Switching Jobs?

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Specializes in Geriatric, Medical/Surgical.

While in nursing school, I worked in a group home for adults with developmental disabilities in an aide-type position. I absolutely LOVED my job. And the agency I worked for really truly appreciated their employees. I didn't stay on as an RN because 1) the pay was not at ALL competitive with any other RN job out there, and 2) I figured I should get some med/surg experience first.

Well I've been at it for over 7 months now. And I miss loving going to work every day. I just found out this weekend that the agency I worked for increased their RN wages to what I am making right now in the hospital, and they benefits with them are WAY better. It would be days/evenings, and pretty much no weekends. I would, for the most part, make my own schedule. And probably be a lot happier.

If I make the switch, I would stay on per diem at the hospital. But do you think it is a bad idea to leave med/surg? I like my patients in the hospital, and the complexities of the care there, but the stress and dread of going in every day just isn't something I like!

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I guess if it were ME, I'd choose "loving to go to work". I can appreciate the experience, but I'm sure you could ask to be oriented at your new position?

Best wishes,

Emma

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I would rather love my job.

I love my job, but could be making more money if I went elsewhere. I can always make more money, but I will never get the opoortunity to get a miserable day back.

Best of luck with your decision!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Follow your :redbeathe. As WeeBaby says, the days we can't get back are truly a loss. And as the parent of an adult with developmental disabilities, I'd be so thrilled to have someone like you there caring for him because you want to be there, not because it's all you could get... which is what he has now. Why is it that the most vulnerable of us are the ones who have the fewest supports? Please listen to your :redbeathe.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

I think you have every reason to go. An occasional per diem shift at the hospital will help keep up skills you won't be using in your full-time job.

Loving your job and loving to go to work every day is worth more than $$$. I'm not saying nurses should work for nothing or for low wages; what I'm saying is that, while money is important, it isn't everything.

So, same $$, better benefits, a job you already know you love, an employer you like to work for; weigh that against another 5 months or so of med-surg experience. The change will probably win.

And I agree with janfrn, it would be great for those residents and their families to know your'e there because you want to be! And that, I'm sure, comes through loud and clear.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I agree. Go back to your old agency. It won't look bad on your resume to go back where you worked before, particularly if you work an ocassional per diem shift on the med/surg unit.

... Oh ... and thank your lucky stars that you found a job you like so much.

Congratualations!

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Specializes in Women's Specialty, Post-Part, Scrub(cs).

I currently work at the BEST nursing home in Southwest Louisiana. I have the BEST employers in Southwest Louisiana. I get paid exceptionally well as an LPN. I work 12 hour shifts, 14 out of 28 days and 7 of the 14 off are in a row. My residents are CLEAN. We DO NOT have pressure sores unless a new resident comes in with them. Currently one in the building who is almost healed up. My co-workers all get along with each other, we work as team. My aides CARE about their jobs and the residents. I AM TOTALLY MISERABLE. I have after much comtemplation decided to take a job: pays less, is owned by a coporation rather than private, & will have a crazy, unset schedule. While out shopping for my new uniforms today...I felt a feeling I haven't felt in a long time. I felt "HAPPY". Go Figure. I think you should go back to your old job. You must do what makes you happy. You cannot be a good nurse if you are not truly doing what you want to do. If you are happy, you are going to stay with the place for a long time. THAT is what looks good on a resume should you decide later to change fields. Training is always offered. Longevity is what employers are looking for.

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Specializes in Developmental Disabilities.

My situation is very similar! I worked in a non-profit (adults with developmental disabilities) for 2 1/2 years while going to nursing school, took a job on a cardiac floor and have been unhappy ever since. I want a normal life! Normal to me anyway =)

I just found a job in another non-profit (the old one only had one nurse) working with 24 adults in an ICF-MR setting...keeping my job at the hospital PRN for extra cash/keep up with skills. After losing 20 lbs due to stress, insomnia from working nights, and general misery...I am happy to take the $1.50 paycut for a job I know I will love! Do what's right for you, the money part is always something that can be figured out:redpinkhe...

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Specializes in NICU.

I agree with the others, go back to the other place!

You're really in a win-win situation here. You LOVED working there. You liked the work and the patients. The agency treated their employees well. And now the pay and benefits are better. You'd be working hardly any weekends and you'd do self scheduling. What's not to love?

You have 7 months of med/surg under your belt and you'll still be working per diem to keep up your skills. Personally, I think that's a perfect situation ...... go back to doing what you love, but still working prn to keep up the skills as a new nurse. There is nothing wrong with leaving a place after 7 months.

Go for it, I wish you all the best!

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Specializes in Geriatric, Medical/Surgical.

Thank you all for your replies! After much contemplation over the past week, and discussing it with family and fiance, tonight I wrote a nice cover letter and fixed up my resume, and I'm going to drop it off tomorrow!

Now I just hope I get the job!

When I realized I REALLY needed to do this is a few days ago...I am currently in the middle of 6-in-a-row off, and my manager asked me my last shift if I wanted to pick up any shifts while I was off. I had the option of up to 4 days. This would have been overtime, plus bonus pay. About $2400 before taxes JUST for the 4 extra days. That is a LOT of money.

But I didn't care. If I liked my job at all, I'd probably do it. Where I am planning on going back to, I will be salaried and probably put in some extra time here and there...and it doesn't bother me in the slightest!

I'll let you all know what happens!

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Go back to your normal self,to what you know you'll love to do,to where your heart is.You have many reason to go back to what you know you want to do not even when you'll still keep up with the hospital experience as per diem and for the same amt of $$$ as you are paid in the hospital.Goodluck with your decision.Pray God cos you to follow your heart and be the best of YOU.Azor

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