Hi nurses, I badly need some perspective from those who have been in the field for a while.
I have been out of nursing for ten years and last year reinstated my license (RN). It has taken me a full year to find a job, and then two presented themselves at the same time.
A little background..I started out in nursing to work in labor/delivery or postpartum. I never had interest in any other area of nursing. Before starting nursing school I worked briefly as an aide in L and D and loved it. Then went on to nursing school and took the job that was available..long term care and hospice. Made the best of it, didn't care for it.
The two job offers I have right now are so different and I feel like I'm choosing between what I have always had an interest in and what I need financially.
1) The first job is as a clinical aide in postpartum. It's full time, benefits, day and eve shift, and I would make just enough money to cover my expenses (single mom). Yes, I am an RN but I have been out for ten years so I felt this was a fine way to get the feet wet again. The manager also told me that internal candidates are eligible to apply for RN positions..and that there is a labor and delivery (19 week) class twice a year. So if I put in my dues and some patience..it could lead to a great promotion. Since I have never been a L AND D nurse, I don't know for sure if it's something I would truly like or if I have the romanticized idea of what I think it is like. I understand working at a hospital requires committment above and beyond. Truthfully I am concerned about attendance since my son will be in daycare and they tend to pick up everything in daycare. I have waited FIFTEEN YEARS to get back in this department. I cannot depend on my ex to help me in a crunch (for example taking the boy if he gets sick). We don't have a good relationship.
2) Job two is working as a field coordinator for an insurance company. Five days a week, normal business hours, no holidays or weekends. The title would be either LPN or RN. The pay is substantially higher but it does require driving so I have to figure in car maintenance. The manager I interviewed with seemed very relaxed, she told me she had a daughter and understands about 'sick days' due to kids. The job would involve some work at home, some work at facilities, and some work at member's homes. Honestly I can't say the job would really peak my interest but then again I am not sure..I've never done it. I have a passion for learning as much as I can about L AND D but I can't say the same is true for insurance.
How do I choose between a job I am 99% certain I would really enjoy, and over a certain amount of time would give me a great raise, and a job that starts out at a higher pay, seems more flexible for working moms, but does not have my passion. I feel like the hospital job is something that i should consider if I had family nearby to help with my boy. But I've already accepted the job and I don't want to blow my chances by declining it. I also want to be fully committed to the job.
There's one other option and I am not sure if it's too late to accept it because the other position might be filled..plus before considering this option I'd like a firm offer from the second job ..I can work per diem at the hospital and do the second job full time. Per diem requires 24 hours a month that I choose..so I'd be pretty busy but at least I can have a foot in both places.
Thank you for reading, I have no one else to turn to..no one in my family is a nurse. I live in Hawaii as a single mom by myself and can't depend too much on my son's dad for support (not financial but daycare related)
What kind of job is the insurance job? Is it evaluating claims, or assessing clients at home prior to access to care? If its evaluating claims I personally wouldn't go for it. I have worked in the insurance industry. All of my professional life before NS was in insurance, and in general, insurance companies are all about figuring out ways to NOT pay for things, or low-ball their members. Its one of the reasons I decided to go to NS. I started really morally objecting to what I was doing. Essentially denying care to people. I know, I know, insurance companies aren't saying, "You can't have this test or procedure" but they ARE saying we won't pay for it, but in many circumstances, if the ins doesn't pay, people can't financially AFFORD those needed treatments, so they don't have them. I think the personality of most people who go into nursing is to be an advocate, to make sure people get what they need, and when everyday you are facing situations that are in direct contradiction to that, it gets really tough.
You're such a good mom, your child is lucky to have you. Do you take the time to make yourself happy? Do you know what makes you happy/fulfilled? Your child will be happy when you are. I only say this because I worked many years in hospitals. Most of my colleagues were Moms and would do anything for their children: Work overtime, double shifts, weekends, you name it. At least half of them were single moms. Generally they were stressed, and their kids acted out. We all heard about how the kids acted out. It was a bad cycle.
I think I would take the insurance job and ask the interviewer at the L&D position if she would keep you in mind should an RN position open at her hospital. You might be surprised that a position might open sooner rather than later. Good Luck
TerpGal02, ASN
540 Posts
What kind of job is the insurance job? Is it evaluating claims, or assessing clients at home prior to access to care? If its evaluating claims I personally wouldn't go for it. I have worked in the insurance industry. All of my professional life before NS was in insurance, and in general, insurance companies are all about figuring out ways to NOT pay for things, or low-ball their members. Its one of the reasons I decided to go to NS. I started really morally objecting to what I was doing. Essentially denying care to people. I know, I know, insurance companies aren't saying, "You can't have this test or procedure" but they ARE saying we won't pay for it, but in many circumstances, if the ins doesn't pay, people can't financially AFFORD those needed treatments, so they don't have them. I think the personality of most people who go into nursing is to be an advocate, to make sure people get what they need, and when everyday you are facing situations that are in direct contradiction to that, it gets really tough.