New Advice from my fellow nurses...HELP!

[ar1980]

I have been a nurse for almost 5 years. Have been working 3 years in the ER. I love the ER but recently resigned from my present job. I did get a job offer 2 weeks ago in another ER. Problem is the pay is a lot less, close to $4 less per hour from my current salary plus I would have to moved as I live hour and half from the new offer. The new offer gave me 2 days to think about it and I responded saying I would accept it if they matched my current salary. They said no and I declined the offer.
Now, since its the end of the year and fear set in that I would not get hired elsewhere till next year. So, I called the hospital back and accepted the job. All the paperwork has been filled out online for the new position and I am to start in the first week of Jan. However, I am now confused because I feel that I settled for less pay with my experience. I am currently applying for other jobs. If I get interviewed else where and the pay is better and if I get an offer before my start date is it ok call the 1st hospital back and not take the position or is that burning bridges. Or should I move and work there for 6 mo and then decide to leave for a better job. Please Help...what would you do?
Thanks, Ms.Confused

[amygarside]

The first thing that you need to do is to have a talk with your present employer. I mean it is still better if you put all the cards on the table, explain that you feel that your salary is lower than you expected. I think talking with them is important so that there will be no issues in the future.

[NURSEDETROIT]

The issue here is, nurses are still not valued for their experience and expertise. Employers with the state of the economy know and understand this and are using it all to their full advantage. In an autocratic institutional model (most hospitals still operate under this mode) nurses are not viewed as the professionals that they are. We are still paid for our services and this is rolled into the "room and board" charges for God sake. . . You'd think with 28 years experience I'd be paid what I'm worth. . . wrong. Barely make a dollar for every year of expertise. Then don't mention all the certifications that are required. . . Now, I'm only viewed as a liability issue by the powers that be, this because I know too much. . .Kick the older nurse to the curb. . .