Pay cut worth it?

[PediRN913]

Hi all!

I've been a nurse (pediatrics) for about 7 years. I currently work the standard 3 12s in a hospital... Long hours, weekends, holidays. I do enjoy it but don't want to be there forever-- the problem is they pay well for me comparably. I am in the process of interviewing for a school nurse position which will pay $32/HR with no pay over the summer. I currently make $40/HR, and obviously work all year. I'm very tempted by the school nurse job I feel as though it's a good fit for me but am extremely worried about the pay cut/ not getting paid over summer. Any advice would be great!!!

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Can you afford the pay cut financially? Is school nursing something that you've been wanting to do for a while? Maybe take the school nurse position and remain PRN/seasonal at your current job? I did this while trying something new. I worked a could days a month at the hospital to remain current. Since you will have summers off it would give you a chance to supplement your income. You would keep your foot in the door, remain current in that practice, and if for some reason you end up not liking the school nurse job, you could probably get back in once there were hours available at your old job. Just a thought.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I just accepted a new job that will result in a pay cut ...but I live below my means and don't "need" the money, anyway. If you're currently spending what you're making (or close to it), it could be very difficult for you to make the adjustment. It all comes down to your financial habits and goals.

[Libby1987]

I think if I could live on less money I would just cut my hours and schedule in lots of vacation time throughout the year.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Toward the end of last year I accepted a position that resulted in a $13,000 annual pay reduction. I felt that escaping night shift work and direct patient care was a sweet exchange for the chance to have a normal, flexible schedule.

[FloatRN19]

Personally I feel, never take a pay cut if you don't have too.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

If you can live with it then go for quality of life. If it will cause financial hardship don't do it.