Kaiser question and possible job change

[MA Nurse]

Hi. I'm new here. I've been a NICU RN for 16 years. I love where I work, however, even after being there for almost 16 years, I am stuck working every other weekend, even when I only work 2 days a week, or if I worked 1 day a week I am still required to do every other weekend. And I get stuck working Thanksgiving, either Xmas eve or day, and New years eve all these years! I have 3 kids. I want to start having holidays off!

Kaiser NICU has a 1 day a week position and they only require one weekend a month and I don't think I would have to work as many holidays, I have to find out for sure, though.

Has anyone ever switched jobs after so long at one place? I guess I also feel like my co-workers are a second family, so it would be hard if I left.

Also, I know that Kaiser doesn't have some things that my current job has that makes things easier.

But, Kaiser has better benefits than my place! My hourly rate would probably be about the same.

Any friendly advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[MA Nurse]

Oh well, looks like the homebirthing posts are more interesting.

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

Kimbalou,

I know nothing about working at a Kaiser Hospital, but I don't want you to feel that no-one is paying attention. I don't know if anyone that usually looks at the NICU forum works at Kaiser.

As far as working one day a week, if you can manage on that, that might be good for you. If it was me, though, I would want to work more than that just to get used to the place and the staff. We have some nurses work PRN, and it's hard to get to know them. It's nice if you don't have to work full time, though.

16 years is a long time to work in one place, but it seems like you are ready for a change. Could you hold your place where you work now, by going Per Diem, and orient and try out the Kaiser position?

I'm surprised that you get benefits working just one day a week. Even PT staff at our hospital have to work 2 days now, and 12 hour shifts. PT and FT benefits ae different, too.

Don't get discouraged, people do reply! Welcome to the board!

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

I'm one of many who read your post and didn't initially respond. I've never worked for Kaiser or known anyone who did; not that big in Texas. I would gladly give my opinion on the Baylor system or THR that are big in this area.

As far as what you described for the prospective position; it sounds great, especially if you don't need more than 1day/week. I would confirm all the details of required holidays.

As far as leaving a position after 16 years; I can't help you. My all time record with one facility is almost 5 years. Loyalty is generally not rewarded these days in nursing; which is a shame.

Are you in California (seems like I remember something about Kaiser in California)? Did you try posting on the California board?

[MA Nurse]

Kimbalou,

I know nothing about working at a Kaiser Hospital, but I don't want you to feel that no-one is paying attention. I don't know if anyone that usually looks at the NICU forum works at Kaiser.

As far as working one day a week, if you can manage on that, that might be good for you. If it was me, though, I would want to work more than that just to get used to the place and the staff. We have some nurses work PRN, and it's hard to get to know them. It's nice if you don't have to work full time, though.

16 years is a long time to work in one place, but it seems like you are ready for a change. Could you hold your place where you work now, by going Per Diem, and orient and try out the Kaiser position?

I'm surprised that you get benefits working just one day a week. Even PT staff at our hospital have to work 2 days now, and 12 hour shifts. PT and FT benefits ae different, too.

Don't get discouraged, people do reply! Welcome to the board!

I wouldn't get benefits working 1-2 days a week, sorry for the confusion.

I was talking about better pay for working 3 weekends in a row, getting paid for doing your yearly evaluation, etc. Also, if you do get a benefitted position, the medical coverage is great when you retire.

I saw some Kaiser posts in the ca. board, yes I live in Ca. I found that board after I posted here...thanks everyone for reponding!