Lost and Confused...

[AriRN33]

Hi all. I am currently in the process of looking for a new job. I have been at my current position for 7.5 years and over the past few years it has become a very toxic work environment with a manager that is just as toxic and doesn't seem to care. I am absolutely miserable here and looking for a a way out.

I currently have 2 job offers on the table (sort of) and don't know which way to go.

My first offer was a NICU position. It's night shift (I already work nights so that's not a problem). I would have a set schedule, making about $8 more an hour, benefits are OK, and the manager seems like a pretty nice guy. Only complaint is having to find someone to cover your shifts if you want to take vacation.

My other offer is at a pediatric clinic. M-F 8-5/6, hour long lunch, 1 Saturday every 4-6 weeks and 1-2 Eve holidays a year. Pay is about the same as what I make now, great benefits, easier to take off if needed, and the manager seems OK. 

I was offered the NICU position first, but honestly speaking, I ended up turning it down  because I got cold feet and talked myself out of it. The manager was very understanding and even told me to let them know if I changed my mind because they really wanted me. I received an offer for the clinic shortly afterwards, but have not given a decision yet.

Honestly, my mind keeps going back to the NICU position, but I'm afraid to make the move.  I feel like I've been in my current situation for so long and burned so many times at work that I'm afraid of going anywhere else. 

The clinic position is ideal for greater work/life balance. It would be great working a more normal schedule, being home at night, no holidays or weekends, but then a part of me still kind of wants to continue in the hospital.

I am so confused and feel like I'm just going in circles. I know I want out of my current job, but I just don't know what to do. I even considered doing travel nursing for I a little while until I figure myself out.  Any advice?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

2 minutes ago, AriRN33 said:

Only complaint is having to find someone to cover your shifts if you want to take vacation.

This right here is a red flag to me. It says “work/life balance is not important to us as an employer. Good luck getting time off and your shift covered”. There’s no asking to use vacation time before the schedule comes out and it’s management’s job to ensure adequate staffing? Hard pass from me. 

[macawake, MSN]

On 12/10/2021 at 1:17 PM, AriRN33 said:

Only complaint is having to find someone to cover your shifts if you want to take vacation.

On 12/10/2021 at 1:21 PM, Rose_Queen said:

This right here is a red flag to me.

 

Hard pass from me. 

I agree 100% with @Rose_Queen. 

On 12/10/2021 at 1:17 PM, AriRN33 said:

The clinic position is ideal for greater work/life balance. 

This to me, is everything. 

I work to live, I don’t live to work. 

OP, I can’t tell you what to do. Only you can decide. But since..

On 12/10/2021 at 1:17 PM, AriRN33 said:

The clinic position is ideal for greater work/life balance. It would be great working a more normal schedule, being home at night, no holidays or weekends, but then a part of me still kind of wants to continue in the hospital.

I am so confused and feel like I'm just going in circles.

I thought I’d share my point of view. I personally can’t imagine working in a place where whether I get to have a vacation or not, becomes my responsibility to work out. There’s a reason they demand this of their employees, and it’s likely not because it’s easy to find a person to replace you..

Best wishes! 

[JKL33]

On 12/10/2021 at 1:17 PM, AriRN33 said:

Only complaint is having to find someone to cover your shifts if you want to take vacation.

?

No way. Just the thought of them floating that idea is offensive, like the ones who proudly advertise their rotating shifts. An employer who tells you to take on their scheduling responsibilities or else don't take time off isn't planning to win any awards in the employee relationships category. They don't even care, they just boldly presented an absurd requirement as if they are some kind of opportunity people should jump at no matter what. 

Life's too short for willingly subjecting yourself to that without some sort of amazing upside.