What would you do? Probably long.

[fusion]

I would get more information and probably apply and see what they offer. I'm more in the "minimize excessive spending" state of mind though, and with equal room for advancement and no more spending or schooling that would tilt me towards that option.

[laurensmomma]

Would the company pay for you to take the 1 yr course? You should ask before you make a decision, since you obviously love your position.

You likely won't get a raise since it's lateral, unless you're significantly underpaid where you stand now. What is the potential beyond each position? Would you have more career potential if you stayed where you were at, or in the Infection Prevention is role?

Infection Prevention is a hot topic in healthcare, so it could be really good experience for you, but I'm not sure where you could go from there, unless it was a managerial position.

[muppetinma]

Is there any harm in applying and interviewing? It will give you a chance to get a feel for the new position and work environment. It sounds like everybody is pro-T (and honestly, who isn't?) so it's likely they'd allow you to explore the option further without any negative repercussions.

[laurensmomma]

Jul 29, 2015 19:58:07 GMT -5 @therealmc said:

Jul 29, 2015 19:53:18 GMT -5 laurensmomma said:

Would the company pay for you to take the 1 yr course? You should ask before you make a decision, since you obviously love your position.

You likely won't get a raise since it's lateral, unless you're significantly underpaid where you stand now. What is the potential beyond each position? Would you have more career potential if you stayed where you were at, or in the Infection Prevention is role?

Infection Prevention is a hot topic in healthcare, so it could be really good experience for you, but I'm not sure where you could go from there, unless it was a managerial position.

They only pay $3000 per fiscal year.  I could spread the certificate program out to part time and maximize how much reimbursement I would get but that also means spreading out more time in school.  Seeing as how I just spent 10 years in school, I just don't love this option.  Again, I would do it but I am not entirely sure I want to.  

To add to this, I am not entirely sure I want to work in laboratory management.  Not saying I definitely don't want it, but I'm leaning more towards not.

Then I say apply! You have gained great experience,  now it's time to get some more and build your resume even more. Make yourself invaluable. ;0)

[jenbelle]

Jul 29, 2015 19:55:06 GMT -5 muppetinma said:

Is there any harm in applying and interviewing? It will give you a chance to get a feel for the new position and work environment. It sounds like everybody is pro-T (and honestly, who isn't?) so it's likely they'd allow you to explore the option further without any negative repercussions.

This.  It doesn't seem that there is a problem applying.

[TrudyCampbell]

Jul 29, 2015 19:55:06 GMT -5 muppetinma said:

Is there any harm in applying and interviewing? It will give you a chance to get a feel for the new position and work environment. It sounds like everybody is pro-T (and honestly, who isn't?) so it's likely they'd allow you to explore the option further without any negative repercussions.

I was typing exactly this. Go get a feel for things!

[Faevantastic]

Yup, apply and then figure it out when you get the offer.

[alicia45]

Jul 29, 2015 19:55:06 GMT -5 muppetinma said:

Is there any harm in applying and interviewing? It will give you a chance to get a feel for the new position and work environment. It sounds like everybody is pro-T (and honestly, who isn't?) so it's likely they'd allow you to explore the option further without any negative repercussions.

This. I think you should at the very least apply and explore the whole thing. Get every question answered to know exactly what they're looking for and then decide if it's what you want.

[mcburglar]

The answer is always apply

[Deleted]

I stopped reading at (or Cali) and decided the answer is MOVE TO CA!

Jk I'll finish reading now

[Deleted]

Okay I say apply! At the very least. It won't hurt anything.

Also could you ask your boss now how easy going and understanding re:kids the other boss is ?

[dbe100408]

Jul 29, 2015 20:14:57 GMT -5 mcburglar said:

The answer is always apply

Exactly this.

[lolaburns]

I would apply and just feel it out to see if it is the path you want to go down. I'm so happy you have options, T. You deserve it! I'm ecstatic for you!!!!

[LiveLoveLearn]

I also am team apply. Always better to apply and then decide rather then regret not. Would you be able to talk to some of the people who work there currently about some of your concerns about the work/ life balance there and how happy they are there?

[thedahliharpa]

Jul 29, 2015 21:23:25 GMT -5 ladybug said:

I stopped reading at (or Cali) and decided the answer is MOVE TO CA!

Jk I'll finish reading now

This :-)

Take a sip'n see what happens T.

[shevacc]

I'm team always apply but I would probably stay in the current position in your shoes. You love the work and the people, have a great balance, and are well regarded. That's awesome and not easy to find.

I played the maximizing reimbursement game to get my MS. Can you start at the end of one fiscal year? And extend it to 3-4 semesters? That way hopefully you could get reimbursed $9K. $15K is still a lot of money but better. How long until you have to have this certification?

[creamsiclechica]

I was leaning towards the apply and see what happens if options unfold. In an interview, you could get answers to any questions you have and feel more solid and prepared in making a decision to take it or not if they offer. Love you. I honestly love how in demand you are. You're intellient, knowledgable, and passionate about your work. This just shows that.

[orriskitten]

First, you're awesome!

I'd apply, but just to see the options out there and get a feel for what else is around. I'd probably wait for the certification- I'd assume this would be needed for a promotion in the future and if you're offered it then maybe you can work out more of a reimbursement type thing? Also, since it isn't needed immediately then maybe the politics might change in the next few years? (Probably hopeful thinking there) I'd be nervous to go into what sounds like a potentially more stressful position when you have a good handle on the work-life balance and a good team at work now.

[Deleted]

I can't believe your program wasn't NAACLS accredited-that stinks! I can tell you my lab in Virginia does NOT require ASCP certification for generalists, though we encourage it. As I'm sure you already know, not all labs have Cytogenetics, which makes your situation a little more challenging if you were to look outside NY. CA requires ASCP, too (I trained in CA and had to get my M(ASCP)).

I'm also in Team Apply and learn more about the position, but it's definitely a change to move out of the lab and into Infection Control/Prevention. I think you'll have to do some soul searching about where you see yourself in 5-10 years.

[joyhart02]

I would say apply and go from there. It sounds like either position is great for you!