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Specializes in ICU,ED, Corrections, dodging med-surg.

Just need some thoughts here as my head hurts from weighing pros and cons. Would like to know what/why you would do if offered a 7p-7a position 40min away in new specialty, or an 11-7a full time position 5 min away which would also be another new specialty to me for less money(but gas money saved) Have young kids at home, husband partially disabled so I am primary breadwinner and need health insurance as well. More opportunity at 40min drive(and much more stress) but 5 min from home attractive too. I have researched the posts, but would appreciate your thoughts on this situation.(I know only I know what will work for me) but at this point, I have to make anything workout. Hoping night shift won't make me crazy like I have read in others. Can't get a day position to save my life!:crying2: Thanks for any reply.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Since you seem to feel the tangibles equal out, (and even if you don't)IMHO, I'd say you should try to get a feel for where you'll be happier working. You've got enough stressors in your life, why not look for a little happiness. No matter what the schedule, a job you hate will drag and be miserable, a job you like will fly past and be easy to tolerate. You deserve a break. Good luck

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

How many 7p-7a shifts?

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Go for the 11-7am shift. Then you will be home evenings and you can run around in the mornings if you have too to school for the kids or dr appts for your hubby. You can sleep in the eve if need be. I found it very tiring working that extra 4 hours in the eve even if i got another day off a week. You are only 5 minutes away for emergencies and that gas adds up. Just my 2 cents.

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Specializes in ICU,ED, Corrections, dodging med-surg.

It would be 3 12's per week. Thanks for your time and reply. I just hope my momnesia and lack of sleep won't prohibit me from learning a new area! (it probably will, but I am a determined person) You never know when life will throw you curve balls! speaking of...just received an untimely phone interview while typing this...wants to meet Monday!:eek::lol2:

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

After working nights for almost 14 years....I will say that even though 12 hour shifts give you extra days off it takes forever to recover. Weekends with 12's a lost weekends because allyou do is work, eat,sleep,work. The eight hours were nice because I could lay back down in the evening or be available for kids things without massive schedule changes. After working all night I would prefer a 5 min commute to a 40 min commute ANYDAY! good luck

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Specializes in NICU.

The closer hospital because a 40 minute commute is a lot for 12 hour shifts and night shifts already make people more tired. Also, if you do the 12 hour shifts in a row, it always takes a good day to recover. The closer hospital will give you more time with your family.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

It's a personal choice. I'd take the three 12s if they were spaced apart and the money (incl. mileage) was at least the same.

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5 minutes away

less stress

8 hours are easier to work than 12, you won't have the second half of the

crazy evening to deal with

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