[mother/babyRN]

Hey everyone, I think I have just about had it with the red tape that goes along with crummy staffing and the like. Also, I have an long commute to work. With 3 toddlers, I tend to get tired easier too SO the other morning told my nurse manager I needed to cut down 8 hours...She refused!!! Now I see there is a 32 hr position closer to home and though the money wouldn't be as good, things would probably balance with the better commute time, gas etc....I am a little leery because despite the problems, I am used to the people, the unit and the docs. Have almost 20 years in one place....Should I go for it??? Would love some ideas and thoughts if you all have the time......Thanks!

[susanmary]

Clearly, you've shown your loyalty by staying at one facility for 20 years -- it's very short-sited of your manager NOT to let you cut your hours as she may end up losing a dedicated, 40 hour nurse.

Check out the position closer to your home. I'd suggest you job shadow for a shift -- see how you feel the "fit" is. You have to weigh what is most important for you. If you want to cut your hours and your manager is not agreeable -- you need to look elsewhere. Less hours + less commute should = less stress. Think about it after you job shadow.

Good luck. Enjoy your toddlers & try to cut your stress as much as you can. There is ALWAYS another job. Your babies will grow up before you know it.

Sue

[Hardknox]

The thing that kept me at a hospital for 20 plus years was the seniority issue. As a senior person I got a better choice of vacation time, didn't have to rotate to nights after 15 years, could get a day off over a less senior person etc. Will that affect you in anyway? My husband was operated on for a brain tumor years back and I asked to cut back from 40 to 32 hours. The nurse Manager said no. About a month later, just as I was ready to tell them I was going per diem, another nurse quit her 32 hour position and I got it. Sometimes things just work out. Is there anyone on your unit that wants to pick up 8 hours. Maybe she'd take the 8 hours you want to give up.

[ocankhe]

When doing your economic comparisions don't forget to include vacation/holiday and pension benefit. With 20 plus yearsyou should be well up there with both. But you do need to take care of yourself. Also check with yoour personnel director and see if your institution has a policy about reducing hours. Not every nurse manager is current on all policies.

[fergus51]

Money is worth nothing if you aren't happy at your current job. Vacation and benefits just don't make up for you being exhausted or unhappy. I would definitely check out the other facility. Good luck whatever you decide

[mother/babyRN]

Thankyou everyone for your thoughts. I find it ironic that our facility continues to hold nurse retention meetings to see what they can do to keep their "valued" employees. I think, perhaps, though she would not ever officially say so, our nurse manager is looking to curb the budget and forcing me to resign in an indirect manner might really cut down on what she has to pay someone who might take my position.
The senority issue is a big deal with me too. I had not heard of job shawdowing until it was suggested here and that sounds like a neat idea. There is also a girl at work , recently divorced , who needs guaranteed 32 hours. Thats why, knowing that I know that, I wonder what motives this new, young, non clinical savvy manager has...Guess it isn't up to me to figure them out. You all have been so very supportive and I thank you from the bottom of my heart....
Whatever happens, I will keep you up to date. Thank you for your suggestions and ideas. You have no idea how much they all mean to me.....Thanks again....

[Angel Baby]

OK, so here's a clinically savvy manager's view on this. Your manager is being short-sighted. Losing you full-time to part-time is better than losing you all together.

I share your struggle--I drive 100 miles/day to work where I do. The thing that keeps me going back are the nurses--I care for and value them. Some weeks are harder than others and sometimes I feel like throwing in the towel myself. I pass 8 hospitals on my way to work each day.

I think the option of shadowing is a great way for you to get the feel of a new place. This is going to be a very tough decision for you. 20 years is like a marriage--I'm sure you've had ups and downs. Sometimes it's very hard to leave the "family" you work with. Please don't make a rash decision--remember that your manager is not your only resort--you have the right to talk to HR about the hours availability. I won't try to guess what is motivating your manager--it could be anxiety over being left short if your cut back your hours or it might be that she does not know (or have the availability) to be flexible on how she utilizes her employees. Your Human Resources department may be able to give you some answers.

You might try to talk to your manager again. Did you tell her all the reasons why you need to do this? Family comes first and you are a valuable asset. I hope you can get the support you need to make the best decision for yourself and your family.....

[whipping girl in 07]

I got pregnant during nursing school (the first time around) and dropped out. I stayed home for almost two years with my son before I went back to school. I just graduated in December and my son will start kindergarten next fall. I would not trade the time I spent home with him for anything in the world. Your kids grow up so fast! Have you considered per diem work? If it were me, I would not worry about the loss of seniority. Your family and happiness are much more important. Best wishes...whatever decision you make!

[mother/babyRN]

Gosh, what a great group of people and resources you all are....To answer some questions...I think our new nurse manager is on a power trip. She hasn't worked in her position in a hospital before and isn't really interested in the nurses as much as the budget..She has never clinically worked in OB....When queried she will mention that the decision comes from senior administration (HR) and they tell us it is her decision...It really is too bad because several people are considering leaving...It scares me because the patients will suffer the most. Sadly, I think our manager and clinical manager really are obsessing over the budget more than the staff. Losing me or others at the high pay grade eases the way for someone who makes less and I think that is what it is about. I really don't want to leave and I know that, but I really can't imagine going on like this forever. Starting over is difficult and I like the idea of job shadowing...I am the bread winner at home at the moment and working some place for such a long while means the salary is pretty good. Have been thinking about the per diem thing too....Have a lot to think about and appreciate the suggestions...As to Angel Baby, Can I come work for you????