Which Job Should I Take?

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Hello all, thanks for the help.

So, I'm a newer nurse that got screwed by the "nursing shortage" and wasn't able to secure a hospital job after graduation. I'm now two years into my career with a plastic surgeon. My job is great, I inject botox, perform laser treatments and circulate in the OR. I'm happy where I'm at and doing what I'm doing, however the pay stinks. I make $30 in the CA Bay Area - which is a meager living.

Recently, I was offered a job at another MedSpa for $50 an hour plus commission 3 ten hour shifts per week plus health insurance and tips. I'm really tempted to take it for the money. The spa is not as organized or "medical" as the surgeon I work for, and I would be giving up operating room skills. However, I don't see myself ever making more than $35 an hour with the surgeon and we all know that money talks.

So, do I trade skills for money? Do I work my 3 tens and then try to get some per diem clinical work to still be marketable as a nurse? Or do I plod along getting great experience with a surgeon and wait until another high paying surgery job comes along?

Hospitals won't touch me and I can't say that I'd even want to go that route with all the drama and bs that comes with it. I'd love to get involved in women's health on some level...perhaps working less while making more I could explore this option?

What would you do? Sorry to be so candid and forthcoming with numbers, but I really need real time advice. $50/hr is big money and would surely change my life and help me out of debt. I'm 30 years old and early in my career...do I have time to get experience over the years? I want to buy a house and have a family...I want to travel. Please help!

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

Take the MedSpa job and give me the contact info for your surgeon - I've been trying to find a job in the Bay Area for months! ;)

Seriously, though - would you enjoy the MedSpa job? Is it something you could see yourself doing for a couple of years, and then going back into a hospital position when the economy improves and the job market opens up? I don't think it's entirely worth making the switch for the money - but if it would help you pay off your debts now, travel, start a family, and then go back to a job you really enjoy, it might be worth it.

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Aww, thanks for the response! I guess I just want confirmation that I'm not doomed if I take a job with less skills...that I have time to make up for it over the years. I would be happy at the Medspa...sure it's not my life's dream - but it would give me the time and money to pursue other fulfilling interests that I have.

I love my surgery job...just want to be paid the going rate!

Also, do you think the job market will ever open up? I've almost given up hope here in the Bay Area...I can't imagine hospitals wanting to hire anyone without acute care experience...plus there are so many stinking nurses here! Is there a chance in 5 years I could even get a hospital job?

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Specializes in CCU, cardiac tele, NICU.

I think it's going to have to open up at some point - I just think for right now, hospitals aren't hiring as many staff nurses because benefits and training are expensive.

I definitely don't think your career is doomed - you sound like me. :) I think it's just a matter of having enough on your resume to be able to get an interview. I was finally able to check the elusive 1-2 years of experience box when filling out apps, and got a callback three days later, so there's definitely hope.

$30/hr does sound really low for this area - no one can blame you for wanting something that's closer to the going rate. Have you tried talking to your boss about a raise, or is the money just not there?

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You, yourself inject the botox? Wow - laws on the west coast are definitely different than the east coast..I too worked for a plastic surgeon until earlier this year..and while SOME laser procedures a nurse or nursing assistant could be certified in, injecting botox or a filler...no way.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Money does talk! Cannot deny it. Bring it up with your current employer, tell them you got offered a job that would pay $50/hr, and would like to stay and see if you can negotiate a pay raise...I personally do not have any experience negotiating, but I am sure there are people here who do have some! Ask around, might be worth it to keep a job you love and get a raise :)

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What have you heard about the place that pays $50 and hour. Surely places that offer pay like that have a reason to. Do your homework and find out how morale is around there. Sounds like you already have a great job, but I understand that you need more money. If I were you, I would go for it if everything checks out ok. You'll find something else, if it doen't work out.

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Specializes in wound care.

take the money son! for real

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They say "dont jump off the dock without a boat pulled up" and it sounds like youve got a cruise ship waiting for you to board. Plus now that youve got 2 years under your belt you can go out and get a PRN job somewhere..

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Specializes in Nicu.

Before you take the job verify with the job in waiting exactly what your role will be at the spa. Next you need to verify with the state lic that you are in your job scope and covered under your license. Do not just take the spa managers word on what you are and are not covered.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm moving to CA, I have been dying for a job like that!!! Like both of them actually!!!

Go for the medspa, that $ is great and PRN OR on the side for skills.

I envy you greatly right now.

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Well as I suppose you are trying your best in finding your job...But be careful to opt any one among these..And try to find that job which is secure in future also...

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