Job advice **kinda rambling-sorry**

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

I've currently worked in med surg for 6 years, on weekends only days for about 1 year-which I am okay with, I worked night shift before, and that was okay too, just changed shifts to finish out the RN-BSN program I was in. I will start my masters program to teach in Jan '10--all online. Problem: I have always wanted to work in the ICU, and an opening on nights just came up--I'm not opposed to nights either; I've also always wanted to teach since I was in nursing school. I also have been teaching clinicals PRN for the local community college, as 1 of the instructors has been very ill, and they are not sure when, if ever, she will return to work. I've got the paperwork together to put in for the ICU, but at the same time, I have a sweet schedule that allows me to pick up these teaching opportunities. The teaching is not guaranteed from week to week though. I've always held the philosophy that I should just let the Lord let me land where I should.....I'm thinking that I should put in for the ICU, and just see what happens, and let God take care of the rest. But then I think, should I be so willing to give up a great shift? Then I'm back to the fact that even if I put in for it, I may not get the job anyway. Anybody have any thoughts on my confusion. Help!!!! I'm driving myself nuts :p

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You seem like someone who knows herself well. Go in the direction your internal compass points to. Too much :thnkg:messes up that compass reliability.

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Specializes in Telemetry, CCU.

Just go for whatever feels right to you! If ICU is what you really want, being on nights for awhile may be worth it to you. If your schedule is more important, then you may want to stick with what you have. In my opinion, I'd go for the ICU position, if nothing else, you can get more knowledge and experience to help you teach others in the future! Not to say you can't be a good teacher with med/surg experience, but ICU experience will give you a wider knowledge base.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

How often does the ICU jobs become availible. Maybe its not the right time to transfer if its gonna mess up your schedule. There will be other opportunities if its meant to be.

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Specializes in oncology, med/surg (all kinds).

go for the ICU job. if the opportunity is available, take it. i don't know how old you are but in 10 years (or at some point) you are just going to be TOO TIRED to try something new. plus, when you have everything worked out *just so* then you become inflexible to taking opportunities that land in your lap. you will never regret what you've tried--only what you didn't get around to doing. if you already have your foot in the door with the teaching, you will still be invited to teach. working ICU will teach you SO much you don't get in m/s. i have never done ICU, but boy to i admire those nurses. i have been a nurse for 8 years--i have had lots of jobs. finally found my "niche" in oncology, which was a big surprise. i have worked with many nurses who say "i always wanted to ____ but now it's too late." of course, it is rarely too late, but most people don't realize it.

i say this to you with the utmost respect: i am not religious in the sense you seem to be. but if you believe God will take care of things then GET OUT OF THE WAY AND LET HER DO HER JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get thee to the ICU NURSE!:redpinkhe

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i agree, that i'd go for the icu.

it really is an opportunity, and one that may never come along again.

and as was stated, it will only serve to enhance your knowledge base as a teacher.

best to you.

leslie

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

Right now, all jobs in my facility are far and few in between. I've passed up more than 1 opportunity to try something new for 1 reason or another. I'm 41 and not getting any younger either! I think I'll try for it, I'll end up where I'm supposed to be. I think I'm just scared that going to nights will screw up my teaching....oh well, I guess if I want it bad enough, I'll find a way to make it work

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

You can do it! I worked in the ICU for years and loved it. I am an instructor and tried to get as wide a variety of experience as possible, but my "home" will always be the ICU. It will make you more marketable when you graduate with your MSN also since you never know what specialty a school of nursing may be hiring for. Now you will have two :)

You could also talk to the school and let them know what's happening. The relationship you're building with this school may really help, and you may be able to continue to adjunct for them.

Plus, just because you start on nights doesn't mean you might not be able to go to days fairly quickly. Or, you could see if your hospital offers the Baylor program or something similar to it- work 3 12-hour shifts on the weekend and get paid for 40 hours. Your nightshift differential will also help defer some of your costs for the master's program. Sort of a side note, but if you haven't already, check to see if your hospital or your state will pay for your tuition. States that really need faculty will often pay your master's tuition in exchange for you teaching in that state. Mine did!

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