Dental surgery vs. Plastic surgery

Hello, this site has been very helpful with answering many questions so I was hoping your guys could help me out. I graduated from the RN program this May, and after months of job hunting I finally got a job offer at a dental surgery center. I would be admitting the patient and making sure they are ok to go under anesthesia and once their dental work is done, I would take them to recovery. This job is only 4 days a week and only a few minutes away from home.

The other job offer I got was at a plastic surgery center. This job is per diem and work can vary from one day to three days a week, but I don't mind since I was looking more for a part-time job. I would be doing more things there, such as also being a circulating nurse, and the do the admitting and PACU. The problem is that its 1 hour away from home.

I'm really torn and don't know what to do. On the one hand, the dental surgery job is close to home and is a sure job I will have every week, but I'm afraid it will limit me for any for any other job opportunities in the future. On the other hand, I think I will gain much more experience in the plastic surgery and can open many doors for the future, such as hopefully working in the hospital one day, but it is 1 hour away and its not a for sure thing there will be work all the time.

Please help me decide what I should do. I'm really afraid that if I choose the dental surgery job, my option for other jobs is the future might be limited. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Apart from the traveling aspect, the plastic surgery offer sounds more interesting. Only thing is, you graduated this year; how much experience do you have circulating and in PACU? Do they have a comprehensive orientation program?Perhaps nurses living and working in your state/country might be more qualified to advise you regarding future job prospects, but I don't see why working in a dental clinic would jeopardize your chances of finding work in a different niche.

Do you NEED the money? The plastic surgeons office sounds like more marketable experience. Does the dental office offer benefits? Do you need the benefits? Talk this over with your family....see what they say....Good luck

I would take the dental position and work per diem at the plastic surgery job.Here is why, the dental job is closer to home with steady hours. I wouldoffer my day off to the plastic surgery clinic for per diem.Per diem is great, only if there is work. I have been on many per diemlists and either never been called, or rarely called.You can gain some experience in the dental field and if the plastic surgeryjob has a permanent opening at some point, you could then decideif it is a good match even with the commute...if they give you per diemhours chances are they would offer you a permanent position if available.Good luck!

Ask some serious questions about training. Ask about health insurance.Here is a shocker. Dentistry might offer more stability than medicine at this time. Yes, lots of cosmetic stuff in dentistry too. Cosmetic whether dentistry or plastics is a cash business. Hygienists are not in demand, but I've seen a lot of ads for dental positions of assist and office. Far more than traditional nursing jobs. Dentists tend to cling to the employees they have and get along with. There are dental-type anesthesia classes.The plastics might work, but you have to find out what kind of training you will have. If there really isn't any regimented training excepting being left to swing in the air by some random nurse, you'll quit before the first week is out. Working with a dentist means you will work closely with that dentist.

The above posters gave you lots of things to think about. For me, I would take the dental positon and ask to work PRN at the cosmetic clinic. Here is a thought, if neither offers benefits or you don't need them, try PRN at both. Lots to be said for calling your own shots.

Thank you everyone this has been very helpful! Do I guys think that if I get the dental job I will still be able to work at a hospital in the future, maybe PACU setting. Because i would really like to work at the hospital in the future.

Forget about future planning. It's all about what you can do now. I am serious, as we live in strange times as they say. You cannot afford to look far into the future for anything.

I can't believe that I'm the only one wondering if the plastics job would give me free/discounted plastic sx.

Quote from mkjhI can't believe that I'm the only one wondering if the plastics job would give me free/discounted plastic sx.

I wonder about the legality of administering conscious sedation at the dentist's office?Is this allowed per your states practice act?

Quote from traumaRUsI wonder about the legality of administering conscious sedation at the dentist's office?Is this allowed per your states practice act?

I currently work as a dental/surgical assistant. I am not an RN but I work with patients who undergo anesthesia. I assist with the surgery, set up the IV's, care for the patients during and afterwards and go over post-op directions. I feel like with your schooling and knowledge, you'd be taking a step down. I think working at plastic surgery office will be more interesting, rewarding and open more doors for advancement and/or additional training. good luck!