Torn between jobs

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.

Hello everyone,

I need some advice

I am a single mother currently working two per diem jobs which i really like. I know you are probably wonder why did you take a per diem position. I did so because i am a new graduate and had a hard time finding a full time job.

My initial per diem job i was hired for in july is great but the census is usually about 30 patient and unless someone is on vacation there may not be many hours. The pay is $33 per hr

The other per diem job i started in August, 12 hour shifts nice facility always has hours because we are constantly short staffed but during my 3 month orientation there was times when the census was low and i was canceled every other week. Pay is $40 hr.

I was offered a full time 7-3pm position at a subacute rehab for $27 hr full time benefitted position with lots of incentives. This would be a residency position for 12 months. Offering lots of continuing education including rotations at the local hospital in the ER, ICU. Experience that i am not getting at my current jobs. My rehabilitation hospital position throughout my 3 months orientation i didnt start any IV, no trachs, picc lines etc. They are very selective on their patient but i am afraid if
I dont use it i’ll lose it. I work at the rehab hospital with many nurses they dont know how to start iv’s or draw blood etc. i dont want to be that kind of nurse.

The low pay rate is an issue for considering the fact that i know many LPN that make more than $27. Im wondering is at least a year of experience would take me far.

What advice would you give me ?

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Looking at the bigger picture, I really think that taking the lower paying full time residency position would get your farther in the long run. You don't get benefits in a prn position (and that's why they pay more). You'll gain a TON of experience, realize what specialties you like and what you don't like, plus, think of it as a great networking opportunity for when the residency program is over.

Now, something to think about as well is childcare for your kiddo(s). Are they little where they would need to go to daycare full time (extra cost)? Are they schoolage where you would need to figure out plans when school is not in session (hassle and extra cost)? Or are they older where they can be left home alone? PRN is fabulous with flexibility whereas full time is not.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

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What would you like to do long term? Is relocating an option for you either in the short term or the long term? How badly do you (and your kid?) need benefits?

I generally lean towards the "build your skills up ASAP" school of thought for most new RNs, but it ultimately depends on what's best for you. Also, bear in mind that HR people in other jobs you may later apply to will often use a low pay rate at a previous job as an excuse to low ball you in subsequent pay negotiations. This can be worked around, but be aware and do your homework when applying elsewhere in the future.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
9 hours ago, ihavealltheice said:

Looking at the bigger picture, I really think that taking the lower paying full time residency position would get your farther in the long run. You don't get benefits in a prn position (and that's why they pay more). You'll gain a TON of experience, realize what specialties you like and what you don't like, plus, think of it as a great networking opportunity for when the residency program is over.

Now, something to think about as well is childcare for your kiddo(s). Are they little where they would need to go to daycare full time (extra cost)? Are they schoolage where you would need to figure out plans when school is not in session (hassle and extra cost)? Or are they older where they can be left home alone? PRN is fabulous with flexibility whereas full time is not.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

School age i have before and after care in place. And a family member to drop off and pick up.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
19 hours ago, Cowboyardee said:

What would you like to do long term? Is relocating an option for you either in the short term or the long term? How badly do you (and your kid?) need benefits?

I generally lean towards the "build your skills up ASAP" school of thought for most new RNs, but it ultimately depends on what's best for you. Also, bear in mind that HR people in other jobs you may later apply to will often use a low pay rate at a previous job as an excuse to low ball you in subsequent pay negotiations. This can be worked around, but be aware and do your homework when applying elsewhere in the future.

Yes i am willing to relocate. I want to get into a hospital and work on a critical care unit but it is so hard to get in. I applied to every residency program in my area. I have a long background in home-care which i love i just do not want to settle for it because as a new nurse i will end up missing out on learning. This particular facility that is hiring has a terrible turnover rate and is always short-staffed so many are encouraging me to steer away from it.

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31 minutes ago, Lovethenurse2b25 said:

This particular facility that is hiring has a terrible turnover rate and is always short-staffed so many are encouraging me to steer away from it.

That is a very good reason to be wary. If they have problems like that, they do not have any kind of stable residency or multiple opportunities for these educational rotations and opportunities they are promising. I wouldn't believe a word they say about anything if they have rampant turnover and are constantly short-staffed. That's pretty much the bottom line.

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
1 hour ago, JKL33 said:

That is a very good reason to be wary. If they have problems like that, they do not have any kind of stable residency or multiple opportunities for these educational rotations and opportunities they are promising. I wouldn't believe a word they say about anything if they have rampant turnover and are constantly short-staffed. That's pretty much the bottom line.

Very true. I may pass up on the job offer and try my luck else where. I also don't like the thought of going from job to job. As i was with my home care agency for 6 years. Before that i worked at a nursing home for 7 years.

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21 hours ago, Lovethenurse2b25 said:

Yes i am willing to relocate. I want to get into a hospital and work on a critical care unit but it is so hard to get in. I applied to every residency program in my area. I have a long background in home-care which i love i just do not want to settle for it because as a new nurse i will end up missing out on learning. This particular facility that is hiring has a terrible turnover rate and is always short-staffed so many are encouraging me to steer away from it.

If you're willing to relocate, you can afford to be a little more picky about which jobs you take. Cast a wide net in your job applications.

And agreed that high turnover and constant short staffing are red flags.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Case Management, Clinic, Psychiatry.

I am confused as to whether the current per diem jobs are rehab or acute hospital, and what your long term goals are - would need to know that

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Specializes in CCRN, Geriatrics.
4 hours ago, ivyleaf said:

I am confused as to whether the current per diem jobs are rehab or acute hospital, and what your long term goals are - would need to know that

My first per diem job is a longterm care/ subacute facility we have to unit which i float from. Nice facility down side it is not enough learning this facility doesn’t take patients with trachs, vents, gtube, colostomy etc. Never seen an iv since i been there.

The other job is a rehabilitation hospital with pretty much the same patient population. They also are very selective on who they take or not. This job essentially offered me 3 months training which i was told i would have a checklist that myself and my preceptor would have to sign, iv therapy training and meet with someone weekly to go over progress. Well none of that has happened. Almost everyday i had a new preceptor. My shifts got canceled when the census was low. Never had the opportunity to draw blood or iv therapy training. And they took me off of training early. I also was told that after orientation i would be full time but as of now there is no openings and apparently 5 nurses ahead of me.

I have an associate degree, received my nursing license in may. I am currently enrolled in school for my Bsn. My associate degree program did not allow us to draw blood, manipulate any iv’s, picc lines, central lines etc.

I want to eventually go back to get my Masters degree with hopes of becoming a family Nurse Practitioner. I know i need hospital experience, i applied to every residency program in my area.

At this point i want thrive and learn as much as possible. What directions do you suggest that i should go in ?

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