Surprise Job Interview (degree, career, salary, $10k)

[AADAD]

I was called yesterday to interview for a Navigator (a clinical RN who helps patients navigate the health care system in the hospital). I thought that I was out of the running as I applied 2 months ago.

The position is M-F 7-330. I currently work 3 days a week 7a -7p. I am attracted to the position for many reasons (salary is 12k higher, easier than ICU nursing) but am concerned switching from 3 days a week to 5 days a week will feel confining (less time off work).

Thoughts appreciated.

[RDH35]

Well I'm thinking you need to consider your shift would be done at 3:30 instead of 7pm. So even though it's a 5 day a week position you'll still have time after work to get thing's done. Good Luck on the interview!

[Cheektowaga_Chester]

Also, how is this for career experience? Is it getting too far away from actual RN work? How would it look on a resume if you did this for five years?

[ccm123]

My first job out of college, I worked a 3 x 12 work week also (8AM to 8PM, Sun-Tues), in a data center. I switched to a normal M-F workweek (8 to 4:00) and liked it much better. The 12 hour shifts felt very long, especially by the 3rd day. I always felt that on workdays (with the 12 hour shifts), I just got up, ate, worked, came home, showered, ate and back to sleep. I found that aspect confining. With a normal workweek, you can go out after work (I go and workout after work). With a 12 hour shift, this is close to impossible.

[ntwrkguy1]

Originally Posted by AADAD

I was called yesterday to interview for a Navigator (a clinical RN who helps patients navigate the health care system in the hospital). I thought that I was out of the running as I applied 2 months ago.

The position is M-F 7-330. I currently work 3 days a week 7a -7p. I am attracted to the position for many reasons (salary is 12k higher, easier than ICU nursing) but am concerned switching from 3 days a week to 5 days a week will feel confining (less time off work).

Thoughts appreciated.

I would say it depends a lot (at least for me) on how long you have been on a 3 day week. If it's been more than a few years, that might be a heck of adjustment in terms of "time off". Personally, I would rather have a 3 day work week, as a 12 hour day does not bother me, and would allow me a great deal of flexibility for myself and my family.

Out of curiosity, is a Navigator in any way related to something like a patient advocate?

[AADAD]

Thanks for your thoughts. I have been doing 12's for about 20 years. A Navigator is akin to Advocate however a clinical navigator requires a nursing degree currently. Any one can be an advocate and support your family/friends at the bedside. Always helps to have an extra pair of ears and eyes.

I am talking this over with my DW. Thanks for the ups on the interview. Tomorrow at noon. Going to get my ducks in a row. It is more money $10k/year working directly with docs to promote and enact quality care. As hospitals are not reimbursed by Medicare if the patient is readmitted there is a huge $$ cache for navigators in the nursing field right now....

Thanks! Will keep you informed.

[luzianne]

I have worked three 12 hour days, four 10 hour days, and five 8 hour days. The 12 hour days were long, but four days off definitely made it worth it. But I dunno...$12,000 a year might make five 8 hour days worth it. I'm sure they offer generous vacation allowance too, so you could potentially take off a lot of Fridays. And like someone mentioned, you'll be off at 3:30 instead of 7:00.

[AADAD]

True enough. I will have to arrange a Friday off every 2 months or so to catch up. I am truly tired when I work 2 12s and then go back for a 3rd. My lovely bride says it might be better but I pointed out that some chores that I do would fall to her mid week. She did not say anything....Interview is tomorrow so I don't want to push to much ahead of the curve at this point but in general I value the periods of time off a great deal. one week I worked Sun Mon and Tues and did not have to go back to work until the next weeks Thursday. Hard to beat that.

[ccm123]

That was the same feeling I had after 2 x 12's, I was physically and mentally beat. It was hard to go back for the 3rd 12 hour shift. I felt mentally drained and when I woke up in the morning for the 3rd 12 hour shift, I always felt like I had insufficient rest the night before.

Different strokes for different folks, but I prefer a traditional work day nowadays.

Originally Posted by AADAD

True enough. I will have to arrange a Friday off every 2 months or so to catch up. I am truly tired when I work 2 12s and then go back for a 3rd. My lovely bride says it might be better but I pointed out that some chores that I do would fall to her mid week. She did not say anything....Interview is tomorrow so I don't want to push to much ahead of the curve at this point but in general I value the periods of time off a great deal. one week I worked Sun Mon and Tues and did not have to go back to work until the next weeks Thursday. Hard to beat that.

[AADAD]

I had the interview. Very good. They liked me and I am what they are looking for however San Diego is uber competitive so one never knows here. They will let me know in a week which way. Happy to be able to compete at this level...now I am TIRED!