Should I take a job that pays less in order to be home at night with my child?

Specialties NP

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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?

Thanks

Specializes in Surgery.

Why not just negotiate up to the salary you would like? They reached out to you, so you should have the upper hand, right?

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Specializes in ICU, transplant, dialysis, med-surg.

I would like to thank everyone for your advice. I did take the job, but managed to remain PRN at my current job. I am not a good negotiator at all!! I asked them to at least go from $77,500 to $80,000 and they came back with $78,500. But, I just took it knowing God will provide and I had only been there a short time and had not really gotten used to a 6 figure salary yet. My child always comes first as many of you have also pointed out. I will be home by 5 which will be great for my son and can work the hospital on some weekends. So it all should work out great.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Best wishes. The only issue I have is that if you are getting home by 5pm each night, they must not have a third shift of dialysis pts. Dialysis pts typically run from 0545-1030, then second shift 1030-1230, then third shift 1530-1800. These are all staggered starts.

In one of my units located 55miles from my home I have a third shift every day so I never get to leave by 6pm let alone 5 on the days I see them.

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Best wishes. The only issue I have is that if you are getting home by 5pm each night, they must not have a third shift of dialysis pts. Dialysis pts typically run from 0545-1030, then second shift 1030-1230, then third shift 1530-1800. These are all staggered starts.

In one of my units located 55miles from my home I have a third shift every day so I never get to leave by 6pm let alone 5 on the days I see them.

One of our centers now has a night shift. It goes from 10 to 3 AM or so. The thought is people can sleep in the chair and still get to work.

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