Hello all, I would love some perspective!
I am looking at two potential jobs: assuming I get an offer for each, which do you think might be better?
One is an outpatient IV infusion/transfusion clinic attached to a major area hospital. It would be 0.6 FTE with benefits, with weekend hours available, which is good for my schedule.
The other is a resource/per diem position on the vascular access team at a major level 1 trauma center in the area (that pays better, btw). I am not clear on the call situation or too many other details yet; I was interviewing with the same nurse manager for an apheresis RN position, and we both agreed the VAT might be a better fit for me, but the position hasn't been posted yet (darn holidays).
I have done a bit of IV therapy in an oncology setting for a few months, and in a naturopathic/integrative clinic for a few months, plus many IV starts throughout my 9 years as an RN, and 3 years as a phlebotomist. I can access ports but have never started central lines, PICCs, etc, though I am very interested. I enjoy hyper-focused detailed tasks that require my full attention, rather than the multi-tasking flurry of med-surg or operating room.
I am in full time grad school and need something flexible and with relatively little stress compared to the operating room (my current "specialty"). Honestly I am not certain I can manage a 0.6 FTE with school, but, health insurance....
I am less familiar with the VAT nursing vibe but I think I would LOVE going from room to room and helping people get the vascular access they need. Can you tell me about this kind of job, especially in a major hospital? High stress? I imagine you get plenty of miles on the ol' FitBit. Do you think a nurse with 9 years experience, mostly OR with some IV therepy and a phlebotomy background, could rock a VAT nurse position, or do I need some other experience first?
I like the outpatient infusion/transfusion option as well; possibly less stress? This one would give me health insurance as well, so I have to consider that. It might also be better experience for a VAT position in the future.
Any thoughts on comparing the two types of jobs would be much appreciated! I love doing IVs and have been wanting something like this for years, but not sure which would be a better fit for being in school the next 3.5 years.
