I'm 18 months into nursing now still in SNF still on nights, I've been interviewed a few times but couldn't get the job due to low census at time of hiring or statewide hiring freezes. I've always complained about not getting the experience I needed for grad school but now I'm not too sure.
Now, I was given a lead by a family friend who I never knew is now an Assistant VP at a hospital. It's a strong recommendation and I even got a call from HR within an hour when I applied, for a position in a cardiac step down unit. I asked a few of my classmates about the place and they said it pays pretty bad $22 I would be expecting. Currently I earn $23 an hour and I work another part time job to help pay the bills. Should I even dare to ask about how much nurses are being paid in the first interview?
If I feel like I'm at a netloss.
I feel like I lose:
Money
A VERY secure 2nd job
More financial stress related to student loans
What I gain:
The coveted "acute care experience"
My mom keeps telling me to wait it out because right now the hospital she works at is suffering from low census, but is a lot more open for orientation periods and pays significantly more.
Am I being greedy for taking an opportunity for granted?