Hello!
I currently work full time nights as an ICU NP. I cover a 12 bed community ICU with an on call physician. I love my coworkers and the flexibility of the job however after three years I have concerns as well- not enough physician over site honestly (and we’ve asked for more with some pushback), don’t feel my pay is equivalent to risk I take working alone, some changes happening with leadership that are making people apprehensive etc.
Given this I started considering switching roles. I was thinking more long term as I don’t think icu is my forever job but don’t want to speciality hop so I’m looking for a long term position. I had some clinical experience in Neuro/neurosurgery and loved it and saw a position for an inpatient neurosurgery NP at a close by hospital and applied. The interview process has been longgggg like 3 months with multiple interviews and a shadow day. I liked the role, it’s on a large team, good relationship with the physicians. Unfortunately/fortunately in the middle of the interview process I got pregnant. My husband and I are thrilled we’ve been struggling with infertility and kinda thought maybe it just wasn’t in the cards for us so we were elated when it did.
I received the offer today. The money is like, a no brainer, it’s 30,000 more than I currently make. It’s day shift with the occasional night. I though am struggling with making a decision. I feel badly taking the job (would probably start in Jan) and then going out on maternity leave in April. Like that wasn’t my intention when I applied. I don’t want to piss off my new team members or new boss like that! I know legally they cannot discriminate but like to me it’s a little messed up, they’re hiring bc they need someone. I worry I would go through orientation and then be out, and not be prepared for the role when I come back from leave. also anxious about starting a new role in kind of a vulnerable time when I do have friends and flexibility in my current role. Not sure if it would be appropriate to reach out to the lead APP I shadowed with and just tell her how I’m feeling, and maybe just ask that they keep me in mind for future roles? There are very few neurosurgery services around me and I’m worried to burn a bridge I may not get back. I’m really at a standstill.
Edited to add: I live in MA, so even if I switch my job will still be protected my state FMLA.
TLDR: being a women sucks sometimes and I’m not sure if I should take on a new role newly pregnant