Job Decision Help- Please!

[blonde0140]

So I have been an RN for 2 years. I have been working only in doctor's offices while I look for my dream job. I currently work for a Ped and I love the doctor, hours and pay. While working for him he payed for me to get my Lactation Consultant and my Childbirth Educator certifications as a way to get more patients. I have been teaching classes for about 6 months and I realized that I LOVED it. We had some internal drama in the office so I put out a few applications at local hospitals for L&D, knowing that I would never be hired without experience. Today I got a job offer to work Mother Baby at my first choice hospital. I was told if I do 2 years on M-B I can move to L&D. L&D is IMPOSSIBLE to get into around here without experience! Here are my concerns: it's only part time and it's nights 11-7. The pay is about what I make now so that is good. I have 3 kids (7,4, and 15 months) and I'm concerned about the nights part. I was told that after 2 years doors would open for different areas and shifts. So how do I leave my 9-5 Monday to Friday well paying stable job to chase a dream? I was thinking that I could keep office job on our short days (9-1) to make up the pay that I'd be missing working only part time. That means there may be days I work 11p-1p.... If any of you have ever worked nights how hard is it with kids? Should I chase this dream? I have heard so may nurses wish to be out of the hospital and in an office so am I crazy for walking away from all of this??? I would love some experienced input!

[MJB2010]

A lot of people would kill to have the job you have now. If you are happy and getting paid well, I am wondering why you want to leave. What state are you in ? I am usually one to say chase your dream, and only you can make that decision for yourself. I do want to point out that working from 11-1 is not going to be as easy as you think. Working nights is a HUGE adjustment. And 2 years down the line you may get an l &d position, but there are a lot of empty promises out there, will you be ok if you end up staying in Mother Baby? or if you can't adjust to nights? Just make sure you consider all the worst case scenarios. Plan for the worst, and hope for the best! The grass is not always greener. If you love where you are now, I'd think long and hard before jumping ship.

[BellasMommyOBRN]

That's tough....and you have a baby-BABY at home. I will say from my experience that it's easier said than done.

I have worked in m/b for 8 months with the same hope of working in l/d. I work straight nights. They said the same thing to me...."after a while you can cross train"....but the nights are grueling and were devastating my 5 year old. I just got a job at an ob/gyn office and know that it was a better decision at this time until my little one gets older.

I WILL work in l/d one day, just have to wait until the time is appropriate. Your situation may be different than mine and you may find it to be more of an easier transition for you.

Good luck. I know this is an older post but couldn't help but share my all-to-similar experience!!