Not sure what to do

[love_of_sunflowers]

I really don't know what to do. I have been a public health nurse for the last 3 years, the longer I am there the more I really dislike it. I work for a very small county health department and we wear multiple hats-it is myself and one other nurse. I took the position mainly because of the hours and the flexibility it gave me to care for my mom. She passed in December. I have been considering a job change for quite some time. I really miss patient care. I am currently only part time- but since COVID hit- I have been working 7 days a week and doesn't appear to have an end in sight. Just for the heck of it I applied at a local nursing home, within the hour of applying on Indeed I received a call from the D.O.N. We chatted for my entire lunch break. I am not looking to change jobs for the money, although what I was offered it is definitely worth considering. I was offered $5 an hour more than what I currently make, would be working 12 hour day shift (3 days one week, 4 the next) every other weekend and a $4,000 sign on bonus. I am just afraid to take the position and totally fail. I have not worked as an RN in a long term care setting and have also been away from direct patient care for 3 years, would I be able to catch on? Would my skills come back? Is it worth a try or should I remain miserable where I am at currently? What would you do? 

[kp2016]

My first job as student nurse was in LTC, I seriously considered changing majors, it was that bad!! I quit after a year a got a job as a waitress. My last final year I worked at a different facility and LOVED it, I was sad to leave. 
 

I would be very concerned about how quickly they called you and the sign on bonus always makes very very nervous. I have never taken on as they normally come with a lot of strings. I would personally suggest you take your time looking for a new job. 
 

Best of luck!

[amoLucia]

These are just STRANGE times, folks.

Like nothing is the same anymore!

[love_of_sunflowers, RN]

With much consideration, I have decided to resign from the health department. I declined the 1st offer that called me within the hour of applying. I researched and they had several violations over the years and would not let me tour or shadow, "due to COVID." I accepted a position at the other long term facility. I had worked there several years ago as a CNA. I went for a tour and discussion with the DON. It just felt right, I felt like I really belonged just walking through the door. I know several of the employees, some still there from when I worked there before. I spent the second half of 2019 there daily with mother before she passed in December from metastatic breast cancer. Daily the nurses would joke about me coming to work with them, I guess it's finally time.  I sure hope I made the right decision. 

[amoLucia]

sunflowers - best wishes & good luck to you!