Need opinions on what I should do!

[Soneshine]

I'm currently working on a med/surg floor at a smaller, rural hospital. I have been there for a bit over a year now. During this time, I've had mixed feelings about being in this area. I know that it is not my niche in the nursing world- but at this point, I'm not sure what is. Prior to getting my R.N., I worked for many years as a CNA in LTC with the elderly population. I liked it, although it was often very mentally and physically exhausting. I think that as a nurse, I would prefer to be in an area that allows me to get to know my patients better and have more of a routine each day. I don't think I'd want to work in a nursing home simply because of the high patient load!

Okay! Here's the situation: A while back I contacted the nurse manager at our local outpatient cancer center to inquire about job openings. I did a 6 week internship there as a student nurse and loved it! I love working with cancer patients. They didn't allow me as a student to administer chemo, but I accessed ports and hung the pre-meds. I really liked the environment and the staff there. At this time, there were no current openings.

This aftenoon I got a call from the nurse manager, and she told me that a position is opening and asked me if I wanted to interview for it. She woke me out of a sleep, so I told her I would contact her tomorrow. The problem is this: My job requires a month's notice! The nightshift is usually a bit short-staffed, I am scheduled for ACLS this month, I requested holiday time off, ect ect. Although my current job, is not my "niche", it is generally pretty flexible regarding scheduling (which is so important to me).

I am caught between staying in my comfort zone (which I don't love) - and moving on to something different (which I'm not sure I'll like if I actually have to give chemo or practice as an R.N. rather than a student)? I'm worried that because we are "slim-pickin's" at night at my current job, and that I've just completed several certs, that they may not consider hiring me back in the future (if I decide oncology isn't my thing). I'm also worried that if I decline to interview, that the oncology nurse manager won't consider me for future employment. Ahhhh, I am feeling stuck as to how I should go about all of this!! I'd appreciate any opinions or to hear from others who have gone through similar conundrums. Sorry this was so long!!!

[leslie :-D]

at the very least, you should go on the interview.

there, you can ask questions and receive further info about the position.

then.....you can pound your head as to what direction to take.:)

it sounds like an opportunity:

one that won't come along very often.

keep us posted?

and best of luck.

leslie

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Go to the interview and ask lots of questions. Because then you can decide afterwards.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Interview.

Take the new job if offered.

Leave the old job under good terms. (offer to be a "fill in" if needed.) I think that this will "oil the waters."

Best of luck.

[discobunni]

Agree... go on the interview. If you still feel good about the job...go for it! You will regret it by asking yourself "what if" later if you don't give it a try.

[leslymill]

I agree, go on the interview.

You should try to be as honest and up-front with both employers though.

[blkgurlwithwings]

Wow, you sound like me with the "what-ifs". I say stepping out of your comfort zone sounds like exactly what you need right now. Who knows, you might actually like the move, but it couldn't possibly be any less fulfilling than your current situation. Have faith in yourself, your choices and remember what they say about when one door closes....

Excuse me now while I re-read my post and adapt it to my own personal (similar) problems.

[rn-jane]

I will definetly go on the interview. If this job is though the same employer(hospital) then if i got the job i would let the two managers battle it out. If not at the same facility i would give the customary two week notice.