RN

[RN1016]

Hi everyone not sure if I'm making the right choice. I have been offered a school nurse position and I also have a interview to work in primary care at mount sinai hospital. If I decide to take the mount sinai position which is for a nursing coordinator I will have to work M-TH 11-7pm and Friday 10-6pm and probably only weekends and holidays off. I'm sure the pay will be much better than school nursing however the school nursing is not a bad offer. 8am-2:30pm schedule,no holidays or weekends, comfortable schedule sounds nice. I am still concern about the huge pay cut I will have to deal with if I take the school nurse position but love the benefits esp the medical&retirement plan. I'm a little scared dealing with kids. The school nurse position will have me working with elementary kids and I'm sure I will have to work alone.. I'm so nervous and worried on what i should do?

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

Logistics aside, which position appeals to you more? Also, what are you're long-term goals? If you're wanting to climb the career ladder then the hospital job would be best. How much experience do you have? The hospital you'll have back up help. As a school nurse, you're it til an ambulance arrive. Can you afford the pay cut? If you can it may be worth it since you'll have a better retirement. School nursing is easier on your body too. Do you have kids this will affect? These are things only you can answer but maybe some of these questions to yourself will help.

[amoLucia]

And depending which state you're in, you may need to become certified. So there's the further educational issue.

And whatever you do, make sure you have your own malpractice insurance.

[Farawyn]

If she says it's Mt. Sinai, I'm thinking NY, and let me tell you there is NO comparison between a NYC hospital and school nurse. I miss the money big time, although I am relatively happy at my job so far.