needing some advice, what would you do?

[dixiebelleRN]

Let's say you have a (nursing) job you've been doing this job for about 5 months now... it pays well, you don't hate what you do but you really don't love it, you don't live for it. You don't find it challenging or thrilling. You currently don't work weekends AT all however it IS 5 8 hour shifts, (not the most desirable) and also it's union.

you get offered a new job, which is essentially your dream job, it's in critical care, (which is what I was always certain I'd do, never a wavering thought). It's a rotation through 3 ICU's (surgical/trauma, neuro, C/T) and at the end of 4 months, you're offered a definate position in one of them. The shifts are usually rotating IE 7a-7p then next week 7p-7a (and I don't really have a problem with that). It does require you to work either 1 out of 4 weekends or every other (depending on which unit the final offer comes from). The pay is a little less, about 3$ per hour, however the shift differentials are better.

Which do you choose?

[SonorityGenius]

I would keep the med/surg no weekends and $3 more - esp as a new grad

[newway]

I say stick with what you have as well but that is just me. Rotating shifts are the worst idea ever. At least if you work NOC you can get used to it, but everyone I have talked to that has worked rotating shifts say you are never fully awake, or catch up. I bet a better opportunity will come. That $3 works out to $6,240 a year before taxes. That could pay for a pretty nice vacation or the payments on a new car. The plusses seem small for what you would be giving up IMO.

[TheCareerStudent]

Eeeek rotating shifts! I did those for 5 years in the military, some people are natural with it but boy did it burn 99% of us out. I agree with the above posts about keeping your position as a new grad, one said Med/Surg and I have been told by a couple nurses that you should work there a year or two when you first start out. You would think they would pay more for rotating shifts too, so something better would have to come along.

But in the end only you know what is best for you!

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

The shift differential will make up for the $3 difference in base pay. The rotating of shifts week to week is the part that I wouldn't do. You will always be tired and not feel well, and in turn will be miserable at your job. ICU nursing is mentally and physically draining as it is. The job sounds like a great opportunity otherwise, but for me, it would be choosing between a more challenging job and quality of life.

[dixiebelleRN]

Even though I would prefer rotation shifts? I don't like being tied to one shift. in terms of the pay differential, I know it seems like a lot because the shift differentials make up enough that my total loss is only a little more than 2000 (assuming 50% day sift and 50% night shift)

ALSO- the other hosp. will pay 100% of my graduate and advanced practice degrees with a 2 year contract to the hospital (they also offer programs where they will pay me for 40 hours and only have to work for 20, while in school for an approved program including clinical specialist and nurse practicioner). My current employer only gives 1500/year. AND seeing I start my masters prgram in sept. that could be really beneficial

[j621d]

The $3 pay cut stopped me dead in my tracks. That's too much of a pay cut (IMHO). At this time you are a new nurse (if I am reading this correctly), and a solid med/surg background will be invaluable to you in critical care. Stay where you are for at least a year and then revisit your options.

Personally, I would not jump into another job with that kind of pay cut. You are also losing your weekends and your schedule will be in the pits. I would stick it out longer, and maybe look at additional education opportunities (finish your BSN if you haven't already done that).

[whodatnurse]

You manage your desired career path and take the new job. Sometimes you have to give up something good to get something back that's even better, especially in the long run.

Consider it a move that will bring you one step further down the path to where you really want to go.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

Even though I would prefer rotation shifts? I don't like being tied to one shift. in terms of the pay differential, I know it seems like a lot because the shift differentials make up enough that my total loss is only a little more than 2000 (assuming 50% day sift and 50% night shift)

ALSO- the other hosp. will pay 100% of my graduate and advanced practice degrees with a 2 year contract to the hospital (they also offer programs where they will pay me for 40 hours and only have to work for 20, while in school for an approved program including clinical specialist and nurse practicioner). My current employer only gives 1500/year. AND seeing I start my masters prgram in sept. that could be really beneficial

Have you ever had to work rotating shifts before? I rotate, but I just work a few night shifts every now and then because I like the change of pace. Even doing that, it's tough to get back to day shift. I can't imagine have to rotate week to week. The education benefit sounds awesome but how will you be able to take graduate classes if you are rotating shifts? Will the employer allow you to not rotate if you are in school?

[dixiebelleRN]

Have you ever had to work rotating shifts before? I rotate, but I just work a few night shifts every now and then because I like the change of pace. Even doing that, it's tough to get back to day shift. I can't imagine have to rotate week to week. The education benefit sounds awesome but how will you be able to take graduate classes if you are rotating shifts? Will the employer allow you to not rotate if you are in school?

Yes if they pay for my career they work with the classes I take. and I have a choice of 7 different universities offering nearly every nursing type major/specialty imaginable.

I have also done rotating shifts for the last 5 years prior to this nuring job. I worked 7a-7p for 4 days, 7p-7a for 4 days then off 4 days. I loved it.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Rotating shifts are hard and you may be tired but if it is your dream job, I say go for it. Life is too short to pass on your dreams:nurse:

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

Yes if they pay for my career they work with the classes I take. and I have a choice of 7 different universities offering nearly every nursing type major/specialty imaginable.

I have also done rotating shifts for the last 5 years prior to this nuring job. I worked 7a-7p for 4 days, 7p-7a for 4 days then off 4 days. I loved it.

Since you know you like and can handle rotating shifts, I say go for it! It sounds like an awesome opportunity. I will still say, if I were in your situation, it would be a tough decision to give up a job with no nights, weekends, or holidays!