
I vote for the pediatrician's office. Hospitals are horrible and long-term care is just as bad. You sound like a great mom and that it should be your priority. Just live on a tighter budget. People don't have to go on vacations all the time to exotic places. You'll never get back those years with your kids.
Specializes in Renal, Phone Triage, End Stage Renal, Acute Dialys.
I would choose number 2 also with active kids and returning to school. It may be easier to do all the things your heart desires as far as your life goes.
The older I get, the more I believe in doing what is best for you NOW. What I mean is, try not to get hung up on what “skills” could possibly serve you in some future where you may or may not become an RN and may or may not want to work at the bedside. Choose a job that fits the life and the needs that you have right now.
I would do the tele job if your goal is to go back to school. That’s an incredible stepping stone. And one I do not see can be as easily accomplished by the other two options.
I would do the pedi job if being there for every moment of your kiddos sports lives is super important to you. I am a mom of three and I can definitely understand going this direction. Peds is also fun and if it’s a smaller clinic you get to watch kiddos grow up.
I wound not do LTC . I did LTC for years and finally found myself a better place where I am better valued. I even took a pay cut to get away from LTC as the staffing ratios were unsafe and patients were both poorly cared for by facilities who’s only goal was to make as much money as possible.
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Amazing pay for LTC, better than in Hospital is a bit of a Red Flag as is the uncertainty of the shifts 3x8 or 2x12.
I would say this place is very understaffed and after a very short orientation you will being pressured to work 3x12 or whatever they need with little regard for your home situation. My advise would be take the job that best suits your life as it is not what it maybe in a few years.
I would not take LTC based purely I my comments above, I would also avoid the Tele rotating shifts. I did them for years and they were brutal (in my 20's without kids) and horrible for your personal life.