Just Got an Offer in L/D...Advice Please!

[sarahRN828]

Hi everyone! So I have been interested in OB nursing since I was a student, and I had a baby not too long ago and since that experience I have been obsessing about working in OB. I just got an offer in a large LD/HROB combo unit. I currently have a 9-5 desk job making great money. I'm also in an FNP program, about half way finished. The pros of taking the OB job are 1. helping deliver babies, 2. free school, 3. flexible schedule for school. The cons are 1. night shifts, 2. floor nursing again after a cushy desk job, 3. the tragedies in OB are heartbreaking, 4. seeing my baby less than I already do due to the off schedule. I seriously can't decide what to do. It would be a slight pay cut but not too much with the shift diff. Also, I used to work in an ICU on nights and the experience nearly destroyed me. I never really got used to nights and the ICU setting was so incredibly sad that it really wore on my soul. I'm not sure how I would do back in the hospital setting. I would love some insight from those of you who are currently in the field. I told the OB manager I would let her know if I was going to accept by Monday. Any thoughts?

[Postpartum RN]

Sad or tragic things do happen, however overall it is a pretty happy place and there is more laughter and joy than there is tragedy. I think you will love it. If I were you I would accept, because it's not an easy specialty to get into; but that's just me :)-

[MotherToPeanut]

"Also, I used to work in an ICU on nights and the experience nearly destroyed me. I never really got used to nights and the ICU setting was so incredibly sad that it really wore on my soul."

This is what stood out to me most in your post. I have worked night shift in OB for 2 years. My health has suffered tremendously trying to maintain this schedule. If it were me, I would stick with the day shift position.

[sarahRN828]

Thank you, that's kind of where my gut is leading me. The only way I could make the switch work financially is to stay on nights to get the shift diff, but I agree, night shift is brutal even in the most rewarding job. Some people love nights and adjust really well, but I am sadly not one of those people. The desk job is boring, but gives me a great salary, normal hours, holidays and weekends off, etc. I am also in line to be transferred to work at home, which is a great opportunity and will make my job even less stressful than it already is. Thank you so much for your input. I hope you get a schedule that works well for you soon!

[Postpartum RN]

Thank you, that's kind of where my gut is leading me. The only way I could make the switch work financially is to stay on nights to get the shift diff, but I agree, night shift is brutal even in the most rewarding job. Some people love nights and adjust really well, but I am sadly not one of those people. The desk job is boring, but gives me a great salary, normal hours, holidays and weekends off, etc. I am also in line to be transferred to work at home, which is a great opportunity and will make my job even less stressful than it already is. Thank you so much for your input. I hope you get a schedule that works well for you soon!

I think that the fact that you are in line to be transferred to work from home soon changes things!! That sounds like a great opportunity and if it were me, I would keep that job just to not lose that opportunity. You will save time by working at home I think, since you will not be commuting, getting ready/dressed for work.

What kind of office work is it that you have?

[sarahRN828]

Sorry I'm just now seeing this! I work for an insurance company doing case management type work. It has been a blessing, I really needed a break from the ICU, but I do miss patient care once in a while. I will be getting more of that when I'm an NP though. I did turn down the LD job, I just couldn't bring myself to do nights/weekends/holidays again so soon after having a baby.