Tele vs. ER

[abbabask]

This may seem like an obvious decision, but it's wayyyy complicated now. I'm a new RN, graduated 8 months ago and have stayed home with my new baby who is now 9 months. I wanted L&D but there were no openings. Now I have gotten 3 job offers: two at a large teaching hospital (telemetry and cardiac stepdown), and one in the ER at the main downtown hospital. Both hospitals are Magnet. All 3 of the managers are fantastic.

My gut instinct was to go for Tele since I'm brand new and I think that will make me more marketable and give me a good skills foundation, despite the boredom I'll get after a few months. However, the hours suck for us. 7-7 nights until a spot on 7-7 days opens. Either shift sucks, but especially nights, and even doing nights for a few months while on the waitlist is going to be really hard on our little family because my husband works long crazy hours 7 days a week.

ER, while I'm sure is "shark territory" for a new nurse, has the flexible, multiple shifts, ER hours. I think i'd be taking a 3p-3a shift at first, which has a much less severe sleep lag to catch up on than 7p shift, and I'd only have to have someone watch her for a few hours until my hubbs got off work as opposed to throwing her in a daycare or hiring a nanny.

So I'm at a crossroads of what's best for my career vs. what's best for my family. I need some help!

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Well, it does sort of seem like a no brainer to do what's best for your family. Once your kid is all grown up, you'll be able to do what's best for you. Believe me, the time will fly! Enjoy your baby before she starts talking back!

[firecoins]

I think you got three good offers there. Do whats best for your family. I don't think any are bad for your career.