Should I accept this position? I need advice!

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Specializes in Endoscopy.

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some advice, so if you would be so kind...

Let me give you a little background. I have been a RN for 4 yrs, 2 yrs in the unit where I am now. I have been taking over the charge/nurse manager position since March when my manager was out on FMLA. Well, last week she put in her 2 weeks notice, and our Director has been talking to me almost daily about taking the manager position permanently once she leaves. I know this is a GREAT opportunuty, but I am not sure if I am ready for it. (His argument is "you have a BSN, you should wanna use it!")

Let me explain,

I am almost 3 months pregnant with my first child, more stress is the LAST thing i need right now. My pregnancy is already considered high risk because of some pre-existing health conditions, and I dont want to do anything to jeopardize the health of our little blessing.

Additionally, about 2 months ago, we found out that my finace has a rare form of lymphoma. That in itself has been stressful to the MAX! We have been traveling 3 hrs about every other week to see his specialists. His treatments are making him feel sick, so I of course put so much time and energy into trying to help him feel better.

As you can see, I have alot going on right now in my personal life; my motto has always been family first, and I am just afarid that this opportunuty has come with really bad timing. I feel like if this situation would have presented one year earlier or one year later, I probably wouldnt hesitate.

Lastly, I am concerned with the pay increase. My director says it should be about 6-7% of what I am making now. As i mentioned before, I have only been an RN for 4 yrs so my hourly salary is still not very impressive. I dont want to make it seem like it is all about the money, but I think many employees lie when they say its not. This is not THE deciding factor, but it has a very large influence in my decision. If I were to take on this extra responsibility, I feel that I should be adequatley compensated for my work. Im not sure though where would be a good place (website, etc) to look for average manager salaries in my area?? (PS- i am in the south texas area)

Sorry for such a long post. I apprecaite any advice you can give me.

Thanks in advance.

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I am almost 3 months pregnant with my first child, more stress is the LAST thing i need right now. My pregnancy is already considered high risk because of some pre-existing health conditions, and I dont want to do anything to jeopardize the health of our little blessing.

Additionally, about 2 months ago, we found out that my finace has a rare form of lymphoma.

I think you answered your own question here! You listed a lot more negatives about taking this position than positives. You've got a lot going on and if you are not in dire straits money wise, I'd take care of yourself/family first before looking at this new position.

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My input is that you really need to consider your current situation. Being pregnant and high-risk, and your husband to be is not in good health, i think you should be trying to stay as stress-free as possible. It sounds to me like you have a lot on your plate already. I would be more focussed on your health, helping your fiance to become healthy again. The job and promotions can wait.

Take this time to take care of yourself/family. You won't be sorry you did.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I think you should put your health and your family first, of course, but if you have already been doing this job for a while really how much of a big change would it be? It's not like a huge amount is changing overnight, you've been doing the job for a while now, just not getting paid for it.

Also, if you are having a high risk pregnancy at least being Charge will get you off of your feet more (presumably) than you would be if you were on the floor.

Only you can judge in the end whether or not you can handle this now. I am sure you will make the best decision for you regardless of what anyone here says. I send my best wishes for the health of your pregnancy and your partner.

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Having been a nurse manager - I think you already know best choice for you and your family. There will be other opportunities for advancement. Nursing management is very demanding of your time and your soul. I'm a firm believer that there are different jobs for different times of our lives, IMOH this is not the position for this time in your life.

Best wishes for your pregnancy and your fiance's recovery.

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Specializes in Endoscopy.

Thanks so much everyone!

I think just hearing some reassuring words helped me realize what I pretty much already knew. I appreciate yalls input greatly.

Again, thanks for all of the well wishes. Looking foward to some fabulous christmas gifts: a new baby & tackling cancer! yeah!

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Ok if it's not about the pay, then consider this. If you take this new job with the added responsibilities then you're going to make your self look alot better on a piece of paper, or in the case of Unites States Obama care, you won't be the one on the bottom of the cutting block when America runs out of money and has to start cutting patients care, or patients caregivers.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree with the others. Now is probably not the right time in your life ...

... and that is the reason you should give when you turn the offer down. Say that you appreciate their interest in you, their confidence in your abilities, etc. Say that you may very well be interested in the career advancement someday -- just not today because of the things going on in your personal life right now. Try to keep on good terms with everyone and keep the doors open for a promotion later.

Good luck with everything.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

I live in the same area. Pay will however vary depending on how deep south you are. I'm in San Antonio and managers are making 30-40/HR regardless of experience. I'm a 2.5 year RN and making the high side of That scale as a manager. Don't take salary either. Hourly is the only way to go so toucan still get paid ot and on call.........

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

I guess I should have added that in your situation I would not take the extra stress. There are lots of jobs in our area o the country. I would rather stay a worker bee with what you have going on....

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