I'm having a job dilemma....

[ssalulu]

Okay. So, a little over a month ago I started my first LPN job at a nursing home. I don't really like it there. It's definitely not my thing. That's for sure. As a brand new nurse, I got two days of orientation and then was sent out on the floor alone. So, I'm learning things as I go. Not to mention, we are understaffed, mainly with CNAs. This puts a burden on the nurses as we are trying to help them out while doing our jobs at the same time. I feel nauseated every time I have to go to work.

I went to LPN school as a stepping stone into an RN program and I'm planning on graduating the RN program by the summer. My interest lies in maternity/women's health. I'm hoping to apply and get into the new residency program at the hospital when I graduate, hopefully in labor and delivery or postpartum.

Here is where the dilemma comes in. I saw an ad in the paper for a medical assistant position at an OB/GYN office and applied because I have some experience as a medical assistant in this specialty and it's the specialty I want to go into when I graduate. So, the woman who interviewed me called me today and offered me the job.

The pros to this job is that I would be in a specialty that I love and want to gain some more experience in as well as brush up on it. I like the hours and such.

The biggest con is the pay difference of course. I'd be making $6 less per hour if I accept the job. We have been living off of my husband's income for a while because I was a stay at home mom for a while and then I went to nursing school. So, I know we won't just die if I take less money. But, I've gotten a couple of paychecks since I started working at the nursing home, and I really like what I have seen.

Plus, I am worried if I would be burning bridges if I take the job and then I leave in 6 months. I mean, I would give notice and all, but I know right now that I'm not planning on staying 6 or 7 months.

My family is no help as they just tell me to do what makes me happy. I just don't want to make the wrong decision. Anyway, I just thought I'd post this on here to see if I can get another nurse's perspective. What do you think might be the right thing considering my situation?

[NursingStudentYaya]

I totally understand u on this one.. I'm a new nurse too and a still training at a snf... Honestly, if ur family can do with the pay cut, I'd say go for it since u seem like u know u will finish rn school and go on. I've learned so far that nursing isn't just about school, it takes experience to be better at it. And with experience.. That means more time out into it. So if specialty is what u gotta do to get better at it- go for it.

[lovinlife11]

By all means if that is your passion, of course you should take the job! You would be getting valuable experience in the field you want to be in anyway. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[notmanydaysoff]

here come the what ifs.....

does the new job know of your plans to finish school? if they are fully aware of your circumstances, then by all means - take it!

if not, then think hard about whether this is a good move. you're sure to run into this dr and his/her staff again if you stay in the same geographical area. it's expensive and painstaking to train an employee just to have them leave after a short while. you will be burning bridges.

and the money thang...if the difference in pay is gonna hurt that much, that may be your answer.

but maybe you need to think about the job in another manner. you are gaining valuable experience/training that can only help you in the future. that is worth something isn't it? unfortunately, in today's market, sometimes we gotta give a little to gain alot.

be circumspect in this decision. this job could eventually transition into something bigger and better. good luck!

[pinknursepower, BSN]

money isnt everything. we do this because its our passion. go with your heart

[GGirll22]

Take the pay cut ! A piece of mind is better than any stress! I just had to do the same thing... NO breaks, long hours, lazy CNA's and working like a dog to make good money but I HATE IT!.

I'm still on call at this SNF but I'd rather eat soup for a week than go back to this place.

[T-Bird78]

Go for it! Who knows, this may be a good thing when you do get your RN--you'll have some maternity experience and will know people so you'll have connections with the hospital on the maternity floor!

[Sammy Mendez]

Take the pay cut and get the experience you want for your career path. Eventually you will gain higher pay. I worked in SNF also and really empathize with you on your dilemma. Seems like all units of this nature have somewhat the same problem. Keep in mind that the stress on yourself increases the chances of mistakes. You strike me as a very focused nurse that will accomplish your goal, just don't burn yourself out, there is so much opportunity. I myself have been nursing for 7 years, and am at a point of a change in reducing my job related stress. Its best, Remember stable

nurses increases patient healing. I wish you the best, and know you will make the right choice for you and your family, Happy Nursing!...........Peace/Sammy...........

[andrea4_2005]

I have been in your shoes as well I took a 5$ pay cut from working in snf to being a home health pediatric nurse I debated awhile mainly because of the money issue but I tell you I'm much happier and less stressed with my career now yeah the pay stinks at times but I wake up everyday excited to work instead of dreading it and if I would've stayed in snf I never would've gotten the experience I need or be able to get vent trained good luck to you!!

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

I'm going to buck the trend and say stick with the LTC job.

First of all, know that it's no where near as hard as it seems now. It's been a month? Give it time. It will get much easier. Too many new grads in LTC give up way, way too soon. If you're quitting because you genuinely hate LTC, that's one thing. But if you're quitting because it seems "too hard" then you're jumping the gun.

Second, I feel that when people knee jerk respond with statements like "do what makes you happy" and "it's not all about the $$$" is NOT always the best advice. It may be good advice in some cases, but in other cases it can be horrible advice. Warm, fuzzy, feel-good advice isn't always the *right* advice, unfortunately. And doing what makes us happy isn't always the same thing as doing what's best for our family.

The OP makes an excellent point when she says family who tell her "just do what makes you happy" are of zero help. What is her family supposed to say? "No, keep working the job you hate, because we need the money."?? Lets be honest, when you ask a loaded question like that, you're just fishing for the answer you want to hear.

Very, very few people have the luxury of choosing whatever job makes them happiest. We work because we need money. I mean, let's be realistic here.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

And isn't a LPN taking a job posted as a medical assistant job a step down, no matter how you look at it? I mean, there's a reason they hire MAs and not nurses. And there's a reason MAs get paid way less than nurses. I just don't see how a LPN working in a role that can be filled by UAP can be seen as a career booster.