Should I take this new job?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Published  

Hello. There is a question I want to ask you that confuses me. I wanted to change jobs recently and found another job besides my current one, but I'm undecided whether to switch or not. Please rate my experiences.

1- The hospital I worked at was my first experience and I was literally burned in the general intensive care unit. I couldn't get along with my manager and the doctor in charge. (I have been in this hospital for two years and the 12 nurses, two charge nurses and the doctor in charge I worked with the ICU team have changed)

Then I was offered a job on the inpatient floor. (I think I was also exposed to mobbing because there was such a plan.) I have plastic, ENT, pediatric surgery, general pediatric, pediatric hematology and oncology patients (for the last 5 months), I generally care for 6 patients and work 12 hours a day for 5 days. (They rejected my offer for 4 days 3 times and they do not change my position)

I am the senior nurse of the team, I can generally take care of seriously ill patients and all kinds of patients. I am also involved in supporting and training other nurses and I am scheduled to be promoted to team leader in June. (I will be paid extra, but the work I will do will be 95% the same + extra responsibilities) The most important reason why I want to quit this job is that I cannot improve myself for English and NCLEX while working long hours and 5 days. It is also far from where I live compared to the other job.

2- I just found this job. I will work on the hematology and oncology inpatient floor and in a more prestigious hospital. The total amount of money I receive will be the same, but I will work for 4 days. (Again, 12 hours. Thank you Turkey.) Also, I was told that I would have 4 patients, unless it is absolutely necessary, I will not work with 5 patients or 5 days (I trust human resources due to prestige, but it was said the same in my first hospital).

Since I am the most junior of the team, I can take the most serious patients and adult patients. It scares me a little bit. Most likely the maintenance burden will be heavier than before, but why can't I do it? my ideas

*it's bad that there is no significant change in the wage gap for the new job. I would like to take care of these difficult patients while earning a higher wage. (I offered but they did not revise)

* Having 3 days off while working 4 days would be a great favor for me. I hope I have a charge nurse who makes my lists well. * Caring for high acuity patients can be a development for me. * One of the most prestigious hospitals in Turkey will be good for my resume.

* Oncology physician is one of the 3 physicians recommended by the Oncology Association in Türkiye. * patients may have richer and more demanding requests * I have the prestige in pediatric nursing, it scares me to leave it and start from scratch. What would you do? Please help me.

Share this post

+ Add A Comment

5 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It sounds like you've weighed the pros and cons of both job opportunities quite thoroughly. Let's break down the key factors:

Current Job

  • You're already established as the senior nurse with responsibilities including patient care, training, and support.
  • You're scheduled for a promotion to team leader in June.
  • The workload is heavy, with 12-hour shifts five days a week.
  • You're concerned about the limited time for self-improvement in English and NCLEX preparation.
  • The location is inconvenient compared to the other job opportunities.

New Job

  • It's in a prestigious hospital, which is beneficial to your resume.
  • You'll work four days a week, providing you with three days off.
  • You'll be exposed to high-acuity patients, which will be a valuable learning experience.
  • The workload might be heavier, but you're confident in your abilities to handle it.
  • The wage is the same, and you're disappointed that there's no increase despite the higher acuity of patients.
  • You're apprehensive about leaving your role as an expert nurse in pediatric nursing and starting over in adult hematology and oncology.

Given your situation, here are a few considerations:

Work-life balance. The new job offers a better work-life balance with three days off per week, which could be beneficial for your well-being and allow more time for self-improvement.

Professional development. While you're already established in pediatric nursing, transitioning to hematology and oncology in a prestigious hospital could offer valuable learning experiences and enhance your skills.

Financial consideration. Although the wage remains the same, the workload might differ. Have you factored in benefits such as vacation time, continuing education, and insurance? Consider whether the potential learning and career growth opportunities outweigh the financial aspect.

Future prospects. Think about the long-term impact on your career. Will the experience gained in hematology and oncology open up new opportunities for advancement or specialization?

Personal preference. Consider your personal preferences and goals. Do you feel more fulfilled and challenged in pediatric nursing, or are you open to exploring new areas of practice?

Ultimately, the decision depends on your priorities and what aligns best with your career goals and personal values. Reflect on what matters most to you and consider seeking advice from mentors or trusted colleagues in the field.

It's normal to feel afraid when stepping out of your comfort zone.

It sounds to me like you have already made your decision and I think it's the right one.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Pediatry , Med/Surg , Anesthesia Tec,MBG.
kbrn2002 said:

Just my opinion but I would take the new position just because of the work hours and the closer commute.  Is working five 12-hour shifts a common thing in Turkey? Being scheduled 60 hours a week is a hard no for me. Even four 12-hour shifts a week is pushing the boundary of what I would be willing to do, and I wouldn't be willing to do it unless the money was really, really good. 

 

Unfortunately, we often work 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.

There is a new development. There is a hospital affiliated with John Hopkins in Turkey and the pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit of this hospital was offered to me. I haven't discussed the salary yet, but if I go, I will have to move and live in public housing and I will have a roommate. I will be there tomorrow to talk about the salary issue and observe the environment a bit. They offered it themselves and asked me to meet the team. If I had to talk about the job in general;

I will move because it is far from home.
I will take care of pediatric oncology patients. I will only have 3 patients and I will work with the American system, but it will still be 12 hours a day for 4-5 days.

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.
barishan said:

 

Unfortunately, we often work 12 hours a day, 5 days a week.

There is a new development. There is a hospital affiliated with John Hopkins in Turkey and the pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit of this hospital was offered to me. I haven't discussed the salary yet, but if I go, I will have to move and live in public housing and I will have a roommate. I will be there tomorrow to talk about the salary issue and observe the environment a bit. They offered it themselves and asked me to meet the team. If I had to talk about the job in general;

I will move because it is far from home.
I will take care of pediatric oncology patients. I will only have 3 patients and I will work with the American system, but it will still be 12 hours a day for 4-5 days.

I wish you the very best and I hope it turns out to be an amazing opportunity.

Specializes in Pediatry , Med/Surg , Anesthesia Tec,MBG.

Thank you Nurse Beth🙏🏻

Actually I made my decision. the only thing is changing patient acuity and expertise. However, I feel that I will be more supported in the new hospital. What would my other nurse friends do in such a situation?

 

Meanwhile, the fee actually changes. I am switching from 140 TL per hour to 172 TL per hour. (actually just one dollar for per hour better than old job)

Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Just my opinion but I would take the new position just because of the work hours and the closer commute.  Is working five 12-hour shifts a common thing in Turkey? Being scheduled 60 hours a week is a hard no for me. Even four 12-hour shifts a week is pushing the boundary of what I would be willing to do, and I wouldn't be willing to do it unless the money was really, really good. 

+ Add a Comment