Should I take the job?

[WonderRN]

I posted a similar thread in the ambulatory care area of this site, but its been 24 hours with no replies.....

I have been offered a Nurse Manager position at a fledgling urgent care system in the midwest. It consists of 2 locations at this time, one is well established and the second location is newer, still becoming established. I would be the Nurse Manager over both locations.

Up to this time, I have been working PRN as a staff nurse for this urgent care system. I did not interview for this position, I am essentially being pursued, I guess because those in charge are happy with my performance and leadership.

I have been an ED nurse for the past 2 years, my only 2 years as an RN. Before that I worked at an urgent care (different one), for 4 years as a tech. I know urgent care well. I work really hard to educate myself, am studying to be a certified emergency nurse, and have precepted new grads in the ED.

I feel competent I could DO the job, but I don't know if it will be worth it in the end. We still have to talk money. It would be 40 hours/week, salary. I would have to work if noone else could. I would be on call...

I have a family with 2 small children and a husband. I am concerned that it will be way more work that its worth in the end. I would also be giving up a 401K and tuition reimbursement, and the stability of working for a hospital system. I have a pretty sweet shift in a well staffed ED.

However, I am getting pretty burned out in the ED. I feel the stress. I take it home with me. I feel overworked and under appreciated.

I know I am the only one (with my husband) that can make my decision, but I guess I am hoping to have ambulatory care/ ED nurses weigh in here. What would you do?

And I know pay is specific to parts of the country, even within the same state- but HOW MUCH $ SHOULD I ASK FOR? Like % more than I make now? Say is I make $20/hour at the ED (i don't- I make more), should I ask for 25% more? 50%?

Thanks in advance

[FLArn]

I would think twice about working a job on a salaried basis when you would be expected to cover any/all uncovered shifts. You could quite easily wind up working effectively for minimum wage or less; with slews of "comp" time you never get a chance to take. With 2 small children it is not a position that I would see as being "family friendly". I've been in a similar position and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It is a thankless job and I burnt out quickly! But as you said only you and your family can make the decision. I wish you the best.