Stuck between a rock and a hard place

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.

Okay, I am having a huge dilemma. I will be graduating in March from Excelsior (hopefully, if I pass the CPNE) and then if I pass my boards, will have my RN by this Spring. I am currently working in a Family Practice setting as a LPN and can not decide if I want to stay or go to the hospital. I know I'm thinking too far ahead but I do need to give my boss an idea of the decision I am going to make. Of course they are going to increase my pay a few more dollars an hour, but not as much as I will make in the hospital. My other intention is to gain experience in the hospital, benefits, and appreciate the idea that I will be kept more busy. The things pushing me away from the hospital are the hours, weekends, and holidays. I am spoiled with the Mon-Fri 8:30-5 schedule! Anyone else ever in the same dilemma? What did you decide?

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Specializes in CVICU, anesthesia.

I definitely say get the hospital experience if there are jobs available. I took a CVICU position as a new grad in a very busy, high acuity unit and I am so glad I did, although I know I won't stay forever. It is stressful and yes, the hours can suck sometimes...But I am happy because I can basically go anywhere from here. Nurses leave our unit all the time (turnover is high...it's a very tough unit) and they have other employers clamoring over them because of their experience. School is also an option many nurses from my unit choose, and again many get into very competitive programs because of their experience.

If you stay in the family practice for a few years, it will be hard to go anywhere else. However, if you get some hospital experience under your belt you have many more options and you will have the confidence in your skills to pursue whatever option looks best to you (even if it's going back to the family practice).

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Get the hospital experience if you can. Consider it a few years' sacrifice of some week-ends and holidays for the long-term good of your career.

I was stressed out pretty much my whole 3 years on a Med/Surg/step-down trauma unit. And it was the best thing I ever did for my career and my confidence as a nurse.

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I agree with the previous two comments whole-heartedly. For your confidence and your career, it makes sense to get some hospital experience under your belt. It will be a sacrifice, leaving the schedule you have enjoyed, but well worth it. You might even find an area that works primarily M-F, like the cath lab , but that does usually entail call (unless it is primarily a diagnostic lab).

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.

Thank you all so much for the advice. I really appreciate it, and this is what the majority of people are advising me to do :( I'm just getting sad already about leaving....but anxious at the same time to start something new :) so thanks again. I think I will try out the hospital for a year or two, however long I can hack it, and if it's not for me, then I can always go back to the office I'm sure :)

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Before you make your decision, check with recruiters at the hospitals in your area to see if your education is sufficient. Some hospitals frown upon exelsior education because of the lack of hands on experience it provides and would prefer to hire new grads who've had more clinical time.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

What is the normal pay raise when a LPN gets an RN? If you love your current job (and it's cushy hours) and you can afford to stay there, why not? I think it wouldn't a lot harder to find a doctor's office job than a hospital job if you decide you hate the hours/change in jobs.

If I were you, I might stay put. :)

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I would stay put if all things are good at this time. The unknown could turn out to be quite uncomfortable and the same office might not want to dump your replacement in order to take you back.

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Specializes in skilled nursing LTC.

I'm currently working on the LPN to RN program through Excelsior as well. How do you feel about the program? Do you feel you're prepared? I'm so worried about this because I'm not sure what to expect in the end..tell me more about your experience. Have you done any hands on clinical things? What exactly is the Cpne..I'm only about 3 classes in so any information would be great.

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.
Before you make your decision, check with recruiters at the hospitals in your area to see if your education is sufficient. Some hospitals frown upon exelsior education because of the lack of hands on experience it provides and would prefer to hire new grads who've had more clinical time.

That's true...I guess I will have to call and find out. Thanks for the heads up :)

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.
What is the normal pay raise when a LPN gets an RN? If you love your current job (and it's cushy hours) and you can afford to stay there, why not? I think it wouldn't a lot harder to find a doctor's office job than a hospital job if you decide you hate the hours/change in jobs.

If I were you, I might stay put. :)

The normal pay raise is only about 2 more dollars an hour but they are offering me 4 more dollars an hour....so it does seem worth it....idk :uhoh3:

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Specializes in LTC, Family Practice, Meg/Surg.
I would stay put if all things are good at this time. The unknown could turn out to be quite uncomfortable and the same office might not want to dump your replacement in order to take you back.

That's true...I'll have to find out whether they would welcome me back or not. Thanks for your input :)

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