Lost...

Published

So I am an RN with BSN. I started working in pediatric home care, and I left after 1.5 years and started working in a hospital. I lasted one year and was miserable. I ended up leaving and going back to peds home care. Downfall is the pay is low, and no insurance. I honestly feel lost and I don't know which direction to go with a career. I could apply to Children's hospital of Philadelphia home care, but I am 26 weeks pregnant right now so I should wait till little man is born. Any advise on career options for a peds nurse that doesn't include hospital care. I have been working in hospital for over 10 years (as a CNA) and realizing it's not for me. Thanks for your input!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How about a clinic?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Where do I even begin to look? I think that's my problem, I told my husband I don't know what I want. I like pediatric home care but money and insurance is a problem (with the company I am with now)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Congrats on your pregnancy!

What type of home care do you do?

If it is not "high tech", meaning trachs and vents, then yes, the pay will be low in Pediatric Private Duty.

I don't know what area you work in (are you actually IN Philly), but if you work in Philly, Home Health Private Duty, Medical Daycare (there are three that I know of), a Post Acute Facility, Ambulatory Peds and working as a nurse caseworker for DHS are the options for non-hospital Peds experience, along with school nursing.

I did Post Acute Peds nursing before I entered the hospital setting again (long story, but I am actually thriving in the Hospital setting after spending 9 years of my nursing career outside of the hospital) and the pay was reasonable; although the insurance sucked per the employees (I didn't need coverage)

I feel Bayada (when one works as a teach-vent nurse) has the best benefits and pay; I worked for two that had so-so pay; also Bayada has a division where one can join their team for doctor's office work; not sure how much of it is Peds office.

I would put feelers out now on to what is out there in the market before your son is born; sometimes it takes MONTHS to get a position, or it may not take it long at all; you have no insurance and you are pregnant, then that should be a priority in order to have better access to healthcare if anything, unless you have applied for some form of ACA coverage (not sure of rates) if they don't offer insurance.

Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks, I actually do have insurance through my husband. But if I work full time and am offered insurance his company won't give me insurance. My current company will not offer insurance if I stay below 30 hours. But in my long run I want to look into other options. How do I find ambulatory peds and what is a DHS nurse case worker, and what do they do? Thanks for your reply

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Here is a description of working as a nurse with DHS:

DHS:Nurses

Job Posting on Indeed.com: RN Pediatric Nursing Intake Coordinator- Masters Prepared, BSN considered - Philadelphia, PA 191

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much for all that info, should I apply and interview even at almost 27 weeks pregnant? Or wait till after birth?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Pediatrics.
Thanks, I actually do have insurance through my husband. But if I work full time and am offered insurance his company won't give me insurance. My current company will not offer insurance if I stay below 30 hours. But in my long run I want to look into other options. How do I find ambulatory peds and what is a DHS nurse case worker, and what do they do? Thanks for your reply

How would his company even know if you are working over 30 hours unless you tell them?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Thank you so much for all that info, should I apply and interview even at almost 27 weeks pregnant? Or wait till after birth?

As far as Pediatric Specialty Care?

You can apply now and see what happens; they way want to hire you now; you have 3 months to go-you might be able to start now, or they may want you to start after the pregnancy; you never know how fast a job can be filled, and if they are impressed with your qualifications, I would go for the interviews, start, and if impressed with your work ethic, they may hold your position at least 90 days, you most likely will be out for 6 weeks; you may or may not be eligible for leave, so those will be the questions that should be discussed if they want to hire you-some places are very accommodating. :yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My husband says the same thing, I just don't want to chance anything.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

You don't have anything to lose by applying now-the chances are the jobs won't be open after you have the baby; you have at least 3 months to go, and it may take that long to even get an interview; also to review and even be selected and orientation will take another month; these jobs are not that instant in terms of just signing up and starting. :no:

Just apply anyway and get the wheels moving.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion