Rehab OR Med Surg?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi All:) I am seeking advice before I move forward with a change in the field of nursing. I am currently returning to work 2 months postpartum. Before pregnancy I did skilled nursing home health. While pursing my RN Home-care was a great fit. I unfortunately am still working on my RN and am still currently a LPN. As much as I'd love to stay home with my new 2 month old bundle of joy, I need to get back to helping my husband with the weight and help save for our first home purchase in the nearest future. *** I've been presented with two opportunities at two different hospitals. Position 1 is inside the hospital on the Med Surg floor. Position 2 is next to a hospital in an Acute Rehab Hospital setting with two specialty units; those recovering from stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions, trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, and orthopedic injury. Both positions are full-time 3-12s (nightshift 7p-7a) with rotating weekends, and similar pay rates. One is 15min from home while the other is 30mins. The 30min position pays about $5 more an hour and offers $1.25 might shift differential, along with a paid IV certification course. The 15min position pays $5LESS but has 10% and 25% shift differential along with a $7500 sign on bonus. The $5 less an hour will most like equate to what I'd spend on gas money driving to the 30min position so I'm not too concerned with the pay difference. I'm working on a pros and cons list to better visualize however, I'd like your experienced advice in which direction would be best for my current situation. Newborn at home, help and support from my husband to be with baby during the nights I work. I do miss the go go go from when I was in a more clinical setting before home care, yet I don't want to be completely drained when returning home at 7am to get the kids on the bus and take care of my baby who may or may not want to nap with me during the day. Everything I can find to read about Med Surg is negative and appears it's the zoo of the hospital? However, I do enjoy a hectic and busy environment and I'm fearful I may get bored in a rehab setting that may possibly be mainly geriatric care. I did geriatrics for 6years so I know it well and love my older folks but I'm craving something new and fresh. What are some questions to ask during the interviews? PTO, sick time, vacation etc? Help me decide which way to go during this chapter of my life! Thanks so much for your time reviewing my mini dilemma novel ? Have a great day!  

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Curiously, what did you end up doing and how did you like it? I'm getting ready to get my RN and haven't decided yet in where to go myself. 

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You have something new and fresh. It's your infant. Do you need full time?  Work 20 hours/week, take care of the kids and study for your RN online.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
JessLPN77 said:

Curiously, what did you end up doing and how did you like it? I'm getting ready to get my RN and haven't decided yet in where to go myself. 

Congrats on proceeding towards your RN! I too am in the process of bridging from LPN to RN. I read your LPN or RN post and just wanted to add that if you're in the position to go directly for your RN then I'd recommend doing that! However, everyone's particular timeline and placement in life is different and there are so many options for entry into the medical field. I myself, almost 7years ago when I decided to go for my LPN was solely decided from where I was at that current time in my life... I needed to quickly enter the nursing field and begin to earn income and I was able to achieve that with a 12month LPN program. Since 2015 I was slowly working on my RN prerequisites at a local community college which in the end saved me tons of money so once I began searching for a RN program I had all of ny prerequisites done! Anyway back to answering your question.... I went with the option that is closer to home, the 15min drive is wonderful especially after a 12hr long shift ?. I work in an acute rehab hospital and so far I love it! I'm just about finished orienting on all of the units, and I just say it is similar to med surg with the patient load mixed, lots of IVs, foleys, wounds, treatments and meds, it is definitely a lot of work the documentation is the most time consuming but so far so good! Overall, I am happy with my decision. Starting soon on my own so hopefully I still feel the same way after carrying a full assignment of patients. Wishing you the very best! Stay positive and take your time... healthcare isn't going anywhere and the options as a nurse are endless wether you're a LPN or RN, nowadays everywhere just needs nurses! The options for LPNs is much larger at this time. Stay well ?.  

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment