work life balance: hospital vs clinic RN

[CARN16]

Hi all,

just wanted to ask if anyone has made the switch from hospital bedside nursing to a clinic setting. I currently work in icu step down for the past 1.5 years (got hired there from my preceptorship in school). I have learned a lot there but it is stressful and I really thought I would love critical care nursing but am not sure it's what I really want to do.

I recently had my first baby and am out on maternity leave and a friend of mine who works at a HIV clinic told me they are looking for another RN. The hours are m-thur 8-4 and fri 8-12. No holidays, no weekends, no evenings.

Has anyone switched from 12 HR shifts to a m-f job with a small child? The downfall is my baby will go to daycare 5 days a week with the clinic job vs 2 days a week if I stay at my current hospital position, however, my friend says it's a lot less stressful so I feel I would be able to be more present at home when I leave work, and I would have holidays off and every weekend with my husband (who also works m-f) and baby.

Im not sure if I'll be gaining time or losing time if I make the switch. I am really looking for a work/life balance that will provide me with the best situation for my family.

Hoping someone has been in a similar situation and has some insight for me. I don't want to make the wrong decision and be unhappy. I really want to be the best mom possible and be happy in my nursing role as well.

Thanks!