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Discussion

What to do??

So, I've been offered a position at my agency of clinical director, and I don't know what to do. When I got into nursing, I didn't have management/administration in mind when I pictured myself long term. I like bedside care and interacting with patients, and especially love the skills part of nursing. I have been trying to get into hospitals for the last two months to no avail.

And now, a little backstory on my situation:

DH and I are divorcing after 20 years. It's all very amicable and the kids don't know yet (two daughters, 7 and 11). I want to get my own place but can't d/t the (low) amount of money I make (DH is self employed and we pay out the a** for health insurance). I have been pushing hard to find F/T employment with good benefits with no luck.

I asked my agency for $10 more dollars/hr but they could only go up $4 on hourly rate (and benefits aren't worth it). Then they offered me the clinical director position, which not only meets my financial needs to live independently, but also has a good benefits package for me and my kids. I am so torn!

Cons:

  • The hours are not ideal for (my) kid care (M-F, 8-5, versus doing three 12s at a hospital). I currently drive to and pick up both kids from school.
  • Minimal skills/bedside care
  • "Office" job, lots of time in front of a computer
  • Less flexibility to obtain my BSN

PROS:

  • Decent money (enough to let me strike out on my own, sooner than later)
  • I could probably afford a house in my neighborhood and be close to kids
  • Benefits package/ PTO
  • I could maintain my (and my kids') standard of living
  • I have management experience
  • There would be some room for skills stuff (vent training classes, orienting/training new nurses, etc.)

I know that no one can make the decision for me, but I would love feedback, esp. to see if there are things I haven't thought of (just got offered today and told them I would let them know in next couple of days). THANK YOU so much for any advice or opinions offered. Oh, and just for context, I am a 45 year old, highly capable female ;)

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    • Featured Replies

    It sounds like just what you need at this time in your life. But, it really depends on how important being on your own is to you. If I really wanted out of my marriage and finance was holding things up, I would take the job.

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    Just another point to consider - will there be any "on call" responsibilities? I can't see where there would not be some. You really need to know.

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    • Experts

    On call can be shared, (or handled altogether) by your clinical supervisor(s). If you only have one clinical supervisor, you should share the duty with them.

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    • Author

    I would be responsible for one week a month of on call duty (it's split between 4 clinical directors).

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    Change is hard but change is good! You have an opportunity to secure a future for yourself. No one says you have to stay there forever, but it might be the stepping stone to a better future! Good Luck!

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    I would think 8-5 M-f would be a dream for child care. Most child care centers can pick kids up after school, or often the schools do after care. Much easier than working around 3 12s.

    If you really want extra money, and want to keep your clinical skills up, work per diem/PRN at the hospital or wherever you want, a day or two a month.

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    • Author

    I appreciate the feedback. I think in my heart of hearts, this is the right thing to do, even though it isn't following my heart. It checks off a lot of boxes to make this whole unfortunate situation possible. Again, thank you for taking the time to read and respond. :)

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