Input on job choices please?

[NanikRN]

I could use some nurse input. I will try to be concise.

I am a returning 50yo RN (9 years since home health; 16 years since hospital). I did a refresher course including 80 clinical hours at a respected hospital in our area. Interviewed but got no hospital offers at all.

In June started working private duty with a complex vent case. Case is very comfortable now , pay is great family loves me. Now I am called and offered nurse residency in Oncology, which is one of my favorite nursing areas at a large well respected teaching hospital.

Dilemma---residency pays less, further drive, prob more stress, at least initially. But gives me current hospital experience meaning more job opps in future, great benefits, magnet hospital.

Home Health--easier job, great pay, schedule flexibility. Limited career growth, uncertain future jobs although agency assures me they always have a shortage in vent trained RNs. I've seen this to be true as I've worked overtime and turned down even more overtime each week.

My gut tells me I should go with the residency. My age might preclude me from other hospital offers in the future--(I know it shouldn't but--reality is that it does) I know the Home Health would be easier on me and my family.

Looking for input from others please?

[Asystole RN]

I would assume the hospital job would be 3 12's?

I personally would take the hospital job and work home health part time.

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

I agree with Asystole RN, maybe you can work both.

It sounds like you put a lot of thought into this and you want the hospital job.

Follow your gut

Best wishes!

[lkwashington]

I agree with the above posts. It appears to me you have answered you own question. I think you just need some encouragement. Go for it. You can work prn at the agency. The agency may be mad but at least they will not lose you all together. Good luck to you.

[Lola77]

My question is, why do you want to work in a hospital so badly? If you find home health fulfilling personally and financially, why make the switch?

However, if your heart and soul want to return to hospital craziness, then absolutely take the residency and stay on PRN at the agency. Definitely keep your foot in the door there - options are always great.

Good luck and congrats on the residency offer! Keep us updated on what you decide/how it is going.

[NanikRN]

Thank you everyone.

It's not that I am eager to return to the hospital craziness.

It's more that I recogonize that I make myself more marketable for the future by renewing those skills.Many jobs other that staff positions require hospital experience within the last 5 years. Also, I'm aware that the older I get, the harder these positions may be to obtain. And I do like oncology nursing.

Reading the responses has helped me clarify what I want.I think I just needed some encouragement. I'm calling the hospital recruiter today and letting her know that I'm ready to go for it.

Thanks again---nan