FreshRN41

Wow, great advice everyone. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I've decided to give it a shot and accept the offer. I plan on staying on as zero assigned with my current employer if they allow it. Someone told me today that I can always move backwards but am not guaranteed to move forward. Its been my long-term goal to work with the vets, and cannot pass up the benefits, plain and simple. As for the stressors, I've always had many, its just a matter of remaining flexible. Thanks again for the feedback, I'm sure you'll see a future post from me complaining of sleep deprivation. ; )

Thank you both for your suggestions. I know for a fact that my current employer does not have any additional first shift hours to offer me as we are overstaffed on first and second during the week. This is so tough. I just don't want to be stucknon third shift forever.

Im a recent grad with 7 months experience. I was very lucky to land a pretty sweet first shift .6 position upon graduation. I LOVE who I work with, but the 2 main drawbacks are 1. Its the weekend program (Saturdays and Sundays, 7-3, with only one weekend off per quarter, but I get a sweet $8 shift diff.) and 2. We are somewhat short staffed, which can pose a safety issue (its a Behavioral Health unit.) I curently don't earn much vacation, but I also have around 3 days off per week. I've always wanted to work at the VA. My husband is a vet and has worked there several years. It is very hard to get in there, mostly because they barely post RN openings and no one ever leaves becausw the benefits cannot be beat. I was just offered a full time 3rd shift BH position at the VA. It is slightly less pay but is full time. I've never worked 3rd shift before and am quite apprehensive as I HAVE A 5 WEEK OLD BABY and a 5 year old. Taking this position would completely alter my home life. My husband is very supportive, but says he isn't thrilled about having to tend to the infant solo 5 nights weekly. He will also be reaponsible for getting the kids ready in the morning, he will have to change his work schedule a bit to accommodate this. He does an excellent job on the weekends with the 5 year old, but adding anothee kid to the load will be alot (we dont get much family support btw.) I feel if I don't take the VA job, I will be passing up a Huge opportunity. I am nervous about 3rd shift and the effects on my family. I also am in process of getting my BSN, and feel like it would be very hard to complete *which is pretty much mandatory to move up at the VA (my current job pays the same for ADN.) My husband is suggesting I tell my current boss, ask her for full time and a raise and see what happens. Any advice on shift work, the VA, or insight would be greatly appreciated.