Should I take this job?

[uscstu4lfe]

Me again! This is a little wordy. A few days ago I posted an ad online stating that I was an RN and was looking for a job change. A little background: I'm a new nurse working in Med-Surg, but don't really like it.

Anyway, I got a few responses, and all but one were from recruiting agencies. One reply asked if I was interested in a full time (3 nights a week) live-in position with an older lady. We exchanged a few e-mails and I decided to meet the son, and his mother (the lady I would be caring for). These people are obviously rich. This woman's house is gigantic. There were security cameras. They said there is a night time guard on the property as well. We sat down and talked for about 30 minutes. This lady is a widow, in her 80s, has CHF (but is stable) and just needs someone to stay 3 nights a week to monitor her, help her with a few ADLs, manage her care, and so on. She can walk, but uses a wheelchair from time to time. I would also be responsible for potential Dr.'s visits during the day. These people are incredibly nice. They agreed on $45 an hour, and they would pay for PPO health insurance and dental and vision out of their pocket. I told them I was still interested in going to school, and they said it would be perfectly fine if I studied. They said I could watch TV, use the computer, and so on. They said I could take a few nap breaks if I needed them.

So my dilemma: this is a very relaxed and easy job. I mean, I am basically a security blanket for the family. The downside is that I wouldn't really be using any of my nursing skills. Do you think this would hurt my resume down the road for nursing jobs??

Just a side note: I was curious how she could afford a house that was so big. She and her husband started a residential construction company many years ago, and sold their building rights for close to $450 million dollars. The company primarily builds industrial buildings now.

[Babarnurse]

sounds like a great job. what about doing prn somewhere to keep your skills up? since you are a fairly new nurse, that might be a good idea!

[RNperdiem, RN]

Go to a per diem position with your current job.

If the private duty job does not work out you will have your foot in the door for a full time job again.

Think of your private duty job as a temp job. You do not know how long the lady will live, so I would recommend keeping up your skills for the day you will need to find a job again.

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a great job. I agree with the other posters who have responded.

[akanini, MSN, RN]

That's sounds like a great job for real. I agree with doing per diem at your current facility.

[tequila1957]

Sounds like a great job- I would keep your foot in the door in acute care. If you are out too long it will be difficult to get a job if you have been out of acute care for any length of time. Take it from someone who knows. I have been doing something along the same lines for 3 years now and an finding it difficult to get a job as I have been out of the acute care setting too long. Good Luck

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I would accept the live-in position with the elderly lady, and perhaps do 1 day per week of PRN med/surg to maintain your skills. Basically, I'm parroting what the others have suggested.

[bagladyrn, RN]

I agree with the other posters, but would add a caution - make sure to obtain and maintain your own malpractice insurance since you will not be covered by an institution. It is great that they are nice people, but all that could change if mama has a fall. Also, if you are responsible for getting her to dr's appts, will you be driving her? Your car or hers? Make sure you have adequate auto insurance coverage either way.

[DoeRN]

Sounds good and I agree with everyone else and keep a prn position somewhere else.