Stay or go??? Need advice!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

I've been at my job for 12 long yrs in ltc. I went from 80 hrs to 72 last yr when we were made into 12 hr shifts & now mgmt has told us nurses we have to take hour breaks permanently because they are downsizing. That bumps me to 66 hrs yet I'd be there for 72. I can't live on 66- I'm the only income for my family & it's been a struggle the past yr on 72. I had to get a pen side job just to make ends meet. The benefits are awful & so expensive that I even had to drop some of my health benefits . They piled on more work also. I've applied to a place an hour away from my home because I researched it and this other place is bigger and has good benefits including free med insurance to all employees. They calls me for an interview next week so I plan on going just to see what they have available. I'm 60% sure that if it pays more and can put me on 12 hr shifts I will probably take it .

If I do I will lose all my vacation time and only get maybe 25% of it IF they don't hoodoo me out of it . I'm nervous about being in a néw place and not knowing anybody or the rules. I'd hate to go somewhere and get blackballed for being the new nurse .

In 2 yrs I'd probably lose my job at the current place anyway since they plan to cut nurses and replace us with med aides. I wanted to go back to school and take some classes to work towards my rn but that's going to have to wait now. If I stick it out and get laid off I could get fin aide and unemployment but I wouldn't b able to pay the bills in the meantime. Help! What would you guys suggest? Am I making the right move here?

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Really sounds like you should leave but you're just nervous about it and having to start all over in a new facility. If I was in your situation I'd go if the pay is as good or better than what you're getting and you can get the hours you need.

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Having to drive for 2 hours (one hour each way) for work would be exhausting for me. And with gas prices getting higher and higher all the time I think I would just stay put. Good luck.

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Specializes in LTC.

My interview is in 3 dys so I figured I'd at least see what this other place can offer before I decide. I do have a few things I can't budge on 1-I have to have 12 hr shifts 2-more money 3-can't do a lockdown unit because I can't tolerate feeling trapped. If all the above can be met then I'll let them know in 2 days, if not I'll tough it out where I'm at now for a while longer and look again in a few months.

New stuff is always so scary to me in a strange place. I guess if it's meant to be it will be. The hr drive would suck but I think I can cut it to 45 mins with shortcuts. There's no place close to home that matches what I make now. Il keep you posted.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I think you already know what to do, you just need reassurance.

I say go ahead and take the new job. You said it yourself, they will cut nurses down in the future, so why waite for the future, why not start now. Yes, it's difficult being the new nurse because of how people will treat you, but you'll get over it like your first time at your present location. Before you know it, you'll get the hang of things. Even though it's an hour away, it's better to take on the job now, instead of waiting for them to let you go. Good luck

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Since you see an impending layoff within two years, I would definitely take the new job, if offered.

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