greenjellico

I agree that two weeks of orientation would be rough. I can't speak for all places, but I know that local hospitals have 12 weeks of orientation before going PRN.

There are several, including LTC, Corrections, and even hospital jobs.

Yep, they will definitely be 12's. Thanks for the feedback!

There are several locations that provide full-time orientation before you move to PRN- even at hospitals.

Thanks for the feedback! There are non-hospital jobs that take new grads in PRN positions in my area.

I would like some outsider perspective. I just graduated from a nursing program, and I have a job lined up, but I'm still at my current non-nursing job (nursing is a career change for me). Should I quit my current job and take my 1st nursing job or keep my current job and look for a PRN nursing job? Here are the situation highlights: In the past couple of years, 2 members of my family have had some ongoing health issues that have been stressful and time-consuming, and one of my children is experiencing some issues again, so there will be appointments and extra support needed. My children are in elementary school, and I want to spend as much time with them as possible. Husband recently took a new job-more pay and responsibility.We have a good deal of debt and need some home repairs.I decided to go to nursing school for many reasons-personal interest and a better chance at a steady and better income; however, since I started, my non-nursing job income has improved.Job #1 (Current Job)-I've been there a long time, and it's a 20 minute drive. When I started the nursing program, this job was contract, so I did not get paid year round, there was very little PTO, and pay was not competitive; however, it's very family friendly (no weekends or holidays and great hours). In the past year, contract was changed so there is year-round pay, a nice pay increase, great PTO, and there's a good deal of flexibility. It still has great hours, but I'm maxed out on salary and there is not much chance for advancement. Job #2 (Job Offer I've accepted)-It's a 1 hour drive, in a unit I'm interested in, although there has been some negative reviews with the hospital overall. They also offer a grad nurse program, which not all local hospitals do. It will mean more pay, with the possibility of making much more in the future, which could greatly help. However, since I'm starting over, my PTO will be nearly non-existent, I will not see the kids on days I work, and the schedule won't be nearly as family friendly. I'm afraid if I don't take this one, I will miss out on the training a grad nurse position offers; however, with the hospital's reputation, I'm concerned with me staying there long-term.

\CocoaPuff, why do you regret nursing so much?

Thanks for your reply, Cafelattee, and you definitely can empathize with my struggles! I'm glad to hear your husband has done so well! I can't even imagine how tough your life must have been around your graduation; you're obviously a very strong person :)

Hi SaltySarcasticSally, Great name, btw :) Regarding the point below, I do want to push through, and yes, I have 15 months left. I just don't want to kill myself in the process :) With your husband's health, I would be inclined to say stay in school just so you wont have that worry in the back of your mind of being able to provide for your kids if god forbid anything happened. You have about a year left right?

Thank you for the positive tone, WestCoastSunRN! I need to fully acknowledge that whatever choice I make will be okay and not place so much pressure on myself. Much of my concern stems from my husband's health issues and what may happen within the next decade. I don't want to ever struggle with my children.

mmc51264, did you intentionally wait until they were preteens?Would you have done it while they were younger? Out of curiosity, what did you teach, and do you ever miss it?

Thank you for the feedback, LovingLife. I used to be able to handle more at once than I can now, and it has taken me awhile to reach that conclusion. I am just worried that if I postpone this, something may happen to my husband in the next few years, and I will be scrambling.

PyschicJ,can you expand on your reason(s) for not working as a nurse?

Hi Ginger's Mom, I will not be done until May 2018, and since it is a part-time program, we go year round.

Thanks for your reply, BSNbeDONE. Yes, I am eligible for my NCLEX-PN, and I'm scheduled to take it in a couple of weeks. I was planning on pursing a job, even PRN, this summer; however, with the way I am feeling and my son's situation, I'm not sure I will even be able to do that. As I mentioned in my response to the first person who commented, I am really enjoying the flexibility of my current job and realize as a new nurse, I will be working weekends, nights, holidays, etc.