Need some advice!

[klr276]

Im currently in the application phase for a nurse manager or clinical coordinator position in Boston due to my sig. other moving up to work out of Fort Devens. Currently i work in Fla as an assistant nurse manager of a smaller nicu. I was a CNII at level 3 NICU's for the past 6 years so my expirience with bedside nursing is strong. In this past year, even though titled assistant, i have been more of the manager of my unit due to our small unit being absorbed under L&D's manager (budget effective). I have done a fair amount in the past year that has made some very strong administrative skills. I am originally from NJ, so Im very used to the personalities and know i will never have it as good as here in fla, but so is life. I have never worked in a union hospital though, and would appreciate some advice on what it is like from the management perspective. What is the pay like for unit managers, how hard is it to deal with the specific regulations unions set forth? Anything would be helpful... if it is that hard and more lucrative to stay as a bedside nurse do my 3 12's then that would be fine with me also. I really do love my job as a NICU nurse, but have made a lot of professional growth in my new position. Thanks in advance for any insight!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Jobs are tight in Boston; I see very, very few of any kind posted in the Globe. Suggest you expand your search as widely as you can stand the commute (or your SO can stand his/her commute), to the North Shore into southern NH, west to the suburbs, and south/southwest to Fall River/New Bedford/RI/Cape Cod. Good luck.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Fort Devens is quite far from Boston and, as GrnTea said, jobs- especially hospital jobs- are quite tight in this neck of the woods. I have a friend who came back to Boston (where we went to school) as an experienced NICU nurse and could only land a contract position on a post-partum unit in Boston. I'd say look at hospitals more out towards Worcester.

[klr276]

Yes it is far... But with the job situation being tight we will figure out a commute regardless, because a jobs is a job. I'm working with a recruiter and luckily went to school at BC as well so I'm familiar with the area. Now it's to figure out whether I go for a staff nurse or attempt management, if and when anything becomes available. I saw a fee contracts open for Nicu, but I was a traveler for a bit and don't want to go back down that road unless there is no other options. Thanks for the advice!