Which job would you take.....need advice

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Just a few days before Christmas I was offered a position as CMA/nursing license pending (I am a new Lpn graduate) in a LTC facility working a 3-11 shift, making $12.88 hour plus $1.50 an hour shift differential . And on another interview (a ped office) I am being offered a monday through friday work week, holidays and weekends off, and possibly the same initial pay as LTC :D. I have two children (a preschooler and a toddler) and I am a single mom. So I was thinking of the better option for my children - the doctor's office, but I know I will be passing on an opportunity if I don't take the LTC job. I am just confused. Help me please!!! The clock is ticking. I told the LTC facility I would give them a decision on Monday. And the doctor's office called Wednesday to let me know they were offering me a job, but I missed the call and they were closing early for Christmas Eve, and they plan on calling back on Monday to talk about the position.

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Specializes in Mother-Baby, Rehab, Hospice, Memory Care.

I would take the office job. I found that LTC is really hard work and usually understaffed. You will normally have 20-30+ residents. My first LVN job was in LTC 3-11. It is a very busy shift. I could not wait to get out of there! Many nights I had to stay 1-2 hours late just to finish my charting.

The pay rate seems very low - is this average for your area? Will the pay increase when you get your license?

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Monday-Friday daycare is generally a lot easier to find than evenings. I don't know who watches your children when you are at work (family, friend, center, individual?), but if your childcare situation NEEDS a change at any time, generally weekdays are easier to find. My friend went through THREE evening/night sitters (individuals b/c there are no late night centers here) in less than 3 months and ended up having to quit her job! Just food for thought.

I don't think the pediatric office will hurt you. It just depends on what your future goals are.

GOOD LUCK!

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I guess the pay is average for my area (Columbus, Georgia). Pay will only go up $1 when I get licensed and the job is with the largest companies around. So I really am leaning toward the office job. And the only childcare I have is daycare, which is limited around here, and one of my children just started kindergarten. Thanks for the advice.

Donna

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

Take the office job. Never mind the money. Even if the LTC paid $2.00 more per hour it would't be worth it, because of all the stress, frustration and mental and physical exhaustion. Take the office job. You'll be able to spend time with your kids and chances are you'll be a lot happier. Take the office job, your kids will thank you.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, pediatrics.

Congratulations, first of all! Getting a job offer these days is no easy feat; and you've got 2 :yeah:

I worked 2nd shift in LTC for a year, and I've worked in Dr. offices for 6 yrs. Working 2nd shift was AWFUL for a mom with school aged children. I had to stay up late & get up early, then the 2 days off I had were spent recuperating from my lack of sleep. My family never saw me, and working every other weekend was a major pain. I started to feel like a stranger in my own house. Granted, 2nd shift is ideal for some people, but it's definitely not for me. As for working in a Dr.s office, I like the fact that it's less hectic than all the buzzers and bells going off in LTC. The people seem happier there. No job is perfect, but that's just my :twocents:...

Good Luck with whatever you choose!

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