Paralyzed with Career Choices

[Lavender619]

I am an RN of 4.5 years working in med/surg and now a level 4 NICU. The area I really want to get into is L&D, but I do still really enjoy the NICU. My husband and I relocated to the twin cities recently. I am really lucky to have numerous job offers on the table in both NICU and L&D, however I seem to be paralyzed with too many decisions and I'm hoping some nurses out there could provide me with a little insight.

Here are my job offers I'm deciding between and where my hesitation lies.

1. L&D at Allina - a large hospital at an 8/12s position (with the potential for 12s), but the hospital is currently in a battle over benefits and is likely to strike.

2. L&D at UMMC - a large hospital offering straight 8 hour shifts for the first year, at least (I work 12s and think it will be really hard to go back to 8s)

3. Perinatal float at Southdale - a moderate sized hospital working 12s floating between L&D, NICU & Postpartum. This seems like the best of both worlds, but I worry I will feel isolated not having a home unit

4. Level II NICU at Woodwinds - a smaller alternative med focused hospital working in their NICU (34 weeks +) with the eventual ability to be L&D trained working 12s. I worry that while I'll learn great independence in a VERY small unit I may also feel like I'm not really utilizing my skills and I worry about getting time off in a tiny unit (my husband and I love to travel)

I would appreciate any words of advice on how others have decided on a job when none of them seem quite perfect. I realize there is just no way to know how you will connect (or not) with a job until you work in it so a lot of the hesitations I have can't be answered until I'm already in the unit.

[Skips, MSN, RN]

Hi! I live in the Twin Cities, and I have been applying forever for L&D. It is VERY difficult to get into Fairview, so I applaud you and your offers!

Allina might be iffy due to all the controversy with benefits and staffing. However, I really like Allina and I found it very professional and forward thinking. Fairview might be a better choice simply because of the benefits they offer.

I think 1 and 3 sound amazing and will lead to what you are looking for! Enjoy the Twin Cities and those amazing offers! (: I'm excited for you!