Looking for some thoughts of others on accepting a position

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in Emergency.

I'm, I suppose at this point "experienced". I've been an RN for 2 years, moving into my 3rd year as an RN. I work in an ER near my home, a 10- 15 minute commute depending on traffic down the main drag. Here's my dilemma... basically to stay or go.

My current position, I have felt less than supported by management, and have reached a point at which I am at a plateau and don't feel that any more growth or advancement is going to happen. The pay is also on the below average scale for the area. The benefit is that it's a super short commute, and I do enjoy working with most (not all) of the people that I work with.

Because of the lack of support, and the lack for opportunities to grow, I started putting my feelers out, and interviewed at a hospital about 30 miles from my house. It's the next closest hospital to home, and it's about a 40 minute commute down a little country road without traffic. 35 if I don't get stuck behind a truck. The pay is $5 more an hour, plus a hefty differential for my shift, and is right in line with what my research tells me is average pay for a nurse in my specialty with my amount of experience. It's a more progressive ER, with more opportunity to advance and experience more critical type patients. It's a good opportunity.

I'm trying to talk myself logically through this. 40 minutes isn't really that bad of a commute, with $5 more an hour... that's about a $10k ncrease on the yearly, without counting any potential extra shifts I might decide to pick up. It's not going to cost me $10k more to drive that distance. That being said, there's something comforting about being 10 minutes from home. However, working at a place where you don't feel supported is miserable.

What would you do? Stay with bad management and low pay, for connivence? or take the opportunity at a job with a possibly better management team, more room for growth with a much better pay check that's a longer commute?

I'm so torn. You'd think this would be easy and I'd be waving goodbye to my job, but I'm just so afraid to make a decision. Change is scary!

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Specializes in Oncology, Ortho/trauma,.

Change can be scary but what is worse is when your management doesn't support you. Does this hospital have a reputation for being good to the staff?

I have read that in order to feel good about your career one must have 1. mastery 2. autonomy 3. purpose. Does this new hospital have that?

I drive 45 minutes to my hospital job and I like it. I listen to a lot of books on tape. When the weather is bad they let me stay. It is hard to do a night shift with that long of a drive but I mainly work day shifts so I do not have to feel worried about falling asleep at the wheel.

In the end it is ultimately up to you. If it were me though I would go for it. But that is because I have found that in order for me to like and do my job well I need a GREAT manager.

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Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

I agree with the previous post.. Grrr8 advice Kipahni..... I just interviewed with a major hospital in the Pennsylvania area due to similar circumstances at my current place... Support is very important along with continuing opportunities for professional growth and development. Go 4 it!!!! and Best of Luck in your furture endeavors. :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thanks for input. I appreciate it. I'm currently still considering the offer...

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Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.
I agree with the previous post.. Grrr8 advice Kipahni..... I just interviewed with a major hospital in the Pennsylvania area due to similar circumstances at my current place... Support is very important along with continuing opportunities for professional growth and development. Go 4 it!!!! and Best of Luck in your furture endeavors. :)

I was offered the position and accepted it!!!! I wish you many blessings on deciding whats BEST for you....

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

No one can decide for you however it has my experience that I prefer to try things out. I rather know I tried than ask what coulda, shoulda, woulda.

Many times when you leave a place and get rehired, you come back at a hire rate than staying and waiting for merit raises ha!

I have left places and came back and every single time I gave myself a pay increase.

Much luck with your decision

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