job switch dilemma

[bell1962]

Hi Nurse Beth

Looking for a bit of advice.. I've been working as a school nurse for the last 15 years. I like the kids, but things are changing and not for the better. The job is pretty stressful (a lot of severely emotionally disturbed kids and the administration is not very supportive.) Anyway I have a job offer in an adult med clinic working 8:00-4:30 Mon- Fri.The days go an hour later than I work now, but I no longer need the school schedule as my kids are grown and don't have sports,etc any more. The new job is affiliated with a state hospital and so my state retirement will stay the same. I have worked in family practice for many years in the past so I kind of know what to expect. I would have to give up the school breaks but I can't count summer because I"ve been working summers most of the time (either the summer school program or at the doctor's office.)

It's hard to start over but the pay is much better. approximately 30 K / year.

Just wondering what you think

Thank you

[Animaniacs, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a good deal. I'd go for it. Change is always hard, but eventually you'll get used to your job and become comfortable. 30k more a year is a good incentive, sure you'd have to give up school vacation, but it's worth it.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

No brainer. Go for it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I completely understand your frustration with School Nursing - I have several colleagues in the same situation who have opted for career changes in recent years. In my part of the country, districts are staffing with LVNs - and an RN "supervisor" who has to cover multiple campuses.... horrible, with all sorts of potential consequences.

I'm amazed that this (continuously increasing workload & fewer staff) is not more important to parents who seem to "go off" on other much more minor school issues. Go figure.