I am a very new NP working for a hospitalist group. I love what I do, I just don't love the long hours. I was a dialysis nurse prior to becoming a NP. I received a call without applying for a job from the nephrologists office manager. She was asking if I would be interested in a job with them. Originally that is what I went back to school for. I always wanted to be a NP, but I loved my dialysis patients.
With my current job I work 12 hour shifts for seven days straight. I don't get home until it is time for my son to go to bed. I love having a week off but feel like I'm a terrible mom the week that I work. I know I won't make as much with the nephrologist office but will be home in time to help my struggling child study. Plus, I admitted a patient yesterday that had a new fistula for dialysis in preparation to start treatment. I felt myself getting excited about being able to answer some questions for her about dialysis. I see some of my old patients out shopping or somewhere and I just get a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I know it will be a HUGE pay cut. But, I have the need to be a mom. Has anyone worked for nephrology before?
Specializes in Emergency Department; Neonatal ICU.
I would take the job that better fit my family life. Also, the pay cut might not be as much as you think if you give up an hour long commute. You'll save a lot on gas and wear and tear on your car.
12 hrs. X 7 days in a row is inhumane. You will burn out fast.
Not really, all of our night providers do the same thing. They work 7 days straight then are off for 2 weeks. That is a sweet gig, waaaay better than noc RN shifts.
I think there are far too many personal issues to dig through for us to give relevant advice on what the OP should do as far as career choice. Certainly if the difference in salary is minimal and the additional time at home is great, and all finances work out, the obvious choice is to spend time at home. Conversely, if the family finances are tight, and the difference in time at home in minimal, etc, then the choice is to stay at the higher paying job. Also important as has been mentioned by some is job satisfaction, career advancement, etc.
My kids are in their teen years, one would think I would have run as far away as possible! (j/k) I choose my NP program in part because it gave me the ability to train from my hometown and not have to be remote from my family during their last few years at home. Turns out to have been a very good decision, and I'm very fortunate I was able to make that choice, so I obviously believe in factoring in family time, but I don't believe that family time is the only factor.
OP, It sounds like this is a very tough decision for you, I would suggest you give yourself time to think through all of the issues and not rush into making this decision lightly. Good luck.
as oppose to taking a huge pay cut. Try negotiating hours/schedule first before leaving and maybe you can even out on pay and work/life balance. Explain that your child is having some issues and that you did not foresee him needing additional help and would that you would like to know is there anything that can be done in regards to scheduling.
Before you present this dilemma make sure you have put in numerous applications just in case they try to fire you before you decide to leave.
Specializes in ICU, transplant, dialysis, med-surg.
Thank you everyone. I have an interview next week. This will only be my second interview as a NP. The first one they knew my from being with them as a student so they didn't ask a lot. Can anyone tell me what kind of questions to expect? Will they give scenarios that I have to tell them how I would treat it? I appreciate all your responses!
1. How do you handle emergencies? (I'm on my own in very rural dialysis units and run the codes until EMS arrival which can take up to 20minutes)
2. How do you convince noncompliant pts to be more compliant? (This one goes hand in hand with Joint Commissions initiative to reduce readmission rates, especially among the chronic illness population)
3. Are you open to travel?
4. Are you willing and able to take call?
5. For me, I didn't get any nephrology-specific questions as they knew my background was ER. However, with your background, they might ask you about bone/mineral metabolism, how to determine EDW, that kind of stuff.
I don't see putting anything in front of my sons well being. If you can get the other job with better scheduling take it. Your options will open up again after he gets through this rough patch. He needs you now and he deserves you.
Jobs will come and go but those kids grow up in a heartbeat. I keep looking at my sophomore trying to remember where the time went. While it went by super fast, I KNOW I didn't miss a beat because I deliberately worked a family friendly job while she was in her early school years. Do you what you love so you can love on your family. Don't look back!
In my life my children always come first. I can make more money later but I can never get time I miss with my children back. If you can afford the pay cut in your household then take it. They are only small once but that is only my opinion. Good Luck with whatever you decide.
HikingEDRN, BSN, RN
195 Posts
I would take the job that better fit my family life. Also, the pay cut might not be as much as you think if you give up an hour long commute. You'll save a lot on gas and wear and tear on your car.