Would you leave a job you like for a better shift?

[obizyanka]

Here is my current situation. RN w 8mo experience working night shift 5-6 days/week@8 hours 2300-0730. It can get exhausting. I'm marriend and never get to have nights with my husband on this schedule. I really like the job I have, I dont love it, but I really like it. Things can be better. Management is awful- in the time I have been there 6 people have already left, and 3 more are likely to leave soon.

I and others have asked for 12 hour shifts more than once. If this position offered 12s it would be ideal. Im in a specialty others really long for, and I'm torn about possibly leaving it.

The new position: pays 1-2$ less than my hospital base pay. and 4$ less when you consider the time diff and charge pay. However the job offers 13 hour shifts / 3 days a week, no holidays, no weekends, no on call. Its very tempting. I dont have a job offer yet- but I really hope I do.

Would you leave a good job because of scheduling, and poor management? Now that I've applied to one place, I'm thinking of also applying to others, but I dont think anyother hopsital job can offer me a schedule like the one I just interviewed for. However at the new place, I would be working 0500-1800.

I did not want my current position forever, the origional plan was to work for 1-2 years- but fully oriented and then seek travel or per diem contacts. That is still my long term goal while I work on my BSN/MA. If i leave i might my shooting myself in the foot for future tavel positions. If i stay i will lose an amazing learning experience in a new specialty and an awesome schedule. I wish the opportunity came a few motnhs later once i has finished at least a full year. I dotn want to sbe seen as a job hopper? Does anyone care? Does experience even matter? It seems most employers only want ppl with a few years expeience anyway ie no more than 3. A coworker with 8 years experience just got hired at this new place, and they are only offering here 1$ more than me. Its a big pay cut for me- but an even bigger one for her- but sh egets more time with her family. ....so confused.

If my co-workers did not tell me about this opportunity -(2 left to go here and want me to join them) I honestly would not have been looking to change employment just yet...

So ...would you stay or would you go? Advice please...

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

My only advice : please change the display picture!!! Unless you want management to identify you!

[obizyanka]

Thanks healthstar, probably a good idea - ill let these lips (avatar) do the talking for now lol

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You accepted your current job, and you like it except for the schedule. I believe you owe it to your current employer to stay at least a year, preferably two. Anything less and you not only LOOK like a job hopper, you ARE a job hopper. At eight months, you barely know enough to get by; stay and learn enough to be truly competent in your current specialty.

Not a smart idea to pose such a question on a public forum using your picture as an avatar. Your co-workers and your manager may have already seen this. I don't think it's a smart idea to use your picture as an avatar anyway -- for just this reason, among others. I hope your job offer actually happens if your manager has seen this and decided to let you go.

[brithoover]

Do what makes you happy. You owe your current employer nothing, I can bet they don't feel like they owe you anything. I had 4 jobs in my first 2 years until I found something I love. I have found that and now I know I will be there forever!

[bebbercorn]

It looks a heck of a lot better to stay for a year, which is only a few months away and then you will be able to do travel contracts as you originally planned. Or, perhaps this opportunity will present itself again in a few months? I am with you, my family is everything but if you can stick it out you might end up better off... just my humble opinion.

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

Honestly, if you get an offer for the position you interviewed for, I would take it. I personally do not think you owe your employer anything unless you signed a contract with them. And it sounds like there is a high turnover of nurses at your current job - that's a red flag to me!

I'm wondering, though...what is your specialty now?

[CCNP-FL]

I voted before reading it completely, to me I would take the new position if I was in your shoes. I won't belabor the whole, "I think you should make a decision you will be happy with the most!", argument. I LOVE working 3-days a week. I have been picking up 4th shifts a week b/c we need more nurses to fill the schedules and are short -- But it's an option and we get overtime for it.

So, by working 3-days a week I have 4 for my family, friends, school, and life. I'm starting NP school in July, so I'll appreciate those 4-days off. Additionally, you always have the option to take that 4th day when possible -- It's also great b/c they'll float me to other units so I get exp in tele, neuro, etc. When I factor in all the overtime and such, I can increase my yearly pay by 33% just by working an extra day a week (not something you can really do when already working 5).

GL w/ the decision, I hope it all works out for the best and the grass is greener on whichever side you choose!