Well, I have come to my decision; it was confirmed that I was making the right one by my own heart and the strong convincing of my Nursey Girls. The hours are simply better for our family and the Per Diem status allows me time to take off on short term trips with Medical Teams International or Mercy Ships. It also didn't hurt that I was called this afternoon and given a formal offer with a dollar amount. I will go into the Clinic tomorrow and sign papers.... It also makes sense given that I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie and need variety and a bit of excitement in any job I take. I think as brand new nurse, I need the team atmosphere of the Surgical environment as opposed to the mostly independent nature of hospice.
I will be starting in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit), then be trained for Pre-Surg. After a while, I will also be cross-trained for the OR. It may turn into a part time status position shortly if the census stays high as it's been lately, I am told. I will be starting it looks like on or around Tuesday in training. First I have to locate the proof of my Hep B vaccine, TB test, my tetanus shot proof, etc... I will immediately start working on my ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification, my PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) cert and all of the ho-hum HR stuff. I can start before my RN licensure because I already have my LPN. Lots of hard work coming up- but I am ready!
It was a very difficult decision, I think I would also really love hospice, but the on-call hours would be tough on the family until my daughter is 18 and graduated. For all of you who've supported me during the last years leading up to this, from the bottom of my heart, thank you! You are an amazing encouragement!!