Third Shift VA Opportunity, but HUGE homelife change

[FreshRN41]

Im a recent grad with 7 months experience. I was very lucky to land a pretty sweet first shift .6 position upon graduation. I LOVE who I work with, but the 2 main drawbacks are 1. Its the weekend program (Saturdays and Sundays, 7-3, with only one weekend off per quarter, but I get a sweet $8 shift diff.) and 2. We are somewhat short staffed, which can pose a safety issue (its a Behavioral Health unit.) I curently don't earn much vacation, but I also have around 3 days off per week.

I've always wanted to work at the VA. My husband is a vet and has worked there several years. It is very hard to get in there, mostly because they barely post RN openings and no one ever leaves becausw the benefits cannot be beat.

I was just offered a full time 3rd shift BH position at the VA. It is slightly less pay but is full time. I've never worked 3rd shift before and am quite apprehensive as I HAVE A 5 WEEK OLD BABY and a 5 year old. Taking this position would completely alter my home life. My husband is very supportive, but says he isn't thrilled about having to tend to the infant solo 5 nights weekly. He will also be reaponsible for getting the kids ready in the morning, he will have to change his work schedule a bit to accommodate this. He does an excellent job on the weekends with the 5 year old, but adding anothee kid to the load will be alot (we dont get much family support btw.)

I feel if I don't take the VA job, I will be passing up a

Huge opportunity. I am nervous about 3rd shift and the effects on my family. I also am in process of getting my BSN, and feel like it would be very hard to complete *which is pretty much mandatory to move up at the VA (my current job pays the same for ADN.)

My husband is suggesting I tell my current boss, ask her for full time and a raise and see what happens.

Any advice on shift work, the VA, or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I say inform your current boss of the opportunity and see what they say. If they aren't willing to negotiate be aware you will most likely need to take the other postion.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

I liked the idea of night shifts (huge weekend shift diffs). Until I had to work them. Part of my orientation was to work on nights to see what it was like. I would give enemas all DAY rather than work night shift. It really takes a special person to work nights.

If you hate it, then what?

I was told future employers look at job longevity rather than quality (worked in a LTC rehab before my current job)

Like emmylou said, see if you can work something out with current job.

[FreshRN41]

Thank you both for your suggestions. I know for a fact that my current employer does not have any additional first shift hours to offer me as we are overstaffed on first and second during the week.

This is so tough. I just don't want to be stucknon third shift forever.

[jetsy62]

My concern would be if offers from the VA are that few and far between, if you turn them down now, will there be another offer in your future? Would it be possible for you to get some help with the kids for your husband in the mornings?

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

I tried for years to get a job with the VA, but I was always told they had a "hiring freeze." Some of the local VA nurses come to my hospital to work for extra money, as they get tons of time off, apparently. I say take the VA job and be glad, because like you said, the benefits alone are worth it, at least from what I hear. Have you thought about hiring a nanny to live with you, to help with the kids? Maybe provide a place to live, and a small salary?

[RNperdiem, RN]

If you are doing fine financially on part time 0.6 at your current job, I wouldn't recommend adding more stress to your life now.

Newborn, BSN school work, a husband who is not entirely supportive will not go well with the stress of a new job and a difficult shift.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

My insight is from 30 years back.

If I could go back in time, I would have stayed home with my children.

With a newborn, a kindergartener, a difficult position like nursing, plus earning a degree.. something's gotta give.

Everything but the kids ... can wait.

[HarryTheCat, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you already have a full plate of stressors to deal with, and you may not want to add any more right now. I'm surprised that the VA is talking about a 5 day/week night shift. Most of their positions outside of the clinics and such are three 12-hour shifts/week, with an additional 8 hour shift every other week. The three- and four-day "weekends" are nice, but they might be any combination of days off. In many areas the pay scale is very competitive with the big teaching and for-profit hospitals.

The benefits are excellent, and the vacation days are hard to beat -- you accrue 8 hours of vacation per pay period, or 26 8-hour "chunks" per year. You also have the ability to move around once you've been on board for a while, and day shift positions are usually filled by people transferring off of night shift. Staffing is usually 6:1, and there are techs to help out.

Job stability is another great aspect of the VA. Layoffs and call-offs are unheard of, even when the census is very low. Barring a complete meltdown of the Federal government or a major screw-up on your part you'll still have a job in any economy. Another benefit is that your patients get the care they need, and the hospital doesn't have to answer to some insurance company bean counter who is anxious to get 'em out of there. You'll also meet some amazing patients -- anything from WW II to Iraq and Afghanistan vets.

I would highly recommend NOT using an offer from another employer as leverage with your current employer, and wouldn't discuss it with them unless you have made the decision to leave. Then give them the courtesy of adequate notice, but be clear with them that your decision is final. Counter offers are often a trap, and are sometimes made just to cover the time they need to find your replacement. You don't want to be viewed as the employee who shook them down for more money under threat of leaving.

Just my $0.02. Your mileage may vary.

[Mulan]

They have great benefits as mentioned above.

[caliotter3]

A job opportunity from the VA does not come around very often. I was unable to even get past the clerk at the front desk gatekeeper. If I were you, I would think long and hard before allowing this opportunity to slip away. You are aware of the problems associated going in. But you should also be aware that you will earn your opportunity to transfer to something better when the time comes. A person on the outside usually doesn't even get this leg up on the process. Congratulations!

[FreshRN41]

Wow, great advice everyone. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

I've decided to give it a shot and accept the offer. I plan on staying on as zero assigned with my current employer if they allow it.

Someone told me today that I can always move backwards but am not guaranteed to move forward. Its been my long-term goal to work with the vets, and cannot pass up the benefits, plain and simple. As for the stressors, I've always had many, its just a matter of remaining flexible.

Thanks again for the feedback, I'm sure you'll see a future post from me complaining of sleep deprivation. ; )