Should I take this job!?

Sour Lemon · Nov 8, 2018

I am living in Hawaii right now with my military boyfriend, working at a government contract job at the military hospital that will soon be ended due to the position being permanently filled, just not exactly sure when yet. However, I applied for two per diem jobs and have been offered both. My boyfriend just found out he will be transferred to his next station at the end of August. Is it wrong of me to accept these per diem jobs knowing that I will only be with them until end of August? I am feeling very conflicted! Part of me thinks it is wrong/the other part of me thinks per diem is more of a temporary thing anyways. Also have fears of being seen as a job hopper. Would appreciate any advice!

That's not exactly right around the corner. And job hopping because you moved to another state or country is perfectly understandable.

Night__Owl, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2018

I would take a short job tenure on my resume over a gap in work history.

PeakRN · Nov 8, 2018

If you feel bad enough about it you could tell them that and see if they are still interested in hiring you.

Wuzzie · Nov 8, 2018

How do you feel about being unemployed if the boyfriend ends the relationship before August?

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2018

Another consideration- are these facilities national? If so, I would definitely work for them, as it may be possible to transfer into a position near where you are going to be after you move. That could beat the pressure of immediate job hunting. (Just make a good impression :-)

JKL33 · Nov 8, 2018

Per diem = per day/for each day/by the day.

The fact that employers are increasingly requiring per diem employees to make commitments traditionally associated with FTE positions doesn't change the fact that (on their end) per diem is a "by the day" employment agreement. When you make these agreements, employers are on the hook for nothing more than offering you day-by-day employment as they see fit according to their needs. They don't have to offer you any hours; they will if they need the help.

There is no legal or ethical obligation on your part other than showing up as agreed and doing the day's work to the best of your ability in a manner consistent with prudent nursing practice, and, of course, maintaining good workplace relationships to the best of your ability; treat others as you would want to be treated in your "by the day" dealings with them. You eventually leaving that position is no different (ethics-wise) than them saying, "we don't have any work for you right now" - you might need or want the work, but they don't have to give it to you since no such agreement has been made. And you are making a very similar agreement with them.

inthecosmos, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Nov 8, 2018

Per diem = per day/for each day/by the day.
The fact that employers are increasingly requiring per diem employees to make commitments traditionally associated with FTE positions doesn't change the fact that (on their end) per diem is a "by the day" employment agreement. When you make these agreements, employers are on the hook for nothing more than offering you day-by-day employment as they see fit according to their needs. They don't have to offer you any hours; they will if they need the help.
There is no legal or ethical obligation on your part other than showing up as agreed and doing the day's work to the best of your ability in a manner consistent with prudent nursing practice, and, of course, maintaining good workplace relationships to the best of your ability; treat others as you would want to be treated in your "by the day" dealings with them. You eventually leaving that position is no different (ethics-wise) than them saying, "we don't have any work for you right now" - you might need or want the work, but they don't have to give it to you since no such agreement has been made. And you are making a very similar agreement with them.

Exactly my thoughts. They can and will stop using you at will. So, don't worry about moving on in August.

EllaBella1, BSN · Nov 8, 2018

100% take the job. That's still 9 months away. I think that most employers would be understanding of a shorter employment at a particular position when you tell them you are in a military family.