To apply for permanent full-time positions or not

Currently, I am a temporary nurse in midlands. No chance of permanent position coming up for a few years, in fact, I could possibly be let go. Howeever, permanent full-time positions for psychiatric nurses coming up in South West Dublin and Kildare. Wondering wheter to apply for same. Would mean 30 mile plus commute. Also, against, I have two small children 4 and 6. I also enjoy working part-time - time at work plus time with children. In addition, against working full-time is that I have no mortgage or car loan and have recently sold investment property from which I made a good profit - so I would be able to survive for a couple of years without financial hardship. However, family and friends are urging me to appy for permanent positions, which I would have a reasonable chance of getting as I have over 10 years experience, saying I might not be able to get one again for years. However, the permanent positions are full-time and they won't accept part-time. My gut instinct is to continue as long as possible in my part-time nursing position in the Midlands, and to spend as much time as possible with my children while they are young, and just hope for the best in the future. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Re: To apply for permanent full-time postions or not

Hi Elainem

I understand where you're coming from in your post but honestly from what you have written, you don't appear to want a full-time position. You said you're ok financially (which is the reason most of us work full-time!) I know you can't predict the future but as a nurse you can get agency work if you need/want extra money. My advice - follow your gut instinct and enjoy your children while you can.

Hi! PM1234, yes I think I will take your advice and take the extra time to spend with my children. For some of my family, being comfortable moneywise is never enough, I guess, quality of life is just as important.

I would agree with the previous poster. There used to be (and to some degree still is) a fixation with getting a 'permanent pensionable job'. While it has obvious benefits, it is pointless taking it if it's not what you really want. As a qualified psychiatric nurse, you will never be out of work!

How long are you working part-time for the Midlands? you may qualify for a contract of indifinate duration.

I would stay as long as possible in the current job (I'm presuming you're employed by the HSE) as you are contributing to the pension scheme - if you do agency work you won't be.