Stupidly put myself in a difficult position (got 3 jobs)

[Nuieve]

I work at SNF making $26.25/hr. 12-hour shifts, 3 on 4 off. Flexible schedule (get my vacations when I want them, management very accomodating and I love everyone I work with). But the clientelle is as bad as it gets: homeless, narcs, alcoholics, mental... we don't accept just old people with money. We only accept those every single other nursing home turned down. It's very hard, but I'm used to it.

Recently I had some thoughts this place is not a good long-term place. Pay and schedule are good, but the place is just dangerous, and maybe I could use something less stressful. I thought about applying to other nursing homes, check them out and move to one that meets my needs best (same/better pay+less stress).

I applied to one, they have lots of facilities in many states (to some of which I might want to relocate in the future, so I thought it's convenient to have a job that can transfer you easily to another state). Stated my current rate on their application. Got $27 for on-call (no benefits, obviously) which will turn into $23 with benefits if I go full-time. Did 1-day orientation. Still need to schedule the other 2 days. I thought "ok, will keep this just for the future. not going to go full-time". Nicer place than mine, only 15 pt per nurse (I've got 26), but lots acute too.

Two days later I got a call from another nursing home, this time it's a high-end, luxury private pay place. Very luxury, very easy to work in, nice place for long-term work. They offered me on-call job, I thought "why not". They mentioned the possibility for going full-time soon. I went for orientation there too today. Always wanted to work there... but... salary wasn't discussed during initial interview a week ago (I didn't bring it up). However I did state on application my current rate and expected rate - I put $28-32. Before going for orientation I made firm decision that when they tell me the rate, if it's below what I make now (26), I will not accept the job. The only problem, they threw the whole orientation at me before I even got a chance to ask about my rate. At the end of orientation, I finally asked them... $23 plus 2 for not having benefits=$25. I was asked "is it ok?"... I didn't have the courage to say "no" because, well, I was already hired and went through the day, so I just shrug and said "I guess so". Very disappointed with myself.

Let's make it clear. My current job is my home. It's a tough place to work, but I got good pay, excellent schedule, flexibility, and, well for overtime, I get $40/hr (time and a half). So there's no incentive for me to work on call anywhere else, even if it's easier. If I knew that I'd get $23, I probably wouldn't even bother to apply. Now my place don't raise much... since I worked there I got 25 cents raise last year (less than a percent). We've got a new admin who looks like he won't be don't much in this regard, there's a chance I might get stuck with my current rate for years. I know second place does raises... at least they did years ago when my wife worked there. They're also 8-hour shifts, rotating schedules (I have fixed days now), and, as I said, too strict about everything, so no flexibility like I have now. But much, much easier work. Maybe 5% of what I do now.

So there... I feel burdened by all these on-call jobs. To put it simply - I don't need them, as I only looked for the as trials to see if I want to move to other places. But I always thought other places will match your rate by default. I have bills and absolutely no desire to cut my income. I don't know what to do with these jobs. I'll have to finish orientations (which means no days off for probably 2 weeks), and then... I don't know, work in each place once a month just to keep myself on a roster? Or just stop working after a while if I find out those places aren't really worth the pay cut? Three bucks is a lot, could be 3 years of raises...

Any advice/insight would be helpful and appreciated. If any of you been in the same position, let me know how it worked out for you.

[suni, BSN, RN]

I think if you really do not want the jobs you should resign now and just tell them you are very sorry but you just feel like your plate is too full. I can tell you that the cost of orienting some one puts a hugh burden on a budget if it is a merry go round of orienting and orienting. We use to have people who would do that just for the sign on bonus stay the 6 months and then leave and it was not a good situation for them or for us.

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

I'm all for less stress and all that jazz. If you're that distressed, go somewhere else. However: I always say that meditation is necessary before making such changes. As the old adage goes: 'better to deal with the devil that you know than the one you don't.' You may find out that this place is not so bad. Or then again, it might be. All I am saying is to contemplate things carefully first. Best wishes!

[Nuieve]

I feel guilty for them spending money on me on orientation. And also, I live in a smaller town, we don't have all that many nursing homes, everybody knows everybody, I don't want to get a reputation of someone who gets hired, gets their orientation money and is never seen again. Reliability is my feature, I have 100% attendance record. If I commit to something, I will follow through, and that's my burden.

[BigButtNurse]

I know this will not help your situation, but I'm going to say it anyway: I WOULD SO HATE TO BE IN YOUR SHOES!!! Seriously, I would resign gracefully from at least one of the other jobs, especially if the pay isn't what you want.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I agree with others. Balance is the key. My philosophy is this...do a good job, enjoy my work, and work only as much as I need to. Since I am a second career nurse, I've learned the value of working less, not more. Who needs added stress? Just quit if you want...you're not obligated to anyone. If it were me, I wouldn't give a second thought to dumping one or two of the three jobs. Do what's best for YOU.

[Chin up]

Since you don't like the two new jobs, let them know as soon as possible. Don't feel sorry for them and keep them hanging, just say, it wasn't a good fit and the money is not what you were looking for, or worth. Then be happier at your current job, knowing you really do like it. Peace!

[caliotter3]

Don't commit to either oncall job unless you have a reasonable expectation of staying for some time. You could work the extra jobs until a monetary goal is met, then resign. Or you could resign now because the pay is not worth your time. Or like you thought, work once or twice a month to keep your name on the roster. Could come in handy some day. I would go with the once or twice a month route. I would not take a FT offer unless it is better than what you now have. Gosh how many people would like your problem!

[Jules A, MSN]

I have always liked having a few extra gigs going and I would much rather work somewhere else for an extra shift than kill myself at my full time job. For me it is nice to have a change of scenery and drama, lol. FWIW I would much rather have more modest clients than deal with, it is a generalization based only on my limited experiences I know, the entitled wealthy.

[bjaeram]

Well you said you don't see yourself at your current job longterm so I think working a few hours a month at these is a great way to see if you really would like working at them. A great way to see if the grass is greener. A dollar or two pay cut is worth million if you will be happier.

I worry about you turning them down because if you do wan to go in a couple of years they will remember you were offered and quit and that may hurt your chances of getting in when you are ready to.

[Nuieve]

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. All said true. Also, I think... ok, I got lower rate now, but if I prove myself worthy to them as a potential fulltime employee (which I will work hard to do), I will have another chance at re-negotiating pay later, if a fulltime position comes up.

[agldragonRN]