Scared! want my cake and eat it too

[smartypants31us]

I have a dilemma,

Sorry it was a lot on my mind so here it goes....

I've been a nurse for over 12 years; LPN,RN and now onto my new role as a NP. While completing my NP I worked in a nursing home for about 10-11 years and only left last year because they stated hiring a NP wasn't feasible at that time so eager for work experience as a NP I left to the first available job. This job promised me everything; great pay, benefits, and flexibility. Well the first available job turned out to be a joke. I loved the work environment, staff and hours but I didn't like that fact of receiving bounced checks and not getting paid so I left.

Since I wasn't paid from the previous NP job I was in the hole financially. I didn't focus on anything else besides providing for my children and paying my bills since I 'am head of household so again, I ran on to another job that looked promising. this job entailed advanced wound care in the home setting of patients. what they didn't tell me was I was scheduled within the same area as another NP which had seniority and she received all the patients first and I got the overflow. I was only seeing about 5-6 patients a week and I was paid only per visit of each person and needless to say, it seemed like I was paid only to pay health insurance and my gas fare.

Since I couldn't afford working the last job, I was hired at a local hospital to do case management work which has been the most stable since I left my 10 year nursing position. I don't mind the work, its a great working environment its just that I went to NP school and I yearned for the NP experience, not the clerical option so I put in a application for a NP position. This NP position I applied to will be at another hospital treating one of the top MDs patients at that hospital. They are willing to train and they are a great team. I have jumped 3 jobs already and it is embarrassing. I feel so ashamed to have this on my back with my credentials. I would like to stay at my current hospital but even HR told me NPs are ONLY hired through a Medical Doctor not the hospital directly. I would love the opportunity to work as a NP but doesn't it look selfish and unstable if I leave the case management job to pursue my own dreams. Feeling confused and sad...

[Slhengy]

I just read an article from a hospital recruiter about job hopping and they are encouraging people to do this to gain better experience. She said ten years ago it would have been frowned upon but now they are more interested in what you learned from the jobs you were previously at and how you can use your experiences in the current job you are applying for. It was kind of refreshing to hear that.

[PG2018]

Heck no. You didn't get paid and had to eat. Be a NP and don't loom back.

[smartypants31us]

That is a relief! I did learn a great deal at the NP jobs its just that it didn't work out which sadly is quite common down here in south Florida.

[smartypants31us]

It was horrible. I would have to wait and hide in the office for the manager to return and when she did she would play oblivious as if I were the crazy one demanding a check for seeing a full load of patients. I felt like I was on a episode of cheaters but now I'm more cautious. This new offer is from a legitimate practice and everything is done professionally. I was just feeling guilty towards my current place that I'll be leaving. My student loans says otherwise!

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Don't feel guilty. You have to do what's best for you. Best of luck in your new position.

[OCNRN63, RN]

I would look into what your options are re: that first job not paying you. Maybe your labor board would have some ideas. It's not your fault that you've had to change jobs more than once; I wouldn't call what you did job hopping, more like survival.

[agiboma, BSN, MSN, NP]

@ Op psych guy gave you good advice.