To change or not to change jobs?

[rnurset]

Hey everybody! I am new to allnurses and love the opportunity to talk with others who understand the profession. I am currently in a unique situation. I have been a nurse for almost 1.5 years and have been working on a MedSurg unit for experience doing 12-hr days part-time. I have also been working in a physician's office two days a week, and have done so since my 3rd semester of nursing school. Obviously, a private office is not going to pay what a large corporation does. I make about $26/hr base pay at the hospital with benefits, and only about $18/hr at doctor's office, no benefits. I stayed at the office because the job was generally a lot less stressful than the floor, so it reminds me that not all jobs are as taxing. Plus, I tend to enjoy it. I have gotten to know many of the patients that we see and truly enjoy seeing them. My husband works M-F about 2pm-11pm. Working the 12-hr days, many weekend days, and many holidays, makes it very hard to see him and the rest of my family. (We do not have children of our own yet, but I know that I want to be with my children most of the time when we do decide to have them.) Three weeks ago, I turned in a two-week notice to the doctor's office. I felt that it was in my family's best interest financially that I work full-time at the hospital (three 12-hr days). The physician I work for called me two days later with a "counter offer." She said she would pay me $25/hr to stay with her during her surgeries (first half of day Wednesday). I am not doing anything that her MAs can't do. I agreed to stay for the half day and I am working three 12's at the hospital. Today, I got a call from a friend who works in PREOP/PACU at my hospital. And PREOP was the only clinical I remember being excited about after I left! They have positions available and her manager is interested in hiring me. Both M-F, either 7am-3pm or 10am-6pm. My husband thinks the later shift would be wonderful for us. Plus, my coworker says that everyone takes call on A holiday ONCE a year. She also says that the 4 12-hr shift nurses take first call on weekends, so if I was on call, I would be second or third on call, which she states doesn't happen often.

Basically, I need your opinions. Is this an opportunity I can't refuse? In reality, would it be better as far as being at home with my husband? Is going in 5 days/week from 10-6 better than three 12's and a half-day a week, plus every other holiday and weekends? Would the physician be upset with me? She did give me an offer I couldn't refuse, which is very flattering and means a lot to me. I am at a loss. I don't want to pass up an opportunity that may be great for my marriage and my interests. But, I am also just now getting comfortable in my career on the floor. The first year was very difficult for me, as I had a lot of anxiety and became attached to my patient's easily. I fear starting over and feeling the inadequacy, anxiety, uncertainty, and emotions I felt as a new employee/nurse all over again. I also fear upsetting the physician that took me under her wing when I was in school and had no experience. HELP!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Financially, the Pre-op job sounds like a better deal. You would be getting 40 hrs a week instead of 36 (three 12s), you only have to work one hoiday per year, and on-call pay. It would be M-F (I assume) which would be good.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Take the new offer.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I agree the new offer sounds wonderful! As someone who has gone from 3 12s to M-F days, a few things to consider. How far away is the new job? (You will now be commuting 5 days a week instead of 3-4) Do you have a lot of things you usually do that can only be done during the week? What will time with your husband look like? Does he sleep late (since he gets home after 11p and you will presumably be leaving for work around 9-9:30a), will you be able to spend time together in the AM, or will you only mainly see each other on weekends?

I think it sounds like a fabulous opportunity, and congrats! You must be a great nurse to have so many great options! But just think about the logistics of it while weighing your options.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You also didn't mention what the preop job pays. Better than your floor position? Would you be coming out ahead financially by working M/S full time and one AM a week with the clinic, or by taking the preop job? Also, what do the benefits look like at the new job offer? What is their retirement package like, compared to your current job? (I assume you're investing in retirement!!)