PICU Educator Position

[elliegee1214]

Hi nurse friends !
I'm posting here looking for some career advice ?

I have 6 years of pediatric/PICU nursing experience. For the past year, I worked full time as a school nurse, while working per diem in PICU and completing my MSN in Nursing Education. (Prior to this year, I was full time in the hospital.)

I thought that I would love school nursing but as my first year comes to a close, I'm finding myself feeling extremely frustrated and intellectually stifled. I feel like I'm not "allowed" to really use my nursing skills and that my hands are tied in most situations. The extent of my practice is band-aids and ice packs. It's mind-numbing. I really wanted to love this job (the opportunity to work with healthy kids, the awesome hours, the summers off) but I just feel frustrated with it.

I interviewed for a Peds/PICU Nurse Educator position at a hospital 20 mins from my house. The nursing director was very nice and explained that the hospital was in the process of amping up their pediatric services, they had just brought in a pediatric neurosurgeon, etc. She explained that they need an educator with a solid background in PICU, who can teach and assist the pediatric nursing staff in becoming competent in caring for very sick, intubated patients. She is looking for someone who will be present at the bedside (not holed up in an office), take the time to build relationships with staff as well as patients/families. The hours are M-F, 9-5, no weekends or holidays. The director did, however, encourage flexibility if a really critical case comes in and the staff needs help. Or reworking my hours to teach night shift every once in a while (come in late and leave later kind of thing). After a series of 4 interviews, I was officially offered the job today!

I am experiencing a lot of feelings of "imposter syndrome" (like "who am I to take on this role" or "who tf is going to listen to me, I suck"). I am also experiencing a lot of feelings of "why can't I just be happy with this peachy school job" and "why do I need to challenge myself and make things complicated". I'm afraid I'll take this job and crash and burn because I'm under-qualified. 

 . . . Should I take this job ? Am I too inexperienced for it ? Am I crazy for walking away from a school nursing position ? 

Any insight is appreciated ?

Also, not sure if this is relevant, but I will be starting my post-master's certificate in the fall so that I can finish up my pediatric NP degree as well.  

[cvzsRN]

It sounds like you went to school for a reason and have a pull toward education and inpatient Nursing. I would give yourself credit for what you have accomplished and what you know that your easily brushing aside. All Nurses have aspects that need polished and when you come across something you need more skills of your own on, network, research and ask questions. It’s going to be a great leadership and education quality. Best of luck in your final decision. If I were you I would take. I’ve passed on opportunities before because I was scared of how it would fit my personal life and I still regret them 2-3 years later. I wouldn’t want you to look back and feel like you missed an amazing opportunity. Most hospitals these days also will offer a transition time after a few months, usually around 6. If it’s not your thing they might be able to help you find something in house that is