School nursing or not? I need advice!

[EsMo18]

I am a substitute RN currently for a district near my home and absolutely loved my time there in orientation. I was recently searching for full time jobs and happened to get one at the VA on a medical floor. If the school had an opening for the high school at that time, I probably would have taken it. Now that I am 2 months into my new job with the VA, I get notified that the high school nurse will be retiring this coming Dec. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place because I'm not sure if I should do school nursing or stay at the VA. Of course everyone talks about the pay cut, but this really isn't an issue for me as long as I'm happy doing something I enjoy. I would love to have some normalcy in my life and a set schedule (I'm currently on night shift). I think it is a plus that I would have holidays, breaks and summers off. However, I do not have much experience in school nursing so I don't really know what I could be getting myself into. I have family members that have worked for this school district for 20+ years and love it. The health aide and I enjoy working together and she requests me as a sub to fill in. I have been so unhappy in my nursing career the last 6 years and I want to do something that is a little less stressful and some kind of consistency. Med/surg is not for me and I would have to be at my current position for a year before I could transfer to another department. I already dread coming in every night now. I'd appreciate any feedback as I am going to be making an important decision soon.

[fetch, BSN, RN]

It sounds like you already know what you want to do but you're second-guessing yourself. I think you should trust what your heart is telling you.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I think there is no harm in applying and going for the job. It sounds like in your heart you are not happy and would only be staying at the VA because you just landed there, and while it's a nice sentiment to want to stay there, I think that given the fact that a job offer is opening up in your field of interest - i don't think this is necessarily job hopping if you try for a job in your desired field, get it and leave the position that you're working in currently to keep bread on the table. If it will soften the blow, you can always offer to work per diem at the VA to supplement your decrease in salary. (Especially helpful if you don't get paid in the summer to have a PD job to bring in a little cash!!) Besides - While it sounds very good for you to get the job, you don't have it yet - so don't start burning bridges.

[HangInThere, BSN, RN]

I agree, there's no harm in applying for the job.

Also, here's a trick when making a big decision: pretend you have made the decision, and sit with it for three days. In this case, pretend that you have made the decision to take the job as a school nurse. Imagine yourself getting ready for work, having the holidays off, being challenged in a new setting. See what feelings come up, and write them down. Relief? Excitement? Regrets?

You might find an insight you haven't discovered yet. Good luck.

[HangInThere, BSN, RN]

I agree, there's no harm in applying for the job. See what happens!

Also, here's a trick when making a big decision: pretend you have made the decision, and sit with it for three days. In this case, pretend that you have made the decision to take the job as a school nurse. Imagine yourself getting ready for work, having the holidays off, being challenged in a new setting. See what feelings come up, and write them down. Relief? Excitement? Regrets?

You might find an insight you haven't discovered yet. Good luck.